MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. — News media are invited to view the newest addition to Moffett Field – the first airship to fly over the U.S. for more than 70 years – on Monday, Oct. 27, 2008. This 246-foot-long Zeppelin, 50 feet longer than the Goodyear blimp, is capable of carrying up to 12 passengers and will be available for aerial tours of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Airship Ventures Zeppelin will end a cross-country transit flight by making a dramatic entrance over the Golden Gate Bridge at approximately noon to 1 p.m. PDT Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008 and landing at its base located at Moffett Field at approximately 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. PDT. All dates and times are approximate and subject to change based on weather. To track the Zeppelin’s current location visit: www.airshipventures.com/tracking.php
NASA and Airship Ventures entered into a lease agreement on Oct. 1, 2008, to base the Zeppelin at Moffett Field. As part of the agreement, NASA may use the airship to assist with disaster response agencies, for scientific research and educational training with local science centers and museums.
NASA will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Moffett Field on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008. Media will be invited to observe the ceremony and witness the official naming of the Zeppelin.
WHAT: On Monday, Oct. 27, media will be able to get a close-up look and possible flight aboard the Airship Ventures Zeppelin prior to the start of its passenger airship flight service, starting later this week.
WHERE: NASA Ames Flight Operations, Bldg. 158, Moffett Field, Calif.
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 27, 2008
4:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. PDT – Zeppelin on ground. Interviews offered outside airship and inside gondola
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. PDT – media flights aboard Zeppelin
WHO: S. Pete Worden, NASA Ames Center Director, 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. PDT
Alex Hall, CEO Airship Ventures; Brian Hall, President Airship Ventures
Driving Directions: To reach NASA Ames, take the Moffett Field/NASA Parkway exit off U.S. 101 and drive east on Moffett Boulevard towards the main gate. Drive through the main gate towards Hangar One and turn right on South Akron Road. Take a right on Severyns Road and a left on Wescoat Road and follow to building 158 on your left. Media interested in flying in the Zeppelin should call Beth Pursley at 952-221-4717 and for other NASA-related matters contact Kim Newton at 650-604-5026 or 256-653-5173 (cell).
For more information about NASA Ames Research Center, visit:
For more information about Airship Ventures, visit:
