David Lehman

This presentation traces humanity's journey to the Red Planet, starting with Mariner 4's pioneering flyby. The current phase of Mars exploration features advanced missions like Mars Odyssey, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, MAVEN, Curiosity Rover, and Perseverance Rover, each contributing invaluable data about Mars' surface, atmosphere, and potential for life. Looking ahead, ambitious projects such as Mars Sample Return aim to bring Martian samples back to Earth for detailed study, while the ARTEMIS program envisions human missions to Mars, paving the way for future colonization. How will these endeavors shape our understanding and presence on Mars? Join us to explore this exciting frontier.

Who are among the most prominent NASA ladies in our endeavors to explore Mars? Should future Mars crewed missions have all-female crews? These questions will be answered along with a description of the Mars Exploration Program, the Mars Sample Return Program, and the ARTEMIS program which has as one of its goals to send the first astronauts to Mars.

Embark on a captivating journey to the red planet with a presentation for students from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Delve into the mysteries of Mars to provide a kid-friendly understanding of the planet. They will learn about NASA’s endeavors on Mars, from its initial exploration to current missions. They will also learn NASA's plans for the future, igniting curiosity about the endless possibilities of Martian exploration. The kids will discover the allure of Mars and why it has captivated the imagination of scientists and dreamers alike. The kids will learn about how one might journey to Mars, and about the essential elements and tools required for survival on the red planet. For kids aspiring to become a NASA astronaut or work for NASA in other positions, the presentation will offer valuable insights into how to achieve their goals. This presentation aims to inspire and educate, fostering a sense of wonder and determination in the next generation of space enthusiasts.

Mr. Lehman will outline project management fundamentals and NASA's space project management process across the life cycle. This includes formulation phases (A and B), implementation phases (C, D, and E), and the approval process. He will discuss team formation, emphasizing key roles such as Project Manager, Project Systems Engineer (PSE), Safety & Mission Assurance Manager, and System Managers. Lehman will also cover systems engineering in project management, detailing how PSEs develop systems-level preliminary designs and project maturity throughout the life cycle. Lastly, he will present three case studies: the Deep Space 1 mission, lessons from the Mars Climate Orbiter failure, and the final mission of the Space Shuttle Challenger.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a marvel of modern engineering, poised to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos like never before. Its state-of-the-art spacecraft, featuring an advanced telescope and pioneering technologies such as a massive sunshield and cutting-edge infrared sensors, is a testament to human ingenuity. Launched on December of 2021, the JWST is offering an unparalleled vantage point for celestial observation. It has already captured stunning images of the earliest galaxies, providing breathtaking insights into their formation. Moreover, its detailed study of exoplanet atmospheres has revealed intriguing clues about potential habitability. The JWST also delves into the search for technosignatures, hinting at the tantalizing possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations. How will the JWST reshape our understanding of the universe, and what new wonders will it uncover next? Dive into the fascinating world of the JWST and join the quest for cosmic knowledge!

Imagine looking up at the stars and wondering: “Is someone out there wondering about us too?” Scientists ask that question every day! But first, they have to figure out what life really is — anything that grows, eats, and changes. To search for life, we use giant telescopes on Earth and even floating in space! We send brave robots on missions, like the Mars Sample Return to bring back pieces of Mars, and the Europa Clipper to explore a moon covered in ice! Scientists also use the Drake Equation, a kind of space treasure map, to guess how many alien civilizations might be out there. But there’s a puzzle called the Fermi Paradox — if life should be everywhere, why haven’t we seen it yet? Our plan? Build better telescopes, explore more worlds, and never give up! Maybe you will be the space explorer who finds the answer!

Get ready to blast off on an exciting journey through our Solar System! We’ll explore what the Solar System is, when it was formed, and where it’s located in our galaxy. Students will learn about the Sun, our bright star in the sky, and visit each planet — from rocky Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars to the giant worlds Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. We’ll talk about the Moon and its phases, satellites, asteroids, and meteorites. The program also introduces NASA’s Artemis mission and what it takes to become an astronaut. Join us for a fun adventure through space and discovery!