Johnson County Science Cafe

Johnson County Science Cafe’

NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory – Curiosity Rover Overview

Speakers: Aaron Sengstacken, Aerospace Engineer
              
Date: October 8, 2013

Time: 6:30 pm

Location: Coaches Bar and Grill, 9089 W. 135th Street, one block west of 135th and Antioch, south side of 135th St.

The Curiosity Rover has been successfully operating on the surface of Mars since landing on August 5th, 2012.  A little over half way through it’s prime mission, the surface mission has been both successful and surprising.  Tonight’s talk intends to be a conversation.  The first half will provide a quick overview of the Curiosity Rover mission, from assembly to surface operation.  The remaining time will be allocated for questions about the mission, and more generally an open discussion on the future of robotic interplanetary exploration.

Aaron Sengstacken is an Aerospace Engineer who was responsible for the integration, testing, and operation of the color science cameras on NASA’s Curiosity Rover.  He received his BS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Missouri – Columbia, and a Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering from Purdue University.  Aaron worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for the past 5 years but recently relocated back to Kansas City after accepting a position at Garmin.  Aaron lives in Fairway, KS with his wife Allison and two dogs, Buckley and June.  

For more information: biologycctrack@hotmail.com