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Lockheed Martin takes students and teachers on a virtual journey with the Orion spacecraft

Lockheed Martin, the Space Foundation and SpaceClass announced today the launch of a strategic online education collaboration called Orion's Path. The interactive virtual classroom project will form a link between teachers, students and NASA's human space exploration program known as Constellation.

Orion is the crew exploration vehicle being designed and built by NASA and its prime contractor Lockheed Martin. The spacecraft will be the flagship of NASA's Constellation Program, which is comprised of the vehicles and systems that will carry astronauts to the International Space Station and conduct sustained human exploration of the moon and Mars.

"Lockheed Martin is committed to our partnership with NASA to extend human presence throughout our solar system and we are very pleased to support this new education tool that will draw students in to the exciting world of space exploration," said Joanne Maguire, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. "It is extremely important to the future of our country that we engage students and teachers at every level of science, math and technology if we are to sustain the next generation of scientists and space explorers. We are delighted to partner with SpaceClass and the Space Foundation to deliver this robust educational resource," said Maguire.

Orion's Path is an interactive lesson on SpaceClass -- the only web-based education program using videos and virtual science labs to engage students in research being conducted for space exploration. Lesson contents meet National Learning Standards for middle school grades, and use of the site is free to teachers.

The Orion spacecraft is featured in lively video segments in Orion's Path. Students get an in-depth look at Constellation vehicles and how they will work; hear from a lunar habitat and spacesuit expert; meet an astronaut who explains why it is important to explore the moon and beyond; and learn about making oxygen and water from the resources found on the moon. Finally, students take Orion to Mars and compare the geology, gravity, temperatures and other special features of the red planet to those of the moon.

Lockheed Martin provided both funding and significant technical expertise in the partnership and development of Orion's Path. The Space Foundation contributed additional resources to the site for teachers who require more in-depth information about space science topics. The program delivery is located on the SpaceClass website at www.spaceclass.org.

"The Space Foundation is pleased to partner with Lockheed Martin on this exciting education activity that brings space exploration to a new level of accuracy and realism for students and teachers," said Elliot G. Pulham, president and chief executive officer, Space Foundation. "Orion's Path will help inspire students who will be the space explorers of the future."

The online program is one of numerous educational programs Lockheed Martin supports to encourage and inspire students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers.