San Diego Air & Space Museum to highlight Space Race accomplishments as part of multi-year exhibit and inspirational education thrust

(September 26, 2006) - To commemorate the Soviet/United States space race, which commenced in October, 1957 - just 50 years ago, the Museum intends to inform visitors about this shocking and world-changing series of events. In the span of just 12 years, acknowledged by experts as the "Space Race" era, man accomplished more technologically than in all the other years of his existence. From the launch of Sputnik, to President Kennedy's acceptance of the challenge to conquer space, to the first man walking on the moon in 1969, these years became the most important of all. The San Diego Air & Space Museum has developed a series of family-friendly talks, free with admission, about space exploration past, present and future, including the search for life on other worlds. The accompanying exhibit and associated special events will inspire young women and men to learn about the challenges of their past, as they accept the challenges of their future and help return us to the moon and beyond. Says Jim Kidrick, Museum President, "The Space Race 12 years is an inspiring story of national will and defined the Soviet and United States relationship then and for many years to follow. This exhibit and associated special events is a must see!"

Dawn of the Space Race: The Day the World Changed
Saturday, October 13 - 1pm - 2:30pm - The mid-1950s were a time of palpable anxiety, much like our own era, as Americans faced an implacable enemy whose every move was shrouded in mystery. In October 1957, fifty years ago, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite. This first step beyond the bounds of Earth by humans shocked and surprised the world, and our lives have never been the same since.

Matthew Brzezinski, author of the new book "Red Moon Rising: Sputnik and the Hidden Rivalries That Ignited the Space Age," will give a presentation about this turbulent, shocking and dynamic era, when one morning people around the globe woke up, read the newspaper headlines and found that their world had changed forever. He will also explain how Sputnik's legacy continues to affect our lives today, technologically and politically. A book signing of "Red Moon Rising" will follow immediately after the talk.

Magnificent Desolation: Exploring the remotest regions of Earth, and Life on other Worlds
Sunday, October 21 - 1pm - 2pm - Join Dr. Darlene Lim of NASA and the SETI Institute, as she guides you through some of the latest, cutting-edge research about some of the hottest, coldest, and most barren settings on Earth--regions that are believed to resemble environments on Mars. Her passion for exploring these desolate areas is driven by her desire to explore the unknown, and her enjoyment of the challenges, hardships, and risks of conducting science at the ends of the planet. By exploring some of these desolate regions, we can begin to understand the possibilities for life existing elsewhere in the solar system.

This talk is part of the city wide "Polar Palooza" series of events taking place citywide. Dynamic and interactive solar system demonstrations of the museum's "Magic Planet" will take place in the museum in the hour before the talk.

The Age of Personal Space Flight is here!
Saturday, October 27 - 1:30pm - 2:30pm - The time when you can buy a ticket to fly in space almost as easily as to cross the Atlantic is rapidly approaching. Join us for a dynamic presentation by Scott Borden of La Jolla's Travel Dynamics Group, who will explain how you can be part of the dawning age of personal space travel, including travel to the edge of space. Scott is an Accredited Space Agent for Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic, who are working to allow you to have the opportunity to journey beyond the atmosphere. Have you dreamed of flying in space? Find out how!