April 2015 - A Quarterly Publication

Kepler receives National Air and Space Museum trophy by Michele Johnson The team in charge of NASA's Kepler Mission, responsible for history's first detection of Earth-sized planets orbiting other suns in their temperate “habitable zone,” received the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's (NASM) highest group honor at a ceremony in Washington DC on March 25. Kepler received the 2015 Trophy for Current Achievement, which honors outstanding endeavors in the fields of aerospace science and technology. Since its launch in March 2009, the Kepler mission has detected more than 4,000 can- didate planets in orbit around other , or exoplanets for short. More than 1,000 of those exoplanet candidates have since been confirmed. These discoveries have revolution- ized humanity’s view of Earth’s place in the universe by unveiling a whole new side of our Milky Way -- one that is teeming with planets. photo by NASM As a result of Kepler’s discoveries, scien- tists are confident that most stars have plan- General John “Jack” R. Dailey (center front right), director of the National Air and Space Museum, presents the 2015 Current Achievement Trophy Award to William ets and that Earth’s galaxy may host tens of Borucki (center front left) and NASA’s Kepler Mission Team. billions of Earth-sized planets that reside in a continued on page 8 SOFIA finds missing link between supernovae, planet formation by Nicholas Veronico Using NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), an international scientific team discovered that supernovae are SOFIA data reveal warm capable of producing a substantial dust (white) surviving inside a amount of the material from which remnant. The SNR Sgr planets like Earth can form. These A East cloud is traced findings were published in the March in X-rays (blue). Radio 19 online issue of Science magazine. emission (red) shows “Our observations reveal a par- expanding shock waves ticular cloud produced by a supernova colliding with surround- explosion 10,000 years ago contains ing interstellar clouds enough dust to make 7,000 Earths,” (green). said Ryan Lau of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. The research team, headed by Lau, used SOFIA’s airborne telescope and the Faint Object InfraRed Camera for the SOFIA Telescope, FORCAST, to take detailed infrared images of an interstellar dust cloud known as Su- pernova Remnant Sagittarius A East, or SNR Sgr A East. photo by NASA/CXO/ continued on page 21 Herschel/VLA/Lau et al

www.nasa.gov Ames launches science experiments to space station on SpaceX NASA's Ames hosted a live tional booths (photos below) and heard and research completed on the space televised launch viewing April 13, as guest lectures from the Ames space station. two of the center’s life science experi- biosciences team as they discussed the SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket carrying ments were set to launch to the Inter- life sciences payloads on the current its Dragon cargo spacecraft lifed off national Space Station. The sixth com- mission, and the importance of the work from Space Launch Complex 40 at mercial cargo resupply Cape Canaveral Air Force Station flight of the SpaceX in Florida April 14, 2015. Dragon spacecraft car- ries Microbial Tracking- 1B, which seeks to characterize airborne and surface microor- ganisms aboard the International Space Station and the first part of Rodent Re- search-2 evaluating muscle atrophy, eye structure and bone density changes in microgravity. Three hundred Richey Donald by photo NASA registered guests had the opportunity to watch the NASA photo by Dominic Hart launch at building 152 in Visitors at the center in B152 April 13 waiting to the NASA Research Park. watch a live broadcast of a Falcon 9 rocket of Those attending the event SpaceX from Kennedy Space Center’s Cape at the center spoke with Canaveral. This mission carried two sciences pay- loads designed at Ames.The launch was delayed scientists, engineers and to the following day. researchers at informa- NASA photo by Dominic Hart

Ames Technology Transfer Awards ceremony held Left photo: Acting Center Director Chuck Smith (left) presents David Kinney (center) and Loc Huynh (right) with a 2014 Western Region Federal Laboratory Consortium “Outstanding Commercialization Success” Award for their work on CBAERO: Configuration Based Aerodynamics during the recent 2014 Ames Technology Transfer Awards ceremony. The event honors those who won the NASA 2014 Software of the Year and the 2013 Government Invention of the Year awards, submitted and issued patents, authored articles for NASA Tech Briefs magazine, released software and/or were recognized by the NASA Inventions and Contributions Board or the Federal Labora- tory Consortium.

NASA photos by Dominic Hart

Right photo: Gary Martin, Partnerships director, (standing far right) chats with Terry Fong and others at the 2014 Ames Technology Transfer Awards ceremony hosted by the center’s Technology Partnerships Office, Code BT, and organized by Ames’ Awards Liaison Officer, Orans and Katie Smyth.

2 Astrogram April 2015 Advancements in thermal protection change game for Orion by Maria Alberty Just as old clunky ink jet printers jumping on Orion at the same time. heating, keeping the structure and from the 1990s evolved into today’s The discs also guard nearby contents underneath, like astronauts, state-of-the-art 3-D printers, thermal parts of the crew module from explo- cool.” protection materials used on NASA sive shock when the service module The difference between a 2-D and spacecraft are getting a facelift--a separates from the crew module, and 3-D object is that a 2-D one only has major three-dimensional one. they provide additional heat protec- length and width. 3-D objects have Engineers used the original mate- tion as the module streaks through height as well as length and width. rial, called two-dimensional carbon the atmosphere, where the surface of Thus, materials are weaved with fibers phenolic, in the past on the space the spacecraft’s heat shield can reach not only length- and widthwise but shuttle to pro- also vertically (i.e., tect it from the height) up and rocket flames down through the during launch, length and width. on planetary To make the exploration material, 5,000 probes and quartz fibers, on the 10-inch each individu- disc-shaped ally controlled, are compression woven together, pads on NASA’s making a 50-layer Orion space- chunk stretching craft, which flew 13 inches long by in space on its 12 inches wide by first flight test 3 inches thick.The in December piece is injected 2014. But for with special glue Orion’s next to fill tiny pores flight and on between the fibers the journey to photo by NASA Ames and layers, curing Mars, engineers A Three-Dimensional Multi-Functional Ablative Thermal Protection (3D-MAT) sample after an arc jet the material into its have developed test at NASA Ames. The sample shows the charred layer from the extremely hot, high pressured test; final masterpiece. a more efficient below the charred layer is unaffected 3D-MAT material. When the first material to samples of the replace carbon phenolic called Three- temperatures greater than 4,000 F. material were completed, it was time Dimensional Multi-Functional Ablative “Orion's second flight will have the to turn up the heat, and test them in Thermal Protection (3D-MAT). spacecraft enter Earth’s atmosphere at Ames’ Arc Jet facilities. The material was developed by a much higher velocity than during its Arc jets simulate the extreme heat NASA Ames in collaboration with first flight, which means it will gener- and pressure spacecraft experience Bally Ribbon Mills in Bally, Pennsyl- ate a lot more heat than pads made when entering a planet’s atmosphere vania, and San Diego Composites of carbon phenolic could withstand,” at extreme speeds. The arc jets fire in San Diego, California, for NASA’s said Jay Feldman, the technical lead electricity at air particles so fast the Space Technology Mission Directorate for 3D-MAT, who works for ERC, Inc., particles turn into supersonic plasma. (STMD). STMD funded the incremen- at Ames. This gives engineers controlled test tal maturation of the novel technology Because carbon phenolic wasn’t data on the ground before flight. from investigation of the basic concept a solution for the second flight, en- In arc jet tests of 3D-MAT, the through proof-of-concept performance gineers explored numerous other material withstood impressively high testing in the severe thermal envi- options including single-type or hybrid- heat fluctuations, temperatures and ronment expected for Orion's future type fibers, 2-D or 3-D techniques, pressures – consistently better than missions. weaving or layering and various gooey carbon phenolic, which cracked under The pads are wedged between the resins. the same conditions. crew module and the service module “3-D weaves offer superior After three years of STMD funding, of Orion to support the extreme forces strength to 2-D weaves,” Feldman the team is ready to hand over their re- the crew module experiences on explained. “The combination of quartz search and development efforts to the launch and ascent into space. Each fibers--not carbon--and 3-D weav- Orion program for its next mission's pad supports approximately 55,000 ing gives 3D-MAT the robustness it development and flight hardware. pounds. That’s the equivalent of needs to perform structurally. It is less withstanding the force of 16 elephants massive and survives extremely high continued on page 7

3 Astrogram April 2015 Simon P. (Pete) Worden, Ames Center Director, retires by Karen Bradford NASA Ames Center Director, Dr. of the center’s unique wind tunnels, Simon P. Worden (Brig. Gen., USAF, arc jets, intelligent systems and super- ret.) retired March 31, 2015 after computer facilities and capabilities. In more than 37 years with the govern- addition to leading efforts in the ment including more than eight years sustainability area and partnerships serving as center director at Ames. He both local, national and international came to Ames after retiring from the as well as non-traditional, he also was United States Air Force with more than named the 2009 Federal laboratory 29 years of active service with his final Consortium’s Laboratory Director the position being the director of Develop- Year. ment and Transformation, Space and Worden is a recognized expert on Missile Systems Center, Air Force space issues — both civil and military. Space Command, Los Angeles Air He is looking forward to continued Force Base, California. participation in space exploration and During his time here, Worden continuing to provide guidance and completely transformed Ames, rein- advice to those in this and the next vigorating the center’s workforce and generation. He also is very much taking a leadership role in important, looking forward to being able to spend cost-effective small satellite missions. more time with his wife Nancy, family Worden also put Ames on the critical and friends. path for all major NASA space explo- ration missions through effective use

Center Director S. Pete Worden seen here during his final all hands at Ames, March 27, 2015 (photos left). During the all hands, he shared his thoughts about the bright future for the center as he closed out his tenure as director.

Colleagues and friends at Ames during the retirement luncheon, March 27, 2015 for Center Director S. Pete Worden. NASA photos by Dominic Hart NASA

4 Astrogram April 2015 Lewis (Lew) S. G. Braxton, deputy center director, retires by Phil Fluegemann NASA Ames. Lew said yes, launching ning and policy selecting him as his On Jan. 23 - 24, 2015, Lewis his career at Ames. deputy center director in 2008. (Lew) S. G. Braxton III celebrated His can-do attitude, strong work Lew closed out his career Jan. “40 Years of Achievement” at NASA ethic and love of the Ames family 31, 2015, serving as the second Ames with more than 150 of his enabled Lew to steadily climb up the longest tenured Ames deputy center friends and colleagues from across management chain; evolving into an director. NASA, with two special events, a outstanding leader and spokesman. Lew and Nonnie Braxton will con- retirement lunch at Ames (photos Ames center director S. Pete tinue their life journey in Rio Vista, below) and retirement dinner. Worden recognized Lew’s capabili- California. In the near term, he plans Lew launched his NASA ca- ties in running the day-to-day opera- to spend time with family, golf and reer as a co-op student accountant tions, with a solid skill sets in finance, reflection. Lew will be missed, but not trainee at NASA's Dryden Flight Re- general management, strategic plan- forgotten. search Center. As he was planning on entering the private sector upon graduating from California State University, Fresno, Chuck McClinton, in the Ames Financial Management Division discovered Lew. Chuck went out of his way to recruit Lew to

Above photo: Lew Braxton, deputy center director (right) seen here during his retirement luncheon held at Ames Jan. 23, 2015. NASA photos by Dominic Hart NASA

5 Astrogram April 2015 Black History month colloquium with esteemed guests held

NASA photos by Dominic Hart

Left photo: Paul Henderson, deputy chief of staff and public safety director for the Mayor of the City of San Francisco and Judge Shelyna Brown, Santa Clara County Superior Court, responding to audience questions during the recent Black History month colloquium/panel held at Ames in February 2015. Reverend R.G Moore III, (above right photo) also was a member of the discussion panel during the event.

On Feb. 25, Ames hosted a tion, Henderson serves as a principal Reverend R. G. Moore, III was Black History Month Colloquium adviser to the Mayor. Henderson’s licensed to preach the gospel at the featuring Paul Henderson, deputy service as chief administrator consti- age of 11 and ordained at the age chief of staff and Public Safety tutes the highest-ranking position in of 17. He has preached in 15 of the director for the Mayor of the City the San Francisco District Attorney’s 25 largest cities in the contiguous of San Francisco, Judge Shelyna Office ever held by either a LGBT or United States. He has been featured Brown and Reverend R.G Moore an African-American male attorney. in human-interest stories by ABC, III. The event began with an ad- Judge Shelyna Brown was ap- CBS and NBC news programs. dress by Henderson followed by a pointed by Governor Brown in 2011 panel of all three guests. and is one of the youngest members Paul Henderson was appointed to join the Santa Clara County Supe- deputy chief of staff and Public rior Court Bench. Brown previously Safety director by the Mayor of the served as the supervising judge in City of San Francisco, Edwin M. Palo Alto and currently resides over Lee, in March 2011. In this posi- criminal matters in San Jose.

6 Astrogram April 2015 Wiseman discusses life on the ISS via social media In February 2015, employ- and Gerst replaced a failed ees were invited to listen to power regulator and prepped astronaut G. Reid Wiseman the station for a reconfiguration (left) about life on the Interna- that will allow the station to ac- tional Space Station and using commodate future commercial communication to the public crew vehicles. through social media. U.S. Inside the space station, Navy Commander G. Reid Wiseman and the Expedition Wiseman was a flight engi- 41 crew spent hundreds of neer on Expedition 41, which hours conducting research in launched from Kazakhstan on the areas of human physiology, May 28, 2014 onboard Soyuz medicine, physical science, 39. After more than five months Earth science and astrophys- in space, Wiseman returned to ics including work on the Ames Earth, Nov. 9, 2014. Rodent Resarch-1 experiment. While in space, Wiseman Wiseman gained addition no- conducted two space walks. toriety through his activities on During the first spacewalk, social media. During his 165 Wiseman and ESA astronaut days in space. Alexander Gerst permanently Wiseman fostered a strong stowed a failed cooling pump social media following by shar- module and installed the Mo- ing remarkable photos, per- bile Transport Relay Assembly sonal tweets and short videos that provides power to the about life on the International Mobile Transporter when mov- Space Station. To follow Wise- ing between worksites. For the man on twitter visit: https://twit- second spacewalk, Wiseman ter.com/astro_reid

NASA photo by Dominic Hart

Thermal protection Congressman Culberson tours Ames change game for Orion continued from page 3 "When we first started woven ther- mal protection systems technology,

we felt it had the potential to signifi- NASA photo by Dominic Hart Dominic by photo NASA cantly impact future NASA missions by changing heat shield development from a challenge to overcome into a mission-enabling component,” said Ames' Ethiraj Venkatapathy, chief technologist for the Entry Systems and Technologies Division. “In less than 36 months, we are celebrating this tech- nological achievement and delivering a highly developed, multi-functional material with superior performance to meet Orion's needs as well as to address the critical needs of NASA’s journey to Mars.” Congressman John Culberson, Chairman, Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee, House Appropriations Committee visited NASA Ames Jan. 30, 2015. Here he’s seen during his visit to the Hyperwall at the center.

7 Astrogram April 2015 NASA Ames Fellow Award Seminar honors Bill Borucki NASA photos by Dominic Hart NASA

designed to identify Branch at Ames. After the success- and acknowledge a ful moon landings, he transferred very small number to the Theoretical Studies Branch of Ames Research where he investigated lightning Center employees for activity in planetary atmospheres their national or inter- and developed mathematical models national reputation of to predict the effects of nitric oxides scientific or engineer- and chlorofluoromethanes on Earth's ing excellence and ozone layer. their contributions to Currently, he is the science Ames employees were invited to NASA and our research center. The principal investigator for the Kepler the NASA Ames Fellow Award Semi- rank of fellow is considered to be the Mission that uses transit photometry nar, oil portrait unveiling, and recep- highest recognition that Ames Re- to observe over 100,000 stars and is tion honoring William “Bill” Borucki in search Center can bestow upon one designed to determine the frequency February 2015. Borucki was induct- of its own employees for research of terrestrial planets orbiting in and ed as an Ames Fellow in 2013 for his excellence. near the habitable zones of other incredible career and contributions to During Borucki’s career at Ames, stars. The colloquium was hosted by science as the principle investigator he worked on the development of the Office of the Chief Scientist. for the Kepler Mission. the heat shield for the Apollo Mis- The Ames Fellow Program is sion in the Hypersonic Free Flight

Kepler receives National Air and Space Museum trophy continued from front page distant 's “habitable zone,” the re- During its prime mission, Kepler spacecraft continues to collect data in gion around a star where liquid water simultaneously and continuously its new mission. might exist on the surface of an orbit- measured the brightness of more than For a full listing of previous award- ing planet. The Kepler mission also 150,000 stars for four years, looking ees, along with a video about Kepler's is establishing a foundation for future for the telltale dimming that would award, visit: http://airandspace.si.edu/ studies of exoplanet atmospheres that indicate the presence of an orbiting events/trophy. could eventually answer the question planet. NASA's Ames manages the Kepler of whether or not we are alone in the In May 2014, Kepler began a new and K2 missions for NASA’s Sci- universe. mission, K2, to observe a series of ence Mission Directorate. NASA's Jet The Kepler space telescope infers fields along the ecliptic plane, the Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, the existence of an exoplanet, by mea- orbital path of the Earth about the sun, California, managed Kepler mission suring the amount of starlight blocked where the familiar of the development. Ball Aerospace & Tech- when it passes or transits in front of zodiac lie. This new mission provides nologies Corp. operates the flight sys- its parent star. From these data, a scientists with an opportunity to search tem with support from the Laboratory planet's size in radius, orbital period for even more exoplanets, as well as for Atmospheric and Space Physics at in Earth years and the amount of heat new opportunities to observe notable the University of Colorado in Boulder. energy received from the host star can star clusters, young and old stars, be determined. active and supernovae. The 8 Astrogram April 2015 Tool enables citizen scientists to examine Asteroid Vesta by Sharon Lozano NASA has announced the release of Vesta Trek, a free, web-based ap- plication that provides detailed visu- alizations of Vesta, one of the largest photo NASA asteroids in our solar system. NASA's Dawn spacecraft studied Vesta from July 2011 to September 2012. Data gathered from multiple instruments aboard Dawn have been compiled into Vesta Trek's user- friendly set of tools, enabling citizen scientists and students to study the asteroid's features. The application includes: -- Interactive maps with the ability to overlay a growing range of data sets including topography, mineralogy, abundance of elements and geology, Screen capture of Vesta Trek application. Vesta Trek’s interface allows explorers to fly around and as well as analysis tools for measuring even skim the surface of Vesta. the diameters, heights and depths of surface features and more. The Lunar Mapping and Modeling receives direction from the Planetary -- 3-D printer-exportable topogra- Project is managed by NASA's Solar Science Division of NASA's Science phy so users can print physical models System Exploration Research Virtual Mission Directorate and the Advanced of Vesta's surface. Institute, headquartered at NASA Exploration Systems program in -- Standard keyboard gaming con- Ames. LMMP's development team NASA's Human Exploration and Op- trols to maneuver a first-person visual- is based at NASA's Jet Propulsion erations Mission Directorate, at NASA ization of "flying" across the surface of Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Headquarters in Washington. the asteroid. JPL also manages the Dawn mission To explore Vesta Trek, visit: Vesta Trek was developed by for NASA. LMMP is funded by and http://vestatrek.jpl.nasa.gov/ NASA's Lunar Mapping and Modeling Project (LMMP), which provides mis- sion planners, lunar scientists and the public with analysis and data visualiza- Lissauer receives H. Julian Allen award tion tools for our moon, spanning mul- tiple instruments on multiple missions. Vesta Trek represents the first applica- tion of LMMP's capabilities to another world beyond the moon. LMMP-based portals for other worlds in our Solar System are currently in development. "There's nothing like seeing some- thing with your own eyes, but these Hart Dominic by photo NASA types of detailed data-visualizations are the next best thing," said Kristen Erickson, director, Science Engage- ment and Partnerships at NASA Headquarters in Washington DC. "We're thrilled to release Vesta Trek to the citizen science community and the public, not only as a scientific tool, but as a portal to an immersive experience that, just by the nature of it, will allow a deeper understanding of Vesta and Steve Zornetzer, acting deputy center director (left), presents Jack Lissauer (right) with the H. Julian Allen asteroids in general." Award March 31, 2015. The award is truly one of NASA Ames Research Center’s highest honors. In 2014, it NASA's Dawn spacecraft is con- was awarded to Lissauer for his paper “Models of Jupiter’s growth incorporating thermal and hydrodynamic tinuing its exploration in the asteroid constraints.” The Award was established in 1969 to annually recognize a scientific or engineering paper of belt, after arriving at the dwarf planet outstanding technical merit and significance. Understanding the evolution of planets that are as massive as Jupiter gives information to the dynamic formation of our solar system and insights to extra-solar systems.This Ceres on March 6. As Dawn conducts paper documents a body of work that contributes to NASA Ames pioneering research in planetary sciences. its mapping and measurements of Lissauer has contributed greatly to our understanding of the development of Jupiter as a gas planet. His semi- Ceres, LMMP will continue to work nar he presented detailed the specifics of his award winning paper. closely with the Dawn mission. 9 Astrogram April 2015 Partnership features Ames to aspiring scientists and engineers by Maria C. Lopez Not all students have the opportu- nity to visit NASA. However, the Afri- can American Advisory Group, (AAAG) and Hispanic Advisory Committee for Employees, (HACE) collaborated for an education-focused outreach initia- tive, the NASA Speaker Series, which was organized for the San Jose State University Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Schools Program.

MESA’s mission is to enable photos courtesy of Silver Creek High and Joseph George Middle Schools educationally disadvantaged students to prepare for and graduate from a four-year college or university with a math-based degree in engineering, the sciences, business or mathematics. George Gorospe, of Code TI, (center, eigth from left) with the Mathematics Engineering Through MESA, students develop aca- Science Achievement (MESA) students from Silver Creek High School. demic and leadership skills, increase educational performance, and gain confidence in their ability to compete Speaker Series, "The AAAG is hon- The NASA Speaker Series began professionally. ored to support the MESA program in in December 2014 and concluded The MESA program connects with the development of the next genera- in February 2015. The NASA guest students from 11 middle schools and tion of STEM leaders.” speakers consisted of individuals from high schools throughout the City of The SJSU MESA Schools Program the Aeronautics Directorate, Informa- San Jose. This collaborative effort director, Christina Ramos, also com- tion Technology Directorate, Sci- reached more than 420 students and mended the NASA Speaker Series ence Directorate and the Exploration 15 teachers, who participate in the designed for MESA students, “NASA Technology Directorate. Each speaker MESA Program. Ames’ partnership with MESA has presented their education and NASA All of the students are considered been invaluable. By providing access experience as well as conducted disadvantaged, which includes being to speakers from within the federal a Q&A session. Additionally, every student and teacher received a NASA lithograph and a NASA decal to com- memorate the special engagement. The HACE chair, Jeanette Zamora- Ortega encapsulates this collaboration best, stating, “The Hispanic Advisory Committee for Employees is proud of all the individuals who took time out of their busy schedules to sup- port this cause and we thank you for representing NASA Ames Research Center. We understand the complex- ity of rearranging your daily agenda to add an additional task, but at the end if one student is motivated to pursue a STEM career, just one, then it was all worthwhile.” The speakers definitely generated the interest of more than one student as many students voiced their interest in STEM and curiosity for NASA. Spe- Dr. Enid J. Contés, of Code SCB, (center, sixth from left) with the MESA students cifically, the MESA students at Joseph from Joseph George Middle School. George Middle School extended their joint and sincere gratitude stating, "Dr. the first in their family to go to col- research center, the AAAG and HACE Enid J. Contés sparked our interest in lege, being low-income, or being in an have provided an inspiration to our STEM majors by showing us that suc- underrepresented Science, Technol- students who are looking for role cess will never be accomplished with- ogy, Engineering, and Math, or STEM, models in STEM fields. Notably, these out hard work, failures, and sacrifices group. Aisha Bowe, the AAAG chair speakers are shaping young minds in life. Thank you Dr. Contés for being and a champion for MESA, acclaimed and helping to strengthen the pipeline a role model to us!" the MESA Program and the NASA of future scientists and engineers.”

10 Astrogram April 2015 NASA Ames reproduces the building blocks of life in laboratory by Ruth Dasso Marlaire based on several six-carbon rings that be able to shield themselves from NASA scientists studying the origin resemble fused hexagons, or a piece destructive radiation. Once in the of life have reproduced uracil, cytosine of chicken wire. clouds, most molecules freeze onto and thymine, three key components of The molecule pyrimidine is found dust grains (much like moisture in your our hereditary material, in the labo- in meteorites, although scientists still breath condenses on a cold window ratory. They discovered that an ice do not know its origin. It may be simi- during winter). sample containing pyrimidine exposed lar to the carbon-rich PAHs, in that it These clouds are dense enough to ultraviolet radiation under space-like may be produced in the final outbursts to screen out much of the surround- conditions produces these essential of dying, giant red stars, or formed in ing outside radiation of space, thereby ingredients of life. dense clouds of interstellar gas and providing some protection to the mol- Pyrimidine is a ring-shaped mole- dust. ecules inside the clouds. cule made up of carbon and nitrogen and is the central structure for uracil, cytosine and thymine, which are all three part of a genetic code found in ribonucleic (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA). RNA and DNA are central to protein synthesis, but also have many other roles. “We have demonstrated for the first time that we can make uracil, cytosine, and thymine, all three components of RNA and DNA, non-biologically in a laboratory under condi- tions found in space,” said Michel Nuevo, research scientist at NASA Ames. “We are showing that these laboratory processes, which simulate conditions in outer space, can make several fundamental building blocks used by living organisms on Earth.” An ice sample is depos- ited on a cold (approximate- NASA photo by Dominic Hart ly –440 degrees Fahrenheit) substrate in a chamber, Left to right: Ames scientists Michel Nuevo, Christopher Materese and Scott Sandford reproduce uracil, cyto- where it is irradiated with sine and thymine, three key components of our hereditary material, in the laboratory. high-energy ultraviolet (UV) photons from a hydrogen lamp. The “Molecules like pyrimidine have Scientists tested their hypotheses bombarding photons break chemical nitrogen atoms in their ring structures, in the Ames Astrochemistry Labora- bonds in the ices and break down the which makes them somewhat wimpy. tory. During their experiment, they ice’s molecules into fragments that As a less stable molecule, it is more exposed the ice sample containing then recombine to form new com- susceptible to destruction by radiation, pyrimidine to ultraviolet radiation under pounds, such as uracil, cytosine and compared to its counterparts that don’t space-like conditions, including a very thymine. have nitrogen,” said Scott Sandford, high vacuum, extremely low tempera- NASA Ames scientists have been a space science researcher at Ames. tures (approximately –440 degrees simulating the environments found in “We wanted to test whether pyrimidine Fahrenheit), and harsh radiation. interstellar space and the outer solar can survive in space, and whether it They found that when pyrimidine system for years. During this time, can undergo reactions that turn it into is frozen in ice mostly consisting of they have studied a class of carbon- more complicated organic species, water, but also ammonia, methanol, or rich compounds, called polycyclic such as the nucleobases uracil, cyto- methane, it is much less vulnerable to aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), that sine, and thymine.” destruction by radiation than it would have been identified in meteorites, In theory, the researchers thought be if it were in the gas phase in open and which are the most common that if molecules of pyrimidine could space. Instead of being destroyed, carbon-rich compound observed in the survive long enough to migrate into many of the molecules took on new universe. PAHs typically are structures interstellar dust clouds, they might continued on page 24

11 Astrogram April 2015 Ames hosts NACA Centenary celebration at Mega Bites Ames employees were invited to ment, military and industry, began in In 1958, at the beginning of the join the NASA family in celebration of an advisory role but saw the establish- “Space Race” the four NACA aero- the National Advisory Committee for ment of its first research and testing nautics research laboratories and Aeronautics (NACA) 100th Anniver- facility, the Langley Memorial Aero- flight facilities, personnel and research sary March 3, 2015 at Mega Bites, nautics Laboratory (Langley Research activities were incorporated into the where the Ames Exchange served Center, Hampton, Virginia) in 1920. newly established National Aeronau- NACA-themed cakes. As the committee’s role continued to tics and Space Administration (NASA).

NASA photo by Donald Richey Former Ames employees (above) who worked at Ames during the NACA era gathered March 3, 2015 to mark the 100th anniversary of the day Congress passed legislation establishing the NACA. Afterwards, they enjoyed a slice of birthday cake in the Cafe, sponsored by the Ames Exchange. Also to mark the day, Bill Warmbrodt of Code AV organized a barbeque in the parking lot near Cooper Loop where Ames aeronau- tics staff could honor their legacy in the research work of the NACA. Bill also managaed to adorn the Center with hundreds of American flags to mark the NACA Centenary. Left to right: Kristine Clevenger, Hank Cole, Mary Boldt, Leroy Presley, Carolina Rudisel, Richard Kurkowski, George Cooper and Jack Boyd.

On March 3, 1915, Congress es- expand, the NACA added two addi- Today, the NACA legacy lives on at tablished the National Advisory Com- tional facilities: the Ames Aeronautical NASA Ames Research Center though mittee for Aeronautics “to supervise Laboratory (Ames Research Center, the center’s commitment to technical and direct the scientific study of the Moffett Field, California) in 1939 and excellence and inter-agency coopera- problems of flight with a view to their the Aircraft Engine Research Labora- tive approach to address the nation’s practical solution, and to determine tory or Cleveland Laboratory (Glenn complex scientific and engineering the problems which should be experi- Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio) challenges. mentally attacked, and to discuss their in 1941. A few years later, the Muruc For more information about solution and their application to practi- Flight Test Unit (Armstrong Flight NACA’s 100th Anniversary, visit: http:// cal questions." Research Center, Edwards Air Force www.nasa.gov/naca100/ The 12 unpaid Main Committee Base, California) became the fourth members, representing the govern- NACA facility.

12 Astrogram April 2015 First NACA meeting held April 23, 1915

NASA photo The first meeting of the National Stanford University, (shown seated Weather Bureau; and Dr. Michael I. Advisory Committee for Aeronautics on the far left in the above photo) built Pupin of Columbia University. Stand- (NACA) (above) was held April 23, a small wind tunnel for the first pa- ing: (left to right) Holden C. Richard- 1915. The committee was civilian, rameter variation studies of propellor son, naval constructor; Dr. John F. though this meeting took place in performance. Hayford, Northwestern University; the office of the Secretary of War, In 1920, the NACA opened its Captain Mark L. Bristol, director of reflecting how the American military first laboratory at Langley Field and Naval Aeronautics; and Lt. Colonel valued this new organization. After opened its second in 1939 at Moffett Samuel Reber, Army Signal Corps the Wright Brothers first flight in Field. For 43 years, the NACA worked and in charge of the aviation section. 1903, the United States fell behind to advance aerospace research until Also present at this first meeting, but in aeronautical research. With the it formed the core of the new space not shown in the photograph, was Dr. beginning of World War I, the NACA agency, NASA, in 1958. Joseph S. Ames of Johns Hopkins was charged with catching up Seated from left to right: William University and the namesake of the technologically with the European Durand of Stanford University, (who NASA Ames Research Center. nations. was later a key advisor to the early The NACA Main Committee leaders of the Ames Aeronautical Lab- was always at the heart of the oratory); Dr. Samuel Stratton, director organization. At first, they surveyed of the Bureau of Standards; Brigadier needs in aeronautical technology General George P. Scriven, Chief and contracted for the most press- Signal Officer of the War Department; ing research. William Durand of Dr. Charles Marvin, chief of the U.S.

13 Astrogram April 2015 Chawla’s husband speaks at Ames Day of Remembrance ceremony NASA held a Day of Remembrance And we celebrate the courage of employees to reflect on those we’ve Jan. 28, 2015, to reflect upon and the crew of Columbia – Rick Husband, lost and the important role the Center celebrate the lives of the brave women William McCool, Michael Anderson, has in supporting NASA’s missions in

Jean-Pierre Harrison, the husband of Kalpana Chawla, reminisces about her and the rest of the Columbia crew during the Ames Day of Remembrance Ceremony, Jan. 28, 2015. NASA photo by Dominic Hart NASA

and men who gave their lives in the Ilan Ramon, David Brown, Laurel the Syvertson Auditorium. Remarks conduct of space missions in service to Clark and Ames’ own Kalpana Chawla were made by Chuck Smith, Ames our country. – friends and co-workers who we lost Deputy Center Director (Acting), a We recall with pride and sadness during a failed shuttle reentry on Feb. video presentation about our fallen the pioneering crew of Apollo 1 -- Vir- 1, 2003. Ames and NASA colleagues was gil “Gus” Grissom, Edward White and We also honor all others who shown, as well as an observed mo- Roger Chaffee -- who died in a tragic have given their lives in the cause of ment of silence. Across the country, fire on the pad on Jan. 27, 1967. space exploration. NASA Administra- flags at NASA Headquarters in Wash- We also remember with great fond- tor Charles Bolden laid wreaths at ington and the NASA field centers ness the Challenger crew – Michael J. the Tomb of the Unknown, and at the were flown at half-staff in memory of Smith, Dick Scobee, Ronald McNair, Challenger, Columbia and Apollo l the colleagues lost in the cause of Elison Onizuka, Gregory Jarvis, Judith memorials at the Arlington National exploration. Resnick and Christa McAuliffe, the first Cemetery in Virginia to commemorate “teacher in space,” who perished just NASA’s national Day of Remembrance 73 seconds into their Jan. 28, 1986 and to honor our fallen colleagues. flight. Ames provided the opportunity for

AA for Education returns to Ames NASA photo by Dominic Hart NASA

Donald James, formerly the director of Strategic Communications and Education Director- ate, Code V at Ames and now the Associate Administrator of Education for NASA, visited the center in January 2015 conducting a workshop discussing the future of NASA education.

14 Astrogram April 2015 ORION nationwide “thank-you” tour visits Ames

In March 2015, Orion program leaders from NASA and Lockheed Martin recognized Ames researcher Jeremy Vander Kam (second from left) for his contributions to EFT-1 during their first stop on a nationwide “Thank you” tour to facilities that contributed to the success of Orion’s first test flight. Left to right: Mark Geyer, NASA Orion program manager; Jeremy Vander Kam, (Ames thermal protection system manager for Orion); Mark Kirasich, NASA Orion deputy program manager; and Mike Hawes, Lockheed Martin Orion program manager.

NASA photos by Dominic Hart

Right photo: Members of the Ames community who contributed to Orion’s first test flight pose with Orion program leadership and a banner signed by hundreds of Ames employees in support of EFT-1.

NRP recognized as 2015 Harvard Ash Center Bright Idea in Government

The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Govern- ment, Harvard University, recognized NASA Research Park (NRP) as part of the 2015 Bright Ideas program. Above photo is an aerial view of NRP. The NRP is a world-class, shared- use R&D and education campus for industry, academia, non-profits, and government, a center for innovation and entrepreneurship with a unique community of scientists, engineers, students and educators with a shared mission. For more information about the award, visit: http://www.ash. harvard.edu/Home/News-Events/ Press-Releases/Harvard-s-Ash- Center-Announces-124-Bright-Ideas- in-Government For more information about the NASA Research Park, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/ researchpark/home/index.html NASA photo by Dominic Hart NASA

15 Astrogram April 2015 Hubble hits quarter century milestone of amazing images by Glenn Bugos idea of orbiting space telescopes in On April 24, 2015, the Hubble 1946 – more than a decade before the Space Telescope celebrated the first satellite orbited the Earth. It was 25th anniversary of its 1990 launch in the clean rooms of the Lockheed into low-Earth orbit. Hubble is mas- Martin Space and Missiles Company sive, sized to fit the bay of the space in Sunnyvale that the many intricate shuttle orbiter, with a 2.4 meter mirror, parts of the Hubble were carefully and currently provides imaging and pieced together. spectra at visible and near-infrared Bertram Bulkin, legendary Lock- wavelengths. Hubble was the first heed program manager, and his of NASA's “Great Observatories” team finished system integration in

One of the first Ames researchers to serve as a principal investigator with observation time on the refurbished Hubble was Bob Rubin in 1993. Un- der his direction, the telescope was programmed weeks ahead to lock onto a star, offset from it and measure the gaseous amounts of chemical elements in the Orion , which was becoming the benchmark for the measurement of interstellar matter. Rubin used the data to determine the precise abundances of silicon, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen in the nebula, a region where stars are formed. The Hubble is more sensitive than previous space-borne telescopes, and recorded spectral lines in the ultravio- let that would otherwise be absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere. Hubble may well be remembered historically for spectacular imagery and its role in determining the size and shape of the universe. At Ames, Hubble has proven valuable in com- NASA photo plementing and validating data from a Ames astrochemists including Farid Salama and Lou Allamandola have long relied range of other sources, notably from on data from the Hubble Space Telescope. In this image reddened stars with high infrared telescopes. Hubble data on dust abundances are embedded in the OB2 dense cloud. From this obser- the formation of stars and nebulae has vation target they obtained new spectra from the Hubble Space Telescope Imaging been a key component in supplement- Spectrograph, in 1997 and in 2001, to search for structure in the ultraviolet interstel- ing Ames’ work in astrochemistry. lar extinction curve, with particular emphasis on a search for absorption features In addition, planetary scientists at produced by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Today Salama, for example, Ames over the decades have ad- continues to search for the signature of organic molecules in the translucent clouds vanced our understanding of our solar that represent a middle ground between the diffuse and dense interstellar medium, system by relying on Hubble data using the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph on the Hubble. -- like the crash of Comet Shoemaker- Levy 9 into Jupiter, the view of Saturn to launch and was followed by the 1986, though the Challenger disas- with its rings on edge in 1995, the dis- Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, ter delayed launch until 1990. It was covery of tiny moons circling Uranus, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory and not until December 1993 that a crew and of weather patterns on Mars and the . of seven astronauts aboard STS-61 Neptune. It took many years for the Hubble captured and repaired Hubble’s flawed The Hubble program office to come to life. It represents the cul- optics, transforming Hubble into one has created a website to feature mination of a dream of noted physicist of the most important scientific tools in events around its 25th anniversary: Lyman Spitzer, who first proposed the history. hubble25th.org 16 Astrogram April 2015 How to train your astronauts, not such an easy task by Maria Alberty Training an astronaut is no easy task. Astronauts go through years of rigorous technical, health and safety training to learn simple and complex tasks for a typical four to six month mission. They develop skills in sys- tems, robotics, spacecraft operations, space engineering activities and even learn Russian. As NASA develops deep space exploration missions on its journey to Mars, the agency is inves- tigating current training methods in order to adapt to the longer and longer missions. “During the shuttle program, astronauts trained about five to eight years for a 10 to 14 day mission, with a work-timeline scripted down to the minute.” says Immanuel Barshi, a research psychologist from NASA Ames, in the Human Systems Integra- NASA photo tion division. Astronauts train in the Neutral Buoyancy Facility at the Johnson Space Center in Decades of crew member re- Houston, Texas search demonstrate that space can have adverse effects on people. Data pecially how the effects of long dura- only inform choices about astronaut suggests that the longer humans are tion space travel affect crew members. pre-launch, on-board and follow-on in space, the greater the effects. On a “Researchers know that skills training, but they may apply to training trip to Mars, for instance, humans will retained for long periods are very requirements for other professional be exposed to three years of micro- specific, while generalizable skills careers. Currently, high risk industries, gravity and radiation; confined in an decay much faster unless continuously such as oil drillers, nuclear power environment with three to five other practiced,” says Barshi. plant operators, medical doctors and people; separated from home; will ex- For example, a person can learn aircraft pilots or air traffic controllers, perience altered day-night/light cycles; to enter the numbers 8675309 on a set training requirements based upon and will have three years to inevitably computer keypad extremely fast with industry consensus and not necessar- forget some of the training learned excellent accuracy, and retain the skill ily specific research. before leaving the planet. for a long time. Ask them to do the “Hopefully we will be able to dis- Barshi’s research, a study called same task, only this time using a dif- tinguish whether a shorter interval or Training Retention, examines to what ferent number sequence and the same longer interval in training works and extent these aspects of a Mars mis- person will be just as slow as an- ask whether we are excessively train- sion might affect a crew member’s other person who never practiced the ing people with no added benefit or performance, as well as provide fresh original task. Meaning, it is the specific saved lives, but with added costs and insights into the way humans are sequence of numbers that people inefficiency,” said Barshi. “And to ask, trained for their jobs on Earth. Working remember, not the generalizable skill even more importantly, are we are with collaborators at NASA’s Johnson of entering any number. training people enough?” Space Center in Houston, Barshi will Results from this study will not study astronaut Scott Kelly’s perfor- mance during his one-year mission aboard the International Space Sta- tion, in addition to that of other astro- Ames hosts media, social media event by Jessica Culler nauts on six-month missions, and will ments and the exciting work ahead as compare results with astronauts on the NASA centers across the country we push farther into the solar system ground over the same timeframe. opened their doors Feb. 2 to media and lead the world in a new era of In conjunction with the Center for and selected social media for “State exploration.The briefing aired live on Research on Training at the Univer- of NASA” events, unique opportunities NASA TV and the agency's website. sity of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado, for a behind-the-scenes look at the Additionally, Ames hosted a pre- Barshi will compare the astronaut skill agency’s work on its journey to Mars. view of an exciting imaging mission retention data from space and ground NASA’s Ames hosted an event from later in the month, then an autonomy with that of undergraduate students. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and robotics showcase, featuring Much of what is known about how Each center connected via NASA experts and hardware at Ames’ Rov- people learn and how well they retain Television with NASA Administrator erscape. The showcase highlighted information or skills is based upon Charles Bolden at the agency’s Ken- rovers, satellites and unmanned aerial university research. Such comparisons nedy Space Center in Florida. systems (drones). Media interacted are critical to the application of ground Bolden addressed the agency’s one-on-one with project researchers scientific and technological achieve- assumptions to space operations, es- continued on page 19 17 Astrogram April 2015 Micro-5: Investigation how pathogens cause disease by Gianine M. Figliozzi analog for the human body due to the C. elegans and initiated live video Our guts literally teem with benefi- many genes, biological functions and monitoring, allowing researchers on cial bacteria. But not all bacteria are physiology that are common between the ground to track the survival of the harmless. Disease-causing bacteria, humans and C. elegans, including a roundworms in real-time. known as pathogens, can infect our in- similar intestinal tract and aspects of Not only will the researchers com- testines, causing illness or even death. the immune system. pare the survival of roundworms that Bacterial pathogens can contaminate “We are studying the entire host- were infected in a weightless environ- the foods and beverages we consume pathogen interaction and infection ment to those that remained in Earth’s gravity, they also will analyze the effect of adding a chemical—phosphate—to the cultures to determine if this pro- tects the worms from infection. They also will investigate the cellular, mo- lecular and immune responses of both the roundworm host and Salmonella pathogen during the infection process to identify novel responses that may be important for disease progression. If this proves to be effective, then a similar approach may someday be used as a nutritional countermeasure to help protect humans from intestinal infections. The crew collected samples of the infected cultures at specified time points and preserved them for post- flight analysis. Nickerson’s science team performed identical operations NASA photo on Earth at nearly the same time as the astronauts. Expedition 42 Flight Engineer Terry Virts sets up the Microgravity Science Glovebox for the Micro-5 experiments. The preserved specimens re- turned to Earth with the SpaceX in our everyday diets, and illnesses process in microgravity and measur- CRS-5 Dragon spacecraft on Feb.10. caused by consuming tainted foods ing virulence in real time,” said Cheryl Nickerson’s team is analyzing these are a serious concern on Earth and in Nickerson, professor at the Biodesign specimens for cellular, molecular and space. Institute at Arizona State University, immune response changes to different NASA’s Micro-5 investigation was Tempe and principal investigator for experimental conditions. The findings launched to the International Space the study. will help shed light on the biological Station on Jan. 10, 2015, to help Micro-5 is managed by the Space mechanisms by which changes in researchers gain a better understand- Biology Project at NASA Ames. Fund- gravity affect the immune response, ing of how intestinal pathogens cause ing for Space Biology comes from the bacterial virulence and the complex disease and how we can prevent or Space Life and Physical Sciences interaction of a living host with an counteract foodborne illness in astro- Research and Applications Division infectious pathogen. nauts. Findings from the study also will within the Human Exploration and Assessing the gut reactions of a help researchers develop novel strate- Operations Mission Directorate at few million roundworms will reveal new gies for preventing or treating intesti- NASA Headquarters. BioServe Space information about how gravity affects nal infectious disease on Earth. Technologies, University of Colorado living systems, and will expand our Tiny roundworms, whose even Boulder, developed and integrated the knowledge of the bacterial infectious tinier intestines substituted for human payload. disease process both in microgravity guts in the study, were flown to the A previous study flown in space and on Earth. orbiting laboratory to become hosts entitled Microbe, for which Nickerson Space is an exciting frontier for to infection with a bacterial pathogen, also was the principal investigator, biologists such as Nickerson who are Salmonella Typhimurium. showed that Salmonella bacteria studying how living organisms respond Salmonella, the leading cause of became more virulent—more capable and adapt to the unique microgravity bacterial foodborne illness in the Unit- of causing disease—when grown environment of the space station. ed States, can cause serious illness in space. This finding is particularly “Major advances in our knowledge or death, and there is no vaccine to concerning as spaceflight also impairs of biological systems come when we prevent Salmonella intestinal disease. human immune function, increasing study them in extreme environments,” The roundworm used in the the risk of infection for astronauts. said Nickerson. “Spaceflight is the study—Caenorhabditis elegans (C. To perform the study, the sta- newest extreme environment available elegans)—is a widely studied bio- tion crew injected Salmonella bac- for biologists to explore.” logical research model, a scientific teria grown in space into cultures of 18 Astrogram April 2015 Ames hosts media, social media for “State of NASA” events

Media visit during the “State of NASA” event at Ames, Feb. 2, 2015.

NASA photos by Dominic Hart

continued from page 17 Following the showcase, agency budget proposal with center leadership and their cutting-edge technologies Chief Financial Officer David Radza- and Ames Chief Financial Officer Paul developed and under development, as nowski briefed media about NASA’s Agnew. NASA studies our changing Earth and 2016 budget proposal in a teleconfer- The NASA budget and supporting the infinite universe, and progresses ence with streamed visuals. information are available online at: toward the next generation of air This briefing was followed by a http://www.nasa.gov/budget travel. local briefing on Ames elements of the

AA for Aeronautics gives ARMD update

Dr. Jaiwon Shin, Associate Administrator for Aeronautics, visited Ames April 8, 2015 to present an all-hands address to Ames employees. In his address, he provided an update about the ARMD budget roll-out and plans for the coming year. Shin also presented the ARMD Associate Administrator Awards to Ames recipients.

NASA photo by Dominic Hart

19 Astrogram April 2015 In Memoriam Former Ames engineer Albert Garavaglia passes Albert P. Garavaglia, age 93, ing his employment. He also was passed away peacefully Nov. 24, 2014 involved with wind tunnel equip- in his home in Saratoga, California. He ment design and operation. Albert was preceded in death by his beloved truly loved airplanes and enjoyed wife, Grace, after 63 wonderful years closely following innovation in of marriage. He is survived by his four human flight and all of his work in children, Steven, Michael, Jane, Ron- the aeronautics field. ald and three grandchildren. After retirement, Albert en- A veteran of WW2, Albert served in joyed painting and sketching in the Army Air Corps-7th Fighter Com- a style inspired by the greatest mand Headquarters in Hawaii and artists of the past. He dearly loved later on Iwo Jima where many brave his family and in-laws and was young men died securing and main- proud when his daughter found taining the airfield on that small island. work as a contractor in support of Albert studied engineering at San NASA at Moffett Field. Jose State College and was first em- Albert’s funeral was held at ployed by NACA (later NASA) in 1948. Darling-Fischer Chapel of the Hills He retired from NASA Ames Research in Los Gatos, California. Burial Center’s Engineering Branch in 1990 followed at Santa Clara Mission and holds U.S. Patent #282,738 for Cemetery, Santa Clara, Saint a Shoulder Harness and Lap Belt Joseph’s Mausoleum. Albert P. Garavaglia Restraint System he designed dur-

Virginia Palumbo, former Ames computer resource manager, dies Palumbo and was the eldest of three computer resource management. children. She grew up in Brooklyn She loved working for NASA and and attended Public School 186. even in her last days regretted that Afterwards, she worked for Lerner’s she had ever retired. To keep busy Department Store (now New York and she made beaded necklaces and Company). ornaments for local schools. She was In the 1940s, she left New York devoted to her church and loyal to her and moved to Fresno, California. friends—always remembering them on There she was close to Yosemite, holidays and special occasions.

NASA photo by Roger Brimmer NASA which she loved. She took visitors Virginia was preceded in death by there often and said it was like a sec- her parents and by her two younger ond home. brothers: Pasquale, who died in a In the 1950s, she worked for the non–combat aircraft crash in 1944, U. S. Army in Japan as a civilian. She and Nicholas (Nick), who died in 1980. left Japan after five years because, She is survived by two nieces and a she said, “I was becoming more Japa- nephew, who live in Texas. nese than American.” Services were held February After a brief stay in the U.S., she 17, 2015, at St. Athanasius Catholic went abroad again, this time as a civil- Church in Mountain View, California. Virginia I. Palumbo ian for the Air Force. She spent three Donations may be made to the St. years in Tripoli before returning to the Athanasius Church or the Yosemite Virginia I. Palumbo, long-time U.S. Conservancy. member of the Central Computer Fa- In the 1960s, she settled down in cility in Building N233, died at age 99 Mountain View, California, and started in Mountain View, California Jan. 20, work at NASA Ames in 1963. She 2015, after a very brief illness. She worked at Ames for 32 years until was born on July 30, 1915, in Brook- retiring in 1995, holding a variety of lyn, New York, to Rosa and Eugenio positions in computer operations and

20 Astrogram April 2015 Former manager and engineer James Connolly dies The Ames family notes with sad- of shuttle middeck spaceflight experi- ness the passing of James P. Connol- ments. ly who died unexpectedly at his home From the late 1980s through the in San Jose, Feb. 2, 2015. He was 76. late 1990s, Jim led the Ames Space To those privileged to work with Jim Life Sciences engineering team prior to his retirement in 2013, we lost working on SpaceLab Life Sciences a friend, mentor, phenomenal leader, 1, SpaceLab Life Sciences 2, the gifted colleague and exceptional International Microgravity Laboratory, engineer. Spacelab Japan and finally the joint Jim joined the Peace Corps in NASA/NIH Neurolab mission. 1964, and spent two years working on In addition to Jim’s work on the road and building projects in Tanza- shuttle/SpaceLabs, he also managed nia. He graduated from Santa Clara several joint US/Soviet biosatellite University with an masters degree in missions that provided US scientists electrical engineering in 1972, while with access to space when access working full time at NASA. was limited during the aftermath of the During his 49-year career with Challenger accident. NASA, Jim’s talent for managing pio- Later, Jim became the Project neering level technical and scientific Management division chief, Code research was surpassed only by his PX, at Ames. He provided leadership consistent ability to maintain an even and mentoring to project managers James Connolly keel. From Biocosmos to the space on a variety of high visibility missions shuttle and the International Space including the Stratospheric Observa- Acquisition Division at Ames, his son Station, Jim led engineering and tory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), Tim, Tim’s wife Susan and their son, scientific efforts for innumerable NASA Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environ- Liam; his son Thad; his son Michael space flight missions. ment Explorer (LADEE), Lunar Crater Sommese, Michael’s wife Lucille and In 1976, following his leadership Observation and Sensing Satellite their children Quinn and Harper; also of the successful Space Lab Mission (LCROSS), Interface Region Imaging by his sisters Virginia, of Eureka, Development Simulation, Jim led the Spectrograph (IRIS) and the Kepler California and Jeanette, of Carson City Ames’ Life Sciences hardware team Mission. NASA and Ames are sim- Nevada. that enabled advanced research on ply better for the investment of Jim’s astronaut health during spaceflight. In long, dedicated and exemplary NASA 1982, he led the engineering team in career. developing space biology hardware He is survived by his loving wife and support equipment for a number Sharon L. Connolly, who works in the

SOFIA finds missing link between supernovae, planet formation continued from front page The team used SOFIA data to pernova explosion, and is now flowing 747 Special Performance jetliner that estimate the total mass of dust in the into the interstellar medium where it carries a telescope with an effective cloud from the intensity of its emission. can become part of the ‘seed mate- diameter of 100 inches (2.5 meters) The investigation required measure- rial’ for new stars and planets,” Lau at altitudes of 39,000 to 45,000 feet ments at long infrared wavelengths in explained. (12 to 14 km). SOFIA is a joint project order to peer through intervening inter- These results also reveal the pos- of NASA and the German Aerospace stellar clouds and detect the radiation sibility that the vast amount of dust Center. The aircraft observatory is emitted by the supernova dust. observed in distant young galaxies based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Astronomers already had evidence may have been made by supernova Research Center facility in Palmdale, that a supernova’s outward-moving explosions of early massive stars, California. NASA Ames is home to the shock wave can produce significant as no other known mechanism could SOFIA Science Center, which is man- amounts of dust. Until now, a key have produced nearly as much dust. aged by NASA in cooperation with the question was whether the new soot- “This discovery is a special feather Universities Space Research Associa- and sand-like dust particles would sur- in the cap for SOFIA, demonstrating tion in Columbia, Maryland, and the vive the subsequent inward “rebound” how observations made within our own German SOFIA Institute at the Univer- shock wave generated when the first, Milky Way galaxy can bear directly on sity of Stuttgart. outward-moving shock wave collides our understanding of the evolution of For more information about SOFIA, with surrounding interstellar gas and galaxies billions of light years away,” visit: http://www.nasa.gov/sofia dust. said Pamela Marcum, a SOFIA project “The dust survived the later scientist at Ames. onslaught of shock waves from the su- SOFIA is a heavily modified Boeing

21 Astrogram April 2015 Ames participates in Business Forum: Discover Global Markets NASA photos by Dominic Hart NASA

The Department of Commerce, In order to effectively compete opportunities. with NASA Ames, conducted a Busi- in global markets, U.S. companies Assistant Secretary of Com- ness forum at the Santa Clara Con- require specialized market knowledge merce for Global Markets, Arun vention Center, in February 2015. and excellent contacts – the funda- Kumar, gave the welcome remarks Organized by the U.S. Com- mental elements of this conference. and then Ames Center Director S. mercial Service, in cooperation with The forum addressed global op- Pete Worden (left photo) delivered NASA, Discover Global Markets: portunities in advanced transportation, the opening plenary, entitled, “The Sustainable Solutions addresses clean energy, air, water, land and use Business Case for Sustainability: the link between sustainability and and explored the link between plane- The view from NASA.” global business opportunities. tary sustainability and global business

Fitness Center hosts open house tour of its facility NASA photos by Dominic Hart NASA

Ames’ Fitness Center hosted an open house, (above photos) in January 2015, providing a tour of the gym and to introduce employees to group exercise instructors. Membership is free to employees and it doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out on a fitness program for the first time or are a seasoned gym member. A wide variety of fitness programs are available and an excellent staff to assist you in accomplishing your goals. The fitness center also offers a wide variety of aerobic equipment and free weight systems as well as numerous group classes, fitness assessments, organized weight loss programs, personal/group training, walking programs, walking clubs, monthly fun runs/walks, etc.

22 Astrogram April 2015 Ames ongoing monthly events calendar Exchange Information Information about products, services and oppor- African American Advisory Group (AAAG) Ames Green Team (formerly the Green Ames tunities provided to the employee and contractor Mtg., last Tuesday of each month, 12 - 1 p.m., Working Group) meetings are held the first community by the Ames Exchange Council. Visit our web site at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov Bldg. N-255, Rm. 101C. POC: AAAG Chair, Ai- Tuesday of each month in Bldg. N-237, Rm. sha Bowe, ext. 4-1016 and AAAG Vice Chair, 101, from 10 - 11 a.m. Ames Environmental Beyond Galileo Gift Shop N-235 in the Porsche Parker, ext. 4-0044. Management Division, ext. 4-5660. Web: cafeteria, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., ext. 4-6873 http://environmentalmanagement.arc.nasa. Visitor Center Gift Shop (Exploration gov/reports/eo-13514.html Center), Tues-Fri, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sat. - Moffett Aikido Club, Monday and Wednes- Sun, 12 - 4 p.m., ext. 4-5412 day evenings, 6:30 p.m., Bldg. 944. Aikido Remember to purchase your baby shower, birthday is a non-competitive, defensive martial art The Hispanic Advisory Committee for and holiday gifts at Ames’ two gift shops! known as the “Way of Harmony.” POC: Diane Excellence (HACE) Mtg., first Thursday of Pereda (650) 575-9070 or Robert Dean (650) each month, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Bldg. Mega Bites Cafeteria N-235, 6 a.m. - 2 787-1007, email: [email protected] N-255, Rm. 101C. POC: Jeanette Zamora, p.m., ext. 4-5969/Catering ext. 4-2161 [email protected]. Barcelona Café, Bldg. 3, 6:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., ext. 4-4948/Catering ext. 4-4948 Ames Amateur Radio Club, third Thursday of each month, noon, N-T28 (across from Ames Jazz Band Club, Bldg. 944, 5:30 See daily menus at: http://exchange.arc. N-255). POC: George Tucker, at ext. 4-2200. p.m. - 7 p.m. POC: Ralph Bach, email: nasa.gov/cafe/menu.html [email protected] Moffett Field Golf Club with ‘Tee Minus Ames Bluegrass Club, every Tuesday from One’ Grill and Sports Bar. Catering avail- 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Bldg. 944. Players of all Jetstream Toastmasters, Mondays, 12 p.m. able. Call (650) 603-8026. Extended Happy Hour Thursdays, $5 and $6 pitchers of beer instruments and all levels are welcome, but we - 1 p.m., Bldg. N-262, Rm.100. POC: Tim starting at 4 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. are particularly interested in experienced play- Steiger, ext. 4-0195, [email protected]. ers willing to help improve the group’s musical Web: http://jetstream.freetoasthost.com RV lots available. Call to reserve a space skills. POC: Bob Haberle at ext. 4-5494 or at (650) 254-1808. email: [email protected] Civilian/Contractors, $50/mo; military $25/mo Native American Advisory Committee (NAAC) Bi-Monthly Meeting, First Thursday NASA Lodge (Bldg. 19) (650) 603-7100 Ames Bocce Ball Club, Ames’ newest Ex- of the month beginning March 5, 2015, 11:00 Where to stay when you’re too tired to drive home? change-sponsored club is seeking members. a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Building 19, Room 1096. What about the lodge?! Two types of rooms: Bldg. POC: Mike Lindsay email: michael.c.lindsay@ For more information contact Anita Abrego at 19 (43 rooms), rate: $65/night ($5 ea add’l adult); nasa.gov [email protected], or by phone at ext. Bldg. 583 A&B (150 rooms), rate: $55/night ($5 ea. 4-2565. add’l adult); B547 rate $60/night (for large groups)

Ames Bowling League, at Fourth Street Ames Swim Center (N-109) (650) 603-8025 Bowl in San Jose. Looking for teams of four Ames Nimble Knitters Club, every Monday The swimming pool is now open. Hours of operation for start of season, Sept. 4. Need regular and at 11:30 a.m., Bldg. N-210, Rm. 141. POC: are as follows (lap swim only): MWF 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. subsitute bowlers. Thursdays starting at 6:15 Diane Alexander at ext. 4-3140 or email diane. MWF 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. p.m. For sign up questions: Michael Hom at [email protected]. All knitters and cro- TTH 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ext. 4-0302 or Mina Cappuccio at ext. 4-1313. cheters are welcome to attend and participate TTH 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. in our charity projects. The pool is heated year round. The pool normally is available for lap swim, pool parties and special Ames Contractor Council Mtg., first events. POC: Ryan Storms, pool manager (650) Wednesday of each month, 11 a.m., Bldg. Ames Roller Hockey Club, meets daily 603-8025. Memberships: single memberships: N-200, Committee Room. POC: Herb Finger from noon to 1 p.m. at rink on north end of $60/yr. Family memberships: $80/yr. After purchas- ing a membership, there is an entrance fee: daily at ext. 4-6598. the 80-foot-by-120-foot wind tunnel. Players entrance fee - $3/day or lap pass fee - $50 for 20 should have experience skating and must uses. Platinum membership - $380/yr. (no daily wear protective equipment. POC: James fee). Special events include military training, swim Ames Federal Employees Union (AFEU) Prunty, [email protected] team events, kayak role practice, etc. The cost for Mtg., third Wednesday of each month, noon. special events is $75/hr, or $50/hr for military. Bldg. N-204, Rm. 101. Guests welcome. Check for schedule changes at: http://www. Ames Safety Committee, third Thursday of Exchange basketball gym is now open, Bldg. 2 afeu.org. POC: Paul K. Davis, ext. 4-5916. each month, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Bldg. N-237, (650) 603-9717 Rm. 200. POC: John Livacich, jlivacich@ Hours of operation: mail.arc.nasa.gov, ext. 4-3243. M-F 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. M-F 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Ames Golf Club, Members have the opportu- nity to play approximately 13 tournaments per year at a variety of 18-hole golf courses in the Women’s Influence Network (WIN), first Chase Park reservations, call ext. 4-4948 Bay and Monterey Area. POC: Barry Sullivan: Wednesday of each month, Bldg. N-232, Rm. NACA Park reservations, call ext. 4-4948 [email protected]. 227, noon - 1:00 p.m., POC: Wendy Holforty, [email protected] Ames Cat Network The Ames Cat Network needs help finding homes for cats trapped at Moffett. They Ames emergency announcements range from feral to abandoned/lost pets. To hear the centerwide status recording, call (650) 604-9999 for information They are tested, altered and inoculated. Call Iris at ext. 4-5824 if you or someone announcements and emergency instructions for Ames employees. You also you know are interested in fostering or may listen to 1700 KHz AM radio for the same information. adopting a cat.

23 Astrogram April 2015 Building blocks of life Protective Services continued from page 11 monthly activity forms, such as the RNA/DNA components uracil, cytosine A statistical summary of activities of the Protective and thymine, which are found in the genetic make-up of all Service Division’s Security/Law Enforcement and Fire living organisms on Earth. “We are trying to address the mechanisms in space Protection Services units for the three-month period that are forming these molecules. Considering what we ending March 2015 is shown below. produced in the laboratory, the chemistry of ice exposed to ultraviolet radiation may be an important linking step be- tween what goes on in space and what fell to Earth early in its development,” said Christopher Materese, another researcher at NASA Ames who has been working on these experiments. “Nobody really understands how life got started on Earth. Our experiments suggest that once the Earth formed, many of the building blocks of life were likely present from the beginning. Since we are simulating universal astro- physical conditions, the same is likely wherever planets are formed,” says Sandford. Additional team members who helped perform some of the research are Jason Dworkin, Jamie Elsila, and Stefanie Milam, three NASA scientists at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The research was funded by the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) and the NASA Origins of Solar Systems Program. The NAI is a virtual, distributed organization of competitively-selected teams that integrates and funds astrobiology research and training programs in concert with the national and international science communities.

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The Ames Astrogram is an official publication of Ames Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Managing Editor...... Dolores Beasley Editor, Layout and Design...... Astrid Albaugh Employees can reach the Astrogram Office via email at: [email protected] or by phone at ext. 4-3347. For downloadable pdf copies of each issue, visit the Astrogram website at: PLEASE RECYCLE http://www.nasa.gov/ames/astrogram Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with vegetable-based ink. 24 Astrogram April 2015