Bring Your Child to Work Day: Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Innovators

In an era where technology and innovation are at the forefront of societal progress, fostering an early interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is more crucial than ever, particularly as we seek to usher in a new era of exploration in the rapidly expanding new space economy.

The Importance of STEM in Today's World

STEM education is the backbone of modern innovation. It equips students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are essential in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. By exposing children to STEM fields early on, we can nurture their curiosity and encourage them to pursue careers that will shape the future.

At Sierra Space, we believe in the power of inspiration and the importance of nurturing curiosity from a young age. This year, we were thrilled to host our annual "Take Your Child to Work Day," event designed to give our team members' children a glimpse into the exciting world of space exploration and aerospace engineering.

"Take Your Child to Work Day" at Sierra Space is more than just a fun event; it's an opportunity to inspire the next generation of space explorers, engineers, and scientists. By giving children a firsthand look at the exciting work we do, we hope to ignite their passion for and encourage them to dream big.

The Space Industry: A Frontier of Endless Possibilities

The space industry, offers a unique and exciting avenue for STEM exploration - none more so in a new commercial era of space exploration with new possibilities presenting all manner of space professions for the next generation. From launching satellites and exploring distant planets to developing cutting-edge technologies for space travel, the possibilities are endless. By bringing children into this world, we can show them the tangible impact of STEM on our understanding of the universe and our place within it.

For the 2025 "Take Your Child to Work Day" across five of our national sites, parents have been hosting their children and offering a glimpse into their professional lives while also inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and space explorers.

With nearly 200 participants, children spent the day learning more about their parents' professional pursuits, their life at Sierra Space, and the modern space industry.

Interactive Workshops and Hands-On Activities

To make the day truly memorable, we organized a series of interactive workshops and hands-on activities. The children had the opportunity to:

Take a Tour: Guided by our engineers and subject matter experts, our guests had the chance to tour our production facilities across multiple locations and view our vast range of hardware - from the second Dream Chaser spaceplane to space station components and solar arrays in production.

LIFE in Space: Using a combination of state-of-the-art VR technology and in-space hardware, including our full scale LIFE module, the children embarked on their own virtual space missions. This immersive experience sparked their imaginations and gave them a taste of the adventures that await in space.

Design a Spacesuit: Putting our visitors' design skills to the test, each child had the opportunity to design their own spacesuit combining artistic flair with the practical insights of life in space.

Ready for Launch: Using only the most basic craft supplies coupled with their engineering ingenuity, the children were challenged to construct their own mini rockets before watching their creations soar into the sky.

An Investment in the Future

"Bring Your Child to Work Day" is more than just a fun outing; it's an investment in the future. By opening the doors to the world of STEM and the space industry, we can inspire the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and explorers. Together, we can ensure that the spirit of discovery and innovation continues to thrive, propelling humanity to new heights and inspiring the STEM leaders of tomorrow.

Sierra Space is dedicated to advancing space exploration and developing cutting-edge aerospace technologies. The company's success relies heavily on the expertise of scientists, engineers, and technologists who design and build spacecraft, develop life support systems, and create innovative solutions for space travel and habitation. By leveraging STEM knowledge, Sierra Space can push the boundaries of what is possible, contributing to humanity's understanding of space and our ability to operate within it.

Moreover, STEM fields are integral to Sierra Space's ability to collaborate with other organizations, including NASA, international space agencies, and private sector partners. These collaborations often involve complex projects that require a deep understanding of physics, engineering principles, and advanced technologies. For instance, the development of the Dream Chaser spaceplane involves sophisticated aerodynamics, materials science, and propulsion systems, all of which are grounded in STEM disciplines. By investing in STEM education and fostering a culture of innovation, Sierra Space ensures that it remains at the forefront of aerospace technology and continues to make significant contributions to space exploration and commercialization.

Sierra Space STEM Education Resources