Museum Hosts Live Programming for NASA's Mars Launch

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Features Live Video Q&A with Experts at Kennedy Space Center November 23, 25, and 26, Plus Live Launch Coverage on November 26

DENVER-November 16, 2011- NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission will launch the rover  Curiosity-the largest mobile spacecraft ever launched to another planet-to Mars on Saturday, November 26.  The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is offering interactive programming November 23, 25, and 26, plus special launch coverage on November 26. All programs are included FREE with Museum admission.

Live, Interactive Programming with Space Experts-November 23, 25, and 26
The Museum will host live, interactive video programming from NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, in partnership with NASA, the Virginia Air and Space Center, and the National Institute of Aerospace. Dr. Steve Lee, the Museum's curator of planetary science, will host the live broadcasts from the space center with a variety of scientists, engineers, educators, and NASA officials who will answer questions from audiences at multiple museums, the KSC Visitor Complex, and online participants. 

The live broadcasts are scheduled at the following times:

• Wednesday, November 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Friday, November 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, November 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be two 30-minute audience Q&A sessions each day between the experts at KSC and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science audiences. For a complete schedule, including names of the speakers, click here.  Eddie Goldstein, the Museum's senior space science educator, Dave Cuomo, assistant space science coordinator, and Dr. Dimitri Klebe, a Museum space science content expert, will act as local hosts in Denver and provide Museum visitors with background information on the Curiosity launch and mission.

Live Launch Coverage-November 26
The launch is scheduled for 8:02 a.m. The Museum will open at 6:45 a.m. and will host live launch coverage, beginning at 7:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 26. This event is FREE with Museum admission. A direct NASA video feed of the launch will be available. This will be hosted by Eddie Goldstein and Zach Richards from United Launch Alliance.

Local Aerospace Connections and Mission Purpose

The Curiosity spacecraft will be carried aloft onboard an Atlas V rocket, provided by Centennial-based United Launch Alliance. Littleton-based Lockheed Martin Space Systems built the spacecraft's heat shield and entry-shell at its Waterton Canyon facility. During its two-year mission, Curiosity will analyze dozens of samples drilled from rocks or scooped from the ground as it explores with greater range and capabilities than any previous Mars rover. Carrying the most advanced payload of scientific gear ever used on the surface of Mars, Curiosity aims to assess whether Mars is, or ever was, an environment able to support microbial life. 

Additional Information

MSL mission-http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/

Mission status-http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av028/status.html

Live interactive video programming-http://www.livestream.com/marsrover

Museum programming-www.dmns.org

Press Contact

Charlotte Hurley, Public Relations Coordinator, charlotte.hurley@dmns.org / 303.370.6407

About the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain Region's leading resource for informal science education. A variety of engaging exhibits, discussions and activities help Museum visitors celebrate and understand the natural wonders of Colorado, Earth and the universe. The Museum is located at 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205.  To learn more about the Museum, check www.dmns.org, or call 303-370-6000.
 
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Many of the Museum's educational programs and exhibits are made possible in part by the citizens of the seven-county metro area through the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District.