Blast Off

Fifty years ago the Russians showed the world that they beat us into space, and damned if we didn't resent it. Sure, we landed on the moon first (all conspiracy theories aside), but October 4, 1957, was the day we threw our asses into gear and joined the great Space Race. On the 50th anniversary of Sputnik's launch, the Frontiers of Flight Museum (6911 Lemmon Ave.) will present Sputnik, The First Artificial Satellite, with Apollo 7 astronaut Walt Cunningham unveiling a full-size model of Sputnik. And if you're craving even more astronaut fun, be sure to stick around as STS-117 astronaut James F. Reilly II presents a 7 p.m. screening of The Fever of '57, the story of the space and arms race that was all started by a beach ball-sized satellite. While you're at the museum, be sure to check out Earth From Space, a traveling exhibition presented by the Smithsonian Institute. These special events are from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, with complimentary coffee and “Space Shuttle” cakes for guests; both exhibits run through November 11. Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for children 3 to 17. Call 214-350-1651 or visit flightmuseum.com.
Oct. 4-Nov. 11, 2007