Acadiana Cinemas in Picayune is partnering with NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center to host a community event that reaches for the stars.

On Oct. 3, the community is invited to attend a family-friendly and educational exhibit presented by the agency’s center at the movie theater’s parking lot from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The theater also plans to host a private screening of “The Martian” for NASA employees at 10 a.m., prior to the public event. The film, starring Matt Damon, centers on an astronaut’s struggle to find his way back home after a manned mission to Mars leaves him stranded on the planet, according to IMBD.com.

Valerie Buckingham, news chief for the NASA Office of Communications, said NASA reached out to the theater in hopes of bringing their employees and the community together.

“We wanted an opportunity for our employees to be able to see the movie as it’s coming out, and get together as a cohesive NASA team,” Buckingham said. “We also thought it was an opportunity for our youth and families to come and learn about NASA and the Stennis Space Center.”

During the community event, Buckingham said they plan to giveaway prizes and have educational booths available, where people of all ages will be able to interact with NASA employees and learn more about space exploration and the center’s role in sending astronauts to space.

“We’re very excited to see the public so engaged in space exploration and with one of NASA’s current missions, our journey to Mars, the Stennis Space Center plays a significant role because we test the engines that will be on the new Space Launch System,” Buckingham said.

The center, located near Bay St. Louis, tests the RS-25 engines that will be used to power NASA’s Space Launch System for future deep-space exploration. The Space Launch System is an advanced launch vehicle that will carry astronauts to asteroids and eventually Mars, according to previous Item coverage.

Acadiana Cinemas General Manager Michael Odom said they’re excited to partner with the agency and engage the community in a fun, educational experience focusing on space exploration.

“We’re trying to give back to the community, we really appreciate NASA and our partnership,” Odom said.

“The Martian” will be released in theaters everywhere on Oct. 2, according to IMBD.com.

Acadiana Cinemas in Picayune is located at 997 Cooper Road.

For more information, visit the theater’s Facebook page at Acadiana Cinemas, Picayune or call 601-749-8345.