The Malibu Library Speaker Series presents B. Gentry Lee, chief engineer for the Solar System Exploration Directorate at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena. In that position, Lee is responsible for the engineering integrity of all the robotic planetary missions managed by JPL for NASA.

Lee's major recent work includes the engineering oversight of the Curiosity rover mission to Mars in August 2012; the Dawn mission to the asteroids Vesta and Ceres; the Juno mission to Jupiter; and the GRAIL missions to the Moon. Previously, Lee provided guidance and oversight for the engineering aspects of the Phoenix and twin rover missions to Mars, as well as NASA's successful Deep Impact and Stardust missions.

Lee was chief engineer for the Galileo project from 1977-1988 and after working in a variety of positions on the Viking project from 1968-76, was director of science analysis and mission planning during the Viking operations. The historic Viking mission was mankind's first successful landing on another planet.

From 1976 until 1981, Lee was Carl Sagan's partner in the creation, design, development, and implementation of "Cosmos," the highly successful science documentary series for television. In 2009, Lee was the featured narrator in "Are We Alone?," a two-hour Discovery Channel documentary about life in the solar system.

In addition to his engineering work, Lee is a successful science fiction novelist, futurist, computer product designer, media columnist, lecturer, and television narrator.

Lee will speak about Mars Exploration at Malibu City Hall on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at 7 PM. RSVPs are required. RSVP online or call Malibu Library at 310.456.6438.