[NASA HQ News] NASA to Discuss Today Asteroid Redirect Mission Capture Concept, Next Step in Journey to Mars

December 17, 2014 NASA to Discuss Today Asteroid Redirect Mission Capture Concept, Next Step in Journey to Mars   This image, taken by NASA's Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous mission in 2000, shows a close-up view of Eros, an asteroid with an orbit that takes it somewhat close to Earth. NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope observed Eros and dozens of other near-Earth asteroids. Image Credit: NASA/JHUAPL   NASA will host a media teleconference at 4 p.m. EST today during which agency officials will discuss and answer questions on the selection of an Asteroid Redirect Mission concept. The mission is to retrieve an asteroid mass and redirect it into lunar orbit, where astronauts will explore it in the 2020s. The mission will test a number of new capabilities needed for future human deep space expeditions, including to Mars. Participants for the media teleconference are: Robert Lightfoot, NASA associate administrator Michele Gates, program director, NASA's Asteroid Redirect Mission Lindley Johnson, program executive, NASA's Near Earth Object Program To participate, media must e-mail their name and affiliation to Trent Perrotto at trent.j.perrotto@nasa.gov before 4 p.m. Audio of the media teleconference will stream live on NASA's website at: http://www.nasa.gov/newsaudio Find more information about the Asteroid Redirect Mission at: www.nasa.gov/asteroidinitiative -end- Trent J. Perrotto Headquarters, Washington 202-358-0321 trent.j.perrotto@nasa.gov NASA news releases and other information are available automatically by sending an e-mail message with the subject line subscribe to hqnews-request@newsletters.nasa.gov. To unsubscribe from the list, send an e-mail message with the subject line unsubscribe to hqnews-request@newsletters.nasa.gov.     › Back To Top