NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility launched its first rocket June 27, 1945. In commemoration of this event and its 70 years of supporting science and aerospace research, the facility is opening its doors to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 27.
Bill Wrobel, Director of Wallops, said, “The facility has an outstanding history in supporting the aerospace and science goals of NASA and its predecessor agency, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics or NACA.”
“During these 70 years, the community has been very supportive of our work, and we want to open our doors to give the public a first-hand look at the incredible, diverse mission set we have here at Wallops,” Wrobel said.
For the Open House, Wallops will open facilities such as the aircraft hangar, the scientific balloon lab, the sounding rocket payload facility, and the range control center.
In addition, organizations that support Wallops’ research efforts will have displays including NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and Langley Research Center; the U.S. Navy’s Surface Combat Systems Center; Virginia Space and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport; Orbital ATK; LJT and Associates; NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope; The Maryland Science Center; the Salisbury Zoo; and many more.
Rebecca Hudson, coordinator for the Open House, said, “We really wanted to showcase the many activities here at Wallops. In addition, there are activities for the entire family from the very young to the young at heart. This should be a fun time for all who attend.”
The day begins at 8 a.m. with a Wallops Runway 5K run/walk. Registration for this event is required at http://go.nasa.gov/1HIVFcG.
The gates for the Open House open at 9:30 a.m. and the event begins at 10 a.m.
An opening ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. featuring federal, state and local officials, including Virginia U.S. Congressman Scott Rigell.
Nearly 60 exhibitors are participating in the event, and aircraft from NASA, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Coast Guard will be on display.
Special presentations on topics ranging from internships at NASA to fundamentals of rocketry and Wallops’ history will be conducted at various sites throughout the day. Food and refreshments will be available at several venues as well as entertainment, including the U.S. Navy’s Brass Band.
Robotics demonstrations will be conducted by local team members who recently competed in the National First Robotics Competition. There also will be children’s activities including model rocket launches at the NASA Visitors Center, Salisbury Zoo demonstration, Engineering Challenges and more.
Hudson, said, “We have been totally amazed at the interest in the Open House. I think this shows the great interest in the research conducted at Wallops. We hope people are able to attend, learn about the facility and have a good time.”
More information on the Wallops 70th Anniversary Open House is available at:
http://www.nasa.gov/content/wallops-flight-facility-70th-anniversary
Open House attendees are reminded that the following items are not permitted on Wallops Flight Facility: firearms or weapons of any type; fireworks, explosives or explosive devices, and inflammables; alcohol or alcoholic beverages; controlled substances; bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, scooters; and pets, with the exception of service animals. In addition, all visitors are reminded that vehicles are subject to search upon entering the facility.
