The State of Hawaii will join over 60 nations worldwide this fall in celebrating World Space Week (October 4-10, 2009).

Established by the United Nations in 1999, World Space Week underscores the multiple contributions space science and technology have made over the past half-century to improve the human condition. Hawaii will participate by hosting a series of public events statewide highlighting Hawaii’s past achievements, current activities and future potential in both aviation and space exploration – including speaker and documentary presentations, exhibits and field demonstrations focused on astronomy, space-based observation of planet Earth, next-generation aviation, commercial space development, exploration of the Moon, Mars and other solar system bodies, and access to space.

As the global theme for this year’s event is “Space for Education”, special emphasis will be given to programs that highlight opportunities to enhance STEM education through aerospace - including teacher training programs to enrich classroom instruction in both aviation and space science.

For additional information, please contact the Hawaii Office of Aerospace Development at (808) 586-2388 or via email at jcrisafu@dbedt.hawaii.gov.

Aerospace in Hawaii Themes

Sunday October 4:  Next-Generation Aviation

Monday October 5: Astronomy: Understanding the Cosmos

Tuesday, October 6: Mission to Planet Earth: Global Observation and Monitoring

Wednesday, October 7: Commercial Space Development

Thursday, October 8: Lunar Science and Exploration

Friday, October 9: Beyond the Moon: Mars, the Asteroids, and other Solar System Bodies

Saturday, October 10: Access to Space: Rockets, Spaceplanes, and other Pathways to the Stars

http://www.worldspaceweek.org/calendar_2009.php

WASHINGTON — If you’ve never seen the International Space Station flying 220 miles overhead, this is the week to do so. The station will be in almost constant sunlight from Wednesday through Friday, offering an incredible view to sky gazers across the country.

In order to find out when the station will be visible over your city, visit:

http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/sightings

The International Space Station, a unique partnership between the space agencies of the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada and Europe, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Construction began in 1998 and will be completed in 2010. Seventeen crews have lived aboard the orbiting complex since 2000, including the current crew of three. Station residents have conducted important scientific experiments and gathered data to help assist future missions to the moon and Mars.

The next space shuttle mission, scheduled to launch May 31, will deliver the Japanese Pressurized Module, the largest payload to the station so far. Another unique viewing opportunity for sky watchers is when the shuttle is docked to the station, making it appear even brighter in the night sky.