The Astronauts Memorial Foundation Partners with the Coalition for Space Exploration to Bring Vision to Educators

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 12, 2004) — The Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) and the Coalition for Space Exploration will partner to bring the exciting and inspirational themes of the Vision for Space Exploration to educators and students across the nation.

Established after the 1986 Challenger disaster by Central Florida business and community leaders, the AMF was established at the Kennedy Space Center as a memorial to those astronauts who sacrificed their lives for the nation and the space program. It is responsible for the Space Mirror national monument and operating the Center for Space Education, where thousands of teachers and students visit each year to learn more about the space program.

“The success of the Vision for Space Exploration will rely on highly-trained students who are taught by educators proficient in math and science. Through its network of educational resources, the AMF can help make that happen,” said Jeff Carr, communications director for United Space Alliance, a founding member of the Coalition for Space Exploration.

“America’s best and brightest will be called upon to achieve the goals of the Vision for Space Exploration,” said Dr. Stephen Feldman, AMF president. “We look forward to working with the Coalition to make sure there is an ample supply of students and teachers ready to support the Vision.”

The Vision for Space Exploration begins with the return to flight of the Space Shuttle and continues with completion of the International Space Station. As important human research is conducted aboard the orbiting outpost, robot probes will explore our solar system and reconnoiter for human missions to come.

Once the station is complete, NASA plans to retire the shuttle fleet in order to free up funding for the development of a new Constellation-class spaceship capable of taking humans back to the Moon. From there, piloted space flights to Mars and beyond will be possible.

This new era in space exploration will follow an affordable, achievable, stepping stone approach. Rather than an Apollo-like program requiring huge investments to reach a single destination in a short timeframe, this will be a journey that facilitates exploration on a go as you pay basis.

About the Coalition

The Coalition for Space Exploration is a collaborative effort whose mission is to ensure the United States will remain a leader in space, science and technology – key factors that will benefit the nation’s economy, gratify our need to explore, and maintain our national security. The Coalition seeks to generate momentum and enthusiasm for the newly focused national space exploration initiative by sharing the spirit-lifting excitement and tangible benefits of our space program with the general public and our nation’s leaders.

Founding members include ATK Alliant Techsystems, The Boeing Co., Lockheed Martin and United Space Alliance. Other members include Aerojet, Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI), California Space Authority, Delaware North Parks Services, Florida Space Authority, Hamilton Sundstrand, Harris, Honeywell, Northrop Grumman, Moog, Pratt & Whitney, National Space and Satellite Alliance, and the Space Foundation.

Our partners include Bastion Publishing, the National Space Society, and Parametric Technology Corp.

Additional information about the Coalition and the nation’s Vision for Space Exploration can be found online at www.spacecoalition.com.

About The Astronauts Memorial Foundation

AMF is a private, not-for-profit organization approved by NASA to build and maintain two major facilities at the John F. Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex. The Space Mirror Memorial, designated as a national memorial by Congress and Former President George H. Bush, was dedicated in 1991. The Center for Space Education – a “living memorial” – opened in 1994. Its mission is to foster an understanding of space exploration and to improve education through technology.

Additional information about AMF and its programs can be found online at www.amfcse.org.