Blast Off! at the National Naval Aviation Museum

 

 

 

Space Day Will Take the Public on a Journey Through Space

10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday, July 18

Learn about the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station, robotic exploration of the solar system and humans returning to the moon and Mars at this year’s Blast Off! Space Day event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first man on the moon! As part of its Discovery Saturday series, the National Naval Aviation Museum will feature a presentation by Russell Romanella, director of the International Space Station and Spacecraft Processing Directorate at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla., from 11 a.m.–noon on the Flight Deck. Hands-on exhibits and displays from the Marshall and Johnson Space Centers will add to the fun from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. during the Space Day event and through July 26 as they remain on display at the Museum. All activities will take place in the Blue Angels atrium, and are FREE and open to the public.

Russell Romanella is responsible for all ground processing of Space Station elements getting ready to fly in the Space Shuttle. His broad range of experiences include Space Shuttle processing, the International Space Station, and future NASA Exploration programs. Mr. Romanella has received numerous achievement and performance awards including NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal and the Center Director Award, and the 2008 Presidential Rank Award for his leadership in preparing Space Station elements for launch from the Kennedy Space Center.

Blast Off! Space Day will also feature many hands-on exhibits that the public can explore. An authentic Shuttle Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) spacesuit will be on display and will be accessible for photo opportunities. Other equipment pieces include a full-size Apollo inner helmet originally used for training, a functional, full-size Shuttle EVA glove and a full-size space shuttle launch and reentry helmet. Learn about space food through FREE astronaut ice cream samples (while supplies last) and a self-standing exhibit that highlights food in space from early manned spaceflight to the shuttle program. Other NASA displays include the NASA Boom Box, which simulates a Space Shuttle launch and educates the public about the importance of the shuttle program, and a model of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Orbiting the earth at an altitude of 370 miles, the HST provides information about space activity to scientists on a daily basis.

The National Naval Aviation Museum features FREE admission and a full slate of events throughout the year. For a complete list of events, exhibits and attractions at the Museum, visit NavalAviationMuseum.org or call the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation at (850) 453-2389 or (800) 327-5002.