Looking Ahead to the Human Exploration of Mars

NASA Assistant Director Rick Davis

Monday, September 23, 2019

 

After the moon, Mars is NASA's next destination for human exploration. Rick will talk about some of the major challenges involved in getting people there, and how NASA is studying Mars from orbit and on the surface in order to meet those challenges.

So much progress has been made, and NASA is getting ever closer to being able to put boots on the Red Planet. It's long past a question of "Can we get to Mars" and well on to the questions of "Where will we land, and what will we do there." Rick will talk about much of that progress, and how NASA is, right now, pressing forward hard to get us there.

For students, we will share the many ways you can get involved with the Mars exploration community and with NASA.

Presentation: 12:00 - 12:50
Q & A: 12:50 - 1:15

M229 Auditorium


 
 
 
 

About Richard (Rick) McGuire Davis

@redplantrick

Currently works at NASA Headquarters as the Assistant Director for Science and Exploration in the Science Mission Directorate (SMD). In this capacity, does extensive integration work between SMD and the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) on deep space policy, including Mars exploration policy. Co-leads a joint SMD-HEOMD study to begin the process of identifying potential human landing sites on Mars, using current reconnaissance assets at Mars. A second goal of the effort is to define future reconnaissance needs which will be required to support human surface operations on the planet. Prior to this, worked in the Office of the Administrator on Mars policy as well as efforts to streamline the way the NASA partners with other organizations.

Before being assigned to Headquarters, worked at the Johnson Space Center and held numerous positions in the Flight Operations Directorate. Has extensive international experience with the International Space Station (ISS). Chaired multiple international panels/working groups.

Was selected as a Space Station Capsule Communicator or CAPCOM in 2003. In that capacity, served as the primary interface between Mission Control and the crews onboard the ISS. Was the Lead CAPCOM for the Expedition 13 mission and Space Shuttle Mission, STS 119.

Led the International Crew Training Integration Group. Group was responsible for integrating the content of ISS crew training with the International Partners, as well as providing on-orbit training and psychological support content for crews onboard the Space Station.

Prior to this, worked as the Deputy Director of NASA Operations in Star City, Russia. Lived and worked in Russia for over three years. Began his career at NASA, as a Space Shuttle instructor for seven space shuttle crews.

Has a BA in History, a BS in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Virginia and a MS in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Fluent in Russian and Spanish. Received numerous awards including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal for work as an ISS CAPCOM. Enjoys running, hiking, SCUBA diving and flying.