Earlier this month, we celebrated Space Day--a moment to reflect on humanity’s enduring curiosity about the cosmos. At the Intrepid Museum, that sense of curiosity is woven into our very foundation. As Manager of Youth Leadership and Alumni Programs, I’m thrilled to celebrate Space Day and share how Intrepid’s remarkable history connects us all to the cosmos.
One of my favorite things about working at the Intrepid Museum is how often people are surprised to learn about Intrepid’s connection to space… something we’re always excited to share in impressive fashion. USS Intrepid served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1974. During that time, it operated in the Pacific Theater during World War II, did three tours in Vietnam and was the recovery vessel for two NASA missions in the Space Race. In 1962, Intrepid recovered Mercury astronaut Scott Carpenter who flew aboard the Aurora 7 capsule. Three years later, Intrepid did it again, recovering the Gemini 3 capsule carrying astronauts John Young and Gus Grissom.
Today at the Museum, in addition to telling these stories of Intrepid’s role in the Space Race, we also have Enterprise, the prototype orbiter for the space shuttle program. We use this impressive artifact to engage with visitors regularly, through dynamic programming such as our Astronomy Nights and Virtual Astro Live programs. Astronomy Nights coincide with select Free Fridays at the Museum; and Virtual Astro Live programs are freely streamed; both programs make astronomy topics and the latest research accessible to the public. In my work with teens and youth, I teach a variety of topics such as physics and engineering design principles to encourage young women to pursue aerospace at the college and career levels. This is done through our Techs of Tomorrow Summer Youth Employment Program as we all our annual Girls in Science and Engineering Day festival every March.
I personally have loved space since I first watched Princess Leia fight for a galaxy far, far away. Now, as an adult, I get to teach about space nearly every day and I wouldn’t have it any other way. On this Space Day, I encourage you to find your own connection to space. Whether it’s by visiting the Intrepid Museum to check out Enterprise or simply taking a moment to gaze at the night sky this evening, I hope this day inspires you to pause, take a look at the beauty of our universe, and as always reach for the stars!
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