Minotaur Launch

A "Streak" satellite was launched aboard a four-stage Minotaur launch vehicle from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Thursday evening, September 22, 2005, at 7:24 PM (MST). Astrogeology's Brent Archinal observed and photographed the launch from the overlook parking lot of the Arizona Snowbowl on the west side of the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff, AZ.

Mars Exploration Rover Mission Activities

As part of the involvement of the USGS Astrogeology Research Program in the Mars Exploration Rover mission, scientists and staff travel to JPL to take part in the landing and mission activities.

To learn more about our involvement in this exciting mission, visit our Mars Exploration Rover Project.

For more Mars Exploration Rover news, see Hot Topics.

Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology Dedication Ceremony

Around 300 guests were in attendance for the dedication of the new Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology building here in Flagstaff, Arizona. Guest speakers included Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt, Carolyn Shoemaker, Donald Beattie, Gordon Swann, and USGS Director Chip Groat. After the ceremonies, visitors took tours of the new building, chatting with Astrogeology scientists and staff, and meeting old friends.

For more information about the Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology, see
About: Now: Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology

For photos of the construction and other ceremonies, see:
USGS Flagstaff Shoemaker Building Photos

2002 Flagstaff Festival of Science Open House

The USGS Flagstaff Field Center held an Open House on 28 September 2002. The Astrogeology Research Program participated by opening the doors of the new Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology to the public. Scientists were on hand to talk to visitors about their research, kids had lots of science and craft activities to explore, and everyone had fun driving remote control models of Mars Rovers in the Mars Garden.

For more information about the Flagstaff Festival of Science, see the
Flagstaff Festival of Science home page

2002 Flagstaff Festival of Science Open House

As part of the Dedication Ceremony for the new building, some of the Flagstaff Field Center staff and guests went on a field trip to Meteor (Barringer) Crater on 27 September 2002. The group began their tour at the visitor center with an introduction by Meteor Crater staff and a tour of the museum. The group visited several outcrops around the museum before beginning their trek along the eastern rim to the south side. After lunch some of the group descended into the crater interior to take a closer look.

For more information about Meteor Crater, see the
Meteor Crater home page