Dr. Laura Kerber, a research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), captivated the audience with her pioneering work on lunar cave exploration. Credit: Califrenchlife
On the evening of March 18, 2025, the Alliance Française de Pasadena hosted an inspiring and well-attended event centered on international cooperation in lunar exploration. Amid the growing global momentum toward Moon missions, this timely gathering united space enthusiasts, researchers, and professionals—both in-person and online—in celebration of science and a shared vision for the future of lunar exploration.
Initially planned as a hybrid event, the evening saw an impressive turnout of in-person attendees, all of whom were welcomed with a thoughtfully curated Mediterranean buffet, fine French wines, and a selection of amuse-bouche that perfectly captured the essence of French hospitality.
The evening’s highlight was a series of compelling presentations on the future of lunar exploration, with a particular emphasis on the collaboration between Quebec, France, and the United States. Experts shared insights into current lunar missions, discussed the logistics and technologies behind lunar surface operations, and explored how international partnerships are paving the way for a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
Nicolas Maubert, Head of the CNES Office in the U.S., addressed the crowd via video, underscoring the enduring partnership between France and the United States in space exploration. He highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the two nations, which has been instrumental in advancing space exploration over the years.
Dr. Laura Kerber, a research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), captivated the audience with her pioneering work on lunar cave exploration. Her talk highlighted the scientific potential of lunar caves and their critical role in enabling sustainable exploration. She also discussed her collaborative projects with French institutions in space exploration. Dr. Kerber’s research spans diverse areas, including volcanic activity on Mars, Mercury, and the Moon, as well as the exploration of extraterrestrial cave environments. Holding dual Master’s degrees in Geology and Engineering (Fluid Mechanics), along with a PhD in Geology from Brown University, Dr. Kerber serves as the Deputy Project Scientist for Mars Odyssey and Principal Investigator for the Moon Diver mission—a concept aimed at sending an extreme terrain rover to explore deep lunar caverns.
Dr. Pooneh Maghoul, a professor at Polytechnique Montreal, offered valuable insights into the development of sustainable lunar infrastructure using in-situ resources. Her work focuses on innovative technologies that will enable humans to live and work on the Moon, laying the foundation for future lunar settlements.
Dr. Pooneh Maghoul, a professor at Polytechnique Montreal, joined the event via Zoom from Montreal. Credit: Califrenchlife
Representatives from the French Consulate in Los Angeles and the Quebec Government Office in Los Angeles were present at the in-person event in Pasadena.
As the evening drew to a close, conversations continued over glasses of wine and hors d’oeuvres, with attendees sharing their excitement for the future of lunar exploration. The event not only fostered new connections but also reinforced the vital role that cultural institutions, such as the Alliance Française de Pasadena, play in bridging global communities through shared vision and discovery.