A Celebration of Achievement in Space and Air Exploration

On Saturday, May 2, "The Explorers Club" will honor a number of outstanding individuals who have made their mark in space and aeronautical science and exploration. The event, "Space Stories," features presentations ranging from traditional space and aeronautical disciplines to emerging fields in space exploration including presentations from some of the most prominent individuals in space exploration.

The day starts at 9:00am with a continental breakfast and coffee followed by a series of presentations celebrating astronomy, piloting and space exploration. A full lunch is served at noon and the day closes with a book signing and cocktail party at five o'clock which 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."
   
• Astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao -- A veteran of four space flights and six space walks, Dr. Chiao flew as Mission Specialist, Commander and Science Officer. Dr. Chiao is the recipient of four NASA Space Flight Medals and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.
   
• Dr. Gregory Olsen -- 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. Jerry Bonnell -- Scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center 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.

• 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 interviews with our most famous astronauts including Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Bill Anders, Brian Binnie and Kathy Sullivan. 

• Dr. Thomas King -- As senior archaeologist with The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR), Dr. King will talk about his organization's efforts to find & preserve historic aircraft and solve mysteries in aviation history, focusing on the 1937 disappearance of aviation pioneers Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan.

The event is open to the public and held at the Explorers Club's historic headquarters in New York City which is located at 46 East 70th Street. This "not for profit" event is $55 for adults and $25 for students.

FMI: www.explorers.org