For the first time since the Apollo moons landing, NASA is preparing to send astronauts beyond Earth's orbit. Now, this time the mission is the most ambitious that have ever undertaken, The Journey to Mars.
Latest news provided by PR Newswire on February 28, 2017, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center officials will travel to Montgomery, Alabama, on March 2, 2017. They spread the word about the importance of the state's role in NASA's journey to Mars and to inspire the next generations of engineers and scientist.
Alabama also plays a vital role in cutting-edge research taking place off the Earth on the International Space Station, traveling 17,500 mph 250 miles above Earth. Flight controllers at Marshall work 24/7, 365 days a year to help prepare and guide astronauts as they perform cutting edge research on the orbiting laboratory.
The exploration of Mission 1 Flight hardware being completed, testing and experiment are still continuing on the space station. NASA and the partners of Alabama are making great strides on the Journey to Mars. To recognize the importance of the space agency and the state's enduring partnerships, Thursday, March 2 will be NASA Day at the Alabama State House.
Marshall Leaders will meet the elected official; they will be honored by the Alabama legislature with resolutions and proclamations recognizing the agency's achievements. NASA team members will also visit several area schools and nonprofit organizations to engage students in science, technology, engineering and math activities.
Events are scheduled by NASA as follows:
On Wednesday, March 9 at 4 p.m. NASA experts will participate in a public show at the W.A. Gayle Planetarium and be available for interviews immediately prior to the presentation as part of NASA Day at the Planetarium. Thursday, March 10 at 10:40 a.m. Marshall Center Director Todd May and Astronaut Steve Bowen, the veteran of seven spacewalks, will be available to media in the Joint Press Briefing Room on the third floor of the State House.
Around 1-2 p.m. on the same day, Astronaut Bowen and other NASA officials will visit students at Baldwin Arts and Academics Magnet School at 410 South McDonough Street. Media are invited to attend the school assembly. In between 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Interactive exhibits outside the State House on Washington Street will feature NASA's Space Launch System and Orion inflatables. A moon rock returned to Earth from the Apollo 15 mission and a real RS-25 rocket engine from the Rocket City.
Alabama Aerospace Week recognizes the significant contributions the aerospace industry makes to Alabama's economy and its citizens. Media interested in NASA interviews or attending NASA events during the week.
