When Is the Astronaut Talk at Utah Tech? Quick Answer
Retired NASA astronaut Steve Swanson will speak at Utah Tech University on Monday, October 26, 2026, at an event called Liftoff: Red Rock to Red Planet. Space-themed activities for all ages run from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and Swanson's keynote address and question-and-answer session begin at 6:45 p.m. The event is in the America First Performing Arts Center on the Utah Tech campus in St. George. Admission is free, and the university says the community is encouraged to attend.
Details are also on our Liftoff: Red Rock to Red Planet event page.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When | Monday, Oct. 26, 2026 |
| Activities | 5:30–6:30 p.m., space-themed activities for all ages |
| Keynote | 6:45 p.m., Steve Swanson keynote, then Q&A |
| Where | America First Performing Arts Center, Utah Tech University, St. George |
| Cost | Free |
What Happens at Liftoff
Utah Tech describes Liftoff as a celebration of aerospace in Southern Utah. "Liftoff is a chance for everyone in Southern Utah — from second graders to grandparents — to meet an astronaut, launch a rocket and gain hands-on experience with the science that powers spaceflight," said Dr. Donald Plumlee, dean of Utah Tech's College of Science, Engineering and Technology.
In his talk, Swanson will share what it is like to leave the planet. The university also says Todd Brightwell of the Southern Utah Economic Alliance and Chris Metts, executive director of Project Alta at 47G, will kick off Hard Tech Week from Southern Utah during the evening.
Plumlee tied the event to jobs in the region. "Many people don't realize that parts flying in space today are designed and built right here in our region by our friends and neighbors," he said. "If we can help a student see that a career in aerospace can start in St. George, we've done something important for that student and for the future of our community."
Who Is Steve Swanson?
According to Utah Tech's announcement, Swanson joined NASA as a systems engineer and flight engineer and worked on the Shuttle Training Aircraft, which simulates how the space shuttle flies from 35,000 feet down to main gear touchdown. He worked to improve its navigation and control systems and to add a real-time wind determination algorithm.
He was selected as a mission specialist and started training in 1998. After Astronaut Candidate training in Shuttle and International Space Station systems, he was assigned to the Astronaut Office Space Station Operations Branch. He also worked in the Robotics Branch and served as a spacecraft communicator for space station and shuttle missions. His advanced training covered spacewalks, the shuttle and station robotic arms, and shuttle rendezvous.
During his NASA career, the university says, Swanson completed four spacewalks totaling 26 hours, 22 minutes and logged 195 days, 15 hours and 41 minutes in space.
Where Is the America First Performing Arts Center?
The center is on the Utah Tech campus. The Utah Tech Ticket Office's maps and directions page lists it at 225 South University Ave., St. George. The ticket office itself is on the building's first floor and can be reached at 435-652-7800. Utah Tech's announcement does not mention tickets or advance registration for Liftoff. Anyone unsure whether to sign up ahead of time should contact the university.
What Is Hard Tech Week?
Liftoff is the Southern Utah kickoff for Hard Tech Week, October 26–30, 2026, a statewide celebration of innovation and advanced technology. Utah Tech says the week celebrates companies and innovations that strengthen national security. It defines hard tech as complex physical hardware and deep scientific breakthroughs that shape the aerospace, defense and manufacturing industries.
The week includes live demonstrations, facility showcases and industry events around the state. The organizer, 47G, says its flagship Zero Gravity Summit anchors the week on October 28–29. Utah Tech says 36 of its students will attend the summit to learn from industry leaders and network. The full schedule is on 47G's Hard Tech Week page.
"Utah Tech University is proud to kick off the week because Southern Utah is already an important part of that story," Plumlee said. "Companies here make components that fly on aircraft and spacecraft, and our job is to prepare the scientists, engineers, technicians and innovators who will carry that work forward."
Sponsors
Utah Tech lists RAM Aerospace as Gold Sponsor; AMPAC and Baxter Aerospace as Silver Sponsors; and 47G, the Southern Utah Economic Alliance, the Utah Tech University College of Engineering, Science & Technology and UT STEM Outreach as Promoting Sponsors.
For more from the university, read about Utah Tech's first NIH research grant.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does astronaut Steve Swanson speak at Utah Tech?
Monday, October 26, 2026. His keynote and Q&A begin at 6:45 p.m., after space-themed activities from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Is the Liftoff event free?
Yes. Utah Tech says admission is free and the community is encouraged to attend.
Where is Liftoff: Red Rock to Red Planet held?
In the America First Performing Arts Center on the Utah Tech University campus in St. George. The Utah Tech Ticket Office lists the center at 225 South University Ave.
Is Liftoff good for kids?
The activities from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. are described as space-themed activities for all ages. The dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology called it a chance for everyone "from second graders to grandparents" to meet an astronaut and launch a rocket.
What is Hard Tech Week?
A statewide celebration of aerospace, defense, manufacturing and other hard tech, October 26–30, 2026, with demonstrations, facility showcases and industry events. 47G's Zero Gravity Summit anchors the week October 28–29.
Sources
- Utah Tech University: "From Southern Utah to Outer Space: Utah Tech University invites community to experience liftoff with an astronaut" (Oct. 15, 2026)
- Utah Tech Ticket Office: Maps and directions
- 47G: Hard Tech Week
Published October 21, 2026.
