SpaceFest Program Celebrates SpaceX Launch

Science

Update: Shortly before liftoff the 5/27/20 SpaceX Dragon launch was scrubbed due to weather. According to NASA, the next flight launch opportunity is Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 3:22 pm EST. The public will be able to watch lift off (when it actually is happening) on NASA Live. However, the AMNH virtual learning program went on as planned and the public can access all the recorded sessions at the links below. 

American Museum of Natural History SpaceFest Today

It's a exciting day for young and old. I'm fortunate to have lived to remember the historic moment when man first walked on the moon on July 29, 1969 which only adds to the excitement for me on a personal level. Today, history is expected to be made again with the scheduled launch of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, destined for the International Space Station (ISS). This is a particularly momentus time as it is the first U.S. human mission into space in almost a decade. 

Today's Science of Space Travel: Past, Present & Future Events

To celebrate and appreciate this American accomplishment, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is airing a series of free space travel live online events today suitable for kids as well as grownups beginning at 11 am EST on May 27.

IMAGE COURTESY OF NASA

11 am EST - Scientists at Home: Imaging Space Exploration

Join AMNH Museum Curator Ruth for a discussion about human missions to space, a fun and educational space activity for kids to do at home on the museum's children's science site OLogy: The Science Website for Kids, and a live guided virtual flight that simulates the feel of a launch and journey to the ISS. Watch Scientists at Home

1 pm EST - Field Trip: Spaceflight Live Watch Party

Museum Director of Astrovisualization Carter Emmart and astrophysicist Jackie Faherty invite kids to hitch a ride on their mission from Earth to the ISS, to the Moon, and further out in space. Viewers will experience the thrill and sights of space flight, get an insider's view of what goes into planning a successful mission, and learn about all the things (like weather, distance, detours) that might require impromptu fine tuning enroute. Watch Field Trip Spaceflight

4:05 pm EST - The Future of Space Exploration

Live commentary by Hayden Planetarium's Director Neil deGrasse Tyson and Museum Astrophysicist Jackie Faherty as the final launch preparations are made readying the rocket for liftoff. They'll discuss the future of what human missions to space might look like and viewers who have questions are able to send them in advance by sending email to publicprograms@amnh.org for Neil or Jackie to answer live during this program segment. Watch The Future of Space Exploration

4:33 pm EST - Live Spacecraft Lift Off

NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley, flying the first crewed Dragon spacecraft, are scheduled to lift off on a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 

About American Museum of Natural History

Founded in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History in New York City is world-renowned for his position at the forefront of scientific, educational and cultural institutions. Learn more about AMNH by visiting the Museum's official site as well as following them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram,  and YouTube.