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We’re making space … for SPACE
That’s because May 1, 2026, is National Space Day. And since our team of web geeks is also full of space nerds, we’ve decided to do a galactic takeover of this blog post that (we hope) is outta this world. 🪐
(We originally published this post in May 2023, and we do our best to keep it updated year to year. If you have additional space things we should feature or check out, send them our way!)
So double check those pressure seals and buckle up tight because our National Space Day celebration launches in 5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1 🚀
This is space! Course, we’re just in the beginning part of space. We haven’t even got to ‘outer’ space yet.
Oscar, Armaggedon (1998)
Why Are We Celebrating National Space Day?
In 1997, the Lockheed Martin Corporation introduced National Space Day as a one-off event—and it’s been celebrated on the first Friday in May ever since.
Whether on the web or in the cosmos, our curiosity for “what’s possible” keeps pushing us towards “what’s next.”
So for National Space Day, we’ve curated a list of fact-based and fiction-fueled adventures to help us all celebrate that curiosity.
And to keep us looking to the stars. ✨
What’s On Our (Space) Bucket List?
If money (and time) were no object, this is how some of the Geeks would celebrate National Space Day.
Take a ride in the Vomit Comet. — John
I would build my own rocket, endure months of arduous physical training to become an astronaut, and fly out to the moon. — Steven
Buy a trip to the ISS (International Space Station). — Jamie
I would have an astronaut-guided private tour (with my family) of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Then we’d go to Kennedy Space Center to see a night launch. — Cathy
Spend the night in one of the International Dark Sky Places, gazing up at the stars. — Rebecca
Should You Stream, Read Or Visit? (Yes.)
If you’re looking for some awesome continued space-age education, check out all the goodies on the Geeks’ reco list.
Watch
- In the Shadow of the Moon
- 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Dune (2021)
- Aliens
- Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 1
- Firefly & Serenity
- Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
- Project Hail Mary
- +1 Want more space movies? You got it!
Read or Listen
- 13 Minutes (BBC series)
- In the Blink of an Eye: Space in an Instant (3-min YouTube video)
- The Foundation series by Isaac Asimov
- Houston, We Have A Podcast
- +1 Want more space books? Check out American Scientist’s post Books About Space That Are Out of this World.
Visit
- CelesTrak – Freely available data and other resources for the space community
- Earth Restored – A selection of the most beautiful photographs of Earth
- NASA’s Moon Base User’s Guide – A map of how we build a permanent human presence on the Moon
We Spy With Our Little Eyes … July 20, 1969
If we could go back in time (a simple slingshot around the sun should do it), then the Geeks overwhelmingly vote to witness firsthand the Apollo 11 Moon landing.
I watched Apollo 11’s Moon landing and Neil Armstrong’s first steps onto the Moon on TV.
I was only seven, and my dad woke me up to watch it. (He knew it was important!)
I don’t have super clear memories and would love to witness that again.
Cathy
We’re Going Back –> To The (Space) Future!
As we peer into the future, the Geeks are super excited for humankind to achieve some of these space-based milestones.
Space elevators! — John
How it’s going: Space elevators are less sci-fi than we think, and we’re getting closer to making them a reality.
It will be so exciting for humans to walk on Mars. — Todd
How it’s going: Check out NASA’s most recent efforts to get humans to Mars.
The day we’re able to travel through vast amounts of space, with humans, in relatively short amounts of time. In other words: light speed! — Steven
How it’s going: Not so good, with most of the blame placed on the laws of physics. But there may be one way to beat the speed of light.
I also look forward to finding a habitable planet with water within our solar system. — Todd
How it’s going: In 2023, NASA scientists identified an Earth-size world, called TOI 700 e, orbiting within the habitable zone of its star.
The Artemis missions. I love that we will be collaborating with commercial and international partners and establishing the first long-term presence on the Moon to get us better prepared for Mars. — Cathy
How it’s going: Pretty dang good! Artemis II launched on April 1, 2026, capturing the space-bound imaginations of people around the world. Keep up to date on all the Artemis missions as we collectively reach for the Moon, Mars and beyond.
Speaking of space elevators …
While we haven’t yet figured out how to get around the prohibitive cost of escaping Earth’s gravitational pull, we can at least check out Neal.Fun’s digital space elevator—and let our imaginations blast off into the future.
What We’re Geeking Spacing Out About
How super is this supernova?
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope captured the prelude to a supernova (also known as the Wolf-Rayet phase).
It’s a bird! It’s a spaceplane!
In 2023, Dawn Aerospace conducted the first rocket-powered flights of the Mk-II spaceplane at New Zealand’s Gentanner Aerodrome.
The Moon’s fab four
When NASA announced the Artemis II crew three years ago, we got all sorts of excited—and it sent us digging through our photos from Space Camp.
Space sustainability
For 2025’s celebration, teachers across the country collaborated with NASA and the U.S. space industry to lead their classrooms through an immersive experience that explores the science and technology shaping our future.
One of the highlights was a Competition on Orbital Space Debris, hosted by Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT), which invited 7th and 8th graders to submit creative solutions and innovative ideas to tackle this modern-day problem.
Interested in participating in space sustainability this year? Sign up for SWFT’s annual event and get their toolkit.
Nichelle Nichols Space Camp
In January 2026, the first Nichelle Nichols Space Camp launched with stellar success. ✨
In partnership with the U.S, Space and Rocket Center, this new program is designed for young women ages 14–18, focusing on STEM and leadership in honor of the Star Trek icon’s legacy.
Space Sponsorship: Young Minds At Work
Young Minds At Work is an annual event hosted by Lockheed Martin to support STEM education and develop the next generation of innovators.
About our sponsorship
Every year, students can experience a day of hands-on learning with the latest technology at Lockheed Martin campuses across the U.S.
As a swag bag sponsor for the 2023 event at the Boulder campus, CodeGeek was thrilled to help introduce more young minds to the wonders of science and technology. 🤓
Learn more about Young Minds At Work
Space Humor
Science is not a boy’s game, it’s not a girl’s game. It’s everyone’s game. It’s about where we are and where we’re going. Space travel benefits us here on Earth. And we ain’t stopped yet. There’s more exploration to come.
Nichelle Nichols
Featured and Space Randall image credits: CodeGeek