This year’s theme, “A New Space for All Mankind,” means that the future of STEM and space exploration is for everyone, regardless of gender, race, culture or social status.

Children enjoyed the Stomp Rockets activity at Purdue Space Day 2017.

The children participated in space, science and engineering centered activities. They experienced what life is like on the International Space Station, built and launched satellites, explored the concepts behind rockets, and created an air filter for the crippled Apollo 13 spacecraft.

A child jumps from one moon footprint to another.

Mung Chiang, the John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering, welcomed the children to Purdue Space Day.

Chiang also introduced this year’s VIP astronaut, Purdue AAE alumnus Mark Polansky (BSAAE/MSAAE ’78). Polansky is a veteran of three NASA missions. He told the children about his experiences in space and how Purdue Space Day provides a unique opportunity to understand what life is like for an astronaut.

Mark Polansky talks about his experiences as an astronaut with the children.

An Executive Board of Purdue students spend a year planning the event. The directors of this year’s Board were Sam Evani (a senior in AAE) and Nicole McMindes (a senior in mechanical engineering).

The Indiana Space Grant Consortium and the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics support Purdue Space Day as well as corporate sponsors Boeing and Raytheon.

Purdue Space Day began more than 20 years ago on November 9, 1996, with around 120 grade school children participating. Since then, more than 8,700 grade school students have participated in the one-day event.

Mark Polansky and Purdue Space Day 2017 volunteers.

Source: AAE News