Special guests from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center are paying a visit to the Chattahoochee Valley on Saturday, May 6 to assist in Columbus’ greatest and most daring voyage yet.

“Columbus Goes to Mars” is a free community-wide, space-themed learning event hosted by Columbus State University’s Coca-Cola Space Science Center in partnership with the Columbus Museum and the National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center.

“The NASA/KSC team is extremely excited to bring a piece of the inspirational work of exploration to Columbus, Georgia,” said Joshua Santora, program specialist at the NASA/KSC PX-E Education Office. “We are grateful to our collaborators and hosts and can't wait to share America's space programs with the people of Muscogee County.”

Friday, May 5: “Hidden Figures” at the National Infantry Museum
Panel discussion from 6-7 p.m. | Movie at 7:30 p.m.

On the evening of Friday, May 5, the National Infantry Museum will host a free, one-time-only screening of “Hidden Figures,” the Academy Award-nominated film based on the true story of a team of African-American female mathematicians who served a vital role at NASA during the early years of the US space program.

Before the film, at 6 p.m., a panel of experts will discuss their experiences working with the space program and their inspirations for pursuing a career in aeronautics. The screening begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission to both the panel discussion and the film is free. Concessions will be available for purchase during the event.

Saturday, May 6: “Columbus Goes to Mars,” 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Coca-Cola Space Science Center | The Columbus Museum | National Infantry Museum
Note: Activities at The Columbus Museum will conclude at 3 p.m.

Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, CCSSC, the Columbus Museum, and the National Infantry Museum will host family-friendly activities at all three locations, including:

·  Expert presentations by engineers and educators from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center

·  Vesta mosaic art

·  NASA’s PINK team robot

·  “Humans in space” demonstrations

·  Air rocket launches (supervised by the same people who launch real rockets into space)

·  STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) presentations by local educators

·  Professional teacher development workshops with NASA educators

“Columbus Goes to Mars” marks the first time NASA’s Kennedy Space Center has delivered their community day program outside of their home town of Titusville, Fla.

“We are honored that NASA’s Kennedy Space Center thought of Columbus first when deciding to take their annual community day outside of Titusville,” said Shawn Cruzen, executive director of CSU’s Coca-Cola Space Science Center. “I’m excited about the multiple speakers talking about careers in STEM-related fields, science demonstrations, and fun educational activities this event will bring to Columbus.”

Attendees are encouraged to visit all three locations for the full NASA experience. As an extra incentive, a limited-edition commemorative coin will be given to all participants who turn in a completed “passport” containing all three stamps from each location (while supplies last).