Space Foundation and RTX Host Space in the Community Event in Colorado Springs

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

Free STEM-Focused Family Event at Space Foundation Discovery Center

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — April 24, 2026 — Space Foundation and RTX are partnering once again for Space in the Community (SITC), bringing a week of space exploration and STEM fun to Harrison School District 2 in Colorado Springs from April 27–May 1.

“Space exploration belongs to every student, and through our partnership with RTX, we are helping spark a sense of wonder about our incredible universe while bringing the story of space exploration to Harrison School District 2,” said Heidi Vasiloff, senior director of Space Foundation Discovery Center. “There is nothing quite like seeing curiosity ignite into excitement, and we hope this immersive, hands-on experience leaves students inspired, empowered and confident they have a place in shaping the future of space, science and exploration.”

“At RTX, we believe that access to meaningful STEM learning opens doors for students, for communities and for the future workforce,” said Kristy Becerra, senior director of Corporate Social Responsibility at RTX. “Programs like Space in the Community show young people what’s possible when imagination meets opportunity. By connecting students with hands-on experiences and real aerospace professionals, we’re helping them see their potential in fields that will shape tomorrow’s discoveries.”

Students across the district will experience space exploration through real-world learning as Space Foundation’s Space Workforce team visits elementary, middle and high schools. From hands-on STEM activities to an inside look at NASA’s Artemis program, students will explore space science and have the opportunity to meet former NASA astronaut Duane “Digger” Carey.

Carey piloted the space shuttle Columbia on the STS-109 mission in 2002, a complex 11-day flight that serviced the Hubble Space Telescope and extended its scientific capabilities. A former Air Force test pilot with thousands of flight hours across multiple aircraft, he brings firsthand insight into space exploration, precision operations and the teamwork required to carry out high-stakes missions.

“When astronauts walk into our schools, it changes the conversation for our students. Suddenly, STEM isn’t abstract, it’s attainable, and it’s within reach. Our partnership with Space Foundation is about more than a visit; it’s about showing our students that they can see themselves in these careers and contribute meaningfully to the future of space and beyond,” said Dr. Wendy Birhanzel, Superintendent, Harrison School District 2.

As part of SITC programming, a peer mentor event will be held April 28 from 9—10 a.m. at Harrison High School, 2755 Janitell Road, Colorado Springs. High school students will meet local STEM professionals, explore careers in the growing space industry and hear from former NASA astronaut Carey in a presentation and question-and-answer session.

Rounding out the week’s programming and celebrating National Space Day, Space Foundation will host a free community event Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Space Foundation Discovery Center. Students, families and community members can enjoy hands-on STEM activities and meet former NASA astronauts Duane “Digger” Carey and Tim Kopra. The event is sponsored by RTX and Voyager Space, along with Ramon Space, Secured Quantum Services, Club for the Future, Pikes Peak State College, MTSI, El Pomar Foundation and Pond and Co. Additional support is provided by Terrapin, Event Rents, Home Depot, Do-Happy and Lowe’s.

National Space Day Highlights

• Meet astronauts: Engage with former NASA astronauts Lt. Col. Duane “Digger” Carey, USAF (ret.), who piloted the Space Shuttle Columbia on the STS-109 mission in 2003, and Col. Tim Kopra, USAF (ret.), who flew on Space Shuttle Endeavour’s STS-127 mission and served aboard the International Space Station.
• STEM activities: Drive rovers in the Mars Robotics Lab, experiment with Sphero Robotics like BOLT and indi, and PITSO Education Blue-Bot, use 3D printing pens, and more.
• Family fun for all ages: More than 30 community partners will be on site with rocket launches, kids’ workshops, and gravity demonstrations. From face-painting and children’s book readings, virtual reality and robotics, everyone will have a blast.
• Interactive learning: Experience cutting-edge space science and technology through Science On a Sphere® and community partner demonstrations.

For more information on National Space Day, visit discoverspace.org/national-space-day-community-event-colorado-springs.

About Harrison School District 2

Harrison School District 2 serves more than 12,000 students in southeast Colorado Springs and is focused on ensuring every student graduates with a plan for what comes next. The district is expanding access to high-quality STEM learning through strong partnerships, including its ongoing collaboration with Space Foundation. D2 Promise – the nation’s first voter-approved, first-dollar Promise program – gives students up to three years of tuition-free college and a direct path to college and careers. The district also invests in community-driven solutions, including Wendy’s Village, a first-of-its-kind effort to provide dignified, affordable housing for educators and staff. Together, these efforts reflect a clear commitment to removing barriers and creating real opportunities for students, families, and the people who serve them.

About RTX

With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. With industry-leading capabilities, we advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2025 sales of more than $88 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. 

About Space Foundation 

Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 as a gateway to advance the global space community. Space Foundation educates, collaborates and informs the entire space workforce, from early education through post-secondary (college, non-college, vocational), to the start of their careers as new professionals, and ultimately as leaders at the highest levels of government and commercial industry. As a charitable organization, Space Foundation receives support from corporate members, sponsors, individual giving, and grants. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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Media Contact:

Christine O’Brien
Chief Communications Officer
719-660-2033
[email protected]

Mayo Blumberg
Communications Specialist
Space Foundation
(620) 870-2201
[email protected]

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