WASHINGTON – NASA will display a full scale model of the agency’s next generation space telescope and host exhibits that showcase the many faces of NASA during Public Service Recognition Week. NASA’s exhibits are free and open to visitors of all ages May 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT and May 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibits will be on the National Mall between 7th and 4th streets, NW. The agency also will provide opportunities to speak with experts.
One of the exhibit’s biggest attractions will be the model of the James Webb Space Telescope. The model, approximately 80 feet long, 40 feet wide and 40 feet tall, will give visitors a better understanding of the size, scale and complexity of this orbiting infrared observatory that will complement and extend the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope. The telescope is targeted for launch in 2013 and is built by Northrop Grumman, Los Angeles.
On Thursday, May 10 at 10 a.m., NASA will join Northrop Grumman at the display for a news conference that will explore the telescope’s cutting-edge capabilities.
In addition to the telescope, NASA will be exhibiting an array of out-of-this-world technology and space exploration assets.
At NASA’s tent, visitors can learn about the NASA Balloon Program, the International Space Station, and the Cassini Mission to Saturn. They also will see the Mars Exploration Rovers and giant inflatable models of the space shuttle, the Orion crew exploration vehicle, and the Ares I rocket. Orion is the next generation human spacecraft, and the Ares I is the launch vehicle that will lift future astronauts into space.
Visitors can see how Earth looks from space on a “Magic Planet” where satellite data is projected on a sphere. They can experience Astro Camp, featuring a moon phaser and a lunar landing, and kids can go on a NASA scavenger hunt. Young and old alike can discover how NASA is pioneering new flight technologies, developing state-of-the art technologies and exploring the Earth, moon, Mars and beyond.
The NASA “Vision for Space Exploration Experience,” an interactive traveling exhibit, will allow visitors to slip the confines of our planet. Holographic and 3-D imagery shows “explorers” what it might be like to visit various destinations in space. Visitors can manipulate their environment and explore simulated lunar and Martian landscapes as well as travel to one of Saturn’s moons.
Thursday through Saturday, NASA will hold 15-minute “Story Time” for kids. Thursday Story Time runs from 11 a.m. to noon, and topics include: “The Air We Breathe,” “National Security,” and “Weather.” On both Friday and Saturday, Story Time runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and features “Can You Hear Me Now?” “Weeding the Nation’s Garden,” “Sandbox in the Air,” “NASA Fights Fires,” “Earth’s Frozen Assets,” “Natural Disasters,” and “Finding Ebola With Satellites.”
NASA’s Super Cell Rock Band will give free concerts on Friday from 3:00- 3:40 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 12:00-12:40 p.m. A group of singers from NASA’s Astrophysics division also will perform.
NASA joins 100 federal civilian and military agencies and programs for the weeklong celebration of excellence in public service. For more information about Public Service Recognition Week, visit:
For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
