Nobody can tell how many schoolchildren will be inspired by an unusual convention Utah next week, according to Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.

The session is the 19th annual planetary congress of the Association of Space Explorers, a group made up of space flight veterans. The association's Salt Lake City meeting marks only the second time the astronauts and cosmonauts have gathered in the United States.

The association includes 250 space explorers from 29 nations who have orbited Earth.

The group's stated goals are to promote the benefits of space science and exploration; promote education in science and engineering and inspire students at all levels; foster environmental awareness; and encourage international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.

The last time the association met in this country was 12 years ago, said Michael Sullivan, press liaison for the Governor's Office of Economic Development. This year's theme, "Our Destiny in Space, Worlds Without Borders," was suggested by Huntsman, according to a fact sheet.

Among the group's planned events are visits to all school districts throughout Utah, as well as some universities and colleges.

Former Sen. Jake Garn — who flew in space aboard space shuttle Discovery in 1984 and is hosting the session — said the most exciting part of the meeting as far as he's concerned is that Wednesday is an outreach day.

When astronauts and cosmonauts visit schools throughout Utah, children in far-flung districts can learn from their experiences, he said.

Huntsman said it's impossible to know how many children will be reached by the visits, and that some may have their lives changed by this contact with space explorers.

In a ceremony in his office Thursday, the governor signed a declaration that Oct. 9-14 is "Space Exploration Week" in Utah. He noted that Garn is not only his political hero but "the walking embodiment of space exploration."

Mike Kahn, vice president of ATK Thiokol Space Launch Systems, presented Huntsman with a model of the next generation launch vehicle, to lift astronauts into space and toward the moon after the shuttle fleet is retired.

"It's what I'm going to the moon on," Garn quipped.

Huntsman indicated that wouldn't surprise him.

Kahn said the first stage of the new vehicle "is built here in Utah." That section of the system is one of the boosters now used to lift the space shuttle.