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.'
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