Media invite: Venus Express Orbit Insertion press conference

The European Space Agency's Venus Express mission makes its final approach to Earth's hellish twin on April 11th 2006. The orbit insertion manoeuvre is a critical point in this planetary mission and a nail biting moment for all concerned.

Members of the media are invited to follow the events "live" at this special event at the Royal Society, with key UK scientists present and a link to ESA mission control in Germany (The feed will be made available to broadcasters on request).

Speakers include:

• Dr Mike Healy, EADS Astrium
• Dr Colin Wilson, University of Oxford
• Dr Andrew Coates, MSSL
• Dr Dave Parker, PPARC

Doors open at 0700 BST (Registration). Press conference starts at 0730 BST Breakfast provided (0930-1015)

The manoeuvre starts at 0815 BST, but the outcome will not be known until 10.30 when key UK players will give their reactions.

Registration:
All attendees must register in advance with Jill Little, email jill.little@pparc.ac.uk or Tel 01793 442012

For press queries, contact Julia Maddock, Email Julia.maddock@pparc.ac.uk or Tel 01793 442094

For background on the mission, see http://www.pparc.ac.uk/Nw/venus_launch.asp

The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) is the UK's strategic science investment agency. It funds research, education and public understanding in four broad areas of science - particle physics, astronomy, cosmology and space science.

PPARC is government funded and provides research grants and studentships to scientists in British universities, gives researchers access to world-class facilities and funds the UK membership of international bodies such as the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, CERN, the European Space Agency and the European Southern Observatory. It also contributes money for the UK telescopes overseas on La Palma, Hawaii, Australia and in Chile, the UK Astronomy Technology Centre at the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh and the MERLIN/VLBI National Facility.

Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 21 Feb 2009
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