Skype with NASA Computer Programmer

Mrs. Corcoran’s 5th and 6th grade classes had an opportunity to Skype with Dr. Gary Doran, a computer scientist, who works for the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.  Dr. Doran spoke with the students about the projects he worked on like the Mars Rover.  He is currently working on computer programs for a manned mission to Mars. Dr. Doran explained how the computer programs he creates actually control and operate the Mars Rover from Earth.  The students had a chance to ask many questions about various topics including other space missions, crewed missions, rovers, planets, dwarf planets, the international space station science experiments, and even looking for aliens in space.  Thanks to Dr. Doran for this wonderful opportunity!