Space Foundation and Arcfield Bring Former NASA Astronaut to St. Vrain Valley Schools

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

LONGMONT, CO — Oct. 22, 2026 — Space Foundation and Arcfield will partner to host Space in the Community (SITC), a weeklong STEM experience for students and educators at St. Vrain Valley Schools in Longmont, Colorado, Oct. 26–30, 2026.

From Monday through Thursday, Space Foundation educators and former NASA astronaut Duane “Digger” Carey will visit middle and high schools in St. Vrain Valley Schools. He will share stories from his aerospace career, including his 2002 spaceflight aboard the space shuttle Columbia during the fourth Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission. Carey spent more than 10 days in space and logged more than 4,300 flight hours in more than 35 aircraft, giving students a firsthand look at space exploration and careers in aerospace.

“Connecting students with aerospace professionals helps them see how classroom learning can translate into real-world careers,” said Heidi Vasiloff, senior director of Space Foundation Discovery Center. “We’re grateful to Arcfield for helping us bring these opportunities to St. Vrain Valley Schools and introduce students to the possibilities of the space industry.”

St. Vrain Valley Schools connects classroom learning with hands-on experiences, industry partnerships, and pathways to college and careers. Through programs such as the Innovation Center and Career Elevation and Technology Center, students apply their knowledge to real-world challenges while developing technical, creative, collaborative, and problem-solving skills. Space in the Community builds on these efforts by connecting students and families with space exploration and career opportunities across the space industry.

“When students can connect what they are learning in the classroom to the possibilities beyond it, their futures become more tangible. Our collaboration with Space Foundation helps spark that connection, inviting students and families to explore together and see themselves in the future of science, technology, and space,” said Axel Reitzig, executive director of the Innovation Center of St. Vrain Valley Schools.

The week will include a Community Night on Monday, Oct. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Innovation Center, 33 Quail Road in Longmont, Colorado. Students, families, and community members can participate in hands-on STEM activities, attend an astronaut presentation, and meet the astronaut. Food will be provided. For additional details and livestream information, visit St. Vrain’s event page.

The week will conclude Friday, Oct. 30, with a Careers in Space mentoring event at the Innovation Center for up to 200 high school students from St. Vrain Valley Schools. Students will connect with industry professionals to explore career pathways in the space sector and hear Carey share his experiences as an astronaut. All student spots for the event have been filled.

Media interested in covering the event can email [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 St. Vrain Valley Schools

St. Vrain Valley Schools is a destination public school district in Colorado committed to academic excellence by design. Through rigorous academics, innovative learning experiences, and strong community and industry partnerships, St. Vrain prepares students for success in college, careers, and life. Learn more at svvsd.org.

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Media Contacts:

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

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

Colin Rickman
Director of Communications and Engagement
St. Vrain Valley Schools
(720) 299-0380
[email protected]

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