Humanity has been reaching for the stars since the first spacecraft left our planet back in the 1950’s. We have placed many humans in near-Earth orbit and even a dozen on the surface of the moon. Today, the efforts of many groups and organizations are to initially return to the moon and establish a permanent human settlement on that body with future efforts considering the same for Mars.

The human body has evolved on the planet Earth to survive on conditions that are very favorable to our existence (plenty of air, water, food, protection from radiation, etc.). Space travel offers none of these conditions naturally and without proper protection humans would not survive. This talk will review some of the challenges that humanity faces as we seek to leave our planet for other locations in our solar system. How are we seeking to protect our future astronauts? What hurtles still exist to be solved?

This talk will be presented by Dr. Don Miller, NASA Solar System Ambassador.

 PA Forward is an initiative by the Pennsylvania Library Association that aims to improve the role of libraries in Pennsylvania to serve and strengthen our community by supporting literacy and lifelong learning.