Lockheed Martin, the Space Foundation
and SpaceClass announced today the launch of a strategic online education
collaboration called Orion's Path. The interactive virtual classroom
project will form a link between teachers, students and NASA's human space
exploration program known as Constellation.
Orion is the crew exploration vehicle being designed and built by NASA
and its prime contractor Lockheed Martin. The spacecraft will be the
flagship of NASA's Constellation Program, which is comprised of the
vehicles and systems that will carry astronauts to the International Space
Station and conduct sustained human exploration of the moon and Mars.
"Lockheed Martin is committed to our partnership with NASA to extend
human presence throughout our solar system and we are very pleased to
support this new education tool that will draw students in to the exciting
world of space exploration," said Joanne Maguire, executive vice president,
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. "It is extremely important to the
future of our country that we engage students and teachers at every level
of science, math and technology if we are to sustain the next generation of
scientists and space explorers. We are delighted to partner with SpaceClass
and the Space Foundation to deliver this robust educational resource," said
Maguire.
Orion's Path is an interactive lesson on SpaceClass -- the only
web-based education program using videos and virtual science labs to engage
students in research being conducted for space exploration. Lesson contents
meet National Learning Standards for middle school grades, and use of the
site is free to teachers.
The Orion spacecraft is featured in lively video segments in Orion's
Path. Students get an in-depth look at Constellation vehicles and how they
will work; hear from a lunar habitat and spacesuit expert; meet an
astronaut who explains why it is important to explore the moon and beyond;
and learn about making oxygen and water from the resources found on the
moon. Finally, students take Orion to Mars and compare the geology,
gravity, temperatures and other special features of the red planet to those
of the moon.
Lockheed Martin provided both funding and significant technical
expertise in the partnership and development of Orion's Path. The Space
Foundation contributed additional resources to the site for teachers who
require more in-depth information about space science topics.
"The Space Foundation is pleased to partner with Lockheed Martin on
this exciting education activity that brings space exploration to a new
level of accuracy and realism for students and teachers," said Elliot G.
Pulham, president and chief executive officer, Space Foundation. "Orion's
Path will help inspire students who will be the space explorers of the
future."
The online program is one of numerous educational programs Lockheed
Martin supports to encourage and inspire students in STEM (science,
technology, engineering and math) careers.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, a major operating unit of
Lockheed Martin Corporation, designs, develops, tests, manufactures and
operates a full spectrum of advanced-technology systems for national
security, civil and commercial customers. Chief products include human
space flight systems; a full range of remote sensing, navigation,
meteorological and communications satellites and instruments; space
observatories and interplanetary spacecraft; laser radar; fleet ballistic
missiles; and missile defense systems.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000
people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design,
development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced
technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007
sales of $41.9 billion.
Founded in 1983 and celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the
Space Foundation is an international nonprofit organization advancing
space-related endeavors to inspire, enable, and propel humanity. The Space
Foundation fosters educational enterprises that bring space in to the
classroom through its Space Discovery Institute, Teacher Liaison program,
annual Space Career Fair, and free online lesson bank for educators.
SpaceClass Inc., a Colorado-based company founded in 2004, is the only
web-based education program combining videos and animated virtual science
labs that engage students in research actually being conducted for future
space missions. Students work online with simulations of technology being
developed for journeys into space as well as for improving life on Earth.
Lessons include Orion's Path, Journey to a Black Hole, Asteroid Challenge:
Target Earth, Bones in Space, and Mission to Mars.
Source: Lockheed Martin
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