Legendary Astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Harrison Schmitt to Visit Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Minnesota people and institutions have made extraordinary contributions to technology innovation in aviation and aerospace.  U of M grad Bob Gilruth, the Father of America's human spaceflight program, counseled President Kennedy to put a man on the moon, launching what has been called the most audacious engineering challenge in history.  To rally a new generation to gain the dreams and skills to go boldly, AirSpace Minnesota has invited two legends who worked with Gilruth in the Apollo program and a current Minnesota role model to tell their stories and visions for the future.

WHO:

• Dr. Buzz Aldrin (first moon landing), NASA astronaut, USAF pilot, author & exploration advocate
• Dr. Harrison "Jack" Schmitt (last moon landing), NASA astronaut, geologist/professor, U.S. Senator & author
• Dr. Karen Nyberg (Minnesota native recently returned from the International Space Station)

WHAT:  GO BOLDLY Expo – a free public event with presentations, book signings and STEM career displays.  TICKET REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION available at www.airspacemn.org.

WHEN:  Saturday, April 26, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Honorees in the Go Boldly Challenge will be recognized at 2:00 p.m.  The Challenge shines a light on individuals and teams of all ages who have been inspired by flight to gain skills to pursue their dreams. Nominations can be submitted at www.airspacemn.org and close on April 9.

WHERE:  Downtown St. Paul Airport, 750 Bayfield Road, St. Paul, MN 55107

On Friday, April 25, Dr. Aldrin and Dr. Schmitt also will appear at the Founding Flyers Gala:  From Minnesota to the Moon - Golden Wings Flying Museum, Anoka County – Blaine Airport

The renowned Museum of Flight in Seattle has selected AirSpace Minnesota to be first in the nation to re-create their innovative Aviation Learning Center. Tickets to help fund this important education initiative, which uses flight to inspire students in science, technology, engineering and math study and careers, may be purchased at www.airspacemn.org. This once-in-a-lifetime evening will feature fascinating conversations with Dr. Aldrin, Dr. Schmitt and Dr. John Olson of Sierra Nevada Corporation, the amazing Golden Wings private aircraft collection, live music and more.

AirSpace Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to chronicle Minnesota's great aerospace and aviation legacy and equip new generations to write the next chapters of the innovation story.  We are committed to helping students discover their dreams and the creativity and value of skills and careers involving science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  When dreams and skills connect, anything is possible.

Contact:
Kristi Rollag Wangstad
[email protected]
O: 612.727.1737
M: 952.221.5791

SOURCE AirSpace Minnesota