FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Ted Huetter/Senior Public Relations Manager
T: 206.768.7105 C: 206.455.5360 Email: thuetter@museumofflight.org


SEATTLE, Oct. 22, 2018—On Nov. 2-3, the Museum’s Space Expo 2018 combines the arts and rocket science to explore and interpret space exploration. The event includes evening receptions and lectures, and offers a full day of space-related lectures, VR experiences and performance art with guests from NASA, Mars Society, San Francisco-based Media Art Xploration, and the University of Washington.

The Nov. 2 evening program, “Evidence of Space Exploration...on Earth,” features NASA insider and photographer Michael Soluri; the Nov. 3 evening program, “The Potential for Human Exploration of Mars,” will be with Dr. Robert Zubrin, co-founder of the Mars Society. Daytime programs are free with Museum admission; the evening programs are ticketed separately.

SCHEDULE
Friday, Nov. 2
5:30- 9 p.m.
"Evidence of Space Exploration...on Earth"
Cocktail reception, lecture and book signing with photographer and author Michael Soluri.
NASA offered Michael Soluri rare access to restricted areas of training and research facilities before space missions. His photos capture the places where spacebound objects are crafted and assembled, and the people who train for journeys beyond Earth.

Soluri will also sign copies of his book, Infinite Worlds: The People and Places of Space Exploration, published by Simon & Schuster. Tickets: $15 General, $10 Museum Members

More about this event

Saturday, Nov. 3
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MarsVR Project: Virtual Reality demos by the Mars Society
Mars Society, the world's largest and most influential space advocacy organization dedicated to the human exploration and settlement of the planet Mars, will guide VR demos for visitors ages 13 and over.

The demonstrations reflect the Mars Society’s "MarsVR Program," a multi-phase effort to build VR applications for serious research. The Phase 1 environment will be used at the organization's Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) to train crew members. The Utah-based station has been running since 2001, and represents one of the two facilities in the Mars Society's analog research program to investigate the human factors and the challenges of living and working on Mars.

MAX 2019: A Space Festival: "The Dig" and "Universal Threads"
A presentation by Media Art Xploration, a San Francisco-based non-profit dedicated to using performing and interactive arts to explore a scientific mission.

Visitors can join performance artist Christine Zeurcher during an interactive art work, “The Dig,” as she digs a hole “to the other side of the planet” while wearing a handmade spacesuit. During her dig, she discovers rare materials and uses a HAM radio to send and receive transmissions from all over the globe. Audience members can investigate her findings while tuning into radio transmissions.

Fashion and space exploration merge in “Universal Threads,” a booth to experience how fashion can communicate the story of the universe and the mysteries of space. Discover wearable technology that pushes the boundaries of fashion and science.

Build LEGO Robots
The Raisbeck Aviation High School Robotics Club will help visitors build and program LEGO™ Mindstorm Robots and learn more about being a part of a competitive robotics team.

Huskies in Space
The Husky Satellite Lab at UW is now preparing the first student-built satellite from the state of Washington, HuskySat-1, for its launch in 2019. Members of the University of Washington HuskySat Team are on hand to answer questions about their spacecraft.

Nov. 3 Lectures and Panels
12-12:45 p.m.
“Technology of Planetary Exploration: Past, Present and Future”
Randii Wessen, NASA/JPL

1-1:15 p.m.
“The Mars VR Program”
James Burk, Mars Society

1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
“The Intersection of Art and Space”
Kay Matschullat, Media Art Xploration
Michael Soluri, Author/Photographer
Jim Haven, co-founder of space/art organization Look Up, moderator

2:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Student Mini-Talks, University of Washington
“Designing Landers for Icy Moons”
Mariah Danner, Graduate Student in Earth and Space Sciences
“HuskySat-1 and Beyond”
Paul Sturmer, Graduate Student In Physics

"The Potential for Human Exploration of Mars"
5:30- 8 p.m.
Reception and lecture with Dr. Robert Zubrin, co-founder of the Mars Society.
Zubrin’s presentation illustrates how humans can establish and maintain a presence on Mars with the Mars Society’s “Mars Direct” plan, a cost-effective approach that is achievable with current technology. Tickets: $15 General | $10 Museum Members

Daytime activities, lectures/panels and exhibitor booths are FREE with Museum admission. Separate ticket price for the two evening receptions.

Image: New Horizons space craft in high bay at NASA GSFC, June 2005, copyright Michael Soluri.