08-P – Exploring Space Frontiers
Instructor
Jim Christensen
Jim Christensen retired as the Chief Innovation Officer at the Aldrin Family Foundation, having previously served as Director of Education at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Jim began his career as a middle school science teacher and was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Four weeks: Tuesday, Sept. 16 – Sept. 30, 2025
Cost: $50
9 – 10:30 a.m. CT
Class limit 25
Hybrid (In-person)
Sixty Forward, 205 S. Walnut, Ames
Course Description
What are people doing in space? This course will review how we got to the moon, describe how we intend to return, and consider the challenges of placing humans on Mars. We will discuss how human spaceflight has become commonplace while learning about how companies are looking to space as a business opportunity, including carrying paying customers into space. We will also discuss efforts to inspire the next generation of space explorers and entrepreneurs.