Kobie Boykins Presents 'Exploring Mars: The Next Generation' At Mesa Arts Center 1/19

A charismatic, young mechanical engineer at NASA‘s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Kobie Boykins, is at the forefront of Mars exploration having worked on remarkable projects from the Mars Expedition Rovers "Opportunity" and "Spirit", to the Ocean Surface Topography Mission. Boykins was responsible for the design, fabrication, and build of the solar arrays that power the Mars Expedition Rovers that continue to send data from Mars, our nearest planetary neighbor. He will present "Exploring Mars: The Next Generation" at the Mesa Arts Center on Jan. 19 at 7:30, the third presentation in the four-part series with National Geographic Live, now in its fourth season in Arizona.

Kobie Boykins puts a fresh face on NASA, America's space program, as an inviting public speaker who recounts the challenges and accomplishments of the Mars Exploration Rovers mission. Boykins joined a public education tour, in 2002, aptly named "Marsapalooza" in order to raise awareness of the Mars Exploration Project by sharing remarkable images and discoveries from the Red Planet. In 2006, he was featured in the JASON Project Expedition "Mysteries of Earth and Mars," bringing his fascination and dedication for space exploration to people around the world. He is currently working on NASA‘s Mars Science Laboratory-a next-generation rover that will assess the planet's ability to support microbial life. The upcoming mission is scheduled for launch in the fall of 2011.

Boykins' enthusiasm for space exploration and Mars in particular is infectious. Join him for an engaging evening exploring the Red Planet

The talk will take place in the Ikeda Theater located at One East Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85211

The National Geographic Live speaker series in Arizona is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. The Arizona series also receives support from Hotel Sponsor, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and partners with community organizations, and media outlets including: Desert Botanical Gardens, Arizona Museum of Natural History, KJZZ Public Radio, REI stores in Tempe and Paradise Valley, and the Phoenix Zoo.

How: Tickets are $36 and can be purchased through Mesa Arts Center by calling 480-644-6500, online at mesaartscenter.com, or at the Box Office located at One East Main St., in Downtown Mesa. Box Office hours are Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-4 p.m.

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