Nat/Sci Zoom: Race to Space

Race to Space: The Moon, Mars, Saturn and Beyond
Three Zoom Sessions
Mon., Nov. 11, 18, 25, 2024, 6:30-8:30 pm MT

This year could be a milestone year for the future of space exploration. We’re making headway in sending humans back to the moon. We’re building a spacecraft that will serve in the initial steps to take humans to Mars. Our exploration of the solar system’s outer planets is continuing with the planned launch of a lander to Saturn’s moon, Titan. And the James Webb Space Telescope images continue to astound us all. Exciting times! Join Stephen Kelly, former senior engineer at aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, as he explores these projects and their connections to Colorado. Discover how space exploration costs for low Earth orbit (LEO) have been reduced, how SpaceX has become a leader in the field, and how a Colorado-based company is revolutionizing the transport of materials and people into space. Next, learn what’s in store for moon exploration, including what human habitation might look like. Then examine Mars―what we’ve learned about it and the ambitious plans for taking humans to the planet for exploration and habitation. After Mars, we consider the outer solar system including Saturn’s large moon, Titan, why it’s become the focus of exploration and more on our planned landing there. And finally, learn the role Colorado’s Ball Corporation played in helping to build the James Webb Space Telescope. Plus, get the latest specifics of the telescope’s astonishing successes.

Stephen Kelly is a former senior engineer at Lockheed Martin who lectures frequently on space exploration at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. He is also the past president of the board of directors for the Colorado Aviation Historical Society.