Join Dante Lauretta, renowned planetary scientist and leader of the NASA OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission, on a captivating journey to the asteroid Bennu. In this motivational talk, Dante shares the incredible story of how his team overcame numerous challenges to achieve the seemingly impossible task of landing on a moving asteroid, collecting samples, and returning them safely to Earth. Through this inspiring narrative, Dante illustrates the power of perseverance, innovation, and teamwork in overcoming obstacles and achieving extraordinary goals. Discover how embracing curiosity and pushing the boundaries of what is possible can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and change the course of history.

Dante shares his insights and enthusiasm for building teams to go after difficult projects. He focuses on positivity and the power of saying YES to working together, to embracing the challenge, and striving toward excellence. Dante brings in real-world examples developed over two decades of leading one of history’s greatest scientific expeditions – sample return from asteroid Bennu. A space mission like OSIRIS-REx is a grand adventure that brings together teams with diverse backgrounds, expertise, and work styles. Dante led this team through political, technical, and human challenges to achieve excellence. The result is an inspiring session that proves what human beings can accomplish when they channel the power of YES.

Dante provides an overview of the technological wonder that is OSIRIS-REx – history’s greatest asteroid-exploring robot. The mission achieved many firsts in spaceflight, garnering two Guinness World Records in the process. After years of focused effort, Dante’s team successfully guided the spacecraft to a precision touchdown on an asteroid 200 million miles from Earth. Along the way, the asteroid constantly challenged the team, resulting in quick-thinking and creative problem solving. Attendees will hear firsthand how the depth of human ingenuity, working together as a team, can achieve the seemingly impossible.

This presentation is for groups that want to be awed by the majesty of the Universe. Dante has spent his career unraveling the secrets of our early Solar System. He guides the audience through the four-billion-year history of life on Earth then takes them soaring through the solar system to visit ancient Mars, the deep oceans of Jupiter’s moons, and distant exoplanets. This journey involves deep questions about humanity, the nature of consciousness, and the beauty of life. The audience is left with a deep appreciation of their special place in the cosmos.