Spaceward Bound Road Trip!

Come hang out with NASA scientists and enjoy an afternoon of robotics in the field.

Mid-January, NASA scientists are in NZ for the Spaceward Bound -- a planetary science analog and field research expedition. It's organised by Haritina Mogosanu, a KiwiSpace staffer and founder of the NZ Astrobiology group.

As a special treat to KiwiSpace members, she's invited us along to meet the NASA personnel and program participants - and participate in a robotics workshop/competition.

It's expected to be held on the Desert Road, in the North Island central plateau -- around 4 hours drive from Auckland.

The rough schedule is:

• 8am: Depart Auckland
• Noon: Arrive at Spaceward Bound. Lunch.
• 1:30pm: Robotics activities in the desert
• 5pm: Depart for Auckland
• 9pm: Arrive Auckland

Exact logistics will be worked out collectively. People will be able to self-drive down there, but we're hoping there's the option to carpool - and we'll try to help link people up who need a ride.

No charge. Will likely need to bring a packed lunch and plenty of water, sunscreen, etc.