Summer Speaker Series – Pittsburgh
JULY 18-19 at Point Park University
About the Summer Speaker Series
The Moon 2 Mars Summer Speaker Series is a multi-day experience designed to inspire curiosity, encourage innovation, and connect communities with the future of space exploration. This unique gathering brings together leading experts from NASA, aerospace, science, education, and technology to share insights into humanity’s next era of exploration.
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"If It Could Happen to Me, It Could Happen to You"
By Mike Fincke
NASA Astronaut and retired USAF colonel.
19th of July | 3:00PM onwards
Venue : Point Park University.
Join veteran NASA astronaut Mike Fincke as he shares his remarkable journey from dreaming about space to becoming one of NASA's most accomplished astronauts.
Through personal stories, challenges, and lessons learned from his career in space exploration, Mike will inspire audiences to pursue their goals, embrace opportunities, and believe that extraordinary achievements are possible.
*This special session is included in Expert Panel Discussion
Robots on Mars and Beyond
Venue - Point Park University (Click here to open the location on google map)
Join former NASA Deputy Chief Technologist Jim Adams for an inspiring session on Robots on Mars and Beyond, exploring space robotics, Mars exploration, and the future of innovation and discovery. With over 35 years of aerospace experience across 30+ missions, he shares insights from mission planning, advanced technologies, and planetary exploration shaping the future of space missions.
NASA exploration missions
Innovation in aerospace technology
Future Moon and Mars exploration
The importance of creativity and collaboration in science
Encouraging the next generation of explorers and entrepreneurs
Check In - 08:30AM - 10:00 AM
Presentation: 10:00 AM
Fee: $15 for this talk only, included in the Weekend Bundle
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Space Farming for Bioregenerative Life Support
Venue - Point Park University (Click here to open the location on google map)
NASA Plant Scientist & Space Agriculture Expert
Dr. Ray Wheeler spent more than three decades at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center researching sustainable food systems and life support technologies for long-duration space missions.
His groundbreaking work focused on how humans can grow food, recycle resources, and survive in controlled environments beyond Earth.
Ray’s research plays a critical role in preparing for future Moon bases and eventual human missions to Mars.
Topics Include
Growing food in space
Sustainable life support systems
Plant science and controlled environments
Oxygen generation and carbon dioxide recycling
Preparing humans for long-duration missions
Check in: 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Presentation: 1:00 PM
Fee: $15 for this talk only, included in the Weekend Bundle
Search for Life on Mars: Secrets from NASA by Dr. James L. Green
Venue - Allegheny Observatory. (Click here to open the location on google map)
Free Community Event
The evening concludes with a special observatory experience combining science, networking, and sky observation in one of Pittsburgh’s historic astronomy locations.
Over the last two decades, NASA has successfully executed many groundbreaking Mars missions to discover whether life currently exists or may have once existed on the Red Planet. This talk will provide an overview of some of the most important observations and discoveries obtained so far.
The featured speaker for this session is Dr. James Green, former NASA Chief Scientist, who will explore the topic “Life on Mars” and share insights from decades of planetary science research and Mars exploration missions.
Check In: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Presentation at Allegheny Observatory 6:30 PM, space is limited
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Sunday, July 19 – Panel Discussion with Space Experts & Closing Reception
Venue - 414 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219 ((Click here to open the location on google map)
The final day features an engaging panel discussion bringing together experts from science, aerospace, and exploration to discuss the future of humanity in space.
Expert Panel:
Dr. James L Green- NASA’s former Chief Scientist.
Jim Adams- NASA’s former Deputy CTO.
Dr. Ray Wheeler- NASA’s former Plant Physiologist and Senior Scientist.
Michael Fincke - NASA Astronaut and retired USAF colonel
Kenta Tsuchiya- Deputy Director of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
Dr. Jimyse L. Brown - Executive Director of Moonshot Museum
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Check In
2:00 PM | Panel Discussion
Fee: $25 for per seat; included in the Weekend Bundle
Weekend Package
M2M Summer Speaker Series – 3-Session Pass
Access three exclusive sessions in the Space Exploration Speaker Series:
Robots on Mars and Beyond
Space Farming for Bioregenerative Life Support
Expert Panel & Closing Reception
Includes full event access, networking opportunities, and speaker discussions.
Venue: Point Park University (Click here to open the location on google map)
Note: Does NOT include: “Life on Mars” session (requires separate registration)
Ticket prices: $35 per adult and $25 per child. During checkout, adjust the quantity to match the number of attendees. Please bring a printed or digital copy of your invoice/receipt to present at check-in for payment verification.
During checkout, adjust the quantity based on the number of participants and the selected package. Set the quantity to 0 if not applicable.
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Point Park University Pass (Free)
Exclusive to Point Park University, this complimentary pass provides access to all sessions of the M2M Summer Speaker Series.
Meet n Greet and Presentation by Astronaut Mike Fincke
Robots on Mars and Beyond
Space Farming for Bioregenerative Life Support
Expert Panel & Closing Reception
Includes full event access, networking opportunities, and speaker discussions.
Join leading scientists, innovators, and space exploration experts for a full day of inspiring presentations, discussions, and learning opportunities. Valid identification may be required at check-in.
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10:00 AM
18
Jul
1:00 PM
2:30 PM
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
Jim Adams : Robots on Mars & Beyond
Point Park University
Dr. Ray Wheeler : Space Farming for Bioregenerative Life Support
Point Park University
Meet and Greet : Astronaut Mike Fincke Book Signing: Dr. James L. Green
Point Park University
Dr. James Green : Search for Life on Mars: Secrets from NASA
Allegheny Observatory
19
Jul
2:00 PM
3:00 PM
Panel Discussion : International Cooperation in Space
414 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219
Mike Fincke: Space Flight: "If It Could Happen To Me, It Could Happen To You"
Point Park University
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