---

---

---

---

Science Current Events and Science News RSS Feeds

---

---

Email a Friend Printer Friendly

Experts from University of Leicester in Beagle 2 project

December 23, 2003

The University of Leicester Department of Physics and Astronomy has one of the largest space research centres of its kind in Europe. The University was co-founder of the £52million National Space Centre and is one of the principal partners in the Beagle 2 Project.

For background information related to the Beagle 2 mission, the University is pleased to offer the following pool of experts who may be available to talk to the press over the Christmas period:

The contact number for the pool is the Press Office mobile: 07711 927821. You will speak to Ather Mirza, Director of Press and Publications, who will contact the appropriate academic below:

George Fraser, Professor of Detector Physics      
Director of University of Leicester Space Research Centre.

Martin Barstow, Professor of Astrophysics and Space Science
Mars exploration in general - history of Mars missions - space hardware and instrumentation - search for life on Mars and elsewhere in the Solar system/Universe - Mars-related educational materials.

Dr Nigel Bannister, Lobster-ISS Instrument Scientist      
X-ray Optics Lobster Telescope -An extremely sensitive X-ray all sky monitor with optics based on those found in the eyes of a crustacean - the lobster.

Martin Ward, Professor of Astronomy & Director of X-ray and Observational Astronomy Group      
Space missions - consultant to the European Space Agency and member of the Space Station User's Panel.

Tim Stevenson, Chief Engineer, Space Research Centre
Formerly with ESA's Technology Centre; involved in the Mars96 mission.

Ken Pounds, Emeritus Professor & Leverhulme Emeritus Fellow      
Former Chief Executive of PPARC and Professor of Space Physics at the University of Leicester.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Please note that all news directly related to the Beagle 2 landing on Mars and all contact with the Beagle 2 Mission Team will be available solely through the daily press briefings from the Beagle 2 London Media Centre, Open University London Office, Hawley Crescent, Camden. For details of how this will operate please contact:

Peter Barratt, Head of Communications, Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council, Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon, Wilts, SN2 1SZ
Tel 01793 442025; fax 01793 442002, mobile 07879 602899; email peter.barratt@pparc.ac.uk

Leicester, University of