NASA and Lockheed Partner in Orion Exploration Design Challenge

At a kickoff announced by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and prime contractor Lockheed Martin CEO Marilyn Hewson, students in grades K-12 are invited to participate in the Orion Exploration Design Challenge to solve a radiation shield problem facing deep-space exploration flights.  The challenge involves elements of increasing complexity depending upon the grade level (K-4, 5-8, 9-12), including teacher-led activities, and student design problems.  All students participating will have their names flown aboard the maiden voyage of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle in September of 2014, with five winning teams testing their designs in a virtual radiation simulator, and attending the launch at Kennedy Space Center; one team may have its shield tested on the flight.  For more information about the Challenge, go to Orion Exploration Design Challenge .