The Cradle of Aviation Museum will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik and the start of the Space Race with a variety of activities during October.

On Oct. 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched the first man made satellite into orbit, called Sputnik. Sputnik's launch sparked a revolution of sorts in the United States in our focus on science and technology and started the Space Race, which ended with Apollo 11's landing on the moon. Long Island long known as "the cradle of aviation" could proudly take on the title, "cradle of aerospace," with the work and advancements made by local companies like Grumman, Republic Aviation and Sperry to name a few.

The Cradle is home to one of the few, full size replicas of the Sputnik which will be prominently displayed for the month of October allowing visitors to get an up close view of a piece of history. The Cradle's Sputnik was a gift from the Russian Government to the museum and has been a prized piece of its extensive collection helping to tell the story of the Space Race.

On Oct. 4 enjoy a special evening with Sputnik, featuring Paul Dickson, author of the book Sputnik, the Shock of the Century. There will be a dinner and lecture. For reservations call 572-4066. Also on Oct. 4 at 9 p.m. don't miss a free concert. For information call 572-4066.

On Oct. 5, help honor all Long Island aerospace workers past and present. Enjoy free admission to museum galleries for all aerospace workers. A special ceremony will take place at noon. On Oct. 6 and 7, get an up close view of the Sputnik itself and then make your own Sputnik satellite.

On Oct. 13 and 14, learn about the United States first manned space program, Project Mercury, and build your own Mercury capsule. Then on Oct. 20 and 21 is Gemini weekend, the next step in the space program where two man crews performed the first space walks. You'll be able to make your own Gemini spaceship and launch it on our levitator track.

On Oct. 27 and 28, celebrate the success in winning the Space Race during Apollo weekend where you'll be able to visit the Cradle's Lunar Module and then build your own Apollo spacecraft.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum is home to over 75 air and spacecraft, which will take you through over 100 years of aviation history. The museum is located on Museum Row, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, in the Garden City/Uniondale area. Space Race month activities are free with museum admission. For more information, call 572-4111 or visit www.cradleofaviation.org.