Thursday, June 5, 2014

Fwd: NASA News--my version and JSC Today



Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Date: June 5, 2014 10:18:28 AM CDT
To: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Subject: NASA News--my version and JSC Today

Expecting PAO to be very late again so,,,,,,Happy Flex Friday eve everyone.  

 

Hope you can join the NASA Retirees today at our monthly luncheon at the Hibachi Grill off Bay Area Blvd in Webster at 11:30am  for great food and outstanding fellowship.   If you see someone you don't recognize, don't be bashful --- please go up to them and introduce yourselves.

 

Also,,,,Don't forget many opportunities to hear talks this afternoon ,,,,first one is Bill Gerstenmaier talking about our path to MARS at 1pm in the Teague,,,then at 2:30 Wayne Hale will be giving a NASA Alumni League talk in the Gilruth Alamo room.  

And don't forget to join the Keg of the Month crowd at 4pm to further talk about the latest NRC report on going to MARS out at the Gilruth Pavillion.

 

 

 

 

 

   Headlines

  1. Joint Leadership Team Web Poll

If you had a choice, you'd like to see us build some parking garages at JSC. I'm guessing a one-story parking garage doesn't count? You'd also like to see Jimi Hendrix in a hologram; hopefully he would slay "Voodoo Chile" for us all. Last week I was out of pocket, and I was wondering what happens to your work when you leave for vacation or travel. Do you try to keep up remotely? Read emails only? Worry about it when you return? I also like animals, but only certain kinds. Are you a pet lover with a thing for cats? Dogs? Snakes?

Skunk your Armadillo on over to get this week's poll.

Joel Walker x30541 http://jlt.jsc.nasa.gov/

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  1. Monthly Test of the JSC Emergency Warning System

The Emergency Dispatch Center and Office of Emergency Management will conduct the monthly, first Thursday test of the JSC Emergency Warning System (EWS) today at noon.

The EWS test will consist of a verbal "This is a test" message, followed by a short tone and a second verbal "This is a test" message. The warning tone will be the "wail" tone, which is associated with an "All clear" message. Please visit the JSC Emergency Awareness website for EWS tones and definitions. During an actual emergency situation, the particular tone and verbal message will provide you with protective information.

Dennis G. Perrin x34232 http://jea.jsc.nasa.gov

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   Organizations/Social

  1. What's New With Engineers Without Borders-JSC

Engineers Without Borders (EWB)-JSC is starting a new project in Thailand. Come find out more about EWB and what the JSC chapter has been up to, as well as how to get involved with the new project. Come out to Building 7, Room 141, from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, to learn all about it. No RSVP is required.

Angela Cason x40903

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  1. Lessons Learned in NASA Human Spaceflight June 11

You are invited to JSC's SAIC/Safety and Mission Assurance Speaker Forum featuring Wayne Hale, former Space Shuttle Program manager and flight director.

Topic: Lessons Learned in NASA Human Spaceflight

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Gilruth Center Alamo Ballroom

Hale will share and discuss:

    • The NASA organizational culture
    • The importance of dissenting opinions
    • The role financial considerations play in critical decisions
    • The importance of going the extra mile (doing 99 things right and one thing wrong can lead to disaster)

Hale authored Chapter 7, Flying the Shuttle: Operations from Preparation Through Flight to Recovery, in "Space Shuttle Legacy." A group of highly qualified experts, including historians, political scientists, public administrators, engineers and scientists, have combined to answer the question: What is the legacy of the space shuttle?

Event Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2014   Event Start Time:11:30 AM   Event End Time:12:30 PM
Event Location: Gilruth Center Alamo Ballroom

Add to Calendar

Della Cardona/Juan Traslavina 281-335-2074/281-335-2272

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  1. Mental Health Disorders and Coping Strategies

Please join Takis Bogdanos, LPC-S, CGP, with the JSC Employee Assistance Program, for a presentation about Bipolar Disorder as part of the psycho-educational series "Mental Health Disorders, Causes and Treatments." He will be discussing causes, prevalence, symptoms and impact in everyday life, as well as the latest treatments being implemented.

Event Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2014   Event Start Time:12:00 PM   Event End Time:1:00 PM
Event Location: Building 30 Auditorium

Add to Calendar

Lorrie Bennett, Employee Assistance Program, Occupational Health Branch x36130

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  1. Latin Dance Introduction: June 13 from 8 to 9 p.m.

This class is mostly an introduction to Salsa, but it also touches on other popular Latin dances found in social settings: Merengue, Bachata, and even a little bit of Cha-Cha-Cha. Emphasis is on Salsa and then Bachata.

For the first-time student or those who want a refresher course. You will go over basic steps with variations and build them into sequences.

Registration:

    • $50 per person (May 31 to June13)

Salsa Intermediate: June 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

This class continues teaching Salsa beyond that taught in the introduction class. You should be comfortable and confident with the material from the introduction class before moving on to the intermediate class. This is a multi-level class where students may be broken up into groups based on class experience.

Shericka Phillips x35563 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/recreation-programs/salsalatin...

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   Jobs and Training

  1. June 18: Become an Ally in the Workplace

Are you concerned with equality in the workplace? Are you interested in learning how, as a straight ally, to create LGBT inclusion at JSC? On June 18, as part of Pride Month activities, the Out & Allied Employee Resource Group invites you to an informative and empowering seminar led by Lowell Kane. The day-long class will explore the unique needs and concerns that LGBT people face in the workplace while also building your own knowledge, skills and abilities for creating a more inclusive and affirming community as a straight ally. Participants will develop an understanding of LGBT terminology and symbols; history; concepts of privilege and identity development; and learn how to maintain a work environment that doesn't tolerate oppression based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Sign up now in SATERN using ID 73854.

Event Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2014   Event Start Time:8:30 AM   Event End Time:3:00 PM
Event Location: Building 1, Room 320

Add to Calendar

Jennifer Mason x32424 https://collaboration.ndc.nasa.gov/iierg/LGBTA/SitePages/Home.aspx

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  1. Particle Count Training June 13 - Bldg. 20, R205

This course will provide the technician/engineer with the basic skills and knowledge for performing a particle count for determination of particle cleanliness level. A written/practical examination will also be offered. Course content includes:

    • Review of approved method for manually counting particles using an optical microscope
    • Microscope operation and calibration
    • Non-microscopic visual identification of particles by shape, size, color and other physical characteristics
    • Sampling techniques for particles in gases and liquids
    • Filtering techniques for fluids using the Millipore apparatus
    • Compatibility of filter membranes and their specific uses
    • Handling filter membranes, the Millipore assembly, performing background determinations and the pre-reading of filters prior to sampling
    • Use of high-pressure filter assemblies
    • Particle counting and data recording
    • Statistical analysis
    • Use of automatic particle-counting techniques and their limitations

A comprehensive test will be offered at the end of the class. Use this direct link for registration. https://satern.nasa.gov/learning/user/deeplink_redirect.jsp?linkId=SCHEDULED_...

Shirley Robinson x41284

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  1. Cleanroom Protocol & Cont. Ctrl ViTS - June 13

This course addresses the operation and uses of cleanrooms and the associated cleanroom protocols to minimize contamination. The student will learn how to prevent contamination from spreading to the product or test article in and upon removal from the clean environment. The class will include a discussion of contamination control and cleanroom requirements documents, including SN-C-0005 and ISO 14644. The course discusses the nature and sources of contaminants; monitoring particle and film contamination; cleanroom protocols to prevent the spread of contamination; and contamination-removal methods. Also included are NASA requirements for cleanliness levels; identification and monitoring of contamination; description and classifications of cleanrooms; personnel and garment protocols in cleanrooms and clean work areas; other do's and don'ts in cleanrooms and clean work areas; and removal methods. A comprehensive test will be offered at the end of the class. Use this direct link for registration. https://satern.nasa.gov/learning/user/deeplink_redirect.jsp?linkId=SCHEDULED_...

Shirley Robinson x41284

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JSC Today is compiled periodically as a service to JSC employees on an as-submitted basis. Any JSC organization or employee may submit articles.

Disclaimer: Accuracy and content of these notes are the responsibility of the submitters.

 

 

 

 

LEADING THE NEWS

• Report Finds NASA Should Focus On Mars Mission, But Needs More Funds.

NASA NEWS

• NASA Officials To Be In Russia To Discuss Joint Ventures On The Moon.

HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS

• About 100 Attend Meeting To Discuss KSC's New Master Plan.

• X-Ray Machine Heading To ISS For Bone Loss Study.

• First OPALS Transmission Planned For Today.

• SpaceX's Dragon V2 Design Resembles Soviet Spacecraft.

• ESA Hires QinetiQ To Build ISS Docking System.

• ISS Astronauts Capture Volcano's Ash Plume.

• Orion Flight Director Profiled.

• Sunita Williams To Speak At Neil Armstrong Museum.

• Chris Hadfield To Deliver Keynote Address At Confederation Center.

• Marshall News Messenger Praises School For JSC Trip.

Report Finds NASA Should Focus On Mars Mission, But Needs More Funds.

Coverage of the new National Research Council report on the future of manned spaceflight in the US was pretty negative, especially when it came to the amount the country now spends and how that is insufficient to reach Mars under the current time frame now envisioned. Most reports did note that while the current path is wanting, the report did not recommend a specific path forward. Many articles did highlight that paths involving the moon may be technically easier than one involving an asteroid redirect mission. Of all the coverage, the Houston Chronicle was the most negative in how it portrayed how relevant the asteroid mission would be to get people to Mars.

        The Houston Chronicle (6/4, Berger, 2.23M) reports the National Research Council released a report, co-chaired by Cornell University astronomer Jonathan Lunine and former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, saying that NASA needs to focus on sending astronaut to Mars, but will not be able to do so by the 2030s unless it is given a greater budget because the current path is "going nowhere." Under current projections, the report found "no viable pathways to Mars," including the Asteroid Redirect Mission which will result in "'dead end' technologies not needed for Mars." Instead, a "unified human exploration strategy" is recommended that would involve international partners like the ISS partners and China. According to the article, the report comes as there is "political fighting" over where NASA should go next and debate over whether the Space Launch System is needed and worth the money. NASA spokesman David Weaver said in a statement, "NASA welcomes the release of this report. ... After a preliminary review, we are pleased to find the NRC's assessment and identification of compelling themes for human exploration are consistent with the bipartisan plan agreed to by Congress and the Administration."

        The Los Angeles Times (6/4, Khan, 3.46M) notes that the report stressed NASA needs an "ambitious" goal like Mars and much more funding to guide a "stepping-stone plan," whether first to the moon or an asteroid. While not making any direct recommendation on a path to take, the report does outline three "pathways" the plan could take, outlining the risks and strengths of each one, including one placing an asteroid at the moon's orbit. NASA, according to the article, needs to go "far beyond the limits of the International Space Station," aligning plans with international partners. A "clear, well-thought-out plan of execution" should help those partners work with the US.

        According to the CBS News (6/4, Harwood, 5.21M), Daniels acknowledged that many may view the recommendations as "unrealistic," but so is reaching Mars under the current framework. The article notes that the report often referred to "the need for sustained political support," which is in contrast to the past two Administrations with their "major policy changes." Meanwhile, while not recommending any one path to mars, the report does highlight a path via the moon as lunar missions would result in "significant contributions," while ARM does not have support int the international or scientific communities yet.

        The Christian Science Monitor (6/5, Spotts, 566K) reports that other recommendations in the report include Congress allowing NASA to divest itself of unused facilities; maintaining a "robust" unmanned space program, and using the ISS to studies the effects of spaceflight over times "comparable" to missions to deep space locations. The report also warned that supporters cannot rely on a "magical rationale...that ignites then sustains a public demand that has never existed in the first place."

        Reuters (6/4, Klotz) notes that the NRC report calls for the end of the flexible approach to spaceflight that has been recently adopted. NASA said in a statement, "There is a consensus that our horizon goal should be a human mission to Mars. ... The pathways thrust of the report complements NASA's ongoing approach."

        According to Roll Call (6/4, Kim, Subscription Publication, 76K) the report may "provide fuel" to those opposing the Administration's current asteroid mission. Meanwhile, if the pathway plan is not adopted and NASA's budget is not increased, the report warns that "the potential of SLS will be wasted, human spaceflight to LEO will become increasingly routine...and the horizons of human existence will not be expanded, at least not by the United States."

        Space News (6/4, Leone, Subscription Publication, 481) notes that the Obama Administration has "insisted" for years that it is already following the recommendations of the report, which emphasized 10 technologies needing to be developed before missions to Mars will be possible.

        The Washington Post (6/4, Achenbach, 4.22M) reports that while the report did not discuss private ventures to Mars, committee member John Sommerer thought it was "unrealistic" to believe they would pay the costs and take the same risks. John Logsdon, professor emeritus of George Washington University's Space Policy Institute, reportedly thought that the report had a "familiar ring" of criticizing the status quo, but then recommending a Mars mission. Logsdon said that such a mission will stay "a dream" unless there is a shift in how things are done.

        NASA Space Flight (6/4, Bergin, 305) notes that there was some "irony" in the report that because of the lack of funding, research at the ISS, important for understanding how the body is affected by space, is actually hampering progress toward manned Mars missions by drawing away limited resources. Meanwhile the recommendation to work with China could be a "potential battleground."

        According to Design & Trend (6/4, Nichols, 22K), the report is "at odds" with claims by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden that Mars is achievable under current budgets adjusted for inflation.

        Also covering the story are the Lafayette (IN) Journal and Courier (6/4, Bangert, 103K), Bloomberg News (6/4, Salant, 2.76M), NextGov (6/4, Carroll, 2K), Gannett News Service (6/4, King, 7K), Popular Mechanics (6/4, Moseman, 10.63M), SPACE (6/4, Pearlman, 261K), Nature (6/4, Morello, 587K), RT (RUS) (6/5, 117K), Guardian Liberty Voice (6/5, 160K), Mail Online (UK) (6/4, Prigg, 2.97M), Boing Boing (6/4, Jardin, 112K), Tampa Bay (FL) Times (6/4, 75K), New Scientist (6/4, Jaggard, 329K), Nature World News (6/4, Stallard), Flight Global (6/4, Thisdell, 2K), NBC News (6/4, Boyle, 7.5M) website, Space Politics (6/4, Foust), and Xinhua (CHN) (6/5, 29K).

        Kluger: Report's Findings Are Obvious. In an opinion piece for TIME (6/4, 24.1M), Jeffrey Kluger writes that the findings of the NRC report are not surprising, especially as it is part of a "space kabuki" act that could result in states like Florida and Texas continuing to receive a lot of money to develop the needed projects. Kluger notes that the point about a lack of funding hampering development is "well-taken," as Greg Williams, "a policy chief in NASA's Human Exploration and Operations division," said that "the funding curve" back during the Apollo program "was always going up. We've been doing this work on what amounts to a flat budget," which has led to drawn out time frames. Kluger comments that there is a "self-evident case" for going to Mars and raising funding, but it did not need this NRC report to make it.

        San Antonio Express-News Agrees With The NRC Report. The San Antonio Express-News (6/5, 718K) editorializes that NASA represents a "lack of investment and direction" in America, "more reflective of bridled austerity than unbridled potential." The editors agree with the recommendations of the NRC report, calling on the US to go to the moon if it wants to go to Mars. Citing the reliance on Russia to reach the ISS as another example of how "timid" the US has become, the editors want America to regain the "passion and investment" of the Apollo era.

        Tyson Disappointed That Obama Did Not Commit To Mars Mission During His Term. USA Today (6/4, 5.82M) interviews Cosmos host Neil deGrasse Tyson and executive producer Ann Druyan about the show, some of the topics it discussed, and some of the reactions from the public now that the mini-series is set to end this Sunday. Tyson was asked about the current state of NASA, saying that he was "disappointed" that President Obama committed to sending astronauts to Mars, but did not commit to doing it during his presidency.

        Blog Coverage. Eric Berger at the Houston Chronicle (6/4, 2.23M) "Sci Guy" blog writes that NASA did respond to the report "with aplomb," even though it criticized NASA's current course. Jeff Foust at Space Politics (6/4) writes that both NASA and Congress appear to back the report in their official statements. However, NASA did so stating the report "compliments" what NASA is doing now, while others like Rep. Lamar Smith supported the report for the way it questions NASA's asteroid mission.

     

NASA Officials To Be In Russia To Discuss Joint Ventures On The Moon.

RIA Novosti (RUS) (6/4, 4K) reports that NASA officials are expected to be in Russia in June to discuss "manned moon missions" during a series of panels at Moscow State University. Mikhail Panasyuk, head of the university's Nuclear Physics Institute, said that the joint missions cannot succeed without such discussions. The article compares this event with previous statements by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin threatening collaboration at the ISS and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden vowed to continue collaboration with space.

        Leader Herald Blames Obama For Ending Shuttle. The Gloversville (NY) Leader Herald (6/4, 26K) editorialized that because of President Obama, the US cannot "laugh off" threats to the ISS by Rogozin. The editors blame Obama for canceling the shuttle program.

About 100 Attend Meeting To Discuss KSC's New Master Plan.

Florida Today (6/4, Dean, 208K) reports that about 100 people attended a public meeting at Eastern Florida State College's Titusville campus to discuss the Kennedy Space Center's new master plan. A second one is scheduled for tonight at New Smyrna Beach High School.

        Another Florida Today (6/4, Dean, 208K) article covers the reactions people had to the new master plan. Some "Thanked" NASA for not expanding to threaten more wildlife, but others were still concerned about the environmental impact. Others were critical about the short time they had to review the plan before the meeting, while still others did not like that it ignored a potential commercial launch site in Shiloh.

X-Ray Machine Heading To ISS For Bone Loss Study.

The Louisville (KY) Courier-Journal (6/4, Esarey, 468K) reports that Techshot, funded in part by NASA and the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), has developed an x-ray machine that will head to the ISS this summer as part of research into bone loss that has applications for astronauts and people on Earth. Techshot chief scientist Eugene Boland said that NASA originally was "scared" to have a radiation-emitting device at the station, but it was finally convinced about its safety.

        The WDRB-TV Louisville, KY (6/4, Francis, 167K) website also covers the story. WDRB-TV Louisville, KY (6/5, 5:39 a.m. ET, 167K) and five other local TV broadcasts also provide coverage.

First OPALS Transmission Planned For Today.

ComputerWorld (6/4, Gaudin, 103K) reports that today, NASA plans to make the "first planned official transmission" of the Optical Payload for Lasercomm Science (OPALS). The test will involve beaming "enhanced-definition video via laser" from the station to the Table Mountain Observatory and then on to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The article notes that this video will eventually be hosted on YouTube.

        The Latin Post (6/5, Derr) also covers the story.

SpaceX's Dragon V2 Design Resembles Soviet Spacecraft.

Popular Mechanics (6/4, Zak, 10.63M) reports on the connection between SpaceX's recently announced Dragon V2's "rocked-powered landing system" and a 80's era Soviet manned spacecraft project called Zarya. This was a "capsule-like vehicle" that used "powerful liquid-propellant engines," similar to the Dragon V2's planned "four pairs of SuperDraco liquid-propellant engines." Zarya's legacy was later seen in Russia's PTK NP, a 21st century spacecraft intended to replace Soyuz.

ESA Hires QinetiQ To Build ISS Docking System.

ExecutiveBiz (6/5, Clemens) reports the ESA awarded QinetiQ's space division a contract "to develop a soft berthing system for spacecraft to dock at the International Space Station." It will now be responsible for designing and constructing a "model for the International Berthing Docking Mechanism through 2015 before ground testing of the work begins."

ISS Astronauts Capture Volcano's Ash Plume.

The KFSN-TV Fresno, CA (6/4, 8:12 p.m. ET, 2K) broadcast a report on the erupting Pavlof Volcano in Alaska, briefly noting that ISS astronauts have photographed a plume of ash.

Orion Flight Director Profiled.

The Watertown (NY) Daily Times (6/5, Anderson, 63K) profiles Michael L. Sarafin, who will have the "major role" of being the flight director during the Orion capsule's first test flight this year. Sarain said, "This mission is really to test the design of Orion to make sure it's safe for humans to travel deep into space. ... I'm looking forward to seeing Orion fly."

Sunita Williams To Speak At Neil Armstrong Museum.

The Lima (OH) News (6/4, 93K) reports astronaut Sunita Williams will give a presentation about the ISS at the Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum for its Summer Moon Festival on July 19 and 20. She will also take questions, "sign autographs and participate in an exclusive dinner for museum association members."

Chris Hadfield To Deliver Keynote Address At Confederation Center.

CBC News (CAN) (6/4, 199K) reports Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield will provide the keynote address at Prince Edward Island's Confederation Center this October. He will "talk about his pride in representing Canada as the commander of the International Space Station and what he learned from the experience."

Marshall News Messenger Praises School For JSC Trip.

The Marshall (TX) News Messenger (6/5, 19K) gives a "thumbs up" in an editorial to Waskom Middle School Science Club students for visiting the Johnson Space Center. The editors also praise their teachers for making the opportunity possible.

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