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Connect with NASA at FAN EXPO San Francisco 2023


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Connect your sci-fi fandom and learn about how NASA explores the unknown in space for all humanity! Join experts and engagement team members from NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley at FAN EXPO San Francisco 2023. Visit the exhibit, panels, and more to hear about NASA’s plans for human exploration at the Moon and missions to Mars from NASA roboticists, engineers, and educators. 

The FAN EXPO San Francisco convention will be held Nov. 24-26, 2023, at Moscone Center West in San Francisco. 

NASA Booth 

The NASA booth can be found by the main entrance of the convention show floor, at booth #607. Stop by to talk to our experts, learn about upcoming missions, and much more! Event attendees will also have a chance to take a photo with a full-size model of VIPER, NASA’s first robotic Moon rover. Shared posts on X, Facebook, and Instagram using the tag #MoonRoverAndMe may appear on NASA social media accounts during or after the event! 

NASA Panel Schedule 

Bots Before Boots: VIPER – NASA’s First Robotic Moon Rover Mission 

1:45 p.m. PST Saturday, Nov. 24 

Theater #5 (Room 2006)   

Launching in late 2024, VIPER will explore ancient craters at the lunar South Pole to unravel the mysteries of the Moon’s water and inform future human exploration of the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis missions.  

Panelists: 

  • Loretta Falcone, Lead Mission Planner 
  • Terry Fong, Director of the Intelligence Robotics Group 
  • Ryan Vaughan, Systems Engineer 

Moderator: Cara Dodge, Public Engagement Lead 

Boots on the Moon! NASA’s Next Step in Human Exploration 

2:45 p.m. PST Saturday, Nov. 24 

Theater #5 (Room 2006)   

With the Artemis missions, NASA will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and inspiration for a new generation of explorers.  

Panelists: 

  • Parul Agrawal, Ames Lead for Orion Spacecraft Operations   
  •  Lara Lash, Aerospace Engineer   
  •  Seth Schisler, Technology Manager  

Moderator: Arezu Sarvestani, Public Affairs Specialist 

For News Media 

Members of the news media interested in covering this topic should reach out to the NASA Ames newsroom

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      “The NASA and contractor workforce at NASA Stennis is second to none when it comes to propulsion testing,” Schuyler said. “Many of the current employees have been involved in rocket engine testing for over 30 years, and newer workers are being trained under these seasoned professionals.”
      For information about NASA’s Stennis Space Center, visit: 
      Stennis Space Center – NASA 
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