NASA—a more than ‘suit’-able partner for the World Science Festival

2015-06-10

New York City became the epicenter of an exciting science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) initiative they call World Science Festival from May 27 to 31. This was NASA’s second year participating as an agency, including Johnson Space Center. The festival focused on engaging young minds in science and technology fields through innovative and interactive sessions that not only taught and inspired, but were fun and creative.

In light of the 50^th anniversary of the first American spacewalk, exhibits focused on engagement through the science, technology and careers represented by the spacesuit. In addition, the International Space Station Program offered insight into the vast array of science activities being conducted daily that directly benefit life on Earth. There were a number of additional activities offered by NASA, including the music our satellites make in space at the Orbit Pavilion and stargazing opportunities at Brooklyn Bridge Park with a phenomenal backdrop of the Hubble Space Telescope’s greatest hits.

JSC rounded out its participation with astronaut engagement opportunities, including a stimulating experience for kids to don a spacesuit and be tethered and float, just as if they were on a spacewalk, with the help of our astronauts. If that wasn’t enough, JSC team members gave visitors the chance to touch and manipulate actual spacesuit hardware, try maintenance tasks and demonstrated how loss of pressure can have serious outcomes without the protection of the suit.

Activities showed importance of science, inspired a generation and engaged the general public this month to take action with NASA and participate, dream and join our #JourneyToMars. During the World Science Festival, NASA potentially reached more than 250,000 visitors across all events and days.

Cynthia Rando

NASA Johnson Space Center

Washington Square Park Orbit Pavilion Earth Observation and Photography presentation with astronaut Nicole Stott.

Astronaut Stott has fun with the next generation of potential astronauts as they #SuitUp. She discussed her experiences conducting spacewalks at the Astronaut Training Zone at Washington Square Park.

Astronaut Lee Morin engages the crowd at Brooklyn Bridge Park with a discussion about his spacewalk experiences.

Washington Square Park main stage discussion about life in space with astronauts Stott and Morin.

From left, External Relations Office personnel Kacey Templin and Cynthia Rando have a little fun with science with a pressure demonstration illustrating the importance of the suit as a critical component for human exploration at Brooklyn Bridge Park.