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National Space Day: A celebration of space, science, and possibilities

  • Published
  • By Linda Rivera & Alex Chang, SSC Public Affairs
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. --  An elderly gentleman enthralls his grandchildren with tales of celestial gods. A young Galileo builds the world’s first telescope to discover Saturn’s rings. A child grips his theater seat as he follows a young farm boy swept into battle among stars and galaxies. From the dawn of mankind to present day, the vast night skies have captured the imaginations of young and old, philosophers and scientists, artists and astrophysicists.

Fast forward to 1997. Mankind’s modern-day fascination with space has morphed into what is now known as National Space Day, celebrated every first Friday in May to inspire the pursuit of science in space related fields, with a particular emphasis on early STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.

National Space Day also highlights the vital role space plays in our Nation’s security and defense. In fact, the United States Space Force was founded in 2019 to better position our Nation to embrace a forward-facing approach to space as a warfighting domain in response to threats from our adversaries’ nascent capabilities and corresponding ambitions.

At Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), we understand the value of STEM in more ways than one. Space is today’s modern battleground, and the STEM field is crucial to our Joint Force’s ability to maneuver rapidly, respond in real-time, and stay ahead of adversaries. Our acquisition strategies must consistently evolve with the same speed and agility as the threats they are designed to counter. We recognize that we must continue to deliver advanced capabilities, enhance lethality, and ensure the Joint Force has the space-enabled tools required to win in battle and protect our country. This is why we prioritize our STEM outreach and efforts. Investing in our Nation’s STEM capabilities is synonymous with investing in the American people’s interests and safety.

SSC’s Space STEM Outreach Program has served more than 10,000 students in underserved schools in the Los Angeles and Vandenberg, Calif. areas, with grade-specific lessons that align with Next Generation Science and Math standards while promoting STEM careers to youth. Led by volunteer Guardians, Airmen, and space industry professionals, the program exposes students to interactive experiences involving space, rockets, and satellites during school visits, base visits, STEM nights, and mentoring and speaking events. Students and their teachers can also experience the SSC Heritage Museum at the Los Angeles Air Force Base, in-person or through a virtual tour.

Our goal throughout these and other STEM activities is to foster future generations of scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and technologists who will one day fuel the innovation that drives the program offices, defense laboratories, and private companies tasked with protecting our Nation in, from, and to space.

Learn more about our STEM-related efforts and early career opportunities here.

 

 

United States Space Force

Official United States Space Force Website