Abstract 
What we have learned so far (good and bad)...  
An overview of the technological issues encountered in the engineering and design of launch vehicles, will be discussed in order to develop an appreciation of the risks and costs involved.  The configuration of the Space Shuttle Main Engines will be presented and the function of its key components will be described. 

Current challenges (technological versus socio/political needs)...  Compromises in the Shuttle between high-technology capability and reliable economy for commercial launch vehicles will be discussed. 

Future direction (stuff in the concept stage)... 
NASA continues its search for a fruitful direction for development of new launch vehicles.  What is hampering progress and new concepts? 
 

Abstract 
Since the inception of the Space Age, space exploration and other activities have produced many benefits for the people of Earth.  The practical benefits to the average person will be highlighted that shows the diversity of applications of space technology.  Recent exciting scientific work on the search for extrasolar planets will also be discussed.  A variety of studies have shown the economic impacts of the space program.  In the political realm, a brief history of NASA will be presented.  Future plans will be outlined, that include new launch vehicles and planetary probes that promise to reveal more of the solar system to humanity.  Finally, speculations about the next 50 years in space will be presented. 
 

Abstract,
What is it like to sit on seven and one half million pounds of thrust, go from zero velocity to just under five miles a second in eight and a half minutes and look down on earth from space? Why would a scientist risk his life to do science in space, what was done, what do the results show, and was it worth the risk?  Take a trip on the Space Shuttle Columbia. Spend 16 days in low-earth orbit doing science in the areas of crystal growth, combustion, fluid physics, and environmental earth observations.  A visual tour of traveling into space will be given along with anecdotal stories of what training, flight, and landing is like.  Preliminary data will be shown on zeolite crystals and protein crystals grown in low-earth orbit, and an explanation will be given on why these activities should be of interest to you.   Also a brief discussion on NASA current and future commercial activities will be presented. 
 

Abstract:
The first of six modules that comprise the Russian MIR space station was launched in early 1986.  As recent incidents demonstrate (e.g., frequent loss of stabilization; on-board fire; coolant leaks in condensation system), certain components of this 120-ton orbiting complex are aging.  The history of the space station's assembly and operations will be discussed, and illustrated with color slides.  The launching of the first components of the International Space Station is currently due to begin in summer 1998 and will be briefly described.