Launched in 1997, as an educational initiative, Space Day is the first Thursday of each May. Students are encouraged to participate in suggested Design Challenges to provide unique solutions to some "out-of-this-world" problems encountered in space exploration by role playing scientists, engineers, and explorers working on the space frontier. Suggestions for Design Challenges are posted a year in advance. Space Day tool kits are available for educators to help in planning a Space Day Event, including suggested classroom activities, large group activities, and interviews with former astronauts.
