Workshop for the Media on Planetary Defense
at the 51st Lunar and Planetary Science Conference

Everything you’ve always wanted to know about near-Earth objects and planetary defense: A workshop for journalists and science writers.

Saturday, March 14, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. EDT, GMT -5)
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center
Grogan’s Mill

Register for the Workshop
(Space is limited, so advance registration is required for attendance. There is no registration fee.)

In this three-hour workshop, experts will report on the methods and status of finding, tracking, and characterizing near-Earth objects (NEOs) and planning for planetary defense. Plenty of time will be provided for questions and discussion.

Meteorologists, journalists, and science writers will have an opportunity to learn about such developments as:

• Progress in ground-based optical and radar observations of near-Earth asteroids and comets
• Advances in modeling and understanding atmospheric, land, and water impacts of NEOs
• Current understanding of NEO characteristics
• NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirect Test, the first mission that will demonstrate an asteroid deflection technique (the kinetic impactor)
• Functions of the Minor Planet Center, the International Asteroid Warning System, and the Space Missions Planning Advisory Group
• The first test of the global asteroid-impact warning system and plans for a second test
• Interagency and international cooperation on planning for planetary defense
• The status of planning for a dedicated, space-based asteroid detection telescope

Experts on hand will include:

• NASA Planetary Defense Officer Lindley Johnson
• NASA NEO Observations Program Manager Kelly Fast

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Writer's Workshop — NASA’s PSTAR Program: Exploring Extreme Analog Environments to Inform Planning and Operations for Human and Robotic Missions

Sunday, March 15, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. EDT, GMT -5), Shenandoah

This workshop will brief journalists about analog expeditions funded by NASA's Planetary Science and Technology from Analog Research (PSTAR) program. The PSTAR program solicits proposals for integrated interdisciplinary investigations focused on exploring the Earth's extreme environments in order to develop a sound technical and scientific basis to conduct research on other solar system bodies. The focus of this program element is on providing high-fidelity scientific investigations, scientific input, and science operations constraints in the context of planetary field campaigns. PSTAR-funded research is an integral part of preparation for planned human and robotic missions. All are welcome!