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When Will Humans Walk On Mars? Come To Boulder And Find Out!

by Alex Kirk — last modified 2008-04-15 17:09

If you've never been to a Mars Society Convention or if it has been a long time since you've been to one, this is the year to attend. The Mars Society is on the move again, and we are planning a tremendous program this year.

WHERE: Back to where it all began in 1998: University Memorial Center, University Of Colorado, Boulder

WHEN: August 14-17, 2008

REGISTRATION: http://www.marssociety.org/portal/purchaseList#convention

HOTEL INFORMATION: http://www.marssociety.org/portal/c/Conventions/2008/11thConventionHotels/

SPEAKERS: We have an impressive list of knowledgeable, inspiring speakers already scheduled. Check the website for updates.

Dr. S. Pete Worden (Brig. Gen., USAF, ret.; NASA Ames Research Center Director

Elon Musk (Founder and CEO of SpaceX)

Dr. Alan Stern (former Associate Administrator, NASA Science Directorate)

Dr. Jim Garvin (Chief Scientist, NASA Goddard)

Brother Guy Consolmagno (Vatican Astronomer, Curator, Vatican Meteorite Collection)

Dr. Scott Horowitz (former Associate Administrator, NASA Exploration Systems Directorate)

Dr. Carolyn Porco (Cassini Imaging Team Leader)

Dr. Chris McKay (NASA Ames Research Center)

Dr. Carol Stoker (NASA Ames Research Center; Co-Investigator Phoenix Mars Mission)

Dr. Bill Clancey (NASA Ames Research Center)

Dr. Robert Braun (Professor of Space Technology, Georgia Tech)

George Whitesides (Executive Director, National Space Society)

Dr. Robert Zubrin (President and Founder, The Mars Society)

Dr. Buzz Aldrin of Apollo 11 fame is also tentatively scheduled to speak

PROGRAMS:

In addition to updates on current the Phoenix Mars Lander, Spirit, Opportunity, Mars Express, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter missions now exploring the Red Planet as well as Mars Society programs, we will also be featuring some special programming. All are guaranteed to be informative and exciting!

Hubble Space Telescope

Why is it worth the risk and expense to repair HST? We will have speakers to discuss the future repair mission as well as the numerous astronomical discoveries that HST has made over its lifetime.

Religion and Space Exploration

What impact will space exploration have on religion (if any)? What would the theological implications be of finding life on another planet? What has been the history of religion and space studies? We will be discussing these topics and many more aspects of this profound topic.

Mars Project Challenge

Finalists in The Mars Society Mars Project Challenge (MPC) will make presentations explaining why their proposed project should be The Mars Society's next big project. At the conclusion of the MPC presentations, the membership of the Mars Society will have an opportunity to vote for the project which they feel would best promote The Mars Society's goal of sending humans to Mars.

Mars and Campaign 2008

What will the 2008 U.S. elections mean for the future of the space program? We will be holding extensive programming to discuss this topic. We also intend to invite representatives from the Democratic and Republican Presidential campaigns.

Web Advocacy for Mars and Generation Y

There has been much discussion lately about why members of "Generation Y" are not excited about space exploration. We will have in depth discussions on this topic and have presentations on how best to utilize the web for space advocacy.

We Need Volunteers!

If you would like to volunteer to help us at the Convention, please contact Patt Czarnik at patt@marssociety.org

Boulder, Colorado will be the world capital of Mars exploration in mid-August! We hope to see you there.

DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE AT IMMORTALITY!
Mars Project Challenge

Submit Your Ideas by May 25th

The Mars Society will be selecting a new major project this year. You can help us decide what that project will be through the Mars Project Challenge. If you have an idea of what The Mars Society should do for its next project, let us know.

How?

Any paid Mars Society member will be able to submit a proposal for consideration in the MPC. All those participating will be required to submit a summary of their project, with quad chart format preferred (sample quad charts and project summaries are posted on the Mars Society website). Each proposal must address a key aspect of humans to Mars exploration and have the potential to stimulate public and media interest. Do not be intimidated by the quad chart format; if you are a member and have an idea, we want to hear from you! Just present it the best way you can.

All proposals will be due by midnight EST on May 25, 2008. Ten finalists will then be selected and announced by the end of June. Finalists will be voted on by Mars Society members on our webpage and at the Mars Society Convention in Boulder, Colorado from August 14-17, 2008.

All interested in submitting their ideas to the Mars Project Challenge need to do so by midnight EDT on May 25, 2008.

To submit your proposal and see a list of rules and guidelines, go to http://www.marssociety.org/portal/MPC/

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When Will Humans Walk On Mars? Come To Boulder And Find Out!