Posted by Jeff Berkwits in News on June 15, 2009
For a lot of folks, Popular Mechanics magazine may seem old-school, but their recent June issue – which celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo XI moon landing – features a nice selection of both soul-searching retrospectives and forward-thinking space articles. Of particular note is the exclusive oral history of the Apollo XI mission from multiple key players and an article that asks the question ‘Is America’s Space Administration Over-the-Hill?’
The latter piece starts off with this important question:
It has been 40 years since NASA first placed man on the moon. Not only was the space agency still young, but most of its employees were fresh out of college. Today, less than 20 percent of NASA’s employees are under the age of 40, leading one report to call the agency “mono-generational.” This leads to a disturbing question: As the baby boomers retire, who will get astronauts back to the lunar surface?
All in all, it’s great reading!
Posted by Chris Radcliff in Calendar, Moon Society on June 11, 2009
Mon, Jul 6, 2009
12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Location:
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (map)
1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA
As the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission approaches, Dr. Philip Blanco will be at the Fleet Science Center for an inspiring presentation with restored archival footage from the Apollo missions and lunar demonstrations.
Included with paid admission. Lecture takes place in the William & Grayson Boehm Community Forum.
Posted by Chris Radcliff in Calendar on June 4, 2009
Sat, Jul 18, 2009
1:00 pm
Location:
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (map)
1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11 at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center with author Francis French. Drawing from first-hand interviews with the spacefarers, French will describe in vivid detail just how the first lunar landing crew was chosen against the backdrop of a tense and dynamic race to the moon between two combative superpowers.
Francis French is the co-author of Into That Silent Sea and In the Shadow of the Moon, which highlight the dramatic space events of 1961-1969. Both books will be available for purchase in the North Star Science Store and have been signed by co-author Colin Burgess. A book signing by French will follow the talk.
Tickets for this program are free with admission, but must be obtained from the ticket counter upon entry. Members may make advance reservations by calling (619) 238-1233 x 810, but tickets must be picked up from the ticket counter 15 minutes prior to the start of the talk.
Posted by Chris Radcliff in Calendar, Space Elevator on June 2, 2009
Wed, Aug 5, 2009
Location:
NASA Dryden Flight Research Center (watch on NASA TV)
Edwards Air Force Base, Mojave, CA
The 2009 Space Elevator Games are on! A two-million-dollar prize purse provided by the NASA Centennial Challenges has been lined up, six teams are slated to participate, and it’s all happening in our (relative) backyard: NASA Dryden in Mojave.
Unfortunately, we won’t be able to attend, at least not in person. As mentioned on the Space Elevator Blog:
Because of the logistics involved, mainly the use of high-powered lasers and the competition’s location at a secure facility, it will not be open to the public. At http://www.spaceelevatorgames.org, which is the official site of this competition (or on this blog, of course) you will be able to follow all of the events as they are happening. The competition will be televised, live, on NASA TV.
Can’t wait!
Posted by Brent Bernasconi in Calendar on May 22, 2009
Sat, Jun 13, 2009
1:00 pm
Location:
San Diego Air & Space Museum (map)
2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA
Join the San Diego Air & Space Museum for a talk and book signing by Dr. Sally Ride, America’s First Woman In Space, as she leads you through her personal exploration of our fragile home planet.
Event Information:
Mission: Planet Earth talk and book signing by Sally Ride, America’s First Woman In Space in the
San Diego Air & Space Museum’s Education Center. Talk begins at 1:00 p.m. with book signing to follow. Free with paid museum admission.
Sally Ride’s new book Mission: Planet Earth introduces young people to the changes taking place in Earth’s climate. Beginning with her unique, astronaut’s-eye view of Earth’s fragile atmosphere, Mission: Planet Earth describes how climate systems shape our world, and how a disruption in one part of the system can spread across the entire planet. Drawing on the latest scientific research, illustrated with stunning photographs, the book is a celebration of Earth’s natural complexity and call to action for a new generation.
The companion book, Mission: Save the Planet, is a rousing guide packed with practical things to do to lessen your impact on Earth, such as conserving energy at home, at school, and around town.
Both of these books, and other books written by Dr. Ride will be available for purchase. Only books sold at this event will be signed.
Call (619) 234-8291 or visit the San Diego Air & Space Museum for more information.
