On July 20, 1969, two Americans were the first humans to step foot on the Moon. Now, 50 years later, we are looking back and remembering where we were when Neil Armstrong took that first step and spoke the iconic words, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

At the Space Foundation, we are not only looking back at one of the greatest achievements in human history, but also looking forward at what it takes to get humankind to Mars and beyond. On Saturday, July 20, the Space Foundation Discovery Center is inviting the community to come together and celebrate where we have been, and where we are going.

Space Foundation Vice President of Education Bryan DeBates said, “While we look back to reflect on and honor one of the most astounding feats in human history which inspired an entire generation of STEM professionals, it is important that we continue to look forward to the next 50 years, as well. It is imperative that we inspire the next generation of STEM professionals, who will be the ones to take us back to the Moon and then on to Mars.”

Thanks to premier sponsor Raytheon, the first 25 military families will be granted free admission to the celebration on July 20. Proper I.D. is required, and free admission is limited to four family members.

Activities for the entire family will include:

  • The United States Postal Service will be here for a special one-of-a-kind Apollo 11 postmark celebration and the unveiling of the new First Moon Landing stamp – Presentation: 10:45 a.m.
  • Audience with an Astronaut, Duane “Digger” Carey – Presentations: 11:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
  • United States Air Force Academy presents Engineering the Chemistry of Rockets – Showtimes: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
  • Building rockets
  • Apollo virtual reality
  • Apollo Science On a Sphere® presentations
  • Astronaut Obstacle Course
  • Video Memory Booth
  • Drive a Rover in the Lockheed Martin Mars Robotics Laboratory
  • Space face painting presented by Magic by Larry Scott

Discounted tickets may be purchased in advance online at http://bit.ly/Apo11o50.

Also available will be an early presentation with former NASA astronaut Duane “Digger” Carey for Breakfast with an Astronaut. This is the only activity with an additional charge, and will include breakfast and a meet-and-greet with the Space Shuttle pilot. Meal tickets are $19.95 for children and $39.95 for adults. Seating is limited and advance registration is required for breakfast.

Several local food trucks will also be at the Discovery Center with a variety of lunch options for guests.

About the Discovery Center

Located only five minutes from Garden of the Gods Park at 4425 Arrowswest Drive in Colorado Springs, the Space Foundation Discovery Center is the region’s only space, science and technology attraction. Visitor hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

For daily visit pricing and other information, go to www.discoverspace.org, or call the Space Foundation at 719.576.8000. Follow the Space Foundation Discovery Center on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Space Foundation

Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and the world’s premier organization to inspire, educate, connect, and advocate on behalf of the global space community. It is a nonprofit leader in space awareness activities, educational programs, and major industry events, including the annual Space Symposium. Space Foundation headquarters is in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA, and has a public Discovery Center, including El Pomar Space Gallery, Northrop Grumman Science Center featuring Science On a Sphere® and the Lockheed Martin Space Education Center. The Space Foundation has a Washington, D.C., office and field representatives in Houston and the Florida Space Coast. It publishes The Space Report: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity, and through its Space CertificationTM and Space Technology Hall of Fame® programs, recognizes space-based innovations that have been adapted to improve life on Earth. Visit both of our websites www.SpaceFoundation.org and DiscoverSpace.org – and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.