The space shuttle Columbia destruction was a grim reminder that disasters have long been part of U.S. space exploration history. Boise State College of Engineering Dean Lynn K. Russell will speak about "Perspectives on the Shuttle Disaster" at 1:40 p.m. Friday, March 21, at the Micron Engineering Center, Room 114. The talk is free and open to the public.

As an engineer for NASA and NASA contractors, Russell specialized in thermal system development and evaluation during the Apollo and Gemini programs. In the Columbia situation the effect of the loss of heat tiles has been a prime area of investigation. Russell will talk about the recent Columbia disaster and also about previous disasters and near disasters. He will discuss some of his experiences at NASA with disasters and near disasters and also talk about some of the people involved.

For more information call 426-1153.

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Lynn K. Russell

Dean, College of Engineering

208 426-1153

lrussell@boisestate.edu

Pat Pyke

communications and marketing

208 426-1987

ppyke@boisestate.edu