The Quest for Life on Mars - Exploring Scientific Ambitions and Planetary Missions

Embark on a captivating journey through the history and future of Mars exploration in this 29-minute talk by planetary environments researcher Sarah Stewart Johnson. Discover the scientific ambitions and deep-rooted human desire to find life beyond Earth that have driven Mars research from Galileo to Carl Sagan. Gain insights into Johnson's personal experiences working on NASA's Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity Rovers, and learn about the expectations for future missions. Explore topics such as the 20-year hiatus in Mars exploration, the resurgence of enthusiasm in the space community, and the significance of the Perseverance Mission. Delve into the possibilities of life on Mars, the broader implications for life beyond Earth, and the public's response to these endeavors. Understand the writing process behind Mars research and contemplate the compelling reasons for continued Mars exploration.

Intro
Mars Interest
The 20year hiatus
How did the space community get that enthusiasm back
How did you get into the Mars game
Where did you feel closest to Mars
Perseverance Mission
Life on Mars
Mars Exploration
Life Beyond Earth
The Publics Response
The Writing Process
Why Explore Mars