“Rovers and the Exploration of Mars: Past, Present, and Future”
Dr. Ashley W. Stroupe
Speaker – Dr. Ashley W. Stroupe, Mars Science Laboratory Assistant Mission Chief, Jet Propulsion
Laboratory –
Jet Propulsion Laboratory began exploring Mars using rovers in 1997, with the “Sojourner” rover on the Pathfinder Mission. The “Spirit” and “Opportunity” rovers were subsequently deployed in 2004. And now, since 2012, the “Curiosity” Rover has been doing advanced biochemistry. Dr. Stroupe will show and discuss all of these rover missions: the technology, the science, and some of the many adventures and misadventures, focusing on the latest developments and plans for the future. She will describe her experiences driving a rover on Mars from a control center several light-minutes away in Pasadena. Dr. Stroupe has a B.S. in Physics from Harvey Mudd College, an MS in Electrical Engineering from George Mason University, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University. She has been involved in rover operations since 2004.
Introduction: Tom Helliwell
Fellowship: Don McDonald
Greeters: Lori McGrath, Tom Helliwell