The Explorers Club "Space Stories" Event May 2, 2009

On Saturday, May 2, The Explorers Club celebrates 2009 as "The International Year of Astronomy" and marks the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei with a full day event - "Space Stories.” The Explorers Club sponsored event features presentations ranging from traditional space and aeronautical disciplines to emerging fields in space exploration including many Club members prominent in space exploration.

The day starts with a continental breakfast and coffee followed by a series of presentations celebrating astronomy and space exploration. Lunch is served at noon. A book signing and cocktail party at five o’clock provides an opportunity for attendees to meet with the speakers.

Speakers include:

Dr. Steve Squyres – principal investigator responsible for the scientific activities of twin robots Opportunity and Spirit and the face behind NASA’s Mars mission. Dr. Squyres will be discussing his involvement in one of NASA's most successful efforts - the “Mars Exploration Rover Project” as well as future projects.

Dr. Jerry Bonnell – a scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, coauthor of “The Universe: 365 Days” and co-creator of “Astronomy Picture of the Day” (APOD), a website so popular that it draws well over one million hits each week. Dr. Bonnell will share and describe his most breath taking and awe inspiring personal favorite pictures.

Craig Covault – the “Dean of Space Journalism” will be speaking on his nearly 37 years with Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine as well as his coverage of the world's space programs including Apollo, Skylab, Shuttle and the International Space Station.

Astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao – a veteran of four space flights and six space walks, Dr. Chiao flew as Mission Specialist on STS-65, STS-72 and STS-92, and was Commander and Science Officer on Expedition-10. Dr. Chiao is the recipient of four NASA Space Flight Medals and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.

Dr. Gregory Olsen – is a scientist exploring physics, materials engineering and a holder of 12 patents. After training for 5 months at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Moscow, Dr. Olsen became the third private citizen to orbit the earth. He performed more than 150 orbits of the earth, logged 4 million miles of weightless travel and served as a test subject for three experiments during his 10 days in space.

Dr. Thomas King – as president of the “International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery,” the worlds leading aviation archaeological foundation, Dr. King will talk about his organization’s efforts to find, save & preserve rare & historic aircraft.

Jim Clash – a 16 year veteran of Forbes Magazine, Mr. Clash will be speaking about his MiG-25 “edge of space” experience as well as his Zero-G flight. He will also discuss his book, “To the Limits” and his interviews with our most famous astronauts including Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Bill Anders, Brian Binnie and Kathy Sullivan.

Founded in 1904, The Explorers Club is a non-profit organization that fosters the scientific exploration of land, sea, air, and space by promoting research and education. The Club offers a number of financial grants, awards and actively encourages public interest in exploration and the sciences through its public lectures program, publications, and other events. More information about “Space Stories” is available at www.explorers.org.

Official Website: http://explorers.org/calendar/view_entry.php?id=10791&date=20090502