Science Club

It has been over half a century since astronauts last walked on our closest celestial neighbor, the Moon. By exploring our Moon, planetary scientists have been able to better understand how our own planet formed 4.6 billion years ago.

NASA and its contractors have been preparing to send astronauts back to the Moon since the space shuttle was retired back in 2011. A new Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLV) is required to send humans into lunar orbit. It is called Space Launch System (SLS), and it successfully completed its maiden launch in November 2022. Over the last ten years, I have been following the development of this new, crew-rated, Exploration Class rocket. This presentation will look back at some of the early missions to the Moon and discusses the development of SLS and Orion. It will end with a of a preview of what we can expect with regards to lunar exploration in the next few years.

Our presenter this month, Don Hladiuk, has been deeply involved in astronomy and spaceflight since he watched the launch of John Glenn on television back in 1962.

Since 1984, Don has been heard on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s morning show, the Calgary Eyeopener, where he shares his passion for astronomy and space exploration with Southern Albertans.

In addition to astrophotography, Don has also been up-close with his cameras, capturing views of rocket launches. He has shared his imagery on local television news programs and has two cover photos for Spaceflight magazine.

Last year, Don attended the first rollout and launch of the SLS moon rocket.

Don is an active volunteer with several organizations (e.g., Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park and Brown Bagging 4 Kids) and has asteroid 73704 named after him for his many years sharing astronomy and space exploration highlights to the general public.