Willan Space Gallery Dedicated

by ANN Correspondent Aleta Vinas

The EAA Museum in Oshkosh, WI achieved the status of Air and Space Museum in July 2006 with the implementation of Phase One of their Space Gallery -- better known as an exact replica of SpaceShipOne. Using the same molds and tools as for the original, Scaled Composite volunteers, including pilot Mike Melvill, created an exact replica of SpaceShip One... right down to M&M's floating in the cockpit. The tail even feathers during the six-minute film starring Melvill as he talks about his flight.

Phase two or the interactive Space Gallery was dedicated Tuesday July 24 during AirVenture. Adam Smith EAA Museum Director, Tom Poberezny and Craig and Connie Willan were on hand for the ceremony. Smith likened Burt Rutan and SpaceShipOne opening up space travel to all of us as the Wright Brothers opened up aviation to all of us with their historic flight at Kitty Hawk.

One of the points of the Gallery says Smith is to "Learn by doing. If you can experience it you can take it to a higher level."

Tom Poberezny knows "Space is the next frontier." Poberezny points to Burt Rutan, long-time EAA member and aircraft designer as an example. Rutan’s homebuilt have been innovative. Rutan was able to dream it and accomplish it. Poberezny wants people to know "individuals can accomplish their dreams."

After the dedication as many adults as kids enjoyed the hands on exhibit. Power up a rocket with air pressure then hit the launch button and send it ceilingward -- in an enclosed plastic tube. The "fwoosh" of the air and "poompft" of the shooting rocket maintained a steady litany.

Reaching out into space was made easy with a tiny moon rock on display and touchable. A fist-size iron/nickel meteorite was also available for handling. The piece was found northwest of Buenos Aires and is believed to be over 4,000 years old.

Magnets, swirling liquids and more were designed to teach kids (and adults) about how things work here on Earth-the atmosphere, effects of G forces and more. SpaceShipOne serves as an example to explain several scientific concepts.

The Gallery would likely still be a dream if not for the generosity of Craig and Connie Willan. The passing of Willan’s brother from brain cancer at age 53 made Willan "rethink what your supposed to do in life."  Wife Connie came up with the idea to start using their money now rather than letting the lawyers argue over it later.

Willan contacted EAA saying "we’re thinking about doing something, tell us what are the thoughts of EAA and ideas and vehicles." EAA responded with the Space Gallery idea, Willan being an engineer and self-proclaimed space nut was on board.

Willan was a hands-on donor, he contributed many ideas used in the gallery such as the photo taken by SpaceShipOne pilot Brian Binnie used as a wall mural and using the catch phrase “Why Not” after each of the questions posed by each of the interactive exhibits.

Willan will be doing some first-hand research into space -- he has purchased a ticket with Virgin Galactic to be one of the first 100 Virgin Galactic 'tourinauts.'

FMI: http://museum.eaa.org/