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National Space Day

On National Space Day, explore the wonders of our universe - from galaxies far away to planets in our solar system!
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Introduction

Celebrate National Space Day on the first Friday of May! This special day was created in 1997 to celebrate the past, present and future of space exploration. It's a great opportunity for people around the world to come together and appreciate all that space has to offer. From astronomical observations to human achievements, this is a day of learning and appreciation that highlights our progress in discovering the mysteries of the universe. So get out your telescopes and prepare yourself for an exciting journey as you explore what lies beyond our planet!

History of National Space Day

National Space Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Space Day Origin</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Space Day was created by Lockheed Martin Corporation as a one-day event to promote the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields among students and to celebrate the advancements in space exploration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Space Day Goes International</div><div class='timeline-text'>The John Glenn Space Shuttle mission STS-95 in 1998 results in National Space Day being celebrated globally, becoming International Space Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mars Exploration Rover Mission</div><div class='timeline-text'>NASA launches the Mars Exploration Rover Mission, with rovers Spirit and Opportunity, marking a significant advancement in space exploration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Curiosity Rover Lands on Mars</div><div class='timeline-text'>NASA's rover Curiosity lands on Mars in August, marking a significant milestone in Mars exploration and coinciding with that year's International Space Day celebrations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Launch of Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover</div><div class='timeline-text'>NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover begins its journey to Mars, with plans to search for signs of ancient life and collect samples for return to Earth.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Space Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a space movie</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the day off, pop some popcorn, and watch a movie set in space. It could be a classic like Star Wars or Apollo 13, or something more recent like Gravity or The Martian. Enjoy the adventure!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a planetarium</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities have planetariums that you can visit. There, you can learn about the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies in our universe. You'll be amazed at what you find out.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a star gazing party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Set up a telescope in your backyard and invite friends over to take turns looking at the stars. Don't forget the snacks and hot chocolate!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have an astronaut costume party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Have each guest dress up as an astronaut or other space traveler. Encourage them to bring props like space helmets and ray guns. Play fun space themed games like Space Invaders or Asteroids.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make astronaut ice cream</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>This treat was actually developed for astronauts in space. All you need is some pudding mix, whipped topping, and freeze dried ice cream. Mix together and let cool in the freezer for a few hours before serving.</p></div></div>

Why We Love National Space Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Space exploration fosters innovation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Space exploration is a great catalyst for advancements in technology. As we strive to discover and explore new worlds, it encourages us to come up with more efficient and effective ways of doing things. From advances in propulsion systems to improved camera technology, space exploration can have amazing implications for both the present and future.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Space inspires awe and wonder</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Looking out into the night sky is one of the most humbling experiences imaginable. The sheer size and scope of the universe can be intimidating, but also exciting as we get to explore all its secrets. Space Day is an opportunity to celebrate this vastness and marvel at the wonders that are out there.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Space encourages international collaboration</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Space exploration can bring countries together like no other endeavor. On National Space Day, people from around the world come together to share their discoveries and contribute towards making further progress in human space travel. This type of global collaboration can help foster peace and understanding between nations by showing that striving towards a common goal has the power to unite us.</p></div></div>

5 Fascinating Facts for National Space Day

National Space Day FAQs

When is National Space Day?

National Space Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

May 5

Friday

2024

May 3

Friday

2025

May 2

Friday

2026

May 1

Friday

2027

May 7

Friday

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