CLEVELAND — NASA’s Glenn Research Center will share in the excitement of inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers during Space Fest 2012, hosted by the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio on May 11-12.

NASA astronauts Gregory H. Johnson, Mark N. Brown and Guion S. Bluford will speak at the event about their experiences in space, sign autographs and take photos with visitors. The presentations will take place in the museum’s Carney Auditorium.

Glenn’s associate director for External Programs, current astronaut, retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Gregory H. Johnson will share his experiences as pilot astronaut on two space shuttle missions STS-123 in 2008 and STS-134 in 2011. His multimedia presentation will focus on stories and examples of what it is actually like to train for, launch, pilot and land the space shuttle. Johnson also will discuss NASA careers, including how to become an astronaut, and the opportunities available to students who pursue science, technology, engineering and math studies.

Johnson’s presentation will be given to preregistered school groups in grades 5-8 on Friday, May 11 at 10:15 a.m.

At 8:15 p.m. on Friday, May 11, former astronaut Mark N. Brown will present “The History of Human Spaceflight” followed by questions and answers and an autograph session. Brown became a NASA astronaut in 1985. He flew as a mission specialist on STS-28 in 1989 and STS-48 in 1991. Brown retired from NASA in 1993.

On Saturday, May 12 at 10 a.m., NASA astronaut Gregory H. Johnson will speak to guests about NASA’s space program. Following his presentation Johnson will receive questions and sign autographs.

Former NASA astronaut Guion S. Bluford will also present to guests on Saturday, May 12 at 1:30 p.m. Bluford became a NASA astronaut in 1979. He flew as a mission specialist on STS-8 in 1983, STS-61-A in 1985, STS-39 in 1991 and STS-53 in 1992. Bluford retired from NASA in 1993 with over 688 hours logged in space.

In addition, families attending Space Fest 2012 will be able to stop by the NASA exhibit booth and participate in hands-on educational activities, interactive demonstrations and talk with Glenn employees about NASA’s missions and educational opportunities. The booth will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the event.

Demonstrations include: learning how NASA simulates the environment of space inside a vacuum chamber, constructing a foam rocket, making a handheld Hubble Space Telescope to view Hubble imagery and assembling an end effector, the device at the end of a robotic arm that interacts with the environment.

Also available will be the popular “Picture Yourself in Space” photo booth, where visitors can have a free souvenir photo taken as an astronaut and free NASA educational material.

NASA uses the excitement of its missions and programs to inspire students and serve as a catalyst for encouraging studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. The agency continues its tradition of investing in the nation’s education programs and supporting the country’s educators who play a key role in preparing and inspiring the young minds of today to become the workforce of tomorrow.

For information about NASA’s Glenn Research Center, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/glenn

For more information NASA’s educational program, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/education

For more information on the Space Fest event, please contact the museum’s Education Division at (937) 255-4646, or visit: http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/education/educators/spaceday/index.asp