Ted Bethune is a native of Petersburg, Virginia. He became fascinated with the world of science during his early childhood. At the age of five, he viewed a national news event featuring Mercury astronaut, John Glenn. He recalls that this experience was instrumental in initially stimulating his interests in the field of science. His curiosity and interest in aerospace technology continued to grow through the early education years. This prompted Ted to read numerous books and research documents.
At the age of twelve, Ted’s love for science developed into a hobby as he began a comprehensive slide and video collection. A few years later, he began to present this information on a volunteer basis to public schools, institutions of higher education, civic organizations, libraries, and the community at large.
Ted established Space Science in Petersburg, Virginia in 1984, reflecting thirty years of independent study and accumulation of scientific and historical information on manned and unmanned space programs. As a result of his popularity, the news media became interested. Ted was highlighted in print numerous times and was featured on a local television broadcast in 1996.
The purpose of Space Science is to educate, enlighten, and compel youth and space enthusiasts to develop a greater appreciation and understanding of space technology.
Space Science is the first program of its kind in the United States. The United States Library of Congress copyrights the format.