Lunar robot demonstrations at 'Imiloa on November 15

NASA and PISCES show off the latest lunar robots along with event activities, displays and presentations

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Contact:
Gloria Chun Hoo, (808) 969-9705
'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai'i
Posted: Nov 7, 2008

Hilo, Hawaiʻi — Big Island visitors will see the latest lunar robots that can make oxygen from rocks and soil at a one-day program at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaiʻi in Hilo. Also, visitors will get hands-on experience operating the remote-controlled robots, which are available for public operation. The "NASA/PISCES (Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems) Robotic Demonstration" will be held on Saturday, November 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. "These exhibits, displays and demonstrations show the connections between Hawaiian oceanic wayfinding and space exploration, which we feature at ʻImiloa," said Kaʻiu Kimura, associate director of ʻImiloa Astronomy Center. "We are the perfect venue for NASA/PISCES' space robotics to show off their latest technology and capabilities. These exciting events also inspire our keiki to pursue careers in sciences and engineering."

The lunar robot demonstrations will be held at the ʻImiloa parking lot, while additional displays, exhibits and activities will be located in ʻImiloa's Moanahoku Hall. Special planetarium presentations will be held at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Presentations will be conducted by NASA's Bill Larsen and Jerry Sanders. These special demonstrations, activities and programs are free of charge to the public. Admission fees will apply for admission into the Exhibit Hall and regularly-scheduled planetarium programs during the day. For details on the event, visit www.imiloahawaii.org or call 808-969-9700.

This event is a result of collaboration between ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, the University of Hawaii-Hilo, PISCES, NASA, and Carnegie Mellon University.

PISCES is an international research and education center at the University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo. For more information about PISCES, visit: http://pisces.uhh.hawaii.edu/.

NASA provides education resources to inspire and motivate the next generation of space scientists. NASA's Johnson Space Center, Glenn Research Center, Ames Research Center, and Jet Propulsion Laboratory are all involved in testing robots and the use of natural resources found in space for manufacturing air to breathe as well as a variety of materials for building outposts and habitats on the moon.

ʻImiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaiʻi weaves today's newest astronomy findings and Hawaiʻi's cultural heritage into a compelling story of star exploration. The Center features more than 100 exhibits including an interactive meteor display, a replica of the sacred Maunakea mountain with the night sky overhead, and several rotating planetarium shows within its 12,000-square-foot exhibit hall. It is one of the first discovery centers in Hawaiʻi to incorporate both Hawaiian and English languages to enhance the cultural and learning experience. Located on nine acres of lush ethno-botanical gardens in Hilo on Hawaiʻi's Big Island, the Center's 40,000-square-foot facility opened to the public in February 2006. Visitors can enjoy the planetarium, exhibit halls, learning center, cafe and museum store. It is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays (closed Mondays). For more information, visit the Web site at www.imiloahawaii.org or call (808) 969-9700.

For more information, visit: http://www.imiloahawaii.org