Recently a highly successful lunar exploration mission was completed. On 6th January 1998 the Lunar Prospector was launched aboard an Athena II vehicle to survey among other things the lunar gravitational field and for the possible existence of water at the lunar poles. The mission was completed on 30th July 1999 with the planned impact of the vehicle into the lunar surface in an attempt to kick up a debris field, which could be observed from Earth.
Some of the more notable findings from this mission will be presented. Further NASA exploration missions will be discussed from the perspective of their role in being able to contribute to the field of astrobiology. Astrobiology has been defined within the agency as the search for the origin of life, its evolution and for its ability to exist beyond the planet of origin.
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A graduate of Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Glasgow, Dr McDonald became an engineer with the British Aircraft Corporation. From 1965 to 1976 McDonald worked as a research engineer for United Technologies Research Center, East Hartford, CT, and in 1973 was appointed Chief of Gas Dynamics. Dr McDonald was founder, president and chief executive officer of Scientific Research Associates Inc. of Glastonbury, CT and before assuming his current position, he was the Assistant Director of Computational Sciences and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Applied Research Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University. Dr Henry McDonald was appointed Director of NASA's Ames Research Center in 1996.
In 1997, Dr McDonald had conferred upon him the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering by the University of Glasgow. He was also awarded the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal. Elected to the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering, Dr McDonald has served on several advisory panels for the Federal Government and is also an accomplished pilot, having trained in the RAF Reserve. He has been appointed a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
No Tickets Required and Visitors are Welcome
This lecture has been organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society's Space Committee and will be held at the RAeS Headquarters, 4 Hamilton Place, London W1V OBQ commencing at 18:00 hrs.
Royal Aeronautical Society Conference Department
Tel: + 44(0)171 670 4345 Fax: +44(0)171 670 4349 email: space@aerosociety.com