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TWO WEEKS until 2017 International Mars Society Convention

TWO WEEKS until 2017 International Mars Society Convention
Great Line-Up of Scientists, Aerospace Industry Reps & Academics to Discuss Mars Exploration

In just 14 days, the Mars Society, the world’s largest and most influential Mars advocacy organization, will be marking its twentieth annual international convention dedicated to the study of and planning for human Mars exploration. This year’s conference will take place September 7-10 on the picturesque campus of the University of California Irvine.

Leading scientists, engineers, aerospace industry representatives, government officials and members of academia will gather to discuss the most recent scientific discoveries, technological advances and political and economic developments that could help pave the way for a human mission to the Red Planet.

Some of the speakers will include:

+ Anousheh Ansari, First Female Private Space Explorer (banquet speaker)
+ Dr. Dava Newman, Former Deputy Administrator, NASA
+ Dr. John Grotzinger, Former Project Scientist, Curiosity Rover Mission, NASA
+ Mike Elsperman, Director, Space Science & Advanced Space Utilization, Boeing
+ Dr. Scott Moreland, Member, Mars 2020 Rover Development Team, JPL
+ Dr. Mohamed Nasser Al-Ahbabi, Director-General, UAE Space Agency (via Skype)
+ Dr. Robert Pappalardo, Project Scientist, Europa Clipper Mission, JPL
+ George Whitesides, CEO, Virgin Galactic
+ Dr. Robert Zubrin, President & Founder, The Mars Society

In addition, the Mars Society will be organizing a series of public debates and panel discussions on issues likely to impact the planning of future human and robotic space exploration across our solar system. These include: a debate on NASA’s planned Deep Space Gateway project, a panel of leading science fiction writers examining humanity’s future in space and a discussion about the ongoing search for life in the universe.

Also during the convention’s Saturday evening banquet (on September 9th), the Mars Society will host the U.S. premiere of “Rise to Mars!”, an inspiring new anthem dedicated to the human journey to explore and settle the Red Planet. The song will be performed live by prominent Indian-born opera singer Oscar Castellino.

For more information about the 2017 Mars Society Convention, including registration details and the convention schedule, please visit our web site (www.marssociety.org). All main conference sessions will be broadcast via a live webcast (details to follow). Join hundreds of fellow Mars and space enthusiasts at our international convention next month!