The New Mexico Museum of Space History is set to host its next Launch Pad Lecture on Friday, November 7, 2025. The lecture, titled "Storms, Science & Surveyor: The Story of Apollo 12," will be presented by Marie De Leon, the museum's Senior Instructional Coordinator. This event aims to explore NASA's second lunar landing mission and its challenges.
Apollo 12 faced a significant challenge when lightning struck the Saturn V rocket shortly after liftoff. Despite this, mission control and the crew managed to achieve one of NASA’s most precise lunar landings. The presentation will focus on the teamwork involved in overcoming these obstacles and highlight the scientific advancements made through lunar experiments and the Surveyor 3 landing.
Marie De Leon brings a unique perspective to her lectures. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, she holds degrees in psychology and school psychology. Since joining the museum two years ago, she has developed a passion for space exploration and now shares her enthusiasm through stories like that of Apollo 12.
The lecture will take place at the New Horizons Dome Theater at the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo. It is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT and is free to attend, with coffee and donuts provided. The Launch Pad Lecture Series occurs on the first Friday of each month and covers various topics related to space history and its future. More information can be found on their website at www.nmspacemuseum.org.
The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs oversees this event as part of its ongoing efforts to promote cultural education.
Information from this article can be found here.
