2019 Las Cruces Space Festival Guide 2 | Friday, April 5, 2019 2019 LAS CRUCES SPACE FESTIVAL GUIDE Las Cruces Bulletin FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS • “Our Place in Space” artwork by • Rio Grande Theatre downtown Las Cruces Space Festival local artists is displayed along- has a strong line-up of events. On side large-scale Hubble images top of the five classic space mov- throughout the city in the “Our ies spread across the week, there Place in Space - Las Cruces” exhi- will be presentations by keynote relaunches bigger and better bition, which will open on Monday, speakers and theatrical perfor- April 8. See Page 4 for more info. mances. By ELVA K. ÖSTERREICH At the previous Space- • Tim Fitzpatrick, artist in • On Friday, April 12, downtown Las Cruces Bulletin port America Open residence for the Sloan Digital Sky Las Cruces will be celebrat- House STEM activities Survey in New Mexico, is creating ing Yuri’s Night. The “Space Walk” Once upon a time, in a child’s led by Explora, WiSTEM site-specific art on the landscape will be lots of fun for the fam- dreams, space was the place to be. (Women in Science, as part of his installation “Hand ily; come dressed as your Floating through the quiet dust of Technology, Engineer- ing, Mathematics) and Made Light.” You will be able to favorite space character, real or the outer atmosphere or planting Spaceport America’s Bill hear about his exhibitions during imaginary, the more adventurous that flag on some far away planet’s his presentation on Monday, April costumes on display the better on Gutman kept the future was the goal of every young 8, at the Southwest Environmental the Plaza de Las Cruces. See Page generation mesmerized. Center. 5 for more info. engineer and physicist. Everyone STEM activities will wanted to be an astronaut. return for the 2019 Las • Think you know space? • Want to escape the noise and Today, that dream has fallen into Cruces Space Festival. Challenge yourself at the crowds? Two stargazing par- the background; young people still the Big Space Quiz on April 10 at ties are being held on Friday, April grow up looking to be engine me- PHOTO COURTESY OF the Game Sports Bar and Grill, 12; one at White Sands National chanics and computer technicians, SPACEPORT AMERICA 2605 S. Espina St., at 6 p.m. Monument and one at Dripping 2018’s champions achieved an as- Springs in the Organ Moun- but space doesn’t enter their minds The theme of the festival, estab- tounding 100 percent accuracy. tains where the NMSU as much. The outer limits of exis- impact that space has had in their Department and the Astronomical tence have lost their romance. The lished in 2018, is “Making Space for daily lives. • Making Contact at the Las Society of Las Cruces will guide Las Cruces Space Festival is here Everyone.” “We were all pleased with the Cruces Convention Center will visitors to get the best views of to bring the adventure back to the The Making Contact event, April response to the first Space Festival run from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Thurs- star constellations and distant forefront of our minds. 11 at the Las Cruces Convention in April, and the coverage that the day, April 11. Representatives galaxies. Center, is geared towards inspiring event received nationwide,” said from NASA, White Sands Missile Southern New Mexico is rife students of all ages to pursue careers Range, Virgin Galactic, Spaceport • The Las Cruces Space Festival is with the history of space explora- Festival Director Jonathan Firth. America and many more space- all about “making space for every- tion from the early rocket research in space-related fields, and offers the “The organizing group planned to related organizations will be on one.” On Saturday, April 13 there at White Sands Missile Range, opportunity for budding astronauts, have the 2019 event take in a wider hand to showcase the grow- will be tons of interactive exhibi- which started in the mid-1940s, and curious minds and science buffs to range of activity, including bring- ing space industry in New Mexico. tions and booths on the Plaza de Clyde Tombaugh’s work at WSMR interact with and ask questions from ing in art and cultural elements.” This is an opportunity for anyone Las Cruces from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and New Mexico State University, experts in space travel, aerospace Event partners include NMSU, interested in learning more Younger audiences will also be en- to the current activities at WSMR, and . City of Las Cruces, Visit Las Cru- about space-related career fields tertained by “WALL-E” at the Rio NASA White Sands Test Facility Representatives from White ces, Las Cruces Public Schools, and what paths to take to achieve Grande Theatre at noon, followed and Spaceport America, and the Sands Test Facility, Spaceport Spaceport America, Virgin Ga- success. by Science Girl’s Laboratory. planned space flights of Virgin America, Virgin Galactic, New lactic, White Sands Test Facility, Galactic. The Las Cruces Space Mexico Museum of Space History, Jacobs Technology, New Mexico Festival is focused on uniting the the NMSU Engineering and Sci- Space Grant, KTAL Community ABOUT THE COVER dreams of the past with the explo- ence and Art faculties and others Radio, Las Cruces Sun-News, Las This NASA/ESA image ration of the future. will be there.. Cruces Bulletin, Hotel Encanto de shows the Eagle Nebula’s , as seen From Sunday, April 7 to Satur- Throughout the week, presenta- Las Cruces, Las Cruces Challenger in visible light, capturing the multi-colored glow of day, April 13, the festival begins tions from leaders in the space Learning Center, Insights El Paso gas clouds, wispy tendrils of dark cosmic dust and the with an open house at Spaceport industry will be offered at venues Science Center, ¡explora!, Cruces rust-colored elephants’ trunks of the nebula’s famous America, ropes children in with around Las Cruces. All festival pre- Creatives, the Rio Grande Theatre pillars. This image will be part of the Las Cruces Space activities in and out of school, fea- sentations and activities are free and more. Festival’s “Our Place in Space” exhibit. See Page 4 for tures an art show across the whole and open to the public. For information, visit lcspacefes- more info. city and a day to explore career The week is one long opportu- tival.com. Credit: NASA, ESA/Hubble and the Hubble Heritage opportunities at the Las Cruces nity for youth to learn about and Team (spacetelescope.org) Convention Center. And that’s just get excited about space and for Elva K. Österreich may be reached a beginning. older generations to celebrate the at [email protected].

PUBLISHER ADVERTISING DISTRIBUTION PAGE DESIGNER Richard Coltharp Claire Frohs Teresa Tolonen Stacey Neal Pam Rossi EDITOR Elaine Sasnow ADVERTISING PHOTOGRAPHERS Alexia Severson ASSISTANT Steve MacIntyre Angel McKellar Las Cruces Bulletin 2019 LAS CRUCES SPACE FESTIVAL GUIDE Friday, April 5, 2019 | 3

A WEEKLONGSPACE EXTRAVAGANZA

SUNDAY APRIL 7TH 2SHQ+RXVHDW6SDFHSRUW$PHULFD 10 am/12:30 pm 2SHQ+RXVHPRUQLQJVHVVLRQ 5:45 pm Resilient Solutions 21 Founder, 6 pm - 8 pm Challenger Learning Center Mission DIWHUQRRQVHVVLRQ Charles Rath Presentation at SWEC 6 pm Doors Open at Rio Grande 10 am - 3 pm Book Signing by Joseph Page 6 pm - 8 pm Challenger Learning Center Mission for ‘Yuri’s Night’ 10:30/11:30/12:45/1:45 Spaceport America’s Susan 7 pm ‘Apollo 13’ at Rio Grande Theatre 7 pm Excerpt from ‘Yuri’s Night’ Raitt to welcome visitors (doors open at 6 pm) at Rio Grande Theatre 11 am/1 pm Safety Team Demonstration 7:45 pm WEDNESDAY TH Alires Almon Presentation- 11 am/1:30 pm APRIL 10 Virgin Galactic Astronaut ‘Space: Our Dream and Our 9 am - 5 pm ‘Our Place in Space - Las Cruces’ Pilot CJ Sturckow Reality’ at Rio Grande7KHDWUH 11:15 am/1:15 pm 2 pm/5:30 pm Las Cruces Space Festival Special Bill Gutman Demo 8:30 pm Excerpt from ‘Silent ‘Get Artrageous’ at Doña Ana Arts 11:30 am Sky’ at Rio Grande7KHDWUH Dance Performance Council (paid workshop provided 7 pm - 9 pm <]]\ Mark McKinnon by Doña Ana Arts Council) Triple Jack live in the Plaza de Las Cruces (VLA) Presentation 7 pm ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ at Rio Grande /2 pm 7 pm <]]\ Systems Go Rocket Launch Theatre (doors open at 6 pm) Stargazing at La Cueva Picnic Area, 1:30 pm Dripping Springs Dance Performance 6 pm - 8 pm Challenger Learning Center Mission 7:30 pm Talks by Magdalena Ridge 6 pm - 9 pm The Big Space Quiz at The Game MONDAY APRIL 8TH Observatory’s Colleen Gino Sports Bar and Grill, S. Espina 6WUHHW 10 am ‘Our Place in Space - Las and NMSU’s Chris Churchill THURSDAY TH Cruces’ Ribbon Cutting APRIL 11 at Dripping Springs 9 am - 10 am Pre-K Planeteers at the Museum at Mesilla Valley Mall 7:30 pm Stargazing at White Sands National 9 am - 4 pm of Nature and Science ‘Hand Made Light’ Installation Begins Monument Amphitheatre 9 am - 5 pm ‘Our Place in Space - Las Cruces’ on Roof of Old SATURDAY TH Doña Ana Courthouse 11 am - 7 pm ‘Making Contact’ at the Las APRIL 13 9 am - 5 pm ‘Our Place in Space - Las Cruces’ Cruces Convention Center – 6 pm - 8 pm Challenger Learning Center Mission ‘Making Space For Everyone’ including presentations by: 10 am - 2 pm 6 pm Tim Fitzpatrick Presentation on on the Plaza de Las Cruces - Hands 5 pm on fun for all ages! ‘Hand Made Light’ at SWEC* NM Workforce Solutions’ Bill McCamley 5:30 pm 11 am - 1:30 pm Challenger Learning Center Mission 6:45 pm (6$+XEEOH6SDFH7HOHVFRSH3URMHFW Magdalena Ridge Observatory’s 12 pm 6FLHQWLVW Antonella Nota Presentation Ifan Payne ‘WALL-E’ at Rio Grande Theatre on ‘Our Place In Space’ at SWEC 6 pm NASA Mars Rover Scientist Jim Rice (doors open at 11 am) 12 pm 7:15 pm ‘Our Place In Space - Las Cruces’ 6:30 pm New Space NM Founder and Tim Fitzpatrick Presentation ‘Hand Made Light’ on the 3OD]DGH/DV&UXFHV stage Curators, Brenda Trinidad Director, Casey DeRaad 2:30 pm and Lori McCravey to talk 6:15 pm Presentation by NMSU’s Chris Churchill ‘Science Girl’s Lab- Science about the project at SWEC Girl in Dr. Von Heister’s at Rio Grande Theatre 7 pm Hijinks’ at the Rio Grande7KHDWUH ‘Contact’ at Rio Grande Theatre TUESDAY TH 3 pm - 5 pm Challenger Learning Center Mission APRIL 9 (doors open at 6 pm) 9 am - 5 pm ‘Our Place in Space - Las Cruces’ 6 pm - 8 pm 7 pm ‘The Martian’ at Rio Grande Theatre Challenger Learning Center Mission 10 am - 2 pm Apollo Anniversary Kilbourne Hole 7 pm (doors open at 6 pm) 1HZ0H[LFR)DUP 5DQFK+HULWDJH0XVHXP Tour (paid tour provided - Satellites, Water and New by Southwest Expeditions) : Mexico’s Agricultural Future KEY 11 am 1068 V (PLO\-RKQVRQDW.LOERXUQH Presentations/Talks/Demos Challenger Learning Center Missions pm /LYHUHDGLQJRIWKHQHZ79SLORWVFULSW:D\ +ROHWRWDONDERXWWKHVLWH V %  %H\RQGDW/DV&UXFHV&RQYHQWLRQ&HQWHU JHRORJLFDOVLJQLILFDQFH Art/Music/Dance Stargazing TH 11:30 pm Tim Fitzpatrick ‘Hand Made Light’ Art FRIDAY APRIL 12 Movies Misc. Educational Fun! Installation at Kilbourne Hole 9 am - 5 pm ‘Our Place in Space - Las Cruces’ *SWEC: Southwest Environmental Center 5 pm NMSU’s Henry Cathey Presentation ‘A 4 pm Tim Fitzpatrick Art Installation ‘Hand $OO$SULODFWLYLWLHVWDNHSODFHDW6SDFHSRUW$PHULFD Trip to the Stratosphere’ at SWEC Made Light’ at Dripping Springs 10681HZ0H[LFR6WDWH8QLYHUVLW\ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Space Walk on Main 6WUHHW 4 | Friday, April 5, 2019 2019 LAS CRUCES SPACE FESTIVAL GUIDE Las Cruces Bulletin ‘Our Place in Space’ Hubble telescope exhibit links art with science

By MIKE COOK will each host between Festival Coordinator tions have been held Las Cruces Bulletin two and 19 images from Alice Carruth. successfully in Italy, the Hubble telescope and The exhibition is coor- Germany and Austria, at- When is the last time local artists’ work. A total dinated in conjunction tracting large numbers of you saw the Milky Way? of 44 Hubble images will with Nota and Hussein visitors, and this is a first You’ll get a first-in- be showcased. Jirdeh, head of com- for the U.S.” America chance to see The other locations munications and public The exhibit is “focused the galaxy that Earth and hosting art exhibits are outreach at the Space on galaxies, nebulas and our entire solar system Thomas Branigan Me- Telescope Institute in star clusters, which are are part of during the Las morial Library, 200 E. Baltimore. It will con- among the most iconic Cruces Space Festival’s Alameda Ave.; Las Cruces tinue during the festival images that people con- “Our Place in Space” art City Hall, 700 N. Main and through the end of nect with the Hubble,” exhibition. St.; Branigan Cultural April, and even longer said Brenda Trinidad, co- European Space Center, 501 N. Main St.; at some locations during coordinator of the exhibi- Agency Hubble Space Rio Grande Theatre, 211 COURTESY PHOTO each host gallery’s regu- tion and self-proclaimed Telescope Project Sci- N. Main St.; Visit Las “Monocerotis,” by Las Cruces artist Jo-An Smith, an artist lar business hours. “cheerleader” for the entist Antonella Nota Cruces, 336 S. Main St.; partner in the “Our Place in Space” art exhibition. The Cutter “We are delighted to Hubble experience. will cut the ribbon at 10 Cutter Gallery, 2640 El Gallery, 2640 El Paseo Road, will feature her space-themed have the opportunity The images “show the original art during an art opening on Saturday, April 13. Addi- a.m. Monday, April 8 at Paseo Road; and the New to host an ‘Our Place in variance in what Hubble tional talks about space and art will be held at Cutter Gallery Mesilla Valley Mall, 700 Mexico State University on Saturday, April 20, 27 and May 4. Space’ exhibition in Las has been able to do as S. Telshor Blvd., to of- Art Gallery, 1390 E. Uni- Cruces,” said Space Fes- we have learned about ficially begin the exhibit. versity Ave. ble art during the show, Science Institute measur- tival Director Jonathan The mall and seven other The mall will host the with one piece on loan ing 30 feet by eight feet, Firth. “Similar exhibi- SEE ART, PAGE 5 locations in Las Cruces largest collection of Hub- from the Space Telescope said Las Cruces Space

Photo Credit: NASA, ESA, M. Livio and the Hubble 20th Anniversary Team (STScI)

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1. Branigan Library | 200 Picacho Ave. 5. Visit Las Cruces | 336. S. Main St. 2. City Hall | 700 N. Main St. 6. Cutter Gallery | 2640 El Paseo Rd. NASA, ESA AND THE HUBBLE SM4 ERO TEAM 3. Branigan Cultural Center | 501 N. Main St. 7. NMSU Gallery | 1390 E. University Ave. This Hubble telescope image will be on display at the Rio Opening monday, april 8, 2019 Grande Theatre, as part of the “Our Place in Space” exhibi- 4. Rio Grande Theatre | 211 N. Main St. 8. Mesilla Valley Mall | 700 S. Telshor Blvd. For more information, visit lcspacefestival.com tion. What resembles dainty butterfly wings are actually roil- ing cauldrons of gas heated to nearly 20,000 degrees Celsius. Las Cruces Bulletin 2019 LAS CRUCES SPACE FESTIVAL GUIDE Friday, April 5, 2019 | 5 Celebrate Yuri’s Night at the 2019 Las Cruces Space Festival By ALEXIA SEVERSON walk starts at 6 p.m. from the Las Cruces Bulletin point of registration to the Plaza de Las Cruces and across Fifty-eight years ago, on the stage for voting. April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin, Following the walk, live a Soviet pilot and cosmonaut, music will be provided by Tri- became the first human to orbit ple Jack at 7 p.m. on the Plaza Earth, a trip that was com- de Las Cruces. There will also pleted in 108 minutes. be several food trucks available In recognition of Gagarin’s and space cocktails provided by historical achievement and Little Toad Creek Brewery and humanity’s journey in space Distillery. exploration, Yuri’s Night has Also taking place at 7 p.m. become an annual celebration, are several performances and with parties and events held presentations at the Rio Grande around the world. Yuri’s Night Theatre, 211 N. Main St., begin- also marks the launch of the ning with an excerpt from the first space shuttle on April 12, play “Yuri,” presented by New 1981. Mexico State University assis- This year’s Las Cruces Space tant professor Larissa Lury. Festival will celebrate Yuri’s The play is a part fact, Night with a lineup of several mostly imagined, tale of Gaga- events and activities on Friday, rin’s trip into space. The audi- April 12. ence will get a front-row seat “The reason we want to cel- to his journey as it “collides ebrate (Yuri’s Night) here in with the life of his daughter Las Cruces is that we have such long after his death, with his a rich history of space flight in own memories and experi- this region, with White Sands ences and with the life of a Missile Range and White Sands BULLETIN PHOTO BY STEVE MACINTYRE contemporary teenager work- Test Facility, and the future Las Cruces residents participated in the Space Walk down Main Street during the 2018 Las Cruces Space Festival. ing out an algorithm to help of commercial space flight at him to interact with others,” what that meant,” Carruth organized by the Downtown tive Director Jennifer Garcia Spaceport America,” Las Cru- according to the Las Cruces said. “He was the first person Las Cruces Partnership, on N. Kozlowski. “It gives the adults ces Space Festival Coordinator Space Festival website. to get up in space and we fol- Main Street. a reason to play and gives the Alice Carruth said. For more information about lowed him shortly thereafter in Participants of all ages will kids a dream to become what- Yuri’s Night also raises events taking place on Yuri’s America. I think that’s really have the opportunity to dress ever they want to – Yoda or an awareness about who Gagarin Night, refer to the Space Festi- important to anyone interested in their favorite space-related astronaut.” was and what he accomplished, val schedule or visit lcspacefes- in the future of space flight, as costumes with the best dressed Registration for the Space Carruth said. tival.com. “I don’t think people who well as those interested in the awarded a prize. Walk will be at 5:30 p.m. in Alexia Severson may be con- don’t have a relationship with past.” “The Space Walk is a fun front of the Color Me Cruces tacted at alexia@lascrucesbul- space understand who Yuri is One of the main events of the healthy activity for the whole mural next to Insta-Copy letin.com. and his initial space flight and evening will be the Space Walk, family,” said DLCP Execu- Imaging, 318 N. Main St. The

The total impact of the around what really is our bition. There will be and add to this sense of dust.” The art, she said, ART Space Festival, including place in space. Bringing comment books at each disconnect from the uni- can “inspire action and CONTINUED FROM 4 the art show, could make in something as power- participating gallery so verse that an exhibit like stories about how we de- the Las Cruces event a ful as the Hubble exhibit visitors can write down Hubble can build a bridge fine ourselves as we move the science of imaging,” game changer, Trinidad really is an easy way to their inspirations and back from.” into an interplanetary Trinidad said. The photo- said. “This is a brand- start a dialogue.” questions, she said. The images on display species. We’re bringing graphs provide “scientific new thing. There is so The exhibit can also Largely because of can “create an aware- space down to people.” data about what we’re much that we can learn,” help to define “Las Cru- light pollution, schol- ness, reawaken an inter- For more information seeing out there to under- she said, including ways ces’ imagination and role ars are concerned that est about the beauty and about the exhibit, visit stand the makeup of the to help other communi- and purpose in creat- “there’s a whole genera- the wonderfulness of the lcspacefestival.com/our- cosmos (and are) beauti- ties host similar events ing the way we go into tion of people who have night sky and where we place-in-space-las-cruces. ful, aesthetically rich im- – not just to “come take a space,” she said. not seen the Milky Way,” come from,” she said. ages at the same time. It’s picture and look at some Trinidad said she is Trinidad said. That could “This is our origin story; Mike Cook may be con- the perfect marriage of picture, but to create rich anxious to learn people’s impact our “ability to this is where we come tacted at mike@lascruces- science and art.” dialogue opportunities reactions to the exhi- hold onto origin stories from; we are the star- bulletin.com. 6 | Friday, April 5, 2019 2019 LAS CRUCES SPACE FESTIVAL GUIDE Las Cruces Bulletin To Mars and back: Astrogeologist James Rice to discuss past and future of space exploration By AVRA ELLIOTT The excitement lasted longer and will be visiting Las Cruces For Las Cruces Bulletin than anyone had expected – or for the Space Festival in April. budgeted. What was proposed Rice will offer a talk titled From the time he was six as an expedition of a few “From the Sea of Tranquility years old, James Rice was fas- months became an adventure to the Mountains of Mars.” cinated by space exploration. that spanned over 15 years. The sea of tranquility in the While he describes himself as The limited funds meant the title refers to the Apollo land- a highly average student, as a teams were forced to work ing site on the moon, and Rice boy growing up in 1960s Tus- from their home institutions said he plans to speak of how caloosa, Alabama, he devoured in a dedicated group effort that close the 1960s Space Race was, the biographies of scientists changed and paved the way for the work of the Mars rovers, and explorers, and followed future technologies and com- as well as the future of space the news of the Apollo Space munication while, Rice said, exploration, and, as he puts it, Program intently. “rewriting the textbooks on “the thrill of it all.” Supportive of his interest, Mars.” The presentation is part of Rice’s parents would take NASA’s Opportunity Rover the Las Cruces Space Festival’s him to the NASA center in Mission came to an end in Feb- Making Contact event, an all- Alabama and allow him to ruary of this year. Rice said day showcase of space-related stay home from school to lis- though the rover may have activities and opportunities ten to the news coverage of been built from bits of alumi- at the Las Cruces Conven- the . As soon num and silicon, losing Oppor- tion Center, 680 E. University as the news was over, he was tunity was like losing a good Ave., on Thursday, April 11. sent back to school where he friend. The team knew the Rice is scheduled to speak at couldn’t understand why none night before it was announced 6 p.m., with other activities of the other children were as to the public, and on top of taking place throughout the excited as he was. For Rice, their loss was the knowledge day from 11 a.m. to 7p.m. The it has never been a question that the team would disband. event is open to the public, and about why we should care They’d worked hard to keep the Las Cruces Space Festival about space, but who wouldn’t? the rovers alive, and Rice said website describes it as a day of “If it doesn’t give you a thrill it was a loss everyone would resume building opportunities, exploring a planet for the first continue to feel. recruitment for internships, time, I don’t know what will,” COURTESY PHOTO While Rice said he will miss a Q&A with industry leaders, Rice said, and he speaks from waking up and seeing new college course guidance, talks Astrogeologist James Rice will present “From the Sea of Tranquility to the experience. Mountains of Mars” at the Las Cruces Convention Center on April 11. photos of Mars every morning, by NMSU graduates work- The boy who watched men he believes humankind and ing in the space industry and walk on the moon would, 35 in Mars landing site selection of flex time for rest during the Mars continue to have a future more. Rice said any science years later, be selected by for every NASA Mars Mission day, Rice said he could sleep in together. background can lend itself to a NASA to serve on the Mars since the Mars Pathfinder in the grave. This was the chance “It sounds like science fic- career in space, and now is the rover team. After a long and 1995. As a co-investigator and of a lifetime. tion, but I’ve no doubt we’ll time to pursue it. circuitous route, Rice said he geology team leader on the “It wouldn’t have mattered live on Mars someday,” he “We’re in a unique moment finally had his opportunity NASA Rover Project, he’d pur- if I’d had time to go home,” said. “When it happens and of history,” he said. “We’ll to see the first glimpses of posely chosen landing sites on he said. “I wouldn’t have been who does it is yet to be deter- never do these things for the another planet’s surface as he opposite sides of Mars. While able to sleep. I had too much mined.” first time again.” controlled both the Spirit and controlling both rovers left adrenaline from the excite- Rice continues to work as an Opportunity rovers. him with only four hours of ment of wondering what we’d astrogeologist at the Planetary Avra Elliott may be contacted Rice had been in involved sleep at night, and two hours discover next.” Science Institute in Arizona at [email protected]. Visit us at www.lascrucesbulletin.com Las Cruces Bulletin 2019 LAS CRUCES SPACE FESTIVAL GUIDE Friday, April 5, 2019 | 7 Las Cruces native to present her vision on space travel By ALEXIA SEVERSON and Deep was started in 2012 with for jobs,” she said. “It’s Las Cruces Bulletin Space Pre- seed-funding through a an opportunity for great dictive, competitive grant from strides in research and The Las Cruces Space as well as DARPA (Defense Ad- application. We get new, Festival will once again “all the vanced Research Projects cool things out of space, welcome keynote speaker wonders Agency). While met with but it gives us opportu- and Las Cruces native and op- some skepticism, the orga- nity and choice as we go Alires Almon back to her ALIRES ALMON portuni- nization’s goal is to launch out into space. We get to hometown to present her ties that an interstellar mission by become a multi-planetary vision on “Space: Our space exploration pro- the year 2112 – possibly to species; it perpetuates Dream and Our Reality” vides,” she said. Alpha Centauri, our solar humanity and where we at the Rio Grande The- “…It’s about human- system’s nearest neigh- can exist.” atre at 7:45 p.m. Friday, ity’s quest for space and boring star system. The Almon said she hopes April 12. why,” Almon said of her journey would take 70,000 the Las Cruces Space Almon, who lives in space festival presenta- years at current technical Festival sparks interest Denver, graduated from tion, “but also looking capabilities. among people of all ages. Mayfield High School at where we are in that “We’ve found out in the COURTESY PHOTO “I hope they’re curious and received her master’s quest and really showing last three or four years Alires Almon, orchestrator of engagement for the 100 Year enough to come share degree in experimental that this a journey for that there are planets Starship Project, left, speaks with 2018 Las Cruces Space their thoughts and ideas psychology at New Mex- many lifetimes.” that are in the Goldilocks Festival attendees at the Mesilla Valley Mall. about space and space ex- ico State University. She While a degree in psy- zone – possibly able to ploration because it is for Trek’ episode and just said. “How do we get to attended last year’s space chology may not seem support life as we know everybody and it affects look at all the conve- do that?” festival to discuss her role like a natural pathway to it (in Alpha Centauri),” everybody,” she said. niences they have, Almon said space ex- as orchestrator of en- getting involved in space Almon said. “So, it’s communication is instan- ploration is important be- gagement for Mae Jemi- exploration, Almon said not only close, but there Alexia Severson may be taneous, food supply is cause it provides so many son’s 100 Year Starship it’s something she’s al- might be something that contacted at alexia@las- instantaneous. It’s a self- opportunities. Project, an independent, ways been interested in. resembles life.” crucesbulletin.com. sufficient society,” she “It’s another arena non-governmental, long- “I’m a nerd from way But with 93 years left term initiative that aims back,” she said. “The to go in the project, there to make human travel reason I went into psy- is still a lot of progress to beyond our solar system chology is because of be made in order to make No login. a reality within the next the science fiction I was this kind of space travel a 100 years. reading – Isaac Asimov’s reality, and it will require No fees. In 2018, Almon founded ‘The Foundation’ series. the help of multiple gen- an international research I wanted to have a math- erations, Almon said. team doing business as ematical model of human “I’m only going to have Free archives! Deep Space Predictive behavior.” 20 or 30 years left in the to look at the selection, An interest in space study before we hand it monitoring and psycho- may also run in Almon’s off to the next genera- Check out the entirety of the logical performance of blood. Her grandfather, tion,” she said. groups of humans in along with other NASA The nearest goal, Las Cruces Bulletin, it’s archives and space and other extreme and White Sands Mis- Almon said, is Mars. work conditions. sile Range employees, “Going to Mars is going annual publications online at “What we do at Deep did work at White Sands to be one of our first Space Predictive is de- Test Facility to provide challenges of sending velop behavioral technol- program support for the people to a place where ogy for long-term space Apollo missions. they’re going to be self- travel, finding ways to “I have a card of thanks sufficient,” she said. “On help humans manage from the NASA adminis- the way to Mars, it’s those their emotions as they trator that recognizes his astronauts in that vehicle go through their space work for the moon land- – they only have each journeys, whether it’s ing,” Almon said. “He other and the knowledge just a journey up, like definitely had some influ- and training we sent with Virgin Galactic, or if ence in the sense that he them.” we’re going to the Moon was scientifically focused And the ultimate goal or going to Mars,” Almon and loved math. He en- in space travel? “Star said. couraged me to explore Trek” – or at least, some- This year, Almon will my interests in space.” thing similar to that con- discuss her experiences Almon has been part of cept, Almon said. www.lascrucesbulletin.comtin.com with 100 Year Starship 100 Year Starship since it “If you watch a ‘Star 8 | Friday, April 5, 2019 2019 LAS CRUCES SPACE FESTIVAL GUIDE Las Cruces Bulletin

As New Mexico’s lead Space Grant institution, New Mexico State University continuously works to expand opportunities in space-related education and research.

Thanks to the work of many NMSU departments and especially the endeavors of the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium (NMSGC), New Mexicans are nurturing a vibrant space ecosystem.

NMSGC – a statewide collaboration of industry, government and academic partners – is helping to create our nation’s future space workforce through the promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

TOGETHER, WITH AN EYE TOWARD THE FUTURE, WE LOOK TO NEW HORIZONS TO ENHANCE ECONOMIC, EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES THAT WILL BENEFIT US ALL.

BE BOLD. Shape the Future. New Mexico State University