Focus
NSSTI's primary objective is to stimulate public knowledge of space science and technology and its contribution to the nation's security and economic strength in the 21st century. NSSTI is striving to make space more accessible to the general population with special emphasis on the generations of younger people who are our future. Increased support in these areas will produce a better-prepared knowledge-based workforce and therefore contribute to significant discoveries, leading to important practical applications that will secure our Nation's position as a leader for the free world today and for the tomorrows to come.

Education and Research Programs
NSSTI is actively piloting innovative science education programs in the Pikes Peak region. Our Star Light--Star Bright Observatory is open monthly for free evening observing by students, teachers, and members of the public; NSSTI's telescope loan program places 8" telescopes into the hands of teachers in order to support classroom studies in astronomy; and the Rocky Mountain Space Science Summer Workshop for Middle School students rounds out NSSTI's education and public outreach programs designed to inspire young people through active involvement in the space sciences. To learn more about any of these educational programs, just contact norm.black@nssti.org.

NSSTI also is engaged in innovative infrared instrumentation research and development. The infrared cloud monitor developed and successfully demonstrated for application by the Air Force deep space surveillance system has been updated as an all-sky cloud imaging system and has been installed at Kitt Peak Observatory to support a remotely controlled research telescope. NSSTI also developed a panoramic camera system for the City of Colorado Springs that is now installed on the Pikes Peak summit house and connected to the internet so users can see real-time, 360 degree views from the summit.

World-class Opportunities. Pikes Peak has important characteristics in topography, geography, climatology, demographics, and economics that make it uniquely superior as a center for infrared astronomy and space science education. A veritable hotbed of activity in space, astronomy, and related technology, the Pikes Peak region currently lacks a ready venue for public access to these exciting disciplines. Addressing these opportunities can make Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region a renowned center of excellence for research and learning in the space sciences - with unparalleled public access. The professionals at the National Space Science & Technology Institute are committed to seeing this happen.

For more information on educational outreach click here.