San Jose, Calif
May 7, 2003

On May 10, 2003, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., and Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., in collaboration with The Tech Museum of Innovation, San Jose, Calif., will sponsor the 2003 Space Day parade and celebration. The family event in downtown San Jose is a joint celebration of International Space Day and the Centennial of Flight. The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. PDT with an airplane parade down Market Street. The celebration will include a replica of the Wright Flyer, NASA displays, hands-on activities, an IMAX film festival and a chance to talk to a former astronaut and other distinguished speakers. The Tech opens at 10:00 a.m. PDT.

"NASA is proud of its contributions to the nation in aeronautics research and development," said Dr. Adena Loston, NASA associate administrator for education. "NASA's participation in this parade and Centennial of Flight celebrations around the country is one way NASA is helping celebrate the past 100 years of flight, looking forward to the next 100 years and inspiring the next generation of aeronautic pioneers." Loston will serve as grand marshal for the airplane parade. Participating in the parade will be NASA's X-43 and Highly Maneuverable Aircraft Technology (HiMAT) research vehicles, aerobatic bi-planes, the 'James Bond' plane, the plane used by 9/11 pilot Jason Dahl for his first solo flight and various civilian light airplanes. The aircraft will be displayed on Park Avenue adjacent to The Tech after the parade. Plaza de Cesar Chavez will host a replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer with 'Wilbur Wright' available to share his story of discovery. Speaking inside The Tech will be Guy Bluford, the first African-American to fly into space; Leslie Williams, member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen of World War II and members of the Ninety-Nines, a professional association of women pilots, talking about the history of women in aviation. Speakers will present their stories inside The Tech at noon, 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. PDT respectively.

"Lockheed Martin is pleased to continue its tradition of working with The Tech to provide a community event in honor of Space Day since 1996. We're honored to join forces with The Tech and NASA in fostering interest in aerospace, and we hope this year's event will spur many Bay Area youth toward careers in technology," said Mark Crowley, vice president of engineering, Lockheed Martin Space Systems.

"The wonder of flight, from the Wright Brothers to modern space exploration, has captivated us all for the past 100 years," said Peter Giles, president and CEO, The Tech Museum of Innovation. "The Tech Museum's Space Day festivities hold special meaning as we celebrate the spirit of innovation and exploration of aviators throughout history and inspire our young visitors, tomorrow's innovators, to push forward into the next generation of discovery."

The Tech will show 'On the Wing', 'Destiny in Space', 'Mission to Mir' and 'IMAX: Space Station' in its IMAX theater and will feature hands-on aeronautics and space activities May 8 through May 11, 2003.

The Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos, Calif., and the Wings of History Museum, San Martin, Calif., also are supporting the event with additional aircraft and celebration activities.

NOTE TO EDITORS: News media are invited to attend the Space Day 2003 airplane parade and celebration on Saturday, May 10, 2003, beginning at 9:00 a.m. PDT, in downtown San Jose. NASA Associate Administrator for Education Dr. Adena Loston will be available to speak about NASA's Centennial of Flight celebrations and educational initiatives at 12:15 p.m. PDT at the NASA display adjacent to The Tech Museum of Innovation's Park Avenue entrance. To get to The Tech, take highway 101 to the Guadalupe Parkway toward downtown San Jose, exit right on Santa Clara Street and right on Market Street. Sign in at the media table located in the large group meeting area next to the Park Avenue entrance for full access to celebration activities. Media representatives must have valid press credentials.

For more information about Space Day 2003 activities and for a full list of participating aircraft, visit:
http://www.thetech.org/spaceday/

Contact:

Jonas Diño NASA Ames Research Center,
Moffett Field, Calif.
Phone: 650/604-5612 or 650/604-9000
jonas.dino@nasa.gov

Lori Reichert
Lockheed Martin Space Systems,
Sunnyvale, Calif.
Phone: 408/742-7606

Kris Covarrubias
The Tech Museum of Innovation,
San Jose, Calif.
Phone: 408/795-6226