CopperCon 28 Science Programming
(all information is subject to change at any time up to,
during and even after the convention )
Updated 08/05/2008

(Note: Thursday programming is open only to those who have pre-registered)

SCI-SCIENCE

SCI - MOON RUSH-Humanities Next Great Migration. In 2003 China put their first astronaut into orbit, joining Russia and the US. Worldwide, some fifty nations have an active Space Program and at least six of those are aiming to colonize the moon. Moon Rush is a summary of the world's current efforts to win the Race to Space.
Sat noon-1p, Palo Verde 2. Charles Lesher, Rev. Bonnie Burgard-Ross.

SCI - ENGINEERING A MISSION TO MARS. An overview of Mars, a discussion of the launch and landing, along with a description of the instruments, cameras, robotic arm, and the science experiments. You'll also hear how the lander is tested here on Earth by an expert and member of the Phoenix Mars Mission.
Sat 11a-noon, Ballroom A. Rob Bovill, UofA

SCI/MED/LIT - FOOLISH SCIENCE IN FILM & LIT. It's true that a lot of our early science fiction looks foolish now - but how many budding scientists were inspired by pulps and movie serials? Are they still being inspired by the idea of a "transporter?" Do we really need to be "science nazis" in our fiction or is there still room for wonder?
Fri 5p-6p, Palo Verde 2. Anna Paradox (Moderator), Ernest Hogan, Dr. David Williams, WalterSanville

SCI - NASA SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION UPDATE. Our own Dr. Dave from ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration briefs us on all the new discoveries in our missions of Solar System exploration.
Fri 7p-8p, Palo Verde 1. Dr. David A. Williams

SCI - SPACE-BASED SOLAR POWER SYSTEM. India, China, and many other populous nations want to adopt the American lifestyle of cars, refrigerators, lights, and A/C. Where will the world find the power to drive a constantly growing economy? Only in space can humanity harvest sunlight on the scale that will be required in only a few short decades. SBSP is a summary of the technology to achieve this.
Fri 6p-7p, Palo Verde 1. Charles Lesher, Rev. Bonnie Burgard-Ross.

SCI - UNIVERSITY OF LUNA PROJECT. There will be no Earth-Moon Economy, no Lunar Frontier and no University of Luna on the Moon if we do not learn more about the Moon now, and predevelop now, the key technologies to progress from an Outpost to an enterprise-based frontier. To address this, the Moon Society has created The University of Luna Project. To do this we describe Our Vision, Our Mission and Our Strategy. The various areas include areas that need research now; i.e. Selenology Dept, Energy Dept, Astronomy Dept, Lunar Technology Dept. There are many more areas that need study such as Materials, Architecture, Agriculture and Biosphere, Arts, Transportation, Sports, Medicine, etc. This presentation will address each of these and others. Come join the search for better ways to build a Lunar Civilization.
Sun 1p-2p, Ballroom A. Craig Porter

SCI - WONDROUS TITAN FROM NASA's CASSINI MISSION. A lot of great results have been coming from Titan thanks to NASA's Cassini-Huygens mission. Dr. Dave will go into more detail about what we are learning about the lakes, rivers and craters on this mysterious moon.
Sun 11a-noon, Palo Verde 1. Dr. David A. Williams.

SCI/SOC - WOULD YOU GO INTO SPACE? Bill Shatner reportedly turned down the opportunity to fly on Virgin's first passenger flight but Sigourney Weaver has already booked her ticket. Would you go if you could? And why?
Sun 10a-11a, Palo Verde 1. Anna Paradox (Moderator), Patrick Connors, Charles Lesher, Walter Sanville.