Meet NASA Astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao on Oct. 9 at the Discovery Center for World Space Week

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 29, 2014) – The Space Foundation is bringing former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao, Ph.D., to the Discovery Center on Thursday, Oct. 9, to share his experiences as a Space Shuttle astronaut and resident of the International Space Station (ISS).

The public will have two opportunities to meet Chiao for autographs and photos for this World Space Week event on Oct. 9:

• 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., autographs and photos with Dr. Chiao (pictured)
• 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., Dr. Chiao Science On a Sphere® presentation, autographs and photos

All afternoon on Oct. 9, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., there will be ongoing presentations and hands-on activities in the Discovery Center to demonstrate what astronauts in training experience.

There will be a special showing from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 — the premiere of the Science On a Sphere® film A Pale Blue Dot, with a live Google Hangout with the film’s producer Victoria Weeks.

There will also be a 6:00 p.m. showing of David J. Ruck’s documentary I want to be an Astronaut, which examines the current state of America’s space program and a boy’s quest to become an astronaut.

These Oct. 9 activities are part of the Space Foundation’s World Space Week celebration and are included in the price of Discovery Center admission.

About the Space Foundation Discovery Center
The Space Foundation Discovery Center is the Pikes Peak region’s only space, science and technology attraction, and is located at 4425 Arrowswest Drive in Colorado Springs, just off of Garden of the Gods Road. The Discovery Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Discovery Center daily admission fees are $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors (age 65+), $7.50 for college students with I.D., $4.50 for children ages 4-17. Children age three years and younger are admitted free. Military fees are $5.00 for adults with I.D., and $4.00 for military children ages 4-17 with I.D. Military includes active duty, guard, reserve or retiree with I.D. For information, call the Space Foundation at 719.576.8000.

About Chiao
Based in Houston, Chiao is the Space Foundation’s special advisor – human spaceflight. His Space Shuttle missions include: STS-92 Discovery, Oct. 11-24, 2000; STS-72 Endeavour, Jan. 11-20, 1996; STS-65 Columbia, July 8-23, 1994. In addition, he flew as flight engineer 1 aboard Soyuz TMA-5 to the ISS, where he served as commander and NASA science officer for Expedition 10. He lived on the ISS for more than six months.

Oct. 4 World Space Week Launch
The Space Foundation will launch the start of World Space Week on Saturday, Oct. 4, with straw rocket launches and other rocket-themed activities at the Discovery Center.

The public is invited to visit the Discovery Center for the start of the global celebration of World Space Week, Oct. 4-10. The following activities are offered for this special “Star Days” event and are included in the price of Discovery Center admission:

• Launch your own mini straw rockets (pictured)
• Make and take puff rockets
• Remotely race rocket cars  
• See rocket science demonstrations
• Make rocket-themed crafts
• Play rocket simulation Kerbal Space Program computer games

Activities are appropriate for all ages. Admission to the Discovery Center includes self-guided tours of the El Pomar Space Gallery and Science On a Sphere® presentations.

“Star Days” are held one Saturday each month at the Discovery Center, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with a special space theme offered that day. Admission savings are available through the Discovery Center Passport program. Learn more at www.spacefoundation.org/museum.

About World Space Week
World Space Week was launched by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 with the purpose of celebrating “the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition.” It is always celebrated Oct. 4-10, and this year’s theme is “Space: Guiding Your Way,” highlighting the benefits of satellite navigation to society.

The Space Foundation annually leads the celebration of World Space Week in the United States with activities at its Discovery Center and with educational programs for schoolchildren locally and around the world via GlobalCasts. Learn more about Space Foundation education outreach at www.spacefoundation.org/education.

About the Space Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is the foremost advocate for all sectors of space, and is a global, nonprofit leader in space awareness activities, educational programs and major industry events, including the annual Space Symposium, in support of its mission “to advance space-related endeavors to inspire, enable and propel humanity.” Space Foundation World Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA, has a public Discovery Center including the El Pomar Space Gallery and the Northrop Grumman Science Center featuring Science On a Sphere®, and is a member of the American Alliance of Museums. The Space Foundation has a field office in Houston, and conducts government affairs from its Washington, D.C., office. It annually publishes The Space Report: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity and through its Space Certification™ and Space Technology Hall of Fame® programs, the Space Foundation recognizes space-based innovations that have been adapted to improve life on Earth. Visit www.SpaceFoundation.org, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, and read our e-newsletter Space Watch.