The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) pushes the bounds of technology and invention to new heights with their mission for space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautical research. Parts of this history are preserved in national parks or by National Park Service programs across the country.
National parks are home to stellar views of night skies and innovative scientific research and planning on the ground. Today the National Park Service and NASA team up to collaborate on research, data collection, and outreach. In 2016, the NASA Astronaut Corps were officially named honorary park rangers for their out-of-this world contributions to the National Park Service.
What's Happening in Parks
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Spot the StationSee if you can spot the International Space Station as it flies overhead on its journey around the Earth.
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LEWIS & CLARK NHTNewfie NewsFollow the adventures of Seaman Jr., a plush Newfoundland pup who soared to new heights with NASA.
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CRATERS OF THE MOON NM&PLunar Ranger ChallengeEarn a special Junior Ranger badge while exploring an other-worldly landscape of lava flows.
Junior Ranger Spaceflight Explorers
Reach for the stars to become a Junior Ranger Spaceflight Explorer! Test your knowledge and challenge yourself to fun puzzles and activities to learn more about national parks and space exploration. Get a copy of the official Junior Ranger Spaceflight Explorer book to earn your certificate and let the fun begin!
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- Duration:
- 1 minute, 50 seconds
When a NASA astronaut draws parallels between art and science, it's out of this world! Hear from oceanographer, engineer, and NASA astronaut Megan McArthur as she reflects on the Department of the Interior Museum’s 1874 "Chasm of the Colorado" masterpiece of the Grand Canyon, the importance of preserving national parks, and see photos of parks she has taken from space. (Music courtesy of Chad Perkins)
Parks and the Space Program
Last updated: September 12, 2023