About National Space Day
In 1997, the Lockheed Martin Corporation introduced National Space Day as a one-off event, and it was later expanded to International Space Day in 2001, by former astronaut and senator John Glenn.
National Space Day is celebrated on the first Friday in May each year to recognize the achievements and benefits of space exploration. The day was created in 1997 by the Lockheed Martin Corporation as a way to promote interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and to inspire the next generation of space explorers.
The first National Space Day was held on May 1, 1997, which was the 40th anniversary of the launch of the first American satellite, Explorer 1. Since then, the day has been celebrated annually on the first Friday in May as a way to celebrate the past accomplishments and future potential of space exploration.
The day is typically marked with educational events, exhibitions, and activities that promote interest in space exploration and STEM education. It's also a day to honor the men and women who have contributed to space exploration, including astronauts, scientists, engineers, and others who have dedicated their careers to advancing our understanding of the universe.
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