DENVER, April 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Space Systems Company campuses across the nation today opened their doors to more than 3,200 children aged six to 18 to introduce them to the wonders of science, physics and mathematics in the space industry through Young Minds at Work day. The annual event inspires children to consider pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees by demonstrating applications in our everyday life.

"STEM education is critical to our nation's future and the global economy," said Richard Ambrose, executive vice president for Lockheed Martin's Space Systems Company. "Students exploring science, technology, engineering and math will be the next generation of innovators and leaders. Young Minds at Work is just one way that Lockheed Martin invests in our children by tapping their natural curiosities and problem-solving skills."

Lockheed Martin employees and contractors sponsored their children at company facilities across the nation. Highlights of the activities include:  

• Mentoring by NASA astronaut Rex Walheim about careers in STEM; practicing docking a spacecraft with the International Space Station; testing space knowledge in the Cosmic Challenge Trivia Game; and launching test rockets – Denver, Colo.
• Flying an airplane in a simulator; playing with Frisbee-tossing robots; learning about orbital mechanics; and creating rockets – Sunnyvale, Calif.
• Hunting for a geocache treasure to understand global positioning systems and working with engineers on an antenna design activity – Newtown, Penn.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, a major operating unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, designs and develops, tests, manufactures and operates a full spectrum of advanced-technology systems for national security and military, civil government and commercial customers. Chief products include human space flight systems; a full range of remote sensing, navigation, meteorological and communications satellites and instruments; space observatories and interplanetary spacecraft; laser radar; ballistic missiles; missile defense systems; and nanotechnology research and development.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 118,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

Media Contacts:
Gary Napier, Denver, CO, 720-224-7955; gary.p.napier@lmco.com
Dana Carroll, Sunnyvale, CA, 408-718-0632; dana.h.carroll@lmco.com
Dee Valleras, Newtown, PA, 215.497.4185; e-mail, dee.valleras@lmco.com

SOURCE Lockheed Martin