Abstract: The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab leads a bold space exploration program designed to address some of the biggest challenges facing our understanding of the Sun, Earth, and planets. Today, APL’s thought leadership, technology and innovation are critical to advance our nation’s space pursuits. In this presentation, Dr. Jason Kalirai will show how APL is deflecting asteroids that could pose a threat to life on Earth, searching for new signs of life on Ocean Worlds beyond Earth, and expanding life beyond our home world to the Moon and beyond. The presentation will be an engaging and immersive showcase of major missions and research programs that Johns Hopkins is leading.
Bio: Dr. Jason S. Kalirai is the mission area executive for Space Formulation within the Space Exploration Sector at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). He leads a mission area responsible for the formulation of all new APL civil space initiatives, oversight of the Laboratory’s large portfolio of space science grants and cooperative agreements, and integrated initiatives that cut across our nation’s civil and national security space domains — enabling game-changing missions and instruments on behalf of new and existing sponsors.
Dr. Kalirai is also the Program Chair for the Johns Hopkins Whiting School Engineering for Professionals Applied Physics Program. Prior to his current role, Dr. Kalirai served as mission area executive for Civil Space, where he led the implementation of innovative and cost-effective solutions to critical civil space challenges by developing space science missions, instruments, and research programs. Dr. Kalirai earned a B.S. (with honors) in physics and astronomy, an M.S. in astrophysics, and a Ph.D. in astrophysics, all from the University of British Columbia.
Website: http://www.jasonkalirai.com
Social Media: https://x.com/JasonKalirai
Host: Gretar Tryggvason