NASA at Discovery Days
Great Lakes Science Center: Sept. 18 – 19, 2026
Blast off into the future of space exploration and become part of the Artemis Generation with NASA at Discovery Days, a free, interactive event Sept. 18-19 at Great Lakes Science Center in downtown Cleveland. Discovery Days will feature the incredible teams from NASA’s Glenn Research Center and will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.
Dive into humanity’s journey back to the Moon and beyond as you explore how Glenn’s experts in power, propulsion, communications, and materials are helping NASA build the foundation for astronauts to travel farther than ever before. Explore how Ohioans power missions like Artemis II — NASA’s first crewed trip around the Moon in more than 50 years — and are paving the way for the first astronauts of this generation to walk on the lunar surface, establish a sustained presence, and eventually travel to Mars.
Discovery Days is designed to bring the excitement of space exploration outside the gates of NASA Glenn and straight to you. Come spark your curiosity, discover new possibilities, and see how NASA is building a future where today’s students become tomorrow’s lunar explorers.
What You’ll Experience
- Interactive exhibits that bring the Artemis story to life — including details on the rockets, spacecraft, systems, spacesuits, and tools making these missions possible
- Hands-on simulations that let visitors soar through space using virtual and augmented reality
- Interactive STEM demos, hands-on challenges, and scale models
- Opportunities to meet NASA engineers, scientists, and communicators
- Examples of how aeronautics and space innovations are improving everyday life on Earth
- Inspiring conversations about how you can help shape the next giant leap
NASA Stars at Discovery Days
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson
Artemis Launch Director
Liliana Villarreal
Artemis Landing and Recovery Director
Doug Wheelock
NASA Astronaut and U.S. Army Colonel, Ret.
Eva and Rise Mascots
Eva the astronaut and Rise mascots
NASA Star Appearance Schedule
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Artemis launch director
- Sept. 18, 12:45 – 1:30 p.m. — Presentation in the Dome Theater*
- *Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to 200 public guests
Liliana Villarreal, Artemis landing and recovery director
- Sept. 19, 1 – 1:45 p.m. — Presentation in the Dome Theater
Doug Wheelock, NASA astronaut and co-chair of the Joint Test Panel for NASA’s Human Landing System Program
- Sept. 19, 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. — Astronaut meet and greet opportunity
Rise, Artemis II Moon mascot
- Photo opportunities throughout Discovery Days
Eva, NASA Glenn astronaut mascot
- Photo opportunities throughout Discovery Days
Ohio Space Week
Discovery Days is a part of Ohio Space Week, Sept. 14 – 20, 2026.
Ohio has been at the forefront of aerospace innovation for generations, from the Wright brothers’ first flight to pioneering advancements in space exploration. Ohio Space Week celebrates the state’s deep-rooted contributions to the aeronautics and space industries, highlighting the people, institutions, and businesses that continue to shape the future of flight and exploration. Throughout the week, events will showcase how space technology impacts everything from national security to transportation and scientific discovery. Students, professionals, and space enthusiasts can engage in hands-on activities, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Join us to celebrate Ohio’s aerospace legacy, past, present, and future!
