Marking half a century of space exploration this year, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT – News) embarked on a mission this week to prepare the astronauts and scientists of the future. Two Lockheed Martin companies — Aeronautics in Fort Worth and Missiles and Fire Control in Grand Prairie — engaged more than 3,000 students over two days celebrating Space Day(TM) on Friday, May 4, the global day dedicated to promoting mathematics, science, engineering and technology.
Missiles and Fire Control partnered with Ben Milam Elementary School in Grand Prairie Thursday, May 3, to provide each grade with a customized space experience. Guided by employees, more than 200 third through sixth graders received a free trip to the Museum of Nature & Science at Dallas Fair Park for an exclusive look at a special Space Day exhibit, which is open to the public Friday. Back at Milam, employees helped kindergarten through first grades make their own paper hovercraft, design foil space suits and touch real space materials that Lockheed Martin uses.
“Space Day is a great opportunity for students to learn about science and the importance of our space programs to mankind,” said Jim Berry, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Lockheed Martin is committed to mentoring students so they learn the value of math and science education, and can translate that knowledge into careers in science and technology.” Aeronautics employees reached out to more than 3,000 students at 20 schools. Students received hands-on space knowledge using Space Day Orion cut-outs and other fun activities. Students at Sydney Poynter in Crowley viewed the sky from a 10-inch aperture Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope made by Dewayne Currier, a systems engineer.
“Maintaining a full pipeline of future engineers is a critical need for Lockheed Martin and other U.S. technology companies that compete in the global marketplace,” said June Shrewsbury, executive vice president of Company Integration for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “Space Day has proven itself as an outstanding opportunity to introduce young people to the exciting world of science and the new frontiers it holds.”
Lockheed Martin Space Day is an educational initiative that inspires young people to explore careers in mathematics, science, engineering and technology and to realize the vision of our space pioneers. In honor of President George W. Bush’s commitment to human exploration of the moon, this year’s theme is Space Day 2007: 50 Years in Space … and Still Havin’ a Blast!
Space Day occurs every first Friday in May, people of all ages in the U.S. and around the world come together to advance education in these areas. Space Day is dedicated to the extraordinary achievements, benefits and opportunities in the exploration and use of space. The Space Day educational initiative was founded in 1997 and continues to be a major Lockheed Martin educational program.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2006 sales of $39.6 billion.
For additional information, visit the Space Day Web site: http://www.spaceday.org or visit Lockheed Martin’s Web site: http://www.lockheedmartin.com
