Dr Mitch Schulte, NASA
Mitch Schulte is a Program Scientist with the Mars Exploration Program in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. As a Program Scientist, Mitch is responsible for and manages the science content of a number of NASA’s Mars missions. He has visited New Zealand in 2018.
The 2nd International Mars Sample Return Conference
Professor Kathy Campbell of University of Auckland and Chair of the Board of trustees for the New Zealand Astrobiology Network was invited to the 2nd International Mars Sample Return Conference in Berlin, April 2018, where she presented on the value of returning samples from hydrothermal environments as part of a NASA led team of 71 scientists from around the world.
a – May – zing! The Space & Science Festival is back!
The Space & Science Festival is back for 2017! Now with three amazing events across three weekends in the month of May. Saturday, May 6th – Space & Science Festival @NIGHT Evening event focused on Astronomy with the Wellington Astronomical Society, Bioluminescent Bug Art with Dr Siouxsie Wiles, Science Talks and fun with Physics. Plus […]
A first encounter with SOFIA
I cannot perceive the scale of the universe, but I can perceive the scale of a jumbo jet as I stand beneath it. I’m on the tarmac, surrounded by fuel trucks, wearing a high-vis vest and Aviation Security Service identification tag that says “escort required”. I want to touch something, perhaps a wheel, but I don’t think I should.
Mars once had an atmosphere, what happened to it?
Join Professor Kathy Campbell in discussing the latest NASA data received from MAVEN about the atmosphere on Mars.
New Zealand to participate in a mission to the Pavilion Lake astrobiology analogue site
In June, Dr Ian Hawes, from Christchurch’s Canterbury University will be part of a team working at the Pavilion Lake analogue site. He will be part of an international, collaborative science and exploration team investigating microbialites – rocks formed by microbes – and at the same time developing protocols for real-time management of science activities in missions to near earth asteroids (NEAs) and more distant objects. Microbially mediated rocks have a special place in astrobiology since on Earth they are the very earliest evidence of life, and on other planets where life began and then stopped they may be the only evidence left. It all starts on 20th June. Watch this space for more details!
Final report released: Spaceward Bound New Zealand 2015
In January 2015, the New Zealand Astrobiology Initiative (NZAI) organised an engaging, 6-day expedition for Kiwi educators and researchers, introducing them to the wonders of the Taupo Volcanic Zone in the central North Island. Partnering with NASA and incorporating speakers from all around the globe, Spaceward Bound New Zealand 2015 exposed its 50 participants to […]
Thank you SBNZ 2015 sponsors and supporters
New Zealand Astrobiology Initiative would like to thank the following organisations for their generous support, without which this project would not have been possible: Platinum Sponsor University of Auckland Gold Sponsor Institute for Applied Ecology, NZ, AUT Silver sponsors Blue Marble Space Institute of Science Eagle Technology Group GNS Maori Tourism Mars Society New Zealand Partners […]