For more information, visit: http://exploration.nasa.gov/
America's plans for opening the space frontier -- including new human exploration of Earth's moon and future voyages into the solar system beyond -- are featured in an interactive exhibit scheduled to tour Connecticut for three weeks beginning May 14.

"We hope the multimedia experience helps people better understand how the country plans to explore the moon and journey beyond in the next decade or so," said outreach coordinator Keyke Reed, an exhibit spokesperson from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.

The four-stop Connecticut tour kicks off May 14 at Baldwin Center in Stratford, Conn. It continues at the Two Rivers Magnet Middle School in Manchester, Conn., May 20-22; Imagine Nation Children's Museum in Bristol, Conn., May 27-29; and Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., June 3-4.

"The exhibit simulates a breathtaking visit to the first destination on America's new journey into the solar system: Earth's moon," Reed said. "Interactive control panels and activity station, immersive 3D imagery and audio effects will plunge visitors into a not-too-distant future on the moon. They'll discover what it will be like to live and work on the surfaces of other worlds - and how it will benefit life back home on Earth."
NASA staffers will be available at each tour stop to answer questions and discuss some of the thousands of technologies used on Earth as a result of years of space-based research and development by the agency and its partners. "Exhibit visitors can learn how our quality of life improves when America's space exploration activities refine existing technologies and develop new breakthroughs in areas such as power generation, computer technology, communications, networking and robotics," Reed said. "They'll also learn how other advanced technologies are increasing the safety and reliability of space transportation systems, while also reducing costs."
Touring the NASA Exploration Experience exhibit takes approximately 10 minutes. The exhibit is free and wheelchair-accessible.
NASA's Marshall Center manages the traveling exhibit for the agency's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate in Washington.

What is the Growth Network? The Connecticut Growth Network is a discussion and action forum of statewide leaders, consisting of small peer-led, local networking groups or cells. Each local cell is comprised of technology executives, entrepreneurs, investors and professional service providers with an interest in discussing the issues affecting Connecticut’s technology future. Local cells also introduce groups of tech leaders for the purpose of possible business collaboration, development and assistance. The Connecticut Growth Network was established by the Connecticut Technology Council in 2004.

The Growth Network, at its best, connects companies, entrepreneurs, investors or dealmakers and creates an involved community of concerned leaders in the technology industry. Once a month, over breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Local Cell Leaders convene five to fifteen friends or colleagues to discuss a specific issue -- an important issue facing their companies, communities, or the State. Occasionally, a guest speaker is invited. And sometimes, there is no planned program, but just a desire to revisit with peers and help solve a pressing issue.

For meeting details, visit the calendar at, www.ct.org