'Space Island' to Wallop w/Open House!

NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility is celebrating its 65th Anniversary with a public open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 5, 2010. Visitors can meet with researchers and see the Orbital Sciences Corporation's Cygnus spacecraft during an open house June 5 at the facility on the Eastern Shore, according to a NASA news release. Cygnus is expected to carry supplies to the International Space Station next year from the commercial Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport next year after the space shuttle fleet is retired.

Exhibits, tours and demonstrations will be conducted during the event highlighting the many research activities by NASA at Wallops. Visitors will be able to go inside the sounding rocket payload facility, engineering and scientific balloon labs and the range control center. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport pads may be closed due to commercial space launch construction activities however.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, that are performing in the Ocean City Air Show will be departing and arriving from Wallops throughout the afternoon. Gates will be opening at 9:30 a.m. Just take the 'Space Highway' Route 13 north from Virginia Beach, Va. if your coming from the South or flying into Norfolk's airport.