‘What better way to honor the courageous men and women of the Columbia than by keeping their dream alive for the next generation of explorers.’ Senator John Glenn, co-chair, Space Day

Space Day 2003, the annual tribute to
space exploration, invites young people of all ages to honor the previous 100
years of aviation accomplishments while celebrating “The Future of Flight” on
May 1st. Established in 1997, Space Day has exploded into a global
celebration with events taking place in all 50 states, across Canada and in
countries worldwide. Designed to spark interest in science, technology,
engineering and math, Space Day seeks to inspire the next generation of
inventors, aviators and explorers.

“We hope to perpetuate the legacy of our space pioneers by nurturing that
same sense of curiosity in our children, engaging them in the thrill of
discovery,” said Senator John Glenn, co-chair of Space Day. “These young
people represent our future and will one day realize exciting possibilities
that we can now only imagine.”

On Space Day, millions of youngsters, students, teachers and space
enthusiasts will be engaged in activities at schools, libraries, science
centers, museums and planetariums throughout North America. A listing of
local activities by state can be found at:
http://www.spaceday.com/en/press/press_article.php?id=39

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is one of more
than 75 national Partner and Associate organizations that support this award-
winning educational initiative. “This is an opportunity for us to share with
students our great adventures in science, exploration and discovery,” said
NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe. “Look at the progress we’ve made in the
first century of human flight. If we are successful in our mandate to inspire
the minds and imaginations of our young people and encourage them to be the
next generation of explorers, there is no limit to what we can accomplish in
the next 100 years.”

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien has proclaimed May 1 as Space Day in
his country, with special activities planned in provinces throughout Canada.
“We are proud to be a part of this international educational initiative,” said
Marc Garneau, President of the Canadian Space Agency, a Space Day Partner.
“We must ensure that our next generation of space explorers is ready to take
up bold new challenges and forge ahead into the future.”

The national Space Day celebration was held in Washington, DC at the
Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. The Opening Ceremony featured a
number of dignitaries including: Senator John Glenn; John R. “Jack” Dailey
(USMC Ret.), Director of the Museum and Chairman, U.S. Centennial Commission;
NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe; Anna McGowan, Manager of NASA’s Morphing
Program, Langley Research Center; as well as two teen spokespersons, Bianca
Baker, a reporter for NASA’s SCIence Files and Anne Breaks, an aspiring
astronaut from Canada. Senator Glenn recognized 17 “stellar” Design Challenge
student teams from across the country.

The Space Day initiative, which is supported by the non-profit Space Day
Foundation, is dedicated to the advancement of science, technology,
engineering and math by inspiring young people to realize the vision of our
space pioneers. For further information, check www.spaceday.org.