Results of decades of scientific research on lunar materials and a preview of future sample return missions will be among the topics discussed during a symposium at 7 p.m. July 21 at the Gilruth Center at NASA Johnson Space Center.

The event celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Lunar Sample Laboratory at JSC as well as the 35th anniversary of the first Apollo landing on the moon. Media are invited to attend. No registration is required.

Planetary scientists and astronauts will discuss results of more than 30 years of lunar materials research and how new generations of researchers are using recently developed instruments to study the lunar rocks and soils brought back to Earth during the Apollo missions. They also will discuss upcoming sample return missions from the sun and comet Wild 2 as well as potential future trips to the moon and Mars as part of the Vision for Space Exploration.

Scheduled topics and panelists include:

Moderator: Nancy Holland, KHOU-TV

-- Apollo Missions to the Moon Capt. John Young, NASA Astronaut and JSC Associate Director (Technical)

-- Lunar Sample Science Dr. Gary Lofgren, Planetary Scientist and Lunar Sample Curator

-- Genesis Solar Wind Sampling Mission Dr. Eileen Stansbery, Planetary Scientist and Assistant Director, Office of Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science -- Stardust Comet Sample Return Mission Dr. Friedrich Horz, Planetary Scientist

-- Mars Sample Return Mission Dr. Carlton Allen, Planetary Scientist and Astromaterials Curator

-- Vision for Space Exploration Lt. Col. B. Alvin Drew, NASA Astronaut

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