Please distribute this message to anyone and everyone you know interested in this topic.

 

Both lectures will be held in 102 Chambers Building on the Penn State University Park campus.  For maps and directions to and around campus, please visit: http://www.psu.edu/ur/visitors.html.

 

The PSU Mars Society Presents - Lectures on Space Exploration

The PSU Mars Society will be hosting two upcoming lectures on the topic of space exploration.  At both lectures you can also learn about the Mars Society, and how you can get involved.  Attendees of either lecture will be able to register for membership in the International Mars Society for a discounted rate!

 

X-Prize Cup – An International Space University Experience – Tuesday Dec. 2 at 7:30pm in 102 Chambers

Want to make $10 million?  Try the X-Prize!  The X-Prize will be awarded to the first team to successfully and safely launch a human to 100km, and repeat the feat within two weeks.  Ryan Kobrick, a current Penn State graduate student and recent International Space University graduate, completed an internship with the X-Prize Foundation.  While at XPF, Ryan worked with Dr. Peter Diamandis to develop the X-Prize Cup, a follow-on competition to the X-Prize.  Ryan will introduce the International Space University and discuss the current status of both the X-Prize and the X-Prize Cup.

 

The Future of Space Exploration – Moving on and Looking Forward – Thursday Dec. 4 at 7:30pm in 102 Chambers

Kevin Sloan, President of the PSU Mars Society, will be discussing the future of space exploration from several perspectives.  This presentation will cover how a post-Columbia NASA is responding to criticism that it has no legitimate goals.  With this apparent downfall of the U.S. space program, other space agencies from around the world are moving into the spotlight.  Recently, China became the third country capable of independent human space launch.  What does this mean for the future of space exploration?  Also, find out how private groups such as the Mars Society are helping to influence the future.

 

Reduced Rates for Membership in International Mars Society –

At each lecture you can register for membership in the International Mars Society.  Although this is not required for membership in the PSU Chapter, I highly encourage it.  If you register at the event, you can receive a special discounted membership rate of $12.50 for students and $25 for non-students (as compared to $25 and $50 normally).  You can pay with cash, check or credit card.  I would like for everyone involved in the PSU Chapter to register; membership dues are very helpful for the international organization.  I would also bet that a strong membership drive would help our chances of getting the crew rotation at the Mars Desert Research Station in March.

 

For more information, email Jonathan Trump (jonno@...) or visit http://www.psums.org.