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Kids launch rockets Oct. 1 in honor of World Space Week

What:
World Space Week is Oct. 4 -10. Students from Battlefield Elementary will launch space week by seeing the 11 a.m. showing of "Space Station 3D," building and launching their own bubble-powered rockets in the IMAX Garden. Each child will make and launch a rocket about 4 inches tall that is constructed from film canisters and contains Alka-Seltzer for rocket "fuel." The rockets will travel 3-4 feet off the ground.

When:
Tuesday, Oct. 1
11 a.m. - Kids see film
11:45 a.m. - Kids build rockets in the Environmental Learning Lab (IMAX bldg.)
12:15 p.m. - Kids launch rockets in groups of five or six

Where:
The Tennessee Aquarium IMAX® 3D Theater - Rocket launches occur in IMAX Garden (behind the concession area).

Who:
Twenty-six 4th graders from Battlefield Elementary - Teacher is David Camp
Source & Launch Director -- Millie Smith, Aquarium/IMAX educator

Why:
To celebrate the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition, the United Nations created World Space Week. Oct. 4 marks the beginning of the Space Age: "Sputnik" was the first artificial satellite to orbit the earth -- Oct. 4, 1957. On Oct. 10, 1967, the United Nations created the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space.

Oct. 11 - Launch of STS-92, first mission for IMAX 3D cameras to film "Space Station 3D"

For TV stations -- the first live broadcast from space was Oct. 13, 1968.

What else:
"Space Station 3D" is filmed by the astronauts and cosmonauts of the International Space Station. The film lets viewers experience daily life on the Space Station as it orbits 220 miles above the Earth and explains some of the challenges of living in outer space.

If you want to get even more SPACED OUT, visit the lab in the Tennessee Aquarium's IMAX Center. Whether you're playing the special space scavenger hunt or exploring a large piece of the actual International Space Station, you'll discover a whole new universe in the Environmental Learning Lab.

The Tennessee Aquarium IMAX® 3D Theater is located in downtown Chattanooga. "Space Station 3D" shows daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with additional shows at 6, 8 and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For B-roll or images please contact Kathie Fulgham at 785-3007or Katrina Craven at 785-3011.

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The Tennessee Aquarium IMAX® 3D Theater is located in Chattanooga. Ticket prices are $7.25 per adult and $4.95 per child, ages 3-12. Admission to the Tennessee Aquarium is $12.95 per adult and $6.95 per child. Aquarium/IMAX combo tickets are $17 for adults and $10 for children. Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.tnaqua.org or by phone at 1-800-262-0695. The Tennessee Aquarium and IMAX® 3D Theater are open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas and are accessible to people with disabilities. Members enjoy unlimited Aquarium visits and IMAX discounts. To join, call 267-FISH.