By Brooke Edwards
When I was a young girl, my biggest source of inspiration for my space passion was trips to local science museums. Unfortunately, that is not an easy option for students in our region, as science museums are miles away. There is new hope, however, to bring a piece of NASA history to students in areas such as Manistee, Ludington, Baldwin and beyond. The space agency just announced it is seeking to inspire today’s students with NASA’s Artifacts Program, a module which shares space artifacts with schools, libraries, planetariums, museums and more. All interested schools or libraries, etc., need to do is go online to review their qualifications, choose an artifact and apply by June 30.
NASA’s Artifacts Program includes iconic items
NASA artifacts range from those used by notable figures to hardware that flew in space. This is the 60th time the agency has screened artifacts for the program. Some, not all, of the artifacts included during this period are Space Shuttle tiles, models of the most famous spacecraft and science instruments used by SOFIA, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, a Boeing 747 modified to carry a telescope.
“NASA’s Artifacts program offers an opportunity to encourage the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and math students – the Artemis Generation – and many other space enthusiasts, with these priceless artifacts to share the agency’s awe-inspiring accomplishments,” said Lauren Katz, exhibits and artifacts program manager at NASA.
According to NASA’s press release, the space agency has awarded more than 13,000 artifacts from its collection to organizations in all 50 U.S. states.
How to apply to the NASA Artifacts Program
Applicants, called custodians, will be notified in July if they have been chosen. They will be required to pay associated packaging, handling, and shipping fees for any artifact. Organizations may apply by visiting https://artifacts.nasa.gov/.
Now is the time to get area students interested in STEM.
Brooke Edwards is a JPL/NASA Solar System Ambassador for the Manistee area. She is passionate about all things related to space exploration. Learn more about her summer star parties on Facebook @Brooke Edwards – Solar System Ambassador and follow her on Instagram.
