Press Release

Borders Teams with Astronomy Magazine, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for ‘Train Like an Astronaut’ Sweepstakes

By SpaceRef Editor
June 23, 2009
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Borders to host in-store Space Camp kids event July 25; recommends great space-inspired reads for kids, adults

In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of man’s first steps on the Moon, Borders(R) has teamed with Astronomy magazine and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for the “Train Like an Astronaut” Sweepstakes. Beginning today through July 27, customers can visit www.borders.com/moon or astronomy.com and enter for a chance to win a four-day trip to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex located just east of Orlando, Fla. Three lucky Grand Prize winners will each be awarded a trip, which includes roundtrip airfare for the winner and three guests, three nights accommodation in Cocoa Beach, car rental for four days — and the unique opportunity to participate in an immersive Family Astronaut Training Experience(R) (ATX(R)) at Kennedy Space Center. During the action-packed two-day Family ATX, participants will get to perform a mock space shuttle mission, ride flight simulators, have lunch with an astronaut and receive a guided tour of Kennedy Space Center, including an up-close view of the space shuttle launch pads and the Apollo/Saturn V Center — the home of a 363-foot long Saturn V Moon rocket.

In addition, there will be one First Prize winner, who will receive a Meade 6″ETX-LS telescope. Further, ten Second Prize winners will each receive a one-year subscription to Astronomy magazine and ten Third Prize winners will each get an astronomy calendar provided by Astronomy magazine.

Sponsored by Kalmbach Publishing Co., the publisher of Astronomy magazine, the “Train like an Astronaut” Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the U.S. and Canada (except Quebec) who are age eight (as of March 2009) and older. To enter, customers should complete the entry form at www.borders.com/moon or astronomy.com, or mail a postcard with their name, address, city, state or province and zip or postal code to: The Train like an Astronaut Sweepstakes, P.O. Box 378, Waukesha, WI 53187-1199. Participants under 18 years of age must obtain the signature of a parent or legal guardian to enter and for the collection of his/her name, address and age. Winners will be selected on or about Sept. 27, 2009 with winner verification to follow.

Intergalactic Fun for Kids at Borders’ In-Store Space Camp Event

Borders stores nationwide will host a Space Camp event July 25 for kids of all ages. The event will feature a space-age schedule of cool astronaut and spacewalk games and activities, solar system crafts and trivia and other out-of-this-world activities.

Space-Inspired Reads

What better way to get excited about our nation’s historic lunar landing than to enjoy some great space-inspired reads. The buyers at Borders recommend the following books and magazines for space fans of all ages:

Books and Magazines for Adults

  • “America in Space: NASA’s First 50 Years” by Steven Dick – Written and edited by NASA historian Steven Dick and a team of experienced NASA staffers, the coffee-table style book is illustrated with 400 rare photographs from the NASA archives, many of which were previously unpublished. It’s an incredible photographic record of a half a century of space exploration and discovery.
  • “Voices from the Moon” by Andrew Chaikin – This beautiful book includes candid and personal reflections from 23 of the 24 Apollo lunar astronauts. Photos taken during the Apollo missions, many of which have never been viewed by the general public, are featured.
  • “Rocket Men” by Craig Nelson – The thrilling story of the Apollo Moon mission serves as a reminder of what an incredible achievement landing on the Moon represented in terms of planning, technology and execution.
  • The August 2009 issue of Astronomy magazine – A special “Return to the Moon” issue packed with features that tell the story of recent missions and future plans for the Moon. Articles explain NASA’s new lunar program, the Moon’s role in possible manned Mars missions, Europe’s recent Moon mission, as well as China and Japan’s lunar expeditions.

Books for Kids Ages 8 to 12

  • “George’s Secret Key to the Universe” by Stephen and Lucy Hawking – Penned by world-renowned author and Cambridge University Mathematics professor Stephen Hawking and his daughter Lucy, a journalist and novelist, this book blends a wildly fun adventure with factual information about the universe, black holes, time and space and more.
  • “George’s Cosmic Treasure Hunt” by Lucy and Stephen Hawking – The characters from “George’s Secret Key to the Universe” are back in another fun adventure – this time a treasure hunt across the universe. The book is brimming with the latest scientific knowledge about the universe and even includes special essays from some of the top scientists in the world.
  • “Astronaut: Living in Space” by Deborah Lock – Vivid photographs and illustrations and compelling text about space travel combine to tell the story of Linda, an astronaut who shares her experiences training for and living as an astronaut.

Books for Kids Ages 4 to 8

  • “Regards to the Man in the Moon” by Ezra Jack Keats – Louie is unhappy that his friends call his dad the junk man, but when Louie uses his imagination to build a spacecraft that jettisons him off to outer space, he wows all of his friends. This book teaches young kids to follow their dreams no matter what challenges lie ahead.
  • “Hedgie Blasts Off!” by Jan Brett – Hedgie the Hedgehog is back. With aspirations to be an astronaut, Hedgie steps up to the plate when someone is needed to investigate Big Sparkler, an erupting crater. Hedgie blasts of in a pint-sized rocket to save the day.
  • “Rockets and Spaceships” by Karen Wallace – This book teaches kids basic vocabulary about space and space vehicles. Includes great photographs and illustrations that truly capture children’s imaginations.

About Astronomy magazine

As the world’s best-selling astronomy magazine, Astronomy provides clear and accurate coverage of space news and research, along with guidance for observing and imaging. Astronomy and its web site, Astronomy.com, provide essential information to enjoy the hobby and science.

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens at 9 a.m. Closing times vary by season. The Visitor Complex is open daily except December 25 and certain launch days. Admission includes the new Shuttle Launch Experience, Kennedy Space Center Tour, 3D IMAX(R) space films, Astronaut Encounter, all exhibits, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame(R), featuring historic spacecraft, simulator rides and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia. Admission is $38 + tax for adults and $28 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander’s Club Annual Pass is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 321-449-4444 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is operated by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts at KSC, Inc., a division of Delaware North Companies, one of the world’s leading hospitality and food service providers.

About Borders Group, Inc.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP) is a leading retailer of books, music and movies with approximately 25,000 employees. Through its subsidiaries, the company operates more than 1,000 stores primarily under the Borders(R) and Waldenbooks(R) brand names. For online shopping, visit Borders.com. For more information about the company, visit www.borders.com/media.

SpaceRef staff editor.