
Family night: Cosmic Impact night

Family night: Cosmic Impact night

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Families sign up for activities at Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Children participate in educational activities during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An education specialist engages children in an educational activity during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Children view educational displays during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An education specialist talks to children and their parents during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to children and their parents during Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Children participate in educational activities during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to children and their parents during Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Children participate in educational activities during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Education specialists help children participation in educational activities during Family Night, Sept. 10, at Kennedy Space Center’s U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A father helps his daughter with an educational activity at Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Children participate in educational activities during Kennedy Space Center’s Family Night, Sept. 10, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Florida. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosted the annual NASA family education night. The event, for fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education activities that included astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The back-to-school event is part of NASA’s Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

LCROSS Family night at Ames. Jennifer Heldmann of the LCROSS team address the crowd on family night.

LCROSS Family night at Ames. Jennifer Heldmann of the LCROSS team address the crowd on family night.

LCROSS Family night at Ames. Dan Andrews with the LCROSS team addresses the crowd on family night.

LCROSS Family night at Ames. Jennifer Heldmann of the LCROSS team address the crowd on family night.

LCROSS Family night at Ames

LCROSS Family night at Ames

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

LCROSS Family night at Ames

LCROSS Family night at Ames

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

LCROSS Family night at Ames

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

LCROSS Family night at Ames

LCROSS Family night at Ames

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

LCROSS Family night at Ames

LCROSS Family night at Ames

LCROSS Family night at Ames

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

LCROSS Family night at Ames

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

LCROSS Family night at Ames

LCROSS Family night at Ames

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

LCROSS Family night at Ames

LCROSS Family night at Ames

LCROSS Family night at Ames

LCROSS Family night at Ames

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

LCROSS Family night at Ames

LCROSS Family night at Ames

LCROSS Family night at Ames

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

LCROSS Family night at Ames

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

LCROSS Family night at Ames

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

LCROSS Family night at Ames

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

LCROSS Family night at Ames

LCROSS Family night at Ames

LCROSS Family night at Ames

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

LCROSS Family night at Ames

LCROSS Family night at Ames

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT

LCROSS Family night at Ames. Dr. David Morrison Interim Director of the Lunar Science Institute at Ames addresses the crown.

LCROSS Family night at Ames. LCROSS Program Executive, Victoria Friedensen address the crowd.

LCROSS Family night at Ames. Dr. David Morrison Interim Director of the Lunar Science Institute at Ames addresses the crown.

LCROSS Family night at Ames. Dr. David Morrison Interim Director of the Lunar Science Institute at Ames addresses the crown.

CAMILLE WILLIAMS, CS20, AND FAMILY VIEW THE MOON THROUGH TELESCOPE PROVIDED BY VON BRAUN ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY AT INTERNATIONAL “OBSERVE THE MOON” NIGHT EVENT – USSRC DAVIDSON CENTER

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of space shuttle workers and their families watch a Starfire Night Skyshow at the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The show featured spectacular night aerobatics with special computer-controlled lighting and firework effects on a plane flown by experienced pilot Bill Leff. The event also featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities and giveaways. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden welcomes current and former space shuttle workers and their families to the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana visits with space shuttle workers and their families during the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Some veteran space shuttle fliers sign autographs and talk with shuttle workers and their families at the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a night’s rest and a brief press conference at KSC, STS-97 Mission Specialist Marc Garneau heads for a plane at the Shuttle Landing Facility. With him is his wife. They and other crew members and their families are returning to Houston. Garneau is with the Canadian Space Agency.Mission STS-97 ended on Dec. 11, 2000, with a landing at KSC at 6:04 p.m. EST

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a night’s rest and a brief press conference at KSC, STS-97 Commander Brent Jett (right) heads for a plane at the Shuttle Landing Facility. With him is his wife. They and other crew members and their families are returning to Houston.; Mission STS-97 ended on Dec. 11, 2000, with a landing at KSC at 6:04 p.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of space shuttle workers and their families gather near Guest Services at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration” on Aug. 13. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a night’s rest and a brief press conference at KSC, STS-97 Commander Brent Jett (right) heads for a plane at the Shuttle Landing Facility. With him is his wife. They and other crew members and their families are returning to Houston.; Mission STS-97 ended on Dec. 11, 2000, with a landing at KSC at 6:04 p.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of space shuttle workers and their families gather near the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration” on Aug. 13. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Panama band entertains thousands of space shuttle workers and their families at the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana welcomes current and former space shuttle workers and their families to the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a night’s rest and a brief press conference at KSC, STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield heads for the plane at the Shuttle Landing Facility. With him are his wife (right) and daughter (left). They and other crew members and their families are returning to Houston. Mission STS-97 ended on Dec. 11, 2000, with a landing at KSC at 6:04 p.m. EST

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a night’s rest and a brief press conference at KSC, STS-97 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner heads for the plane at the Shuttle Landing Facility. With him is his wife. They and other crew members and their families are returning to Houston. Mission STS-97 ended on Dec. 11, 2000, with a landing at KSC at 6:04 p.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of space shuttle workers and their families gather near Orbit Cafe at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration” on Aug. 13. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a night’s rest and a brief press conference at KSC, STS-97 Mission Specialist Marc Garneau heads for a plane at the Shuttle Landing Facility. With him is his wife. They and other crew members and their families are returning to Houston. Garneau is with the Canadian Space Agency.Mission STS-97 ended on Dec. 11, 2000, with a landing at KSC at 6:04 p.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of space shuttle workers and their families gather near the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration” on Aug. 13. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a night’s rest and a brief press conference at KSC, STS-97 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner heads for the plane at the Shuttle Landing Facility. With him is his wife. They and other crew members and their families are returning to Houston. Mission STS-97 ended on Dec. 11, 2000, with a landing at KSC at 6:04 p.m. EST

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a night’s rest and a brief press conference at KSC, STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield heads for the plane at the Shuttle Landing Facility. With him are his wife (right) and daughter (left). They and other crew members and their families are returning to Houston. Mission STS-97 ended on Dec. 11, 2000, with a landing at KSC at 6:04 p.m. EST

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of space shuttle workers and their families gather near the IMAX Theatre at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration” on Aug. 13. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Thousands of space shuttle workers and their families gather near the "Star Trek" exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration” on Aug. 13. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, left, and Sandy Magnus, and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson address thousands of space shuttle workers and their families at the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor current and former workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Vehicle Processing Director Rita Willcoxon speaks to current and former space shuttle workers and their families during the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents participate in a vortex cannon experiment during the last NASA family education night event. Other activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Three-time space shuttle astronaut Charles D. "Sam" Gemar signs autographs and takes photos with space shuttle workers and their families at the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana (at left) and NASA astronauts Rex Walheim, Sandra Magnus and Chris Ferguson talk to current and former space shuttle workers and their families during the “We Made History! Shuttle Program Celebration,” Aug. 13, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla. The event was held to honor current and former shuttle workers’ dedication to NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and to celebrate 30 years of space shuttle achievements. The event featured food, music, entertainment, astronaut appearances, educational activities, giveaways, and Starfire Night Skyshow. Photo credit: Gianni Woods

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents enter the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for the last NASA family education night event. Inside, they participated in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities, such as "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents participate in the last NASA family education night event. Activities included "gee-whiz" presentations, astronaut appearances, a hovercraft, vortex cannon and alternative fuel vehicles, which promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The event is part of NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative to provide interactive learning experiences to middle school students nationwide during the summer months. The program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Barack Obama in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser