Space Foundation, Arcfield to Bring Weeklong STEM Experience to  Fairfax County, Virginia 

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va — Oct. 19, 2026 — Space Foundation and Arcfield are proud to partner once again for Space in the Community (SITC), bringing a week of space exploration and STEM fun to Fairfax County Public Schools in Fairfax County, Virginia, from Oct. 19-23, 2026. 

Space Foundation’s SITC program builds lasting partnerships with communities to help PreK-12 students become lifelong STEM learners. It also aims to grow local workforces and strengthen economic development by getting students into hands-on activities, training teachers through professional development, and bringing special events to town. The program has reached thousands of students across multiple states, helping build the pipeline of future space industry talent.  

“There is something incredibly powerful about giving students the opportunity to connect with an astronaut and hear firsthand what it takes to pursue a career in space,” said Heidi Vasiloff, senior director of Space Foundation Discovery Center. “These experiences spark curiosity, broaden students’ understanding of what is possible, and help them recognize that the skills they are learning today can open doors to exciting careers tomorrow. We are thrilled to return to the community and grateful to Arcfield for helping us inspire the next generation of explorers, innovators, and problem-solvers.” 

Through SITC programming, Space Foundation educators will visit middle and high schools across Fairfax County Public Schools to engage students in STEM. Students will also meet retired U.S. Air Force Col. Mark Lee, a former NASA astronaut, who will share his experiences in a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. 

Lee flew four Space Shuttle missions: STS-30, STS-47, STS-64, and STS-82. Over his NASA career, he traveled more than 13 million miles, orbited Earth 517 times, and spent 33 days in space. On STS-82, the second Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission, he served as payload commander and conducted three spacewalks totaling more than 19 hours. On STS-64, he performed the first untethered U.S. spacewalk in 10 years, testing a self-rescue jetpack. 

“I am thrilled to welcome Space Foundation back to Fairfax County Public Schools,” said Dr. Michelle C. Reid, Fairfax County Public Schools superintendent. “Last school year, our elementary school students learned about the wonders of space exploration from a real-life astronaut. This year, our middle and high school students will share this experience and hear firsthand about the many aerospace career paths they can pursue after graduation. I look forward to seeing all that our students accomplish through the hands-on STEM experiences this partnership provides.” 

Now in its second year, the partnership between Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and Space Foundation supports the district’s goal of preparing students for life after graduation. Hands-on activities and question-and-answer sessions with a real astronaut inspire students to explore STEM careers, in alignment with Goal 5 of the FCPS Strategic Plan: inspiring students to lead for tomorrow’s innovation.

Media interested in covering the event should RSVP by emailing [email protected]. 

About Space Foundation 

Space Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit, brings together every corner of the global space ecosystem. Through year-round programs and events, including its flagship Space Symposium, Space Foundation convenes leaders from government, industry, finance, and education to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and advance the future of space. As a trusted, neutral expert, Space Foundation turns connections into impact. It reinvests proceeds from its events into STEM education, workforce development, and its Discovery Center. Together, these programs help build the talent and leadership that will power the space economy for generations to come.  

About Arcfield 

Arcfield was purpose-built to protect the nation and its allies through innovations in systems engineering and integration, space and mission launch assurance, cybersecurity, and conventional and hypersonic missile support. Headquartered in Chantilly, VA with 16 global offices, Arcfield employs more than 1,600 engineers, analysts, IT specialists, and other professionals with more than 65 years of continuous experience supporting missions in cyber and space defense, hypersonic and nuclear deterrence, and warfighter readiness. Visit arcfield.com for more details.  

About Fairfax County Public Schools 

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), located in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a leading public school division in both the Washington, D.C., region and the nation. FCPS inspires and empowers students to meet high academic standards, lead healthy, ethical lives, and be responsible and innovative global citizens. FCPS serves a diverse population of more than 177,000 students, speaking 194 languages, across 200 schools and centers. 

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Media Contacts: 

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

Katerina Figurski 
Chief Marketing Officer 
(571) 401-2155 
[email protected] 

Fairfax County Public Schools 
Media Relations 
[email protected]  

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