Following a 10 month journey, the NASA MAVEN spacecraft has arrived at Mars. CU’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics has been working towards this event for many years. An unexpected bonus is the arrival at Mars of another visitor – Comet Siding Spring. In this presentation, I’ll describe the mission and how MAVEN science will help us better understand the history of Mars.

Bill Possel is currently the Director of Mission Operations and Data Systems at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He has over thirty years of experience in space system management, development, and operations with the Air Force, National Reconnaissance Office, and NASA. Prior to his appointment at LASP, he served in the Air Force, completing his service at the rank of Colonel. During his Air Force career he managed numerous space system developments, launch vehicle programs and directed spacecraft operations at ground stations in Denver and United Kingdom.

The meeting will be at the IHOP Restaurant. 2040 Ken Pratt Boulevard, Longmont, Please join us for for coffee, dinner or just desert around 6 pm; The general meeting and presentation will begin at 7 pm.