Sen. Moran Hosts Artemis II Astronauts & NASA Administrator at the Cosmosphere

This press release from Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) was published on 2026-08-12 and titled "Sen. Moran Hosts Artemis II Astronauts & NASA Administrator at the Cosmosphere".

Sen. Moran Hosts Artemis II Astronauts & NASA Administrator at the Cosmosphere

HUTCHINSON, KS - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) - chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science - yesterday hosted astronauts from NASA's Artemis II crew, Commander Reid Wiseman and Mission Specialist Christina Koch, as well as NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson. During the visit, they spoke with students participating in STEM education activities and saw firsthand how the Cosmosphere is preparing the next generation for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. "The presence of the Artemis II crew here, joined by the NASA Administrator, shows the next generation what is possible," said Sen. Moran. "The hands-on education and training happening at the Cosmosphere is preparing tomorrow's scientists, researchers and engineers. Reid and Christina, thank you for coming to the Cosmosphere, and thank you for being role models for the young people who will be leading the next chapter of American innovation, discovery and exploration." In April 2023, shortly after being selected for the Artemis II mission, the astronauts shared with Sen. Moran that the Cosmosphere was the best space museum on planet Earth - a statement they reaffirmed during yesterday's visit. Download Photos from the Visit HERE Administrator Isaacman, Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch Sen. Moran speak with Cosmosphere staff and students participating in STEM activities. Cosmosphere President CEO Jim Remar, Christina Koch, Sen. Moran, Reid Wiseman Administrator Isaacman with the Apollo 13 Odyssey capsule. In April, Christina and Reid broke Apollo 13's record for the farthest humans have traveled from Earth. Items to note: Sen. Moran invited the Artemis II crew to visit the Cosmosphere during a call with the astronauts as they traveled back to Earth near the end of their mission in April. In June, Sen. Moran hosted the astronauts on Capitol Hill, joined by the Cosmosphere's SVP Chief Development Officer Claire Ludes, to celebrate the historic mission and speak with Senate appropriators about the importance of continued investments in U.S. space exploration. Sen. Moran welcomed NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman to Kansas in April to tour NASA's Wichita-area suppliers and visit the Cosmosphere. # # #