Former Astronaut Tom Jones to Deliver Asteroids Lecture

Former NASA astronaut and Fox News commentator Dr. Thomas D. Jones will speak to Air Force ROTC Detachment 003 and the University of Houston community from 4:15 - 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 4 in Room 100 of the SEC Building at the UH main campus. He will discuss asteroids and their danger to the Earth. A reception will be held afterwards for all attendees.

This lecture supports a senior-level course titled National Security Studies, a three-semester class required of all Air Force ROTC cadets nationwide. The course at UH is unique because it involves an interagency crisis management exercise with 12 AFROTC cadets and 10 honor students from the departments of political science and history. They are working together to deal with the aftermath of a simulated asteroid strike in the Caspian Sea. Made possible by a $25,000 research grant from UH, this exercise requires students to work as an interagency task force, develop a humanitarian relief plan, and implement that plan during a simulated deployment.

Jones holds a doctorate of planetary sciences degree and is a pilot, former NASA astronaut, speaker, author, scientist, and consultant. A distinguished graduate from the Air Force Academy, Jones has since piloted B-52D strategic bombers, studied asteroids for NASA, engineered intelligence-gathering systems for the CIA, and developed advanced mission concepts exploring the solar system as a NASA Contractor.

Over 11 years with NASA, Jones flew on four space shuttle missions and spent 53 days living and working in space. He has led three spacewalks to install the centerpiece of the International Space Station, the American Destiny Laboratory.  Not only a seasoned astronaut but also an accomplished writer, Jones has authored "Sky Walking: An Astronaut's Memoir" (2006), "Hell Hawks" (2008), and "Planetology" (2008).

To attend this event, UH faculty, staff, and students must RSVP by contacting Capt. Albert Chapman at achapma2@central.uh.edu or at 713-743-3703 by Nov. 3rd.  Space is limited.

What: Former Astronaut Thomas D. Jones delivers asteroids lecture at UH
When: 4:15-5:15 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4
Where: UH Main Campus, SEC Building, Rm. 100, Entrance 14 off Cullen Boulevard
Who: UH Air Force ROTC


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