NASA Administrator Bolden Stresses Importance of Inspiration & Education
Remarks Made During Keynote Address at American Astronomical Society Meeting
Alexandria, VA – NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, Jr. stressed the importance of inspirational space exploration missions and education during his keynote address at the American Astronomical Society’s national meeting in Washington, DC on January 6.
“Space science requires a healthy space program, and new ideas and innovative approaches. This can only be achieved from a trained and skilled workforce. To attract the best workers, NASA must continue to develop missions that inspire as well as educate us.”
“We must identify new ways to inspire the next generation of explorers. The nation and the international science community expect no less of us,” he continued.
Bolden also urged those in attendance to continue to personally engage young people in astronomy and astrophysics and thanked them for their service to date.
“Across our diverse network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers worldwide, we have benefited greatly from the time and talents of the dedicated members of the astronomy community,” said Challenger Center President Dan Barstow.
“Challenger Center supports NASA Administrator Bolden’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of explorers, and we look forward to our continued partnerships with NASA and its Centers across the country,” Barstow continued.
The American Astronomical Society’s 215th national meeting was held January 3-7, 2010 in Washington, DC. More than 3,500 attendees were expected and more than 2,200 scientific presentations were on the program, making it the largest astronomy meeting in history.
About Challenger Center
Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.
Contact:
Rob Cork, Director of Communications
rcork@challenger.org
(703) 535-1361
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
300 N. Lee Street, Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
