The primary goal of the AAPG Astrogeology Committee is to emphasize the use of geosciences in the development of off-world exploration energy and other natural resources for development in the foreseeable future (more than 10 years hence). This is under the guidance and input provided by previous NASA geologists, Dr. Harrison “Jack" Schmitt and Dr. James Reilly and by industry professionals of the AAPG’s Energy Minerals Division, the Division of Professional Affairs, and the Division of Environmental Geosciences.
Off-world exploration requires a long-lead time in earth-based preparations, and discussions on the geological, geophysical, and geographical aspects of such exploration are the first steps in such exploration and eventual development and production of such resources. This will be accomplished by planning and implementing a series of annual programs, symposia or poster sessions at AAPG Conventions that emphasizes all aspects of astrogeology and its direct and indirect application to the exploration for energy (and other) resources whether they be located off-world or on Earth.
Incorporating the support and encouragement from the 35,000 energy resource geoscientists world-wide making up the AAPG, the AAPG Astrogeology Committee also seeks to encourage the younger generations who will one day participate directly in off-world programs by extending similar programs to develop and implement annual K-12 teacher outreach programs, either at an AAPG-sponsored meeting, or at a similar venue, and organize a Hedberg-type research conference on the extraterrestrial exploration for energy resources.
Click here to see the Committee's activities.