The expedition, known as Project Jarntimarra, will wind its way through some of the most spectacular terrain on the planet, much of which is considered to be Mars-like in appearance. A group of Australian and international scientists, over a period of two weeks, will identify places which could be used for testing technology and elements required for a successful future human mission to Mars. It is hoped that a research facility or habitat may eventually be built in the outback to accommodate this research.

In the lead-up to their departure, a free public forum on Mars, 'Mars: Exploring the Red Centre', will be held in conjunction with Adelaide University's Department of Geology and Geophysics. Media are welcome to attend and are also invited to a photo and interview opportunity with expedition members on the morning they set off, at the South Australian Museum.

"This will be a wonderful chance to met Dr Stoker and Dr Lemke, distinguished researchers who have been involved in a number of NASA Mars projects, and spent time in the Canadian Arctic on simulated Mars missions. Dr Stoker will be sharing her experiences at our forum in Adelaide the night before the expedition leaves," said Mars Society Australia President Guy Murphy. "She will be joined by Dr Mark Bishop of the University of South Australia, who will compare Earth and Martian geology, and the Technical Director of Mars Society Australia, Jason Hoogland. Jason will talk about our expedition, its goals and itinerary. The public will be able to ask questions of our speakers and find out more about exploration of Mars, present, past and future."

The South Australian Museum was deliberately chosen for the media event to highlight the historical parallels between the early exploration of Australia and the exploration of contemporary frontiers. "The South Australian Museum houses one of the best collections in the world on Sir Douglas Mawson and his work in Antarctica. Mawson also went on numerous geological field trips to South Australia's Flinders Ranges, one of the places we will visit on Project Jarntimarra. We thought it was a appropriate tribute to his work to hold this event at the Museum," said Murphy.

A breakfast and briefing for those scientists participating in the Jarntimarra expedition at the Museum caf¿ will held on the morning of departure, followed by a group photo in the forecourt, facing North Terrace. The media will be able to take photographs, as well as interview participants, before the convoy leaves Adelaide on its way to Woomera, the first night's stop.

Aside from Dr Stoker and Dr Lemke, scientists taking part in Project Jarntimarra include Dr Graham Mann, Murdoch University, WA, Dr Jonathan Clarke, Australian National University, ACT, Dr Vic Gostin, Adelaide University, SA, and Prof. Malcolm Walter, Macquarie University & the Australian Centre for Astrobiology, NSW.

"The fact that people of this calibre are joining in on this event is testimony to its solid scientific goals and importance for the future of Australian space science," said Jason Hoogland. "They will bring their strengths in a variety of disciplines, such as robotics, geology, remote sensing and astrobiology, to this Project, which is the culmination of months of planning. We hope that people will come along and find out about the work we are doing, which may one day help to send people out from the 'cradle' of Earth, into the Solar System."

Free Public Forum ¿ Mars: Exploring the Red Planet
Where:     Mawson Theatre Adelaide University
When:      Friday 26 October 2001 at 7.00 pm ¿ 8.30 pm

Media Photo/Interview Opportunity ¿ Project Jarntimarra
Where:     South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide
When:      Saturday 27 October 2001 at 9.00 am