The primary objective of the workshop is to define pathways to offset the costs and risks of achieving the next era of space exploration.

The results of the meeting, especially the panel discussions, will identify exploration enablers (technology, ideas, partnerships, etc.) that will be presented in a report to NASA and the broader community.

The first day of the meeting (Monday, October 1) will be dedicated to updating the community on NASA activities and to presenting summaries of relevant workshops that have aided the shaping of the lunar exploration program.

On Tuesday through Thursday (October 2–4), the workshop will be divided into morning and afternoon topic-specific sessions relevant to lunar exploration. Each session will comprise invited talks followed by an open panel discussion. All sessions will address one overarching question:

How can risk/cost be reduced through cooperation and partnerships in technological developments and demonstrations?

All sessions will be scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with lunch to be provided on site.

The session summaries, along with the abstracts, list of organizers, and participants, will be included in a final report to be published on the LEAG website.

The workshop will adjourn at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 5.

Audio-visual equipment available for oral presentations will include one LCD projector and one PC laptop. The instructions for electronic presentations will be included in the final announcement.

Invited speakers are asked to provide an executive summary of their presentation. More details are provided in the "Call for Abstracts" section below.

Each poster will have a space 44" × 44" (1.1 m × 1.1 m) for display. Posters will be displayed on free-standing panels that are 4' × 8' (122 cm × 244 cm) (inside frame). Two presenters will share one side of one panel, so it is important that displays do not exceed the size limits. Due to space limitations, tables, computers, video equipment, etc., cannot be accommodated as a part of a poster display.

Invited speakers should submit a one-page executive summary of their presentation, prepared using the executive summary template provided. These summaries should be in Microsoft Word format, and should be submitted using the electronic submission form. The deadline for submission of executive summaries is August 24 (the same as the deadline for poster abstracts).

Poster abstracts may not exceed TWO pages, including graphics, tables, and references. File sizes are restricted to 1.5 MB. Contributors are specifically encouraged to address the following topics:

• NASA Plans for Return to the Moon: Community Update
• International Partnerships
• ISRU and Outpost Sustainment Demonstrations
• The Role of Robotic Missions
• ISRU and Its Contribution to Space Exploration
• Private Sector Involvement: Opportunities, Infrastructure, and Applications.
• Sample Return
• Field Exploration and Astronaut Training
• Outpost Site Selection

The abstracts and agenda will be available in electronic format and accessible via the meeting website on September 7, 2007. These files will be in PDF format. Author notification letters will not be mailed, so authors should check the online program to find out where their abstract has been scheduled.

The registration fee will include continental breakfast, morning and afternoon breaks, three receptions with beer and wine, and a program and abstract volume.

A buffet lunch consisting of assorted salads, two hot entrees, vegetable and starch, fresh breads, assorted desserts, and coffee and tea will be available at the hotel at a cost of $20.00 per person per day. Lunch tickets should be purchased in advance using the registration form.

Note:  While there are nearby restaurants offering other lunch options, participants are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the lunch buffet because of the tight program schedule and short amount of time available for a lunch break.

Participants registering by credit card must use the electronic registration form; those registering using any other method of payment must use the downloadable registration form.

Requests for cancellation with a fee refund (less a $25.00 processing fee) will only be accepted through September 17, 2007.

NOTE: Those who fail to attend and do not notify the LPI Publications and Program Services Department prior to the September 17 deadline will forfeit their full fee.

To qualify for the reduced rate, reservations MUST be made by September 16.

**Note!** After September 16, any unsold rooms will be released back to the hotel inventory, and guests who register after that date will charged according to available rates.**

Room Reservations: Reservations can be made through Hilton's Reservation Website. If you use this link, you should automatically get the reduced rate. Reservations may also be made by calling the hotel directly at 713-645-3000 Monday–Friday, or by calling Hilton Central Reservations at 800-445-8667. PLEASE REFERENCE "LEAG 2007" WHEN MAKING RESERVATIONS.

Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. Each guest will be required to provide valid photo identification at check-in (driver's license, state-issued identification, or passport). Check-out time is 12:00 noon. Early check-in and late check-out are based on a "space-available" basis. Luggage storage is available for early arrivals and late departures.

Self-parking is complimentary.

Recently renovated, the hotel offers 300 guest rooms, each furnished with Suite Dreams by Serta® bedding, down-filled comforter, Touch of Down pillows, and 300-count sheets and duvet cover; 32-inch flat-screen television with remote control; overstuffed chair with ottoman; coffee maker; hair dryer; and iron and ironing board.

In addition, each guest room has a large work desk with an ergonomic chair and task lighting, two multi-line telephones, MP3 radio alarm clock, and complimentary Wi-Fi access.

The Hobby Hilton offers a variety of dining menus in two restaurants located within the hotel. The Plaza Cafe offers casual dining from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with breakfast and lunch buffets in addition to an a la carte menu. The Boardwalk Restaurant, open from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., offers fine dining featuring fresh Gulf seafood and Black Angus beef, complemented by the perfect wine or cocktail. Room service is available from 6:00 a.m. to midnight.

For relaxation with a cocktail, specialty beer, or glass of wine, the Sundance Lounge is open from 4:00 p.m. to midnight. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres are served Monday through Friday.

The Hobby Hilton offers 24-hour complimentary shuttle service from Hobby Airport to the hotel.

The distance from the hotel to George Bush International Airport is approximately 25 miles.

From I-45, take Exit 36, College Avenue/Airport Boulevard. The Hobby Hilton is located approximately 2 miles west of I-45 on Airport Boulevard, opposite the William P. Hobby Airport (refer to directions, map, and airport information).

The Executive Committee of LEAG forms the organizing committee of this meeting. It includes representatives from science, ISRU, exploration systems, and business. The committee will help write the syntheses of the discussions.

    CLIVE NEAL
    University of Notre Dame
    Phone: 574-631-8328
    E-mail: [email protected]

    STEVE MACKWELL
    Lunar and Planetary Institute
    Phone: 281-486-2180
    E-mail: [email protected]

For further information regarding workshop logistics and announcements, contact

    MARY CLOUD
    Lunar and Planetary Institute
    Phone: 281-486-2143
    E-mail: [email protected]

For further information regarding abstract submission and workshop registration, contact

    LINDA TANNER
    Lunar and Planetary Institute
    Phone: 281-486-2142
    E-mail: [email protected]