For Release: Aug. 6 , 2007
Students at the University of Kentucky unveil their contribution to a new Mars exploration technology in Flying on Air: The Science of Inflatable Wings , airing Sunday, Aug. 19 at 10:30/9:30 p.m. CT on KET1.
UK faculty members Suzanne Smith and Jamey Jacob, along with their students, discuss BIG BLUE , a NASA-sponsored project which seeks to develop technology that will allow "airplane" spacecraft to fly and gather high-resolution data i n the thin atmosphere of Mars.
Through four successful test flights, the students attempt to develop inflatable aircraft wings into a feasible technology for Mars planetary exploration. The program covers the project from its conception, as well as the experiences of the participating students on the project and how it relates to their future.
Flying on Air: The Science of Inflatable Wings is a University of Kentucky production. More information about KET p rogramming and educational services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at www.ket.org.