SIMI VALLEY, Calif., and WASHINGTON, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As NASA prepares for its next crewed Artemis missions, one of the scientists helping shape the exploration of the Moon's south polar region – USRA's Dr. David Kring--will provide an insider's look at where astronauts may land, what they hope to discover, and why these missions represent a new era of lunar exploration. Members of the news media are invited to attend this special keynote presentation and conference.

WHAT: The Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers (ALPO), in partnership with the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), invites members of the news media to attend the 2026 ALPO Annual Conference, a two-day virtual event featuring internationally recognized lunar scientist Dr. David Kring, whose research has helped shape scientific planning for NASA's Artemis program.

WHO: Dr. David Kring, Keynote Speaker
Universities Space Research Association 's Dr. David Kring at the Lunar and Planetary Institute- Keynote Address: "Exploring the Moon in the Age of Artemis"

WHEN: Saturday, July 11, 2026, Keynote Presentation: 4:40 PM Pacific Time / 7:30 PM Eastern Time

WHERE: Virtual via Zoom – see link below. The keynote and conference sessions will be streamed live on the Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

WHY THIS STORY MATTERS:

With NASA preparing to return astronauts to the Moon through the Artemis program, Dr. Kring will provide an exclusive look at science guiding future lunar exploration. His keynote will examine candidate Artemis landing sites, astronaut traverses, and the scientific objectives driving exploration of the Moon's south polar region—one of the most scientifically compelling destinations in the Solar System.

Dr. Kring has authored or co-authored more peer-reviewed studies of candidate Artemis landing sites and astronaut traverses than any other research team in the world. He has also helped train many of NASA's active astronauts in planetary geology, authored award-winning astronaut field guides, founded the LPI–JSC Center for Lunar Science and Exploration, and has served for more than fifteen years in leadership roles supporting NASA's lunar science and exploration initiatives.

The presentation offers journalists timely background and expert analysis on:

• NASA's Artemis exploration strategy
  
  
• Why the lunar south pole is a priority for exploration
  
  
• How scientists evaluate potential astronaut landing sites
  
  
• The geology astronauts will encounter on the Moon
  
  
• The scientific discoveries expected from upcoming Artemis missions

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

Members of the news media are encouraged to attend.

Interview opportunities with Dr. David Kring will be available after the keynote presentation by advance request. Dr. Kring can be reached at (kring@lpi.usra.edu) and 281-687-8359.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Suraiya Farukhi, Ph.D. 
Universities Space Research Association (USRA)
443-812-6945
Sfarukhi@usra.edu

Ron May
Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers (ALPO)
Email: Ronald May ron.may@alpo-astronomy.org
650-823-3155

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SOURCE Universities Space Research Association