Space Day Family Day
May 8, 2010

National Air and Space Museum
Washington, D.C.
"Looking at Earth from Space"

Space Day Family Day, an annual event sponsored by Lockheed Martin was held at the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) on May 8. Space Day welcomed 40,736 kids, parents and museum goers who enjoyed presentations and conversations with Astronaut Daniel Tani, retired astronauts Jay Apt and Lockheed Martin vice president of Strategic Planning Ken Reightler.

A live hookup with Astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson directly from the International Space Station gave visitors a unique opportunity to chat with her and ask questions. Loads of hands-on, space-related educational activities hosted by Lockheed Martin, NASA, NASM, LEGO, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and the Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry kept families plenty busy.

Explanations about environmental monitoring of the earth’s resources from space gave attendees a greater appreciation of the value of space in protecting planet Earth. Visitors learned from NASM curators and experts how satellites work and how to view the sun safely through solar telescopes.

Students were educated on space exploration and told of the vast opportunities that await. Kids made their own space shuttle mission patches, built a 3D model satellite and used recycled materials to build a space station.

Before leaving, visitors had an opportunity to sign a poster that would fly their signature in space on the Space Shuttle as part of Lockheed Martin’s Signature in Space program.