Space Foundation Discovery Center and SWFT Celebrate National Space Day with Free Community Event and Schoolwide STEM Outreach in Colorado Springs
Space Foundation Discovery Center and SWFT Celebrate National Space Day with Free Community Event and Schoolwide STEM Outreach in Colorado Springs
Arcfield and RTX Partner to Inspire the Next Generation of Space Innovators through Hands-On Learning and Astronaut Encounters
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Apr. 25, 2025 — Space Foundation Discovery Center, as part of Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT), is proud to announce a two-week-long celebration of National Space Day, bringing the excitement of space directly into local schools and culminating in a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
RTX is proudly sponsoring free public admission to the Space Foundation Discovery Center for this special event, making it possible for families, students, and educators across Colorado Springs to enjoy inspiring space exhibits and programming at no cost. Additional partners are supporting exhibits and activities throughout the day.
“National Space Day is a moment to honor America’s achievements in space and to ignite the curiosity of the next generation who will carry that legacy even farther,” said Melanie Stricklan, Executive Director of Space Workforce for Tomorrow. “As we celebrate the pioneers and progress that brought us here, we’re opening the doors—literally and figuratively—for every young mind to see themselves in our space future.”
Event Highlights for Saturday, May 3:
- Astronaut Meet & Greet with Lt. Col. Scott “Kidd” Poteet (Ret.): Sharing his journey from elite USAF Thunderbird pilot to Polaris Dawn space mission
- Hands-On STEM Activities including drones and robotics
- Interactive Learning including 3D pens, custom buttons, face painting, photo mosaic wall
- Special appearance by the 501st Legion Star Wars Costuming Group
- Food trucks, over 20 local partner booths, and fun for all ages
Space Foundation Discovery Center Brings STEM Learning to Schools
In the lead-up to National Space Day, students across four local school districts will engage in hands-on STEM activities and immersive space-themed programs through Space Foundation’s Space in the Community outreach, sponsored by Arcfield. Joined by astronauts Lt. Col. Duane “Digger” Carey (Ret.) and Lt. Col. Scott “Kidd” Poteet (Ret.), the Discovery Center team will bring lessons on orbital debris and space sustainability directly to classrooms. Educators will also receive professional development to help integrate space-based learning. Participating districts include Harrison D2, Colorado Springs D11, Fountain-Fort Carson D8, and Widefield D3.
“At Arcfield, we know that our future success, the success of our customers, and ultimately the security of our nation depends on the next generation of innovators and explorers,” said Kevin Kelly, chairman and CEO of Arcfield. “Events like this spark imagination and shape the future of space exploration.”
About Space Foundation Discovery Center
Space Foundation Discovery Center, a hands-on space education and science center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, provides STEM inspiration and preparation for the next generation of space professionals and serves as a hub for world-class space education, fostering curiosity and preparing students for future opportunities. Partnerships with charitable donors, government, educational institutions, and commercial enterprises include El Pomar Space Gallery; Boeing Additive Manufacturing Space Laboratory; Northrop Grumman Science Center featuring Science On a Sphere®; and Space Education Center, featuring the Lockheed Martin Mars Robotics Laboratory. Visit Space Foundation Discovery Center at www.discoverspace.org.
About Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT)
Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT) is a strategic initiative by Space Foundation and The Aerospace Corporation, supported by over 30 leading space organizations. From the classroom to the boardroom, SWFT aims to eliminate the national STEM talent gap, illuminate space career pathways for all, and build a workforce ready to meet the demands of the growing space industry. By inspiring, preparing, and employing the next generation of space professionals, SWFT fosters innovation, strengthens U.S. leadership in space, and connects untapped talent with opportunities. Learn more or support our mission at www.swft.space.
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Tags: Space Workforce for Tomorrow, National Space Day, Space Foundation Discovery Center, community event, Colorado Springs, space challenge, space industry, space competition, space innovation, STEM education, STEM careers, space workforce, space sustainability, orbital debris
Media Contact:
Zakary Watson
Sr. Manager, Media & Public Affairs
Space Foundation | SWFT
zwatson@spacefoundation.org