Track 2
May 16, 2026
Cedar Rapids, IA
DoubleTree by Hilton
Exhibition Hall A
Hands-On Astronomy for All Ages
Track 2 takes place Saturday afternoon, May 16, and is tailored for educators, students,
families, and adults interested in accessible astronomy experiences. Enjoy shorter talks,
interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities, a portable planetarium, telescope displays, and a weather balloon launch. Track 2 is designed to be affordable and welcoming, with NASA Solar System Ambassadors assisting in planning and delivery.
Participants may also join the optional Sunday tours.
Saturday May 16th, 2026
1:00 PM Introductions and logistics
Video Welcome by Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell
1:15 - 4:00 PM
30-minute Blast Talks
Simultaneously and continuously
NASA Solar System Ambassadors:
Douglas Kaupa
Dan Hoy
Mehmet Sefer
Trena Johnson
Dave Falkner
Tim and Laura Hammerbeck
Portable Planetarium
Solar Globe
Hands-on Activities
Weather Balloon Launch
Telescopes and viewing
Sunday 5/17/2026
8:00 AM Collins Aerospace Museum Tour
10:00 AM National Czeck and Slovak Museum and Library with Astronomical Orloj visit
11:00 AM NRAO Site Visit
11:30 AM Van Allen Lab Tour
Speakers
Meet the Experts
The NASA Solar System Ambassadors program is a public engagement effort that works with motivated volunteers across the nation to communicate the science and excitement of NASA's space exploration missions and discoveries with the people in their communities.
NASA Lucy Asteroid Ambassador
Solar System Ambassador
Mehmet B. Sefer is an engineer specializing in mechatronics, test automation, motion control, and vacuum systems for space-adjacent applications. He leads the full lifecycle of custom systems -- requirements, design, controls, build, verification, and documented handoff -- with an emphasis on reliability and repeatability. His earlier work included managing a NASA-funded investigation of cold-welding and related joining phenomena in ultra-high vacuum environments to inform future in-space construction. He has also contributed to concepts of space-based solar power. Sefer serves as a NASA Lucy Asteroid Ambassador and Solar System Ambassador, engaging students and communities with current missions and discoveries.
Douglas Kaupa
Solar System Ambassador
Doug Kaupa enjoyed a twenty-year Air Force career flying world-wide missions in various KC-135 platforms and as a test pilot. His last duty highlighted teaching at the Air Force Academy from 2012-2015. He relished teaching and watching when students understood and gained confidence in space topics covering orbital mechanics, spacecraft design, remote sensing, rocket propulsion and general engineering. He is currently working as a space analysis and exercise planner at US STRATCOM. On the side, he continues to teach as adjunct instructor covering algebra, physics, and engineering in classroom and on-line. The best approach to gain more students interest in space and engineering is to engage them in demos -- from angular momentum to lunar phasing -- where the student are conducting the demos, gaining confidence, and asking more science questions!
Dan Hoy
Solar System Ambassador
Dan Hoy is a retired quality and process management leader who has had a passion for space and exploration for over 50 years, starting as a mesmerized ten year old glued to the television screen watching the Gemini and then Apollo NASA missions. Over the years, he has established a significant collection of space and space exploration books and other resources from the early days of rocketry to the present day. Dan currently lives in Clive and volunteers with the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines. This relationship provides a great opportunity for him to partner with the organization in reaching out to central Iowa to establish, build, and sustain interest in space and space exploration as a Solar System Ambassador.
Trena Johnson
Solar System Ambassador
Trena Johnson grew up in Minnesota a fan of the Moon much to her astronomy friends chagrin. It is bright and beautiful and it's glow made a mystery of the night landscape. She wanted to learn more but her interests didn't develop more until later. High school mythology class sparked the inspiration into the constellations. Who doesn't recognize Orion, the Hunter, Hercules, or Perseus from mythology legends? She has learned so much more about the night sky after joining the Minnesota Astronomical Society seven years ago. She borrowed scopes and books from the club. She completed observation lists from the Astronomical League, expanding my knowledge of our Solar System. All this lead her to become the club's secretary for four years and she is now honored to be their president until 2025.
