New Mexico students learn to embrace space program

[Newsbot]

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico USA — As space shuttle Discovery flew through space Friday, there were some southern New Mexico students who watched their first-ever rocket launch, at New Mexico State University. Many came from some of the poorest neighborhoods, from Bayard to Roswell. A lot them, and their teachers, were opened-mouthed as they saw for themselves just how small the Apollo space program's Lunar Excursion Module really was. Friday's activities were part of a two-day event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the flight of Apollo 14. They were almost as surprised to learn that when you pour water on dry ice it can creates enough of a propellant to blow soap bubbles.

More... (http://www.rocketryplanet.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3543&Itemid=31)

[jsdemar]

We launched about 600 model rockets for middle school students in about 3 hours. (As the LCO, my button-pushing finger is sore. ;) ) There were also several commemorative flights: Aerobee, V2, LJ II, a rack of Mercury Redstones (50th anniversary), Gemini-Titan, Shuttle, and the Apollo 14 Saturn V.

The prototype LEM ascent stage was a big attraction.

Also, the local PGA amateur golf people did a golf clinic for the kids... in memory of Alan Shepherd's "drive" on the moon.

[BEC]

Three cheers (at least) for FLARE and for my alma mater for providing a place to fly. Great stuff!