The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced that the Cosmosphere, a world-class aerospace educational resource, is the NAA’s first Institutional Member. This partnership strengthens the NAA’s mission and works to enhance the Cosmosphere’s educational resources and industry connections.
“The NAA is the oldest national aviation organization in the US, with a mission of advancing the art, sport, and science of aviation and spaceflight,” said Cosmosphere President and CEO Jim Remar. “Given the Cosmosphere’s mission of inspiring the future through space exploration, it is a natural fit for the Cosmosphere to join the NAA.”
The Cosmosphere, located in Hutchinson, KS, is an international science education center and space museum. Previously known as the Kansas Cosmosphere, the site houses over 13,000 spaceflight artifacts—the largest combined collection of U.S. and Russian spaceflight artifacts worldwide. The Cosmosphere’s SpaceWorks division has restored flown U.S. spacecraft for museums and exhibits across the globe, including the Apollo 13 Command Module Odyssey and the Liberty Bell 7.
“The NAA’s Institutional Members receive opportunities that enable engagement beyond traditional channels,” said Amy Spowart, NAA President and CEO. “This new category exposes our diverse membership and offers a space that unites all aviation and aerospace groups. Institutional members also support the NAA by ensuring a meaningful tie with the future. ”
Institutional Membership includes the following benefits:
- Recognition for Support: Logo and hyperlink on naa.aero and authorization to share NAA affiliation (logo, etc.) on the institutional website.
- Networking Opportunities: Exclusive networking opportunities that provide a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and potential partnerships.
- Personal Invitations and Priority Exposure at NAA Events: Special invites, access, and seating at NAA events.
- Research and Teaching Support: Unrestricted use of NAA webinars and records database for enhanced learning resources.
- Scholarship Opportunities: Priority access to NAA’s directory of scholarship opportunities from NAA Corporate, Affiliate, and Aero Club members.
- Award Selection Opportunities: Eligibility to serve on selection committees for prestigious recognitions, including the Robert J. Collier Trophy, Frank G. Brewer Trophy and Wesley McDonald Distinguished Statesman and Stateswoman of Aviation Awards.
- Designated Membership: Each level of Institutional Membership includes individual memberships for their use.
“We are thrilled that the Cosmosphere supports and values what the NAA offers, and we look forward to fully engaging and serving them,” added Spowart.
