The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM) and NASA invite you to join the Mars Program Update on Thursday, January 13th, from 10:30am-12:30pm EST. Prominent scientists and the head of the Mars Exploration Program will discuss evidence of water on Mars; current Program status, including the 7th Anniversary of the Mars rovers and upcoming Mars Science Laboratory mission; and give previews of the exciting discoveries to come.

Join either via NASA TV or livestream:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
http://www.livestream.com/mars

The last decade was an exciting time of discovery on Mars, with scientists looking for evidence of water. Well, it was found! How did we do it? What does that mean to us here on Earth? What are the implications and plans for the future exploration of Mars? Join us on the journey to find out!

Mars Program Update
From “Follow the Water” to “Seeking Signs of Life”
January 13, 2011
National Air and Space Museum Washington, DC

10:30 a.m.
Welcome
Dr. John A. Grant III, Host and Moderator, NASM
Introduction
Mr. Doug McCuistion, NASA Mars Exploration Program Director

10:35 a.m.
Session I Follow the Water: What Have We Found?
Moderator: Dr. John Grant, NASM
Panelists: Dr. Jack Mustard, Brown University
Dr. Steve Squyres, Cornell University
Q&A

11:15 a.m.
Session II How Do We Do It? Status of Current Missions
Mr. Doug McCuistion, NASA
Dr. Marcello Coradini, European Space Agency
Q&A

11:45 a.m.
Session III Seeking Signs of Life: What Will the Future Bring?
Moderator: Dr. Michael Meyer, NASA Mars Exploration Program Lead Scientist
Panelists: Dr. John Grant, NASM
Dr. Mary Voytek, NASA Astrobiology Program Manager
Dr. Jennifer Eigenbrode, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Q&A