MEDIA ADVISORY: Interplanetary Travel Topic of Next Saturday Morning Science

December 3rd, 2011

WHAT: NASA’s Curiosity rover currently is speeding its way to Mars. A lot of planning goes into getting the car-sized rover to a location 354 million miles away, including choosing the best route there. At the next Saturday Morning Science, Craig Kluever, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, will talk about how NASA determines the best routes for interplanetary travel. In his talk, titled “Actually, it IS rocket science!” Kluever also will cover the basic physics of space flight and field questions about the future of America’s space exploration program.

Saturday Morning Science requires no scientific background or knowledge to attend. The event is free and open to the public.

WHO: Craig A. Kluever is a professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at the University of Missouri and a former member of the Space Shuttle Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C) group at Rockwell International. His research has been funded by NASA, the Science Applications International Corp., Caterpillar Inc. and Global Aerospace Corp.

WHEN & WHERE: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 3
Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center
MU campus

NOTE: Bagels, donuts, juice and coffee will be served at 10 a.m. Seating is limited to 250.