NASA Chief Technologist Douglas Terrier will visit Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, Wednesday, Jan. 27 to discuss the agency’s Artemis program. The visit is part of “NASA Day in Arkansas,” a proclamation by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to recognize Harding’s contributions to the Apollo program as well as the university’s current space research.
Media are invited to attend several events, including an interview availability with Terrier and Harding University President Bruce McLarty. Media interested in attending the following opportunities Jan. 27 should contact Jana Rucker at jrucker@harding.edu or 501-279-4871.
- 11 a.m. CST – Tour of Harding’s research facilities highlighting past and present NASA grant-funded research.
- 12 p.m. – Harding plaque dedication to commemorate the university’s 12 years of research into astronaut fitness for NASA’s Apollo and Skylab programs. Reporters will have the opportunity to ask Terrier and McLarty questions.
- 7 p.m. – NASA presentation in Harding’s Benson Auditorium. Terrier will discuss the agency’s plans to return humans to the Moon by 2024. The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required. The talk will also be livestreamed.
Arkansas K-12 classrooms are encouraged to participate in NASA Day. Teachers can access NASA-developed lesson plans and stream short NASA lectures online.
Beginning in 1967, Harding conducted NASA grant-funded research focused on the effects of spaceflight on astronauts. Studies looked at methods for achieving and maintaining physical fitness for prolonged spaceflight, how long it took to attain and lose fitness, and more.
Today, Harding is a member of the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium, a group of 17 academic institutions and additional partners across Arkansas dedicated to promoting opportunities and involvement with NASA activities. Harding currently conducts water purification research, which has implications for sustainability in space and on Earth.
NASA’s Artemis lunar exploration program includes sending a suite of new science instruments and technology demonstrations to study the Moon, landing the first woman and next man on the lunar surface by 2024, and establishing a sustained presence by 2028. The agency will leverage its Artemis experience and technologies to prepare for the next giant leap – sending astronauts to Mars.
For more information about NASA’s Office of the Chief Technologist, visit:
For more information about Harding University, visit:
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Clare Skelly
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-4273
clare.a.skelly@nasa.gov
Jana Rucker
Harding University, Searcy, Arkansas
501-279-4871
jrucker@harding.edu