More than 2,000 children are expected to participate in "Young Minds at Work Day" Thursday at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company -- which gives them a chance to experience the career excitement of a global high-technology aerospace company in action.

The wide range of activities includes presentations on what it's like to fly in space and demonstrations of state-of-the-art technology products. The children will conduct hands-on simulations that show how space satellites operate, and see mockup displays of missile systems.

"Our goal is to inspire kids of all ages and backgrounds to get excited about science and technical careers and help address a national shortfall of job candidates in these fields," said Space Systems Vice President and Deputy Joanne Maguire. "We wanted to hold an event that was inclusive of young minds throughout the Silicon Valley. We encourage employees to bring not only their own children but also kids from their neighborhoods who are interested in coming."

She added: "The future of not only the aerospace industry but our nation depends on the imagination and creative energy of the next generation of engineering and technical minds." During the day, children "job-shadow" employees to learn more about what it's like to work at a global aerospace company such as Lockheed Martin Space Systems.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company annually hosts Young Minds at Work Day to motivate young people to pursue science and technology careers. Altogether, more than 6,000 youth, aged six to 18 years, are registered to attend this year's event at company facilities in California, Colorado, Alabama, Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Washington.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2005 sales of $37.2 billion.

Media Contact:

Jeff Richmond, 408-742-7532; jeff.richmond@lmco.com

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin