NASA’s cutting-edge research in information technology, aeronautics
and space science will be showcased as the centerpiece of the “Tech
Space Pavilion” at the second annual Air Expo at Moffett Field, July
27-28.

Housed in historic Hangar One, the display will feature a variety of
exhibits highlighting
new and emerging technologies. NASA Ames research will be featured
in a 12,000-square-foot interactive display within the Tech Space
Pavilion.

“This event offers NASA an extraordinary opportunity to promote our
mission in information technology and aeronautics,” said Dr. Henry
McDonald, director of NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field,
Calif. “It also will enable us to develop new strategic partnerships
with the private sector. Through these partnerships, industry will
benefit from the advanced research capabilities we have at this
Center, and we will benefit from their expertise in making our
technologies more readily available to the public,” he said.

“This activity fits in well with our new NASA Research Park
initiative,” explained McDonald. “The NASA Research Park will bring
together the best of Silicon Valley, and the nation, to work with us
to accomplish our mission. A critical element of our mission is to
share what we learn with the public; what better way than through an
exciting air show and exposition, ” McDonald added.

The Ames information technology display will highlight advances made
by applying the latest techniques in digital technology to real-world
problems and situations. Featured will be a demonstration of the K-9
robot, one of the most advanced robots developed at Ames. Among the
exhibits will be a display of the research being conducted in
nanotechnology, climate modeling, remote sensing, and thermal
protection materials used on the space shuttle. The space life
science display will showcase the diverse research being conducted at
Ames in medical applications and various experiments and hardware for
the International Space Station.

Featured in the NASA exhibit will be displays highlighting NASA
Research Park and the California Air and Space Center, intelligent
flight control, air traffic management tools, rotorcraft, the
Personal Satellite Assistant (PSA) and the Stratospheric Observatory
for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).

Among the aerial acts to be featured at the Air Expo will be a
high-speed demonstration by the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet;
thrilling maneuvers by the U.S. Air Force A-10 fighter team; the
gyroscopic aerial acrobatics of Jim LeRoy’s “Bulldog Airshow;” sky
diving and combat rescue demonstrations by the 129th squadron of the
California Air National Guard featuring the amazing, explosive “Wall
of Fire;” the non-stop thrills and daytime pyrotechnics of “The Wild
Thing;” and dazzling aerial rolls and spins by Eddie Andreini.
Spectators can see more than 30 aircraft on display, including NASA’s
747 space shuttle transport, and a massive C-5 Galaxy. Modern
fighters like the F-16, A-10 and F-18 also will be displayed
alongside their restored, vintage counterparts, including the P-51
Mustang, F-8 Bear Cat and the C-46 China Doll.

Local military, fire, police and rescue personnel will be key
participants in the staging of the air show, according to Jim Breen,
president and founder of The Air Show Network, Carpinteria, Calif.
“We’re proud to honor those brave individuals who put their lives on
the line every day to defend our freedom and safety,” Breen said.
“We’d like to invite everyone to come out for a celebration of what
makes this nation great.”

As a gesture of appreciation, all active-duty armed forces, guard and
reserve members, professional police, fire and EMT personnel showing
official identification will be offered “buy-one, get-one free”
tickets to the air show for themselves and their immediate family
members. The discount tickets are only available at the air show on
Saturday and Sunday, July 27-28, at specially marked booths located
at the main entrance.

More than 150,000 people are expected to attend the two-day Air Expo,
which will be held from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for
children ages 4-10. Children under age four will be admitted free.
Flightline and Platinum Club premier seating with complimentary
on-site parking is available by advance purchase at:
http://www.airshownetwork.com

Limited off-site parking is available at the Juniper Networks and
Lockheed facilities on Mathilda Avenue, and free secured bicycle
parking will be offered at the Ellis Street entrance. The VTA will
also add additional service and link CalTrain with the event at the
Mountain View station. For additional information, call 650/568-7866
or visit the Air Show Network web site:
http://www.airshownetwork.com

Located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, NASA Ames
Research Center encompasses the Moffett Field property formerly
occupied by the Navy. Ames conducts research in astrobiology,
information technology, and aviation systems operations and capacity.
For more information about NASA Ames, visit:
http://www.arc.nasa.gov/

The Air Show Network is the largest air show producer in North
America. The company has supported more than 600 aviation events
during the past 14 years, working with all branches of the U.S.
military, as well as the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Air
Force of the United Kingdom. The Air Show Network is owned by
Umbrella Entertainment Group, a privately held company based in
Carpinteria, Calif. For more information about The Air Show Network,
visit:
http://www.airshownetwork.com