News

Planetary Geology for Beginners

Fascinated by the latest images from Mars? Curious about how impact craters have shaped the Moon? Want to know how the rocky bodies in the Solar System formed? Always wanted to see a meteorite up close? Join Dr. Jonathan Clarke for a FREE introductory course on planetary geology on 18 November that will cover the different processes that resulted in the formation and current state of the Moon, Mars and other rocky bodies in our Solar System. The course will also include hands on activities in Geoscience Australia’s Education Centre and the chance to examine various geological specimens including several meteorites.

View some photos from this event in the image gallery.

Read more here.
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Expressions of Interest Invited for Teacher Participation in Spaceward Bound 2009

The Mars Society Australia and the NASA based Spaceward Bound (SB) project is seeking expressions of interest from school teachers and scientists to take part in another expedition in 2009. This expedition will be an invaluable opportunity for Australia's school teachers to work with NASA and MSA scientists in the field, learning how to bring new teaching methods on Space Science to their students.

Find out more about the expedition and how to apply here.
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Starchaser Rover Moves to a New Workshop

A few weeks ago the machine was shifted to an exhaust shop, where the exhaust line and muffler have been put in. This company is now working on the brake and clutch plumbing, but it's not finished. They have been hit by - you guessed it - the skills shortage: the manager Lou told me that the employee he had scheduled to work on the brake plumbing has just resigned, and there will be a delay getting a new worker. In the meantime, Lou is doing the work himself, but it has delayed the finish date for a few weeks. I've asked him to try to get it complete before the end of October. Around that time, I expect to transport the rover to J. Lovick's factory at Maddington, where Stan will be ready to recommence work on the seats, airlock door, and side windows, which are the next priority for him. I also hope to try restarting the engine with help from engineer Tony de Groot soon.

In another development, we are ready to go ahead with manufacturing the forward control linkage, a...

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Upcoming Canberra Seminar - Designing Bases For The Moon & Mars

Join Dr Jason Held of Saber Astronautics in Canberra on Tuesday 16th September for a technical seminar and learn about the how a ‘systems of systems’ approach can be applied to measuring the performance of lunar and Mars base designs. Dr Held will share the results of a recent space base design workshop and discuss how scenarios such as space weather events, power outages, structural breeches and life support system failures impact upon the design of bases for planetary exploration. FREE PIZZA will be provided prior to the seminar.

Read more here.
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2008 AME Lavatubes Field Trip & Conference

The Association of Mars Explorers, the National Cave and Karst Research Institute, and the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology invite you to visit the beautiful volcanic vistas of northwestern New Mexico, USA. This trip consists of 2 days of intensive investigation of all aspects of lavatubes on Earth with reference to their analogous relationships to the Moon and Mars, with in their presence & geology, detection methods, astrobiological significance and potential human utilization.

Read more here.
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Spaceward Bound Australia Expedition Completed

The Spaceward Bound Australia 2008 expedition has been successfully completed. Thirteen people from the US, Europe, and Australia took part in this preliminary trip examining sites and facilities for next year’s full Spaceward bound expedition for Australian and US teachers and researchers. Notable participatnts included Dr Liza Coe, Deputy Chief of NASA Ames Education Division, and Artemis Westenburg, Director of International relations of the International Mare society Steering Committee. Sites visited included the historic launch sites at Woomera, the Mars analogue terrain at Arkaroola, artesian springs at gullies at Reedy Springs, the Beverley uranium mine, and various sites in the Flinders Ranges.

Read further reports here
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SBA1 Departs after a Successful AMEC

The Spaceward Bound Australia One Expedition (SBA1) departed Adelaide this morning for a week long journey through the South Australian outback. Participants include international guests Dr Liza Coe of NASA, and Artemis Westenberg, President of the Mars Society Netherlands and Director of the Mars Society (US). The expedition follows the successful conclusion of the 8th Australian Mars Exloration Conference at the University of South Australia over the weekend. The program included a special report on the latest findings from the Phoenix lander from Chris McKay of NASA Ames (by telephone link).
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This Weekend's AMEC Program Released - Register Now!

The full program and details of speakers for AMEC2008 have been released, and can be seen on the AMEC homepage. The exciting weekend of events begin with a public lecture by Professor Russell Boyce titled 'Australian Hypersonic Research and the Road to Mars' at 7.30pm next Friday evening, followed by drinks at the Federal Bar and Café at the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel. This leads on to a stimulating line-up of presentations by Australian and international speakers on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th of July, with a conference banquet at 7pm on the Saturday evening.

A media release and program are now available. Register now and help spread the word!
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Arkaroola Wildlife Sanctuary Sponsors Door Prize at AMEC

You now have an extra reason to register for this year's AMEC. The Arkaroola Wildlife Sanctuary has generously donated a door prize for which all registrants will be eligible. It consists of two night's accommodation for two in the comfort of the Sanctuary's Mawson Lodge, PLUS one of the Sanctuary's famous 4WD Ridgetop Tours. This is a fabulous weekend away in one of South Australia's most spectacular natural reserves.

All the more reason to register now.
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Professor Russell Boyce to Deliver AMEC Opening Public Lecture

This year's AMEC will commence with a public lecture at 7.30pm on the evening of Friday 4th of July by Professor Russell Boyce, titled 'Australian Hypersonic Research and the Road to Mars'. The lecture will provide a stimulating overview of hypersonics in general and Australian hypersonics in particular, including its heritage, hot topics, and future directions. There will be special reference to entry into the Martian atmosphere, and Space Tourism. Entry will be by gold coin donation, and tea and coffee will be served afterwards. It will be held in Room 16 (C3-16)at the School of Natural & Built Environments, University of South Australia, City East Campus, (Cnr North Terrace and Frome Rd, Adelaide.) See you there!
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