SpaceFest at Home

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

11 am–5 pm ET

A close look at the helmet visor of STS-129 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman shows the reflection of his crewmate, Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik.
Courtesy of NASA
Tune in to this online festival to celebrate the first US human mission to space in almost a decade.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft will launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, May 27, headed to the International Space Station (ISS). 

Please note: all programs will be held on Wednesday, May 27, even in the event that the launch is postponed.


11 am: Scientists at Home: Imagining Space Exploration - Live Watch Party

Use this link to watch on Facebook.

Join Museum Curator Ruth Angus as she examines the awe-inspiring leap from imagination to scientific achievement in space exploration. From novelist Jules Verne to astronaut Neil Armstrong, learn about how some of the most creative minds spurred unique scientific accomplishments, including human missions to space.  

Get inspired by this dynamic presentation to illustrate your own dream of space travel! The May 27 OLogy Challenge for kids, an at-home activity for students from the Museum’s science website for kids, will launch during the program. Submit your illustration for a chance to be featured on the Museum’s OLogy website!

Did you join us for Scientists at Home: Imagining Space Exploration? We'd love to hear your feedback by filling out this quick survey!


1 pm: Field Trip: Spaceflight - Live Watch Party

Use this link to watch on YouTube, or watch on this page.

Ride along with the Museum’s Director of Astrovisualization Carter Emmart and astrophysicist Jackie Faherty on their mission from Earth to the International Space Station (ISS), to the Moon, and beyond. Like mapping out a cross-country car trip, sending humans into space takes a lot of planning. Weather, distance, detours, traffic, and sightseeing all come into play. Experience the thrill of space flight, see the sites, and discover what goes into planning a successful mission to space.

Did you join us for Field Trip: Spaceflight? We'd love to hear your feedback by filling out this quick survey!


4:05 pm: The Future of Space Exploration with Neil deGrasse Tyson - Live Watch Party

Use this link to watch on Facebook.

Watch the SpaceX Crew Dragon launch live from NASA's Kennedy Space Center with commentary from Hayden Planetarium Director Neil deGrasse Tyson, Museum astrophysicist Jackie Faherty, and Museum Curator Michael Shara as they discuss the future for human missions to space.

Have a question to ask our presenters? Send your queries in advance to [email protected].

Did you join us for The Future of Space Exploration? We'd love to hear your feedback by filling out this quick survey!

In 2020, the Museum is celebrating the legacy of Charles Hayden, whose vision made the Hayden Planetarium possible and brought the universe to New York City.