Agency To Display Artifacts During "Life At 50+" Expo

NASA would like everyone to look upon its Golden Anniversary as a celebration of its 50 years of innovation and history for the space agency... but it also means something else.

That's right -- NASA is now eligible for AARP membership. The agency is taking the news better than most baby boomers, however.

On September 4, during the opening ceremony of the AARP "Life at 50+ National Event and Expo" at 9:30 am EDT, NASA will present AARP with a photo montage honoring the organization's 50 years of service to the senior community. The montage will include items flown earlier this year on space shuttle Discovery.

In turn, AARP will present NASA with an oversized AARP membership card to mark the agency turning 50.

The event will be held at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Former astronauts Michael Coats, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, and Carl Walz, director of advanced capabilities in the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, will represent NASA during the event.

In addition to the opening ceremony presentation, NASA will have a substantial presence at the Expo to showcase some of NASA's various programs and space hardware. Some of the highlighted exhibits include a "NASA City and Home" Wii interactive display, the Roll-Over Mars Rover and interactive Constellation Program exhibits.

FMI: www.nasa.gov/50th/aarp