48: SPACE COAST LIVING | SPACECOASTLIVING.COM
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
CELEBRATES 60 YEARS
development researchers Josef Dufek and Joshua
Mendes-Harper, is examining lightning on Mars
and its potential role in being a catalyst for life
on the planet.
The five-year endeavor will involve studying the
physics and observability of electrical discharges
in atmospheric conditions representative
of Earth and Mars, with a goal of furthering
understanding of the physics of electrical
discharge in diverse environments.
“Is there or has there been lightning on Mars?
That is the question,” Riousset said. “Lightning
can destroy life, as we know; a lightning strike
can cause damage. Lightning can also be a
trigger for life.”
Riousset is also looking to involve the local
community through disseminating academic
research outside academia via Astronomy on
Tap public talks and creating a summer camp
using LEGO Mindstorms to introduce middleschoolers
to programing and space science.
Florida Tech was among one of nine original
Center of Excellence for Commercial Space
Transportation core universities, participating
An F.I.T. Aviation student works
with an instructor on one of the
university’s aircraft.
>> Florida Tech, when the campus included lots of sand.
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