The fun and learning experiences of preparing a rocket and spacecraft for launch are not limited to the engineers and technicians in special suits thanks to a new digital activity book available for the iPad. 

NASA's Launch Services Program (LSP), based at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, specializes in preparing rockets and their complex scientific payloads for missions that sometimes take them far out into the solar system. 

That sense of long-distance adventure with a touch of precision inspires all the activities in this app. Peter the Payload guides participants through 24 pictures to color and many other activities such as Word Search, Asteroid Maze, Solar System Match and Planet Crossword. Drawing options throughout the app include more than a dozen colors and are adaptable to young participants but also include the freestyle options for markers and crayons that older children crave as they express themselves. 

There is even a space-related recipe to take care of the appetite built up during all the fun! 

Successful completions of some activities are met with cheers and congratulations, too, to keep kids coming back. Participants will be able to get a certificate of achievement for completing the mission. 

The application was developed by the Kennedy Information Technology Mobile Team in conjunction with LSP. The LSP Activity Book is available for iPad users via iTunes at: 

http://go.nasa.gov/1sx0Em8

It also is available on GooglePlay at: 

http://go.nasa.gov/1AVzKJF

Online, find the LSP Activity Book at: 

http://go.nasa.gov/X4eFNP

For additional educational resources and learning activities, visit: 

http://go.nasa.gov/1y95yGD

-end-