Apr 11, 2011 10:55 PM by Jeannette Hynes
Bags full of NASA goodies won't be the only thing students get when they come to the 27th National Space Symposium this week at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. They'll be greeted by robots, they'll see a mockup of the International Space Station on a model-sized football field, and they'll get a close look at the James Webb telescope.
These space experts attending the symposium say students have a unique perspective on the industry. Children see the amazing photos taken from space and some of them assume humans have traveled to every planet in our solar system.
"I was very surprised the first time I heard that," remarks Aram Friedman, an astronomy teacher and engineer.
Friedman and his colleagues have a challenge to teach children - and adults - about space exploration, both present and future.
"We also must continue to build our robots, because they can do things humans can't. It's also very dangerous in space," explains Friedman.
Satellites and robots in space will help us learn more about what's out there and what's in our own back yard.
"There are elements of the space station that are helping us learn about improving our ecology here on Earth," says Todd Cannon, a NASA contractor.
Also, much of what scientists have studied from above has come back to Earth and into everyday lives. A couple of examples of those studies include easing painful side effects from cancer treatments and advancements in treating osteoporosis.