The Moore Art Gallery at The Citadel has opened a new exhibition titled “From Space to Sea: The Navy’s Role in Manned Space Flight,” running from September 4 to December 10. The show features artworks on loan from the Navy Art Collection, depicting key moments from the 1960s and 1970s, including portraits of astronauts Alan Shepard and John Glenn, as well as scenes of spacecraft recovery at sea. The exhibition highlights the Navy’s contributions to early American spaceflight, from pilots and engineers to recovery crews.
The exhibition matters because it connects The Citadel’s military heritage with the broader history of space exploration, honoring the Navy’s 250th anniversary and inspiring cadets to consider leadership roles in space and service. By showcasing rarely seen artworks from the Navy Art Collection, it offers a visual narrative of teamwork between the military and NASA, emphasizing the often-overlooked role of naval operations in ensuring astronaut safety and mission success.