04-032
For Release: May 18, 2004

Sallie A. Keith
Media Relations Office
216-433-5795
sallie.a.keith@nasa.gov

NASA GLENN RESEARCH CENTER HOSTS FREE PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE

Explore the inner workings of a research center where imagination becomes reality and scientific research becomes the foundation for everyday applications. Join NASA's Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, on its "Journey to Tomorrow" during a Public Open House on Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13, 2004 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

"This open house offers a fun and exciting way to engage, educate and inspire the public," said Center Director Julian M. Earls. "NASA Glenn is a world class research laboratory with an outstanding staff. We look forward to sharing our accomplishments with the community and encourage everyone to join us on our journey."

The two day event will give visitors an opportunity to see firsthand how Glenn is working to fulfill NASA's vision and mission. Visitors will be able to:

• Meet Ohio astronaut Don Thomas, veteran of three shuttle missions.

• Talk to a rocket scientist, meet an engineer and ask Glenn's technical staff about research and development activities.

• View exhibits on Glenn's role in aeropropulsion technologies, aerospace power, microgravity science, electric propulsion and communications technologies for aeronautics, space, and aerospace applications.

• Walk through a wind tunnel, look down a drop tower and see how Glenn creates a weightless environment and explore six other state-of-the-art research facilities.

• Participate in hands-on educational activities from building a rocket to operating an experiment in a glove box similar to those astronauts use in space.

• Attend a special "Talk to a Scientist" presentation and hear from the "Wright brothers", learn how NASA technology spinoffs are used by people today, explore the past, present and future of Mars and discover Glenn's role in NASA.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase, along with space-themed souvenirs and NASA merchandise. Visitors can also take a photograph in the "Picture Yourself in Space" exhibit or get a NASA "tattoo" at this fun, family-oriented event.

Admission to the open house is free. Parking, at no cost, is available at the IX Center, One IX Center Drive, Cleveland. Handicapped parking is available at Glenn's Development Engineering Building lot on the north side of Brookpark Road west of the I-480 and Grayton Road interchange. Free shuttles to the open house will be provided from both locations.

All adult visitors must present a government-issued photo identification to obtain entrance to the Center. All persons are subject to inspection. Foreign nationals interested in attending should call 216-433-2291.

Media representatives interested in covering the Public Open House should contact Sallie Keith at 216-433-5795 for special parking information.

The Public Open House is part of Glenn's "Journey to Tomorrow," a three-day event designed to open the doors of the Center to members of the community. A Technology Showcase will begin the journey on June 11. For more information about "Journey to Tomorrow" call 216-433-3300 or visit: http://journey.grc.nasa.gov

For more information about NASA's Glenn Research Center on the Internet, visit: http://www.grc.nasa.gov

For more information about NASA on the Internet, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/home/index.html

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