posted 02-07-2009 10:08 AM               

NASA Day at Maryland Capital Celebrates 50 Years of Discovery

On Thursday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Goddard employees will present an exciting day of interactive exhibits and presentations within the Presidential Conference Center, East Miller Senate Office Building, Annapolis, Maryland. House and Senate members and visitors will have the opportunity to experience the scientific wonderment of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Also recognizing Goddard’s 50-year anniversary, the day will provide an excellent opportunity for Marylanders to gain a better understanding of Goddard’s effect within the state, the nation and our global community.

Goddard is home to one of the greatest scientific achievements of our time, the Hubble Space Telescope, and is preparing to launch the final servicing mission later this year. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), built at Goddard and in final prep for launch in just a few weeks, is recognized as the first mission in NASA’s planned return to the moon. Other Goddard programs include the James Webb Space Telescope and extensive Earth science studies that include extensive climate research from the Chesapeake Bay to Antarctica.

Established in 1959 as NASA’s first space flight facility, Goddard is home to the nation’s largest organization of combined scientists and engineers dedicated to learning and sharing their knowledge of Earth, the sun, solar system and universe. Goddard is one of Maryland’s most remarkable institutions employing over 8,000 people and obligating over $1 billion within the state.

As Goddard celebrates 50 years of exploration, come take a “walk” on the sun, explore our Earth or other planets, and educate yourself about the learning possibilities and technologies offered at Goddard that are making a difference every day in the lives of Marylanders.