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Our Mission:

Educating Space Age Environmentalists

Explore the menu to learn how NGSS or MA 2016 STE standards-aligned instructional resources can foster student understanding of orbital space as a valuable natural resource that must be protected from debris. Spacecraft such as the Fermi telescope, Aqua satellite, and International Space Station provide critical insights into Earth's Place in the Universe, Earth's Systems, and Earth and Human Activity. However, zombie satellites, spent rockets, and other debris objects pose a growing threat to active spacecraft. Utilizing new technologies and public advocacy, we need to clean up the space environment before it becomes too dangerous to navigate.

From PBS Video: Space Junk: Fast Trash

Astronaut Donald Thomas joins "STEM in 30" host Marty Kelsey at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum to test "taternaut" space suits, designed by middle schoolers from Washington, D.C. to protect against small pieces of debris. For video, click here.

NASA: Fermi's Close Call with a Soviet Satellite

Project scientist Julie McEnery thought the mission of NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Telescope might be over in March 2012 when the orbiting observatory nearly collided with a defunct Russian spy satellite from the Cold War era.

PBS: A Year in Space

Houston, We Have a Problem: Dodging Space Debris

NASA’s Scott Kelly spent a record-breaking year onboard the International Space Station (ISS). In July 2015, he had to dodge a piece of an old Russian weather satellite that could have ended his trip.

Educating Space Age Environmentalists: A Pre-K - 12 Curricular Approach

Engaging Pre-K - 12 students on the vital topic of space debris through standards-based lesson plans, activities, apps, videos, podcasts, and projects.

Our Mission:

Educating Space Age Environmentalists

NASA: Fermi's Close Call with a Soviet Satellite

Project scientist Julie McEnery thought the mission of NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Telescope might be over in March 2012 when the orbiting observatory nearly collided with a defunct Russian spy satellite from the Cold War era.

PBS: A Year in Space

Houston, We Have a Problem: Dodging Space Debris

NASA’s Scott Kelly spent a record-breaking year onboard the International Space Station (ISS). In July 2015, he had to dodge a piece of an old Russian weather satellite that could have ended his trip.

Our Mission:

Educating Space Age Environmentalists

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NASA: Fermi's Close Call with a Soviet Satellite

Project scientist Julie McEnery thought the mission of NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Telescope might be over in March 2012 when the orbiting observatory nearly collided with a defunct Russian spy satellite from the Cold War era.

PBS: A Year in Space

Houston, We Have a Problem: Dodging Space Debris

NASA’s Scott Kelly spent a record-breaking year onboard the International Space Station (ISS). In July 2015, he had to dodge a piece of an old Russian weather satellite that could have ended his trip.