Fwd: NASA and Human Spaceflight News – Feb. 26, 2014 and JSC Today

Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Date: February 26, 2014 10:02:38 AM CST
To: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Subject: FW: NASA and Human Spaceflight News – Feb. 26, 2014 and JSC Today

Okay   everyone repeat after me    …Time to flip the thermostat switch back to HEAT again.!

 

 

not much change to the prospective losses list except Jason Vos got added officially as quitting NASA for a work from home job---who wouldn't!! Congratulations to him. Last week with NASA for all of the below folks.

JSC FY 2014 Prospective Losses

 

+ Prospective   + Actual

Top of Form FY: Bottom of Form Top of Form Search:   Bottom of Form

 

Loss Type	Center	Org	Employee Type	Name	Separation Date
RETIREMENT	JSC	EP511	FTP	ALANIS, FRANCISCO	02/28/14
RETIREMENT	JSC	DD221	FTP	CLACK, JOHN	02/28/14
RETIREMENT	JSC	JB311	FTP	WAY, GEORGIA	02/28/14
RETIREMENT	JSC	KX111	FTP	JOHNSON, NICHOLAS	03/28/14
RETIREMENT	JSC	DX121	FTP	SEDEJ, DANIEL	04/03/14
RETIREMENT	JSC	CB611	FTP	THOMAS, ANDREW	02/28/14
RETIREMENT	JSC	IC111	FTP	PENN, MARY	02/28/14
RETIREMENT	JSC	SA411	FTP	STILWELL, DONALD	02/28/14
SEPARATION	JSC	EA251	FTP	VOS, JASON	02/27/14

 

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Wednesday, February 26, 2014  Read JSC Today in your browser

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                    JSC TODAY CATEGORIES

1.            Headlines

-  Inventions & Contribution Board Awards Presented

-  BASS II Has Begun

-  NASA@work: Check Out Our Active Challenges

-  WSTF, WSC and JSC/WSTF Wide Area Network Outage

-  Security Training - Building 16

2.            Organizations/Social

-  Parenting Series: Teen Dating Violence

-  Starport's Flea Market - Register Now

-  New Store Hours at Starport - Building 3

-  Boot Camp at the Gilruth

-  Youth Spring Break Baseball Camp

-  Starport Adult Sports Leagues

-  Salsa/Latin Dance - Feb. 28

-  Photography Techniques - Hurry and Sign Up Today

3.            Jobs and Training

-  How to Access NASA Technical Reports: March 4

-  Leadership Development Opportunity: JSAT Officer

-  Robotics Instructor for Summer Camps Needed

-  Facility Managers Training

-  Particle Count Training ViTS - April 4

-  Cleanroom Protocol/Contamination Ctrl ViTS April 4

4.            Community

-  Applications Being Accepted for Scholarship

-  Annual Space Settlement Design Competition 3/28-30

-  Family Space Day at George Observatory March 1

First Moments of a Solar Flare in Different Wavelengths of Light

 

 

   Headlines

1.            Inventions & Contribution Board Awards Presented

Recently, nearly 100 JSC employees received Inventions and Contributions Board (ICB) Awards. A special Space Act Awards Program was emceed by Tech Transfer and Commercialization Director David Leestma and JSC Director Dr. Ellen Ochoa, where recipients were presented with their awards.

Awards are granted by the NASA ICB to recognize outstanding scientific or technical contributions. The Space Act Awards Program provides recognition and monetary awards for inventions and other scientific and technical contributions that help to achieve NASA's aeronautical, commercialization and space goals. Also, they are intended to stimulate and encourage the creation and reporting of similar contributions in the future.

JSC Exceptional Software Awards were also presented. Exceptional Software Awards recognize software that demonstrates outstanding value to accomplishing the JSC mission.

Please review the list of recipient names and new technologies for ICB and JSC Exceptional Software and congratulate the winners at the Web link below.

Arlene Andrews x34730 http://ao.jsc.nasa.gov/media/67_Winners_2014_ICB%20and%20Exceptional%20S...

 

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2.            BASS II Has Begun

The follow-on investigation to Burning and Suppression of Solids (BASS) has begun on the space station. The BASS-II investigation looks at how a variety of fuels burn and extinguish in space. It tests the theory that some materials burn more efficiently in microgravity than they do on Earth. Understanding these differences improves flammability safety requirements for materials used in spacecraft. Results from BASS-II will improve computer models that are used to design fire detection and suppression systems, both in spacecraft and on Earth. You can read more here.

Liz Warren x35548

 

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3.            NASA@work: Check Out Our Active Challenges

Try something new today and check out what NASA@work is all about! New challenges have recently posted, and we need your inputs to help solve them. Check them out today: "Seeking Ideas for a NASA Center Mobile Application" and "Seeking Stellar Challenges for the NASA@work Platform!"

Are you new to NASA@work? NASA@work is an agencywide, collaborative problem-solving platform that connects the collective knowledge of experts (like YOU) from all centers across NASA. Challenge owners post problems, and members of the NASA@work community participate by responding with their solutions to posted problems. Anyone can participate. Learn more!

Kathryn Keeton 469-450-1864 https://nasa.innocentive.com

 

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4.            WSTF, WSC and JSC/WSTF Wide Area Network Outage

The Information Resources Directorate (IRD) has scheduled maintenance for the Wide Area Network (WAN) at White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) and White Sands Complex (WSC) from 8 a.m. CST Saturday, March 1, through 11:59 p.m. CST Sunday, March 2.

Minimal user impact is expected during the maintenance activity.

Users at WSTF accessing resources external to WSTF may experience brief interruptions to Internet, email and resources at other NASA centers.

The WAN connection between WSTF and JSC will be down intermittently Saturday, March 1, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST. This will not impact JSC Internet or local network resources. It will impact the WSTF disaster recovery servers implemented by ITAMS and other organizations using WSTF as a backup site. All replication will be down during this period, and any JSC network resource accessible from WSTF will be down.

The WAN connection at WSC will be down intermittently Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. CST. This will not impact JSC or WSTF Internet or local network resources. It will impact JSC and WSTF users who access WSC-hosted servers and applications.

For issues related to the activity, please contact the Enterprise Service Desk at 281-483-4800.

JSC-IRD-Outreach x39515

 

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5.            Security Training - Building 16

The Special Operations Division will be conducting training today in Building 16 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Samuel Green x32060

 

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   Organizations/Social

1.            Parenting Series: Teen Dating Violence

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. There's a lot you can do as a parent to prevent teen dating violence and abuse. Almost one in 10 teens have reported being physically abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the last year. One of the most important things you can do is keep the lines of communication open with your kids. Join Anika Isaac, LPC, LMFT, CEAP, NCC, LCDC, with the JSC Employee Assistance Program, to learn more ways you can help prevent teen dating violence and recognize the beginning warning signs that could lead to teen dating violence.

Event Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2014   Event Start Time:12:00 PM   Event End Time:1:00 PM

Event Location: Building 30 Auditorium

 

Add to Calendar

 

Lorrie Bennett, Employee Assitance Program, Occupational Health Branch x36130

 

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2.            Starport's Flea Market - Register Now

Clean out those closets, attics and garages and sell your unwanted items at one big event! On April 19, Starport will have our annual Spring Festival at the Gilruth Center. Not only will there be a crawfish boil, children's Spring Fling complete with Easter bunny and egg hunt and an indoor craft fair, but we will also host a flea market. If you are interested in selling your unwanted items in the flea market at one big "yard sale," please click here for more information and the registration form. Spots are only $10 each!

Event Date: Saturday, April 19, 2014   Event Start Time:9:00 AM   Event End Time:2:00 PM

Event Location: Gilruth Center

 

Add to Calendar

 

Shelly Haralson x39168 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/

 

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3.            New Store Hours at Starport - Building 3

Effective March 3, the Building 3 Starport Gift Shop will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., for your shopping convenience. Store hours at Building 11 will not change (also Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). We look forward to serving you and thank you for your continued support!

Cyndi Kibby x47467

 

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4.            Boot Camp at the Gilruth

Registration is open for the next session of Starport's popular Boot Camp. These results-(almost)-guaranteed classes begin Monday, March 3, with both morning and evening options available.

Don't delay, as class sizes are limited!

Program Details

Registration: Open until March 2

Cost: $110

Classes meet: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for six weeks (18 sessions)

Morning session: 6 to 7 a.m.

Evening session: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Register online at the Starport website or by stopping by the Gilruth Center information desk.

Joseph Callahan x42769 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/recreation-programs/boot-camps

 

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5.            Youth Spring Break Baseball Camp

The NASA Starport Spring Break Baseball Camp provides instruction for all levels of youth baseball. Our coaches focus on the development of hitting, catching, base running, throwing, pitching and drills while preparing participants for competitive play. Former Major League Baseball pitcher Chuck McElroy will be leading the camp.

Robert K. Vaughn II x38049 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/familyyouth-programs/sports-ca...

 

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6.            Starport Adult Sports Leagues

Come join the Starport Athletics adult sports leagues. We offer a plethora of leagues that range from men's and co-ed softball to even dodgeball. Come check us out! Right now we are offering a discounted rate for our whole spring season registration. Dodgeball, kickball and ultimate frisbee registration is now open! Hurry and take advantage of this great deal.

Robert K. Vaughn II x38049 http://www.imleagues.com/School/Home.aspx?SchId=b77f7df9172d4d8a84a81184...

 

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7.            Salsa/Latin Dance - Feb. 28

Introduction to Latin Dance: Feb. 28 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.

This course is 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:

o $50 per person (Feb. 15 to 28)

Salsa Intermediate: Feb. 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

This class continues teaching Salsa beyond what is 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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8.            Photography Techniques - Hurry and Sign Up Today

Would you like to learn how to take professional-looking pictures with your digital camera? Starport has the perfect Photography Techniques class for you!

This six-week class introduces you to the proper techniques needed to take great digital photos. In this class, you will learn the art of focus, composition, exposure and basic lighting techniques. Following the techniques you'll learn in these easy and fun classes, you will be on your way to taking better pictures in no time!

Classes start Tuesday, March 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Prerequisites:

o             Digital camera that can be set to full manual settings

o             Have or have access to a computer

o             Familiarity with Adobe Bridge or other photography programs encouraged, but not required

What to bring to class:

o             Digital camera

o             Memory cards

o             Charged batteries

o             Owner's manual for camera

Discounted registration:

o             $90 (ends March 12)

Regular registration:

o             $110 (ends March 18)

* Gilruth Center Longhorn Room

Shericka Phillips x35563 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/specialty-classes/photography

 

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   Jobs and Training

1.            How to Access NASA Technical Reports: March 4

The NASA Aeronautics and Space Database (NA&SD) has retired. On Tuesday, March 4, from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m., learn how to use its replacement: the NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) Registered. The NTRS Registered blends the features of the publically available NTRS with the content once accessible via NA&SD. Please join the Scientific and Technical Information Center as they host an online webinar with a representative from the Center for Aerospace Information. This training is open to the JSC/White Sands Test Facility community. To register, go to this link.

This training is provided by JSC's Information Resources Directorate.

Event Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2014   Event Start Time:2:30 PM   Event End Time:3:45 PM

Event Location: WebEx

 

Add to Calendar

 

Ebony Fondren x32490 http://library.jsc.nasa.gov

 

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2.            Leadership Development Opportunity: JSAT Officer

The JSC Safety and Health Action Team (JSAT) provides an opportunity for involvement in the JSC safety program through an employee-centered assembly of peers who strive to prevent injury, illness and loss or damage of property through the resolution of issues, education and awareness. Any JSC employee may attend and participate in the JSAT.

The JSAT is soliciting nominations for two co-chair positions for the term April 2014 to June 2015. Co-chairs share in the performance of their duties with the assistance of an appointed secretary. The annual election will be held on April 10 at the monthly JSAT meeting.

For more information or to submit your name for nomination, please contact JSAT Secretary Reese Squires.

Want to know more about the JSAT? Come see how we roll! The next JSAT meeting is Thursday, March 6, at 10 a.m. in Building 1, Room 966. Visitors are always welcome!

Reese Squires x37776 http://jsat.jsc.nasa.gov/index.cfm

 

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3.            Robotics Instructor for Summer Camps Needed

San Jacinto College's Aerospace Academy is looking for a Robotics Summer Camp instructor! The camps run from mid-June through July. The individual must be available for all summer camps dates scheduled from June 16 to July 31. The instructor will provide professional instruction for the Aerospace Academy classes offered through San Jacinto College. Please visit our Human Resources website for the job description.

The Robotics Summer Camp instructor is responsible for the implementation of the underwater robotic camps. Aerospace Academy administrative staff provides guidance to ensure that courses are appropriate for students and align in rigor and scope of the content covered. Instructors are also role models for staff and students.

Sara Malloy x46803 https://jobs.sjcd.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1...

 

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4.            Facility Managers Training

The Safety Learning Center invites you to attend an eight-hour Facility Mangers training. This course provides JSC Facility Managers with insight into the requirements for accomplishing their functions.

o             Includes training on facility management, safety, hazard identification and mitigation, legal, security, energy conservation, health and environmental aspects.

o             Attendees of this course must also register in SATERN for a half-day Fire Warden training. Others that need Fire Warden training can register through the normal process.

Date/Time: March 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Safety Learning Center - Building 20, Room 205/206

Registration via SATERN required:

https://satern.nasa.gov/learning/user/deeplink_redirect.jsp?linkId=SCHEDULED_...

Aundrail Hill x36369

 

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5.            Particle Count Training ViTS - April 4

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:

o             Review of the approved method for manually counting particles using an optical microscope

o             Microscope operation and calibration

o             Non-microscopic visual identification of particles by shape, size, color and other physical characteristics

o             Sampling techniques for particles in gases and liquids

o             Filtering techniques for fluid using Millipore apparatus

o             Compatibility of the filter membrane and their specific uses

o             Handling filter membranes, Millipore assembly, performing background determinations and pre-reading of filters prior to sampling

o             Use of high-pressure filter assemblies

o             Particle counting and data recording

o             Statistical analysis

o             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_...

Event Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2014   Event Start Time:9:30 AM   Event End Time:11:00 AM

Event Location: Bldg. 17 Room 2026

 

Add to Calendar

 

Shirley Robinson x41284

 

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6.            Cleanroom Protocol/Contamination Ctrl ViTS April 4

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_...

Event Date: Friday, April 4, 2014   Event Start Time:12:00 PM   Event End Time:3:00 PM

Event Location: Bldg. 17 Room 2016

 

Add to Calendar

 

Shirley Robinson x41284

 

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   Community

1.            Applications Being Accepted for Scholarship

The NASA College Scholarship Program will award multiple scholarships agencywide to qualified dependents of NASA civil servant employees. The scholarship recipients must pursue a course of study leading to an undergraduate degree in science or engineering from an accredited college or university in the United States. Applications are available online.

The application deadline is March 31.

Amanda Gaspard x31387

 

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2.            Annual Space Settlement Design Competition 3/28-30

The Space Settlement Design Competition is an exciting industry simulation game for high school students (grades 10 to 12) set in the middle years of the 21st century. This competition emulates the experience of working as a member of an aerospace company team, developing a design and operations proposal for a large human base called ATLAS, which orbits the sun and is designed to capture asteroids from the asteroid belt beyond Mars and bring them to a stable orbital point called L4 in the Earth-moon system for subsequent study, mining and exploration in the year 2049.

The competition is from March 28 to 30 at JSC. More information and registration forms can be found on our website. The registration deadline is Feb. 28.

Event Date: Friday, March 28, 2014   Event Start Time:6:00 PM   Event End Time:11:00 PM

Event Location: JSC Gilruth Center

 

Add to Calendar

 

Sara Malloy x46803 https://sites.google.com/site/ssdc201314/

 

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3.            Family Space Day at George Observatory March 1

The Challenger Learning Center at the George Observatory is holding a Family Space Day on Saturday, March 1, from about 3 to 8 p.m.

For purchase are tickets to complete a 45-minute Challenger Center mission to the moon! Challenger Center mission tickets may be purchased for $10 a person online.

After enjoying a trip to space, stay for the evening and look at the night sky through our telescopes. Telescope tickets can be purchased at the observatory gift shop.

George Observatory is located in the heart of Brazos Bend State Park. Admission to the park is $7 for adults; kids under 12 are free.

Megan Hashier 281-226-4179 http://www.hmns.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=404&Ite...

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

NASA and Human Spaceflight News

Wednesday – Feb. 26, 2014

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION: As part of NASA's Destination Station campaign, NASA photographer Mark Sowa will be giving a lecture at the Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles tonight at 8:20 p.m. Central. Sowa will be discussing his experiences as a NASA photographer and working with ISS imagery. Catch the live webcast here.

 

HEADLINES AND LEADS

Apollo-Soyuz cosmonaut Kubasov saved me from death - Leonov, first spacewalker
Dana Zolkina - Moscow (Voice of Russia)

Soviet cosmonaut Valery Kubasov, who took part in the first docking of a US Apollo spacecraft with a Soviet Soyuz, has died aged 79, the Russian spacecraft corporation said on Thursday. Alexey Leonov, retired Soviet/Russian cosmonaut and Air Force Major General who, on 18 March 1965, became the first human to conduct a space walk, talked about Kubasov in an interview with the Voice of Russia.

NASA turns research to California drought

Associated Press

 

NASA scientists have begun deploying satellites and other advanced technology to help California water officials assess the state's record drought and better manage it, officials said Tuesday.

 

 

NASA joins California's fight against devastating drought

Lee Roop – Huntsville Times

NASA says it is officially partnering with the state of California to help the state better monitor and manage its water resources in this time of severe drought. The goal is to use the agency's remote-sensing resources, including satellites, to get better forecasts and better information on the moisture on the ground. Recent comparison photos including the look at Sierra Madre snow cover at right show the extent of the drought.

ASAP claim NASA is employing indecision to allow for roadmap flexibility

Chris Bergin – NASA Space Flight

Concerns have again been raised about NASA's shaky exploration roadmap, with the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) claiming the Agency has elected to go down the "indecision-is-the-key-to-flexibility" path. Although only two missions have been manifested, the panel cited concerns about launching a crew into deep space on what would be the debut of Orion's life support system.

Astronaut's Near-Drowning Could Have Been Avoided

Gina Sunseri – ABC News

 

NASA will admit on Wednesday that Luca Parmitano's spacesuit leaked on two space walks in July, after details on the initial incident were not properly disseminated, ABC News has learned.

 

Astronaut gives Hacienda Heights students first-hand account of living in space

Richard Irwin- San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Some simple safety tips for space travel.

Always Velcro your spoon to the table (you never know when it will float off), turn on the space toilet fan (remember gas is a natural propellant), tie a bungee cord to fasten your sleeping bag to the wall (otherwise you never know where you'll wake up) and don't scream or jerk back if you find a rubber rat in your sleeping bag (remember for every action there is an opposite and EQUAL reaction.)

Veteran space/science journalist loses arm after accident

Trey Barrineau – Florida Today

Science and technology journalist Miles O'Brien has revealed that doctors recently amputated his left arm above the elbow after a minor injury escalated into a serious medical emergency.

NASA hosting small business seminar in Huntsville Thursday morning

Lee Roop – Huntsville Times

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center will host its first Small Business Alliance meeting of 2014 Thursday at the Davidson Center of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Some 450 businesses are expected to attend to hear more about doing business with the space agency. Onsite registration begins at 7 a.m., and the meeting will adjourn at 12:30 p.m.

COMPLETE STORIES

Apollo-Soyuz cosmonaut Kubasov saved me from death - Leonov, first spacewalker
Dana Zolkina - Moscow (Voice of Russia)

Soviet cosmonaut Valery Kubasov, who took part in the first docking of a US Apollo spacecraft with a Soviet Soyuz, has died aged 79, the Russian spacecraft corporation said on Thursday. Alexey Leonov, retired Soviet/Russian cosmonaut and Air Force Major General who, on 18 March 1965, became the first human to conduct a space walk, talked about Kubasov in an interview with the Voice of Russia.

What kind of a person was Valery Kubasov?

Valery and I started to work together since 1969. We worked at all orbital stations, so to say, lived in one room for six years, our beds stood side by side. In 1971 he saved me from death. Another crew was launched, and they died. And I couldn't save him now, and it's a tragedy of my whole life. I did everything to pull him out of this situation - a major cardiovascular disease. He felt bad suddenly and was taken to a hospital, where he felt worse. And it ended in tragedy.

On February 10, Tom Stafford, commander of the Apollo crew, was at the Sochi Olympic Games with me. We made a telephone call to the hospital, and had a long talk with Valery. He was in good spirits. We expressed hope that we will return from Sochi and visit him in the hospital. Wait for us, we said. And suddenly, the next day, he lapsed into a coma and it all ended yesterday at 18.00 Moscow time.

Valery Kubasov was born in an old and beautiful Russian town of Vyazniki. He came from a family of working people. He was a brilliant pupil at school, which he graduated with silver medal. He withstood the competition to enter the Moscow Aviation Institute and graduated with a medal. He was taken on the staff of the Korolev's design bureau.

He was engaged in serious developments of control systems of not only orbital spacecrafts, but of spacecrafts that should go further, in particular, calculations of the trajectory to Mars. He is a highly educated person, competent engineer, delicate person. It was so easy for me to work with him.

We had quarrels, but later he used to come up to me and say "Excuse me, Alyosha, you are right." Or it was for me to say "Excuse me, Valera, you are right." We had this kind of relations. We formed a crew possessing the highest level of psychological compatibility. We underwent all trainings for the Salyut-1, Salyut- 2, Salyut-3, Salyut-4 and Salyut-5 space stations, and then it was time for the Soyuz-Apollo program, and the government found it appropriate to entrust the Leonov-Kubasov crew with it.

Let's talk about the Soyuz-Apollo program. What were its tasks? Maybe you remember something special about it.

It should be remembered that the 70s is the peak of the cold war. We were on the brink of a fire. But there were clever people in the USA and in the Soviet Union, first of all, President Nixon, President of NASA Fletcher, prime minister of the Soviet Union Alexey Nikolayevich Kosygin, President of the Academy of Sciences Keldysh - they understood the awful situation that was threatening the mankind. And they understood what should be done: let's find competent people and send them to space to work together.

And it all worked. It was very hard. It was necessary to study the American spaceship and to study English...The main task was to develop common systems that allowed to pass from one ship to another and work there. And the terms were too short. But we coped with this task. Almost 6 billion people were watching our work in space.

At a press conference after our flight Tom Stafford made an interesting statement: "I am sure that our states will certainly cooperate not only in space but in other fields of human activities."

I am proud that the Soviet government in its address to the people of the world gave the highest assessment of the work of our crew, they said the work was perfect. And it was not only my desert, but also Valery's desert as a flight engineer of the highest competence. The program was fulfilled wonderfully. And we extinguished this fire of war. And "climate conditions" on the Earth changed.

Can you remember some funny accident or some curious situation that remained in your memory?

Valery was a very serious person. He did not take much fancy to anecdotes and he often could not see jokes. But once we played a practical joke on the Americans. While still on the Earth, we prepared stickers like "Stolichnaya vodka", "Russkaya Vodka", "Poprigunya", and during the flight I attached them to tubes.

When we sat down at table, I said: "According to tradition, before meals we must drink Russian vodka to our health." It took a long time to persuade them. At last, they opened the tubes and started to drink, and it turned out to be borsch there. That was the joke Valery and I played on the Apollo crew.

Home » News & Opinion » National

NASA turns research to California drought

Associated Press

 

NASA scientists have begun deploying satellites and other advanced technology to help California water officials assess the state's record drought and better manage it, officials said Tuesday.

 

The California Department of Water Resources has partnered with NASA to use the space agency's satellite data and other airborne technology to better measure the snowpack, groundwater levels and predict storms.

 

"It sounds like a cliche, but if they could put a man on the moon, why can't we get better seasonal forecasting?" Jeanine Jones of the state's Department of Water Resources said in an interview following the Sacramento announcement of the partnership.

 

Now they will. NASA scientists said they are also embarking on projects that use satellite images to help more accurately measure the number of fields farmers have chosen not to plant and where land is sinking because of excessive ground-water pumping.

 

Gov. Jerry Brown directed state officials to form such partnerships as part of his drought emergency declaration last month.

 

California's relationship with NASA began shortly after the dry year of 2009, when officials sought answers to problems exacerbated by the lack of rain and snow, such as the sinking land. This year's drought has made that research all more important, Jones said, adding that the preliminary findings proved that there's plenty more to learn.

NASA geologist Tom Farr said that bringing together all types of research and modern technology like pieces of a puzzle may help those in charge of managing the state's water supply avoid deficit water years like this.

 

"We're on the verge of being able to put all these measurements together and start looking at the concept of closing the water budget of California," he said.

 

Lawrence Friedl, director of NASA's Applied Sciences Program, said that 13 of the agency's satellites are focused on water. Three more water research projects are scheduled by NASA, including a satellite to be launched Feb. 27 with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

 

Projects NASA is advancing include measuring so-called "atmospheric rivers" to better predict global storm systems farther in advance so rain can be captured in California reservoirs. Satellite images that show the amount of land farmers have chosen not to plant in a drought will arm officials in Sacramento with information about where to open food banks for farm workers.

 

Satellites technology will help officials identify levees that are prone to break with high volumes of water, scientists said.

 

NASA joins California's fight against devastating drought

Lee Roop – Huntsville Times

NASA says it is officially partnering with the state of California to help the state better monitor and manage its water resources in this time of severe drought. The goal is to use the agency's remote-sensing resources, including satellites, to get better forecasts and better information on the moisture on the ground. Recent comparison photos including the look at Sierra Madre snow cover at right show the extent of the drought.

California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a drought emergency in January, and 2014 is already shaping up to be one of the driest on record for the state. NASA will resume flying special snowpack scanning flights, and plans also call for using satellites to track the impact of land left fallow during the coming growing season. Better data on that can help farmers as they decide where to use limited water supplies.

 

Another problem NASA hopes to help California with is measuring land sinking due to ground water pumping in the San Joaquin Valley. That pumping not only affects crop land, it can also affect infrastructure like aqueducts.

 

ASAP claim NASA is employing indecision to allow for roadmap flexibility

Chris Bergin – NASA Space Flight

Concerns have again been raised about NASA's shaky exploration roadmap, with the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) claiming the Agency has elected to go down the "indecision-is-the-key-to-flexibility" path. Although only two missions have been manifested, the panel cited concerns about launching a crew into deep space on what would be the debut of Orion's life support system.

Roadmap – or lack thereof:

Uncertainty over NASA's return to Beyond Earth Orbit (BEO) exploration is nothing new.

Most of the issues are casualty of politics, with NASA's budget constantly under negotiation, without a long-term funding cycle that would be required for a concerted push towards human missions to Mars.

NASA's budget is also spread over numerous objectives, usually resulting in starved flagship programs, sometimes the cause of delays and additional costs.

Billions of dollars have been secured to build NASA's next flagship launch vehicle, the Space Launch System (SLS) – a very capable Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLV) that utilizes flight proven hardware.

However, the current NASA budget has resulted in SLS window shopping for payloads, with a credit card that's maxed out.

SLS will debut in 2017, a test flight that employs the 70mT Block 1 version of the HLV, lofting an Orion on a mission that will send the spacecraft 70,000 km past the Moon on a 25 day flight.

The Exploration Mission -1 (EM-1) launch date is fallout from a previous political requirement to be ready to launch a crew to the International Space Station (ISS), in the event NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) suffered a major schedule issue.

As a result of this 2017 target, the monster rocket would then spend four years waiting for her next mission, a near-repeat of EM-1, but this time with a crew, potentially hooking up with a captured asteroid near the Moon. However, this mission continues to be portrayed with a number of worrying caveats.

One problem relates to the large effort that will be required to actually target and capture an asteroid. A lot will depend on identifying a suitable space rock, ahead of a 2019 mission to capture it and transport it into the region targeted for EM-2 two years later.

Another problem relates to the current scenario where the ambitious deep space mission would be the debut crew mission on Orion.

Key to the safety of the astronauts on EM-2 is the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), as noted at the latest ASAP meeting at the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

"A topic of energetic discussion and interest was the December 2017 EM-1 mission and the EM-2 crewed mission, targeted for August 2021. EM-1 is an uncrewed, full-system launch and extended duration flight, but it may launch without a working Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS)," noted the meeting's minutes.

"The first crewed mission (EM-2 in August 2021) would be the first flight of the full-up ECLSS, and it is being examined in terms of options. The baseline is a high lunar orbit (HLO), but there are discussions about stretching that mission to send two crew members on an asteroid sample return mission.

"The Panel's concern is: Should we take on that aggressive an approach on the first crewed mission on a new system?"

Panel member Dr. Donald McErlean provided an interesting response, noting there are evaluations into "some intermediary missions," cited as "in addition" to EM-1 and EM-2.

Few details were provided, other than a reference to "one of which involves several orbits around the Earth to do ECLSS check-out before doing a HLO." Dr. McErlean noted none of these have been selected, but they are being considered.

It has previously been noted that the first crewed mission could combine those objectives, spending 30 hours in a High Elliptical Orbit (HEO), prior to heading out into deep space, allowing for a confidence checkout of the ECLSS.

With the ECLSS question providing another consideration to when the first crew will launch on Orion, along with the potential it won't be on the EM-2 asteroid mission, the ASAP chair stepped in to talk about the uncertainty surrounding the opening salvo of NASA's exploration roadmap.

VADM (Ret.) Joseph Dyer noted that while the incremental aspect of SLS and ESD (Exploration Systems) is interesting, "it is easy to see where it comes from."

"When under budget pressure and attempting to do a lot with limited resources, NASA has elected to go down the 'indecision-is-the-key-to-flexibility' path."

Claiming the design intent misses the focus that is part of a classic program, the chair noted the ASAP has expressed some concern the system development is proceeding ahead of requirements.

"This is not the most efficient approach and there is some concern whether it is the safest one."

The roadmap past EM-2 continues to be a one line sound byte, citing President Obama's wish to visit an asteroid by 2025 – which is increasingly being tagged as something that will be achieved when EM-2 completes its mission – and Mars by "the mid-2030s".

Numerous Design Reference Missions (DRMs) have been created over recent years. However, NASA managers continue to avoid committing to any of them, partly due to budget uncertainty and partly due to negotiations with international partners.

Sources continue to note that the lack of a long-term exploration roadmap is on purpose, with NASA managers holding back on going public until they have secured international involvement that will spread the cost and incorporate additional technology.

Concentrating on SLS and Orion will allow NASA to bring that strong capability to the negotiating table, it's claimed.

This week will also involve discussions about changing EM-2 into a Mars fly-by mission, via a full committee hearing in Washington, DC.

However, the issue of crew safety will likely bring up the issue of a capable ECLSS – along with required radiation shielding – as major concerns.

Astronaut's Near-Drowning Could Have Been Avoided

Gina Sunseri – ABC News

 

NASA will admit on Wednesday that Luca Parmitano's spacesuit leaked on two space walks in July, after details on the initial incident were not properly disseminated, ABC News has learned.

 

The Mishap Board appointed to investigate the spacesuit accident is releasing its report online at 11 a.m. EST, with a teleconference scheduled for 2 p.m.

The question for investigators is familiar: How often does a system have to fail before it is acknowledged as a problem? The Space Shuttle Columbia accident, which killed seven astronauts in 2003, was blamed on NASA's repeated failure to understand the potential damage caused when insulating foam breaks off during launch.

Parmitano came dangerously close to drowning during the second spacewalk of his career on July 16. His helmet filled with several liters of water, giving him no way of clearing his eyes, nose or mouth.

Chris Cassidy, his spacewalking partner for that event, called down to a stunned Mission Control: "It's a lot of water. His head is saturated, it's in his eyes, as well as his nose and mouth … squeeze my hand if you're fine, Luca."

Flight Directors in a follow-up press conference said they were surprised by the accident. However, the same spacesuit had a leak on July 9. The report will say that information did not work its way up the chain of command.

The design of the spacesuits used by the astronauts is 35 years old, and the agency is down to just 12 in use – two were lost in the space shuttle Columbia accident.

While NASA is in the middle of designing new spacesuits, the agency remains in search of its next mission – with hopes of capturing an asteroid, going back to the Moon, or that perennial favorite, Mars.

Astronaut gives Hacienda Heights students first-hand account of living in space

Richard Irwin- San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Some simple safety tips for space travel.

Always Velcro your spoon to the table (you never know when it will float off), turn on the space toilet fan (remember gas is a natural propellant), tie a bungee cord to fasten your sleeping bag to the wall (otherwise you never know where you'll wake up) and don't scream or jerk back if you find a rubber rat in your sleeping bag (remember for every action there is an opposite and EQUAL reaction.)

These were just some of the fun facts that NASA astronaut Dr. Peggy Whitson shared with the students at St. Mark's Lutheran School in Hacienda Heights on Wednesday. The affable space traveler developed an amazing rapport with the kids at the local Christian school.

The 54-year-old astronaut shared many stories of her journeys to the International Space Station. But more importantly, Whitson inspired the students, showing them that you really can accomplish anything.

"Who would have thought a farm girl from Iowa could become an astronaut?" the former Chief of the Astronaut Corps asked.

Whitson was 9 years old when she saw a man walk on the moon. "I thought that was such a cool job!" she remembered.

When she was 10, her father got his pilot's license. And when she graduated from high school, NASA selected its first female astronauts.

"That's when I made it my goal," Whitson added. "You have to expend effort to achieve your goal, but be sure to have some fun along the way."

So Whitson studied hard, earning a doctorate in biochemistry at Rice University in Houston. And she began to work at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The rest, as they say, is history. Whitson spent 377 days in space, the most for any woman. She also took six spacewalks, totalling almost 40 hours.

And she delights in sharing her love of spaceflight.

"I stayed on the International Space Station for six months at a time," said Whitson, a NASA science officer during her first stay, conducting 21 experiments in life sciences and microgravity. She became station commander for Expedition 16 in 2008, supervising an expansion of the station's living and work space.

Of course, life on a station hurtling through space has its ups and downs. Or to be more precise since there is no gravity, life is like floating in a dream.

Which led to many interesting questions from the students. Like how do you cut your hair in space?

"Well, if you're not careful you'll be coughing up a lot of fur balls," Whitson laughed. "You hook a vacuum cleaner up to collect the hair clippings."

How do you eat in space?

"Just think about it, a glass of water will float away. So we use special straws with clamps. Your spoon has to be velcroed to the table or it will fly away."

One of her biggest complaints was the lack of variety in the food, which comes dehydrated or in cans.

"I loved the chicken fajitas, but the MREs (military ready to eat) were the best."

Did you fly to the moon?

"No, I did not go to the moon... But my neighbor is John Young, one of the Apollo astronauts who drove the lunar buggy on the surface of the moon."

How do you use the restroom?

"Well, everything floats in space," Whitson noted as the whole gym burst into laughter. "And it's very important that the fans are working."

Actually, Whitson said the solid waste is stored in special containers, while the liquid waste is recycled.

"We drink it, but obviously we clean it with filters first," she explained to the disgusted students.

What does a launch feel like? Whitson said she flew on both the Space Shuttle Endeavor as well as a Soyuz capsule.

"It takes 8 1/2 minutes to go from 0 to 17,500 miles per hour. There's little G-force, we get up to 3 Gs. That feels like three people sitting on your chest."

Did you ever crash?

"No, but a Soyuz landing is kinda like a car crash," Whitson noted, pointing out that the Soyuz hits 8 Gs. "That's eight dudes on your chest."

Did you play pranks on each other?

"One of the guys was prankster, who brought a rubber rat that he put in the toilet room," Whitson recalled. "I was a little surprised but didn't scream. Later, we hid it in his sleeping bag and he screamed like a little girl."

Veteran space/science journalist loses arm after accident

Trey Barrineau – Florida Today

Science and technology journalist Miles O'Brien has revealed that doctors recently amputated his left arm above the elbow after a minor injury escalated into a serious medical emergency.

O'Brien, 54, details the painful ordeal in a blog post titled "Just A Flesh Wound" that was published on his personal website on Tuesday.

"I had finished my last shoot after a long reporting trip to Japan and the Philippines and was stacking the Pelican cases brimming with TV gear onto my cart," O'Brien writes. "As I tried to bungee cord them into some semblance of security for movement, one of the cases toppled onto my left forearm. ... It was painful and swollen but I figured it would be okay without any medical intervention. Maybe a little bit of denial?"

The injury got progressively worse, so he saw a doctor on Feb. 14.

"The doctor told me he suspected that I might be having an Acute Compartment Syndrome. I had to Wiki it, but in essence it is an increase in pressure inside an enclosed space in the body. This can block blood flow causing a whole host of serious, life-threatening consequences."

That's what led to the amputation.

O'Brien says he's feeling well, all things considered.

"So I woke up to a new reality in the hospital. It's been a challenging week dealing with the phantom pain, the vicissitudes of daily life with one hand and the worries about what lies ahead.

"Life is all about playing the hand that is dealt you. Actually, I would love somebody to deal me another hand right about now – in more ways than one."

O'Brien, who is a licensed pilot, was for many years the science, space and aviation correspondent for CNN. He is currently the science correspondent for PBS NewsHour, a producer and director for the PBS science series Nova, and a correspondent for PBS' Frontline.

 

NASA hosting small business seminar in Huntsville Thursday morning

Lee Roop – Huntsville Times

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center will host its first Small Business Alliance meeting of 2014 Thursday at the Davidson Center of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Some 450 businesses are expected to attend to hear more about doing business with the space agency. Onsite registration begins at 7 a.m., and the meeting will adjourn at 12:30 p.m.

Among the scheduled speakers are center Director Patrick Scheuermann and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Madison Mayor Troy Trulock. Marshall speakers will include:

- John Honeycutt, deputy manager of the Space Launch System Program;

- Dr. Daniel Schumacher, manager of the Science & Technology Office;

- David Iosco, deputy director of the Office of Procurement;

- Stacy Counts, manager of the Partnerships Office within the Flight Programs & Partnerships Office;

- Terry Taylor, deputy manager of the Technology Development & Transfer Office;

- Johnny Stephenson, deputy director of the Office of Strategic Analysis & Communications;

- Marshall small business specialist David Brock.

 

END

 

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