Ames Demolishes Vacuum Spheres

Spring 2013 - A Quarterly Publication

NASA's Kepler Mission finds abundance of new planet candidates by Michelle Johnson NASA's Kepler mission recently announced the discovery of 461 new planet candidates. Four of the poten- NASA photo NASA tial new planets are less than twice the size of Earth and orbit in their sun's "habitable zone," the region in the planetary system where liquid water might exist on the surface of a planet. One of the four newly identified super Earth-size planet candidates, KOI-172.02, orbits in the habitable zone of a star similar to our sun. The possible planet is approximately 1.5 times the radius of Earth and orbits its host star every 242 days. Additional follow-up analysis will be required to confirm the candidate as a planet. Based on observations conducted from May 2009 to March 2011, the Size of Kepler planet candidates: Since the last Kepler catalog was released in February 2012, the number of candidates discovered in the Kepler data has increased by 20 percent and now findings show a steady increase in the totals 2,740 potential planets orbiting 2,036 stars. Based on observations conducted from May number of smaller-size planet can- 2009 to March 2011, the most dramatic increases are seen in the number of Earth-size and super didates observed and the number of Earth-size candidates discovered, which grew by 43 and 21 percent, respectively. Scientists ana- stars with more than one candidate. lyzed more than 13,000 transit-like signals called 'threshold-crossing events' to eliminate known spacecraft instrumentation and astrophysical false positives, phenomena that masquerade as "There is no better way to kick off planetary candidates, to identify the potential new planets. the start of the Kepler extended mission than to discover more possible life-bearing worlds," said Christopher Institute in Mountain View, who is lead- outposts on the frontier of potentially Burke, Kepler scientist at the SETI ing the analysis. Since the last Kepler catalog was released in February 2012, the Ames demolishes vacuum spheres number of candidates discovered in Impressive landmarks for visitors and the Kepler data has increased by 20 Ames employees for 55 years, the four percent and now totals 2,740 poten- large vacuum spheres behind Building N229 tial planets orbiting 2,036 stars. The are being demolished. most dramatic increases are seen in The spheres formed part of the 3.5-foot the number of Earth-size and super hypersonic wind tunnel, in which high pres- Earth-size candidates discovered, sure (3,000 psi) air was heated to 3,000°F, passed through one of three nozzles (Mach which grew by 43 and 21 percent, 5, 7, or 10) to the test section, and then respectively. exhausted through an aftercooler to the The new data increases the num- spheres. In its day, the wind tunnel was a ber of stars discovered to have more workhorse hypersonic facility; much of the than one planet candidate from 365 atmospheric reentry testing of the space to 467. Today, 43 percent of Kepler's shuttle and its progenitors was done in the planet candidates are observed to 3.5-foot tunnel. Time and thousands of runs in which have neighbor planets. air was heated above the melting point of "The large number of multi-candi- steel took their toll, and 20 years ago the date systems being found by Kepler facility was closed. The spheres and as- implies that a substantial fraction of sociated equipment are being demolished to exoplanets reside in flat multi-planet make way for a new arc-jet complex, which systems," said Jack Lissauer, plan- is currently in the planning phase.

NASA photos by Eric James NASA etary scientist at NASA Ames. "This is continued on page 2 www.nasa.gov NASA Kepler scientist honored by National Academy of Sciences by Michelle Johnson William Borucki, science principal mission," said John Grunsfeld, associ- planets and possible candidates with a investigator for NASA's Kepler mission ate administrator for the Science Mis- wide range of sizes and orbital dis- at Ames, is the recipient of the 2013 sion Directorate at NASA Headquar- tances to help scientists better under- stand our place in the galaxy. "It has been a privilege to participate in the initial steps in the search for life in our galaxy. I would like to thank all who have worked with me to make this possible," said Borucki. Borucki earned a master of science degree in physics from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in 1962 and joined Ames as a space scientist that same year. The results of Borucki's early work developing spec- troscopic instrumentation to determine the plasma properties of hypervelocity shock waves was used in the design of the heat shields for the Apollo mission. In June, Borucki celebrated 50 years of service at NASA. Henry Draper Medal awarded by the ters in Washington. "It is well deserved The Henry Draper Medal is award- National Academy of Sciences. and a tribute both to Bill's dedication ed every four years for an outstanding, Borucki is being honored for and persistence and the fantastic and recently published contribution to as- his founding concept and visionary exciting results from Kepler." trophysical research and carries with it leadership during the development of Kepler is the first NASA mission an award of $15,000. Kepler, which uses transit photometry capable of finding Earth-size planets The award will be presented at a to determine the frequency and kinds in or near the "habitable zone," the ceremony April 28, 2013, during the of planets around other stars. region in a planetary system where National Academy of Sciences' 150th "This is a commendable recogni- liquid water can exist on the surface of annual meeting in Washington. tion for Bill Borucki and the Kepler an orbiting planet. Kepler is detecting NASA’s Kepler Mission finds abundance of planet candidates continued from front page consistent with what we know about planets. Today, there are 105. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory our own planetary neighborhood." "The analysis of increasingly (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif., managed The Kepler space telescope identi- longer time periods of Kepler data Kepler mission development. Ball fies planet candidates by repeatedly uncovers smaller planets in longer Aerospace and Technologies Corp. in measuring the change in brightness of period orbits -- orbital periods similar Boulder, Colo., developed the Kepler more than 150,000 stars in search of to Earth's," said Steve Howell, Kepler flight system and supports mission planets that pass in front, or "transit," mission project scientist at Ames. "It is operations with JPL at the Laboratory their host star. At least three transits no longer a question of will we find a for Atmospheric and Space Physics at are required to verify a signal as a true Earth analogue, but a question of the University of Colorado in Boulder. potential planet. when." The Space Telescope Science In- Scientists analyzed more than The complete list of Kepler planet stitute in Baltimore archives, hosts and 13,000 transit-like signals to eliminate candidates is available in an interac- distributes the Kepler science data. known spacecraft instrumentation and tive table at the NASA Exoplanet Kepler is NASA's 10th Discovery Mis- astrophysical false positives, phenom- Archive. The archive is funded by sion and is funded by NASA's Science ena that masquerade as planetary NASA's Exoplanet Exploration Pro- Mission Directorate at the agency's candidates, to identify the potential gram to collect and make public data headquarters in Washington, D.C. new planets. to support the search for, and charac- JPL manages NASA's Exoplanet Candidates require additional terization of, exoplanets and their host Exploration Program. The NASA Exo- follow-up observations and analyses stars. planet Archive is hosted at the Infrared to be confirmed as planets. At the be- Ames manages Kepler's ground Processing and Analysis Center at the ginning of 2012, 33 candidates in the system development, mission op- California Institute of Technology. Kepler data had been confirmed as erations and science data analysis.

2 Astrogram Spring 2013 Ames honors fallen heroes, unveils Columbia memorabilia Ames employees honored the astronauts and brave members of the NASA family who gave their lives in the pursuit of space exploration and service to our nation during a Day of Remembrance Ceremony in the Ames Exploration Cen- ter on Feb. 1, 2013. The Exploration Center unveiled an exhibit to pay tribute to NASA Astronaut and STS-107 space shuttle Columbia Mission Specialist, Kalpana Chawla, a friend and colleague to the Ames com- munity during her tenure as an astronaut candidate. Ames employees heard remarks from Ames Center Director S. Pete Wor- den, saw a presentation about Chawla by former Ames colleagues, saw a video featuring Columbia and observed a mo- ment of silence. Across the country, flags at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and the NASA field centers were flown at half-mast in memory of the colleagues lost in the cause of exploration. The Ames Exploration Center unveiled an exhibit on Feb. 1, 2013 to pay tribute to NASA The Columbia memorabilia exhibit astronaut and STS-107 space shuttle Columbia Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla. features Chawla's personal belongings, Feb. 1, 2003, just minutes before landing. A wreath-laying ceremony at the items and awards associated with her More than 40 years ago, on Jan. 27, 1967, Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy career at NASA. It will be open to the the crew of Apollo 1 perished in a terrible Space Center Visitor Complex, hosted public through March 25, 2013. fire. And nearly 30 years ago, on Jan. 28, by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, A decade has passed since the loss 1986, the crew of space shuttle Challenger was broadcast live on NASA Television of the crew of space shuttle Columbia on died less than two minutes after launch. Feb. 1, 2013.

Employees and invited guests look at the new exhibit unveiled on Feb. 1, 2013, in the Ames Exploration Center during the remembrance ceremony held to honor fallen NASA’s fallen heroes.

NASA photos by Eric James

3 Astrogram Spring 2013 First mobile NASA App shares Agency’s 2012 software award by Jessica Culler NASA's first mobile applica- and is software that models the tion is sharing NASA's 2012 behavior of earthquake faults to Software of the Year award. improve earthquake forecasting The award recognizes innova- and our understanding of earth- tive software technologies that quake processes. significantly improve the agen- A NASA software advisory cy's exploration of space and panel reviews Software of the maximize scientific discovery on Year entries and recommends Earth. winners to NASA's Inventions Software engineers at NASA and Contributions Board for Ames developed the NASA App, confirmation. which is available for mobile de- Ames previously won vices including the iPhone, iPod the award in 1998 for Center touch, iPad and Android phones TRACON Automation System and tablets. The NASA App (CTAS); in 1999 for Remote currently has more than 10.8 Agent: Autonomous Reason- million user installations and ing and Control for Spacecraft receives more than three million and Other Complex Systems; hits per day on average. in 2002 for Cart3D; in 2006 The NASA App gathers the for FACET—Future Air Traffic agency's online content, break- Management (ATM) Concepts ing news, image and video Evaluation Tool; in 2007 for collections, news and image The Data-Parallel Line Relax- feeds, social media accounts, ation (DPLR); in 2009 for NASA and more in one easy-to-use World Wind Java (WWj) Soft- location that aids public access ware Development Kit (SDK) to science, technology and en- and Web Mapping Services gineering discoveries. The app's (WMS) Server; and in 2010 creators are program manager for Kepler Science Operations Jerry Colen, software engineer Center Science Pipeline (Re- John Freitas and new media lease 6.0). specialist Charles Du. QuakeSim, which shares the 2012 award, was developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., A view of the NASA App home page screen

North American students become virtual explorers on NASA Mars mission by Sahar Leaupepe and Ruth Dasso Marlaire Students from schools across North America recently participated in a real NASA Mars mission, called Ice- Team members try breaker. They remotely operated from to stay warm during their classrooms a robotic arm that drill automation test- transferred specimen samples into a ing at the University hopper on a Phoenix-sized mockup Valley Mars-analog spacecraft located in the Antarctic. site. Designed and built at NASA Ames, the robotic arm and its automation and control software are being tested as part of a mission that drills into the icy subsurface of Mars. Photo by Brian Glass NASA has an education goal to in- spire and engage students in Science, "Involving students is a great way investigator of the Icebreaker mission. Technology, Engineering and Math- to test our drill. If anyone can break Scientists temporarily residing ematics (STEM) content. To meet that this drill, it’s enthusiastic kids operating in one of the most frigid regions on goal, scientists from Ames brought the the controls. There is additional benefit Earth talked to students in classrooms virtual experience of science explo- that we might also be inspiring the through a live video feed. Discussions ration into the classroom from the next generation of space explorers,” included project descriptions and ac- McMurdo Research Station in the Dry said Chris McKay, an Ames planetary tivity briefings followed by a question Valleys of the Antarctic. research scientist and the principal and answer session. continued on page 6 4 Astrogram Spring 2013 Ames celebrates legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King

NASA photos by Dominic Hart

In recognition of the leadership and sacrifice of Dr. Martin Luther King, the Ames African American Advisory Group invited Ames employees to participate in an event at the center on Jan.16, 2013. Guest speakers this year included (left to right), Reverend Sheila Robinson, Samuel L. Brown and the Honorable Shelyna V. Brown. They participated in a panel discussion about Dr. King and how he influenced their lives. King was a person of service who supported not only African Americans, but all races and cultures. He was a drum major for peace and a strong advocate for diversity.

Stofan engages students at Ames Exploration Encounter

Above photo: NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Program Integra- tion James Stofan (standing right) paid a visit recently to the NASA Ames Exploration Encounter (AEE). During his visit, Stofan reminded the 5th grade class of Ben Painter Elementary (San Jose, Calif.) that education is the gateway to success. Upper right photo: Institutional Engagement lead Brenden Sanborn (center) and education specialist Cara Dodge (left) showcase the installation of Ames’ new ‘Science on a Sphere’ to James Stofan (right) soon to open at the NASA Ames Visitors Center. Lower right photo: Ames volunteer docent Shareen Singh (center standing), James Stofan (center) and Daniel Likins, Ames Exploration Encounter Operations Manager (far right), oversee student research activities (student sitting at console) in the AEE’s model International Space Station module. NASA photos by Astrid Terlep photos by NASA

5 Astrogram Spring 2013 Ames leads agency in ‘Black Engineer of the Year’ awards by James Schalkwyk Council of Engineering Deans at His- exceptional career at NASA. Of the 10 distinguished NASA torically Black Colleges and Universi- - Special Recognition Award: Aisha employees who were recognized in ties, Lockheed Martin Corporation, US R. Bowe, aerospace engineer, whose this year’s Black Engineer of the Year Black Engineer & Information Technol- work in Next Generation Air Transpor- Awards (BEYA), a staggering eight ogy magazine and was sponsored tation focuses on developing methods of them were from Ames Research by Aerotek. The awards recognize to maintain safe separation of air the achievements of African traffic and optimize fuel consumption Americans in Science, Technology, within an automated system. Engineering and Math (STEM) and Trailblazer awards: encourage young black Americans - Ken Freeman, a project engi- to pursue careers in STEM fields. neer, who successfully implemented “At Ames we pride ourselves information technologies across NASA NASA photo NASA on our diverse workforce and our in varied IT fields for more than 20 inclusive atmosphere,” said Center years. Director S. Pete Worden. “We - Kevin L. Jones, a computer engi- recognize that diversification is an neer and NASA IPv6 transition man- ongoing process, but it is encour- ager, who has been a pioneer in the aging to see such a high number field of networking at Ames, managed of NASA employees winning these several IT projects for various orga- significant awards.” nizations and is leading NASA's IPv6 The Ames recipients of 2013 implementation efforts. Black Engineer of the Year Awards Modern-day Technology Leaders include: awards: - Diversity Leadership in - Ousmane N. Diallo, an aerospace Government award: Barbara E. research engineer, who focuses on the Miller, who was recognized for her development of algorithms in support Aisha Bowe, aerospace engineer in the Aviation work as the Director of the Ames of advanced flight control and air traffic System Division at Ames, received the Special Office of Diversity and Equal Op- automation. Recognition award at the BEYAs. She is seen portunity. - Gilena A. Monroe is the Log here with NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. - Senior Investigator Award: Aggregation Tool Lead and Agency John W. Hines, former Center Vulnerability Assessment and Reme- Center. The recipients received their Chief Technologist (now retired), who diation (AVAR) project manager for awards during a three-day conference designed, developed, tested and the NASA Security Operations Center Feb. 7-9, 2013 in Washington, D.C. evaluated space systems and man- where she helps meet cyber security The Black Engineer of the Year aged advanced technology develop- needs in the protection of NASA’s Awards 2013 was hosted by the ment programs and projects during an continued from page 9 North American students become virtual explorers on NASA Mars mission continued from page 4 IceBreaker is a rotary-percussive 2010 Discovery proposal, scientists Participating schools included Cali- drill that rotates and hammers on its thought it was capable of drilling as fornia’s Jeanne Meadows Elementary deep as three feet into ice School, San Jose; Donlon Elementary and frozen soil. However, School and Valley View Elementary test demonstrations show School, Pleasanton; Pathways Char- it is capable of penetrating ter School, Rohnert Park; Jackson up to 15 feet. Once samples Elementary and Eliot Middle School, have been elevated to the Pasadena; Arizona’s Verde Valley surface by the drilling, the High School, Flagstaff; Clarkdale- robotic arm transfers the drill Jerome Jr. High School; Archimedes specimens to the instrument Academy, New York, N.Y; and Cana- inlet hoppers on the space- da’s Colleges Jean-Eudes, Montreal craft. and La Citadelle, Cornwall. The robotic arm and The science activity in early Janu- its automation and control ary provided an opportunity for the software is being tested by students, their teachers, and school NASA Ames for a possible volunteers to learn about sustaining Photo by Brian Glass Mars mission in 2018 or life on Mars. Students were enthusi- 2020. Because Antartica and astic and awe-inspired by the sophisti- Students from Meadows Elementary, San Jose, Calif. Mars share similar environ- cated technology. participated in the demonstration. mental conditions, such as "It was awesome," said Carlos dryness and freezing tem- Granades, a student from Jackson El- target to deliver samples to the surface peratures, it is an ideal testing location ementary, Pasadena, Calif. "It makes for scientific analysis. As part of the for the Icebreaker drill. me feel proud."

6 Astrogram Spring 2013 Ames celebrates 25th anniversary of landmark wind tunnel Dec. 11, 2012 marked the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) as a national test facility. The anniversary was observed by NASA, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army with a re-dedication ceremony, group photo and open house tours of the 40-foot-by-80-foot wind tunnel test section, the 80-foot-by-120-foot wind tunnel test section, the tiltrotor test rig preparation area in the Build- ing N-246 High Bay B and static aircraft displays of an Army UH-60 Blackhawk and a Marine MV-22 Osprey. Ames employees were invited to participate in the events. In partnership with the California Department of Veteran Affairs, Northern California Veterans Cemetery, Ames decorated the center and the facilities/building associated with the NFAC 25 celebration with more than 1,000 American flags. NASA photo by Paul Langston NASA

NASA photo by Eric James

NASA photoNASA by Paul Langston NASA photo by Eric James NASA

NASA photo by Paul Langston

7 Astrogram Spring 2013 In Memoriam Former Ames employee Virginia Stalder passes away After a long and adventurous life, vercreek, Ore. Jackson passed away Virginia Hall Stalder, resident of Palo in 1968, and Virginia managed and Alto, Calif., passed away peacefully in developed Beavercreek Farms – pur- her sleep Nov. 25, 2012 near her Eng- veyors of fine English holly seasonal lish holly farm in Beavercreek, Ore. at gifts – for 48 years. When asked why the age of 87. she was once again making the an- Born Jan. 20, 1925 in Salisbury, nual trek to Beavercreek at the age of N.C. to Hallie Shaver and John Floyd 87, she replied “to make a few people Hall, she grew up in Salisbury and happy.” She deeply appreciated her Woodleaf, attending Salisbury and holly customers and treasured pro- Woodleaf public schools and Catawba viding jobs for her loyal and talented College, where she graduated with a seasonal workers. degree in physics. Although an accomplished career Upon graduation from Catawba, woman and business owner, Virginia she was employed by NACA, the described herself as a “country girl at predecessor of NASA, at Langley heart.” Nothing pleased her more than Field, Va. Shortly thereafter, seeking a long, slow Sunday drive on back adventure, she transferred to Ames roads. She enjoyed three cross-coun- Research Lab at Moffett Field. She try road trips with her children and advanced to the position of “head grandchildren during her last years. computer” before the advent of calcu- She is survived by her three Virginia Hall Stalder lators and main frame computers. children: Suellen Stalder (James Cor- At Ames, she met and married rie) of Berkeley, Calif., Barbara Allen Jackson R. Stalder, an aeronautical (Judson Allen, deceased) of Palo Alto, Lisa Simmons of San Mateo, Calif. research engineer. Calif., and Kenneth R. Stalder (Patri- Additionally, she is survived by numer- She continued to work for various cia Nassos) of Redwood City, Calif.; ous loving Shaver and Hall cousins in firms on the San Francisco Peninsula, three grandchildren: Suzanne Allen of North Carolina. an unusual achievement for women in Portland, Ore., Katherine Stalder of Private services were conducted the 1950s, while raising three children. Menlo Park, Calif., and Julia Stalder of at Beavercreek Farms Nov. 29, 2012. In 1964, Virginia and Jackson pur- Pasadena, Calif.; two nieces: Donna chased an English holly farm in Bea- Schulken of Santa Nella, Calif., and

Planetary scientist Richard E. Young passes on Richard E. Young, planetary Neptune, to 3D atmospheric dynam- scientist at NASA Ames, passed ics, to free and forced planetary-scale away unexpectedly on Jan. 16, waves and zonally averaged flows, 2013 while walking near his country and the radiative properties of terres- home in the Sierra foothills at Dun- trial volcanic hazes. lap, Calif. He was 69. He was among the first to develop Rich had a long and productive general circulation models for Venus career in planetary science. After to try to explain its four-day superrota- graduating from UC Berkeley, he tion – perhaps the most challenging came to Ames to work on advanced goal for understanding deep planetary planetary mission concepts, which atmospheres. He participated in three inspired him to seek and earn a major planetary missions, including Ph.D. from UCLA, working with Pioneer Venus, the Venus Vega mis- Prof. Gerald (Jerry) Schubert, in sion, and the Galileo Jupiter mission 1972. for which he served as the entry probe After a short post-doc at the chief scientist. National Center for Atmospheric Later in his career, Rich man- Research (NCAR), Rich returned to aged the Planetary Systems Branch Ames to work on the Venus atmo- for five years. He retired in 2006, but sphere research project with Jim remained active in science by educat- Richard E. Young Pollack, and joined the Theoretical ing the public about the reality and Studies Branch of the Space Sci- challenge of climate change on Earth. ence Division in 1976. As a human being, Rich was the best. his heart for animals of all kinds, and During his career, Rich conduct- His hearty laugh often echoed around in his retirement he volunteered at an ed research into a broad variety of the halls at Ames, and he never had a animal rescue shelter near his home. topics ranging from interior struc- bad word for anyone. He was an en- He is survived by his wife Cindy, her tural and thermal models of the thusiastic tennis player, poker player daughters and grandchildren. moon, Mercury, Mars, Uranus and and backpacker. He had a soft spot in

8 Astrogram Spring 2013 Former associate Code J director remembered

Edward M. Cain passed away ment and finished his career Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, of heart fail- as a director at NASA Ames. ure. He died as he "had hoped he He will be terribly missed would go," in his beautiful home in and lovingly remembered by Los Gatos, attended by loved ones his daughter, Christine Cain and gently in his sleep. Weidner and her three girls, Ed was born in Bethlehem, Pa., Grace, Claire and Kate, as in 1937, to Herb and Lilly (Morgen- well as his constant com- stern) Smith. He was raised by Lilly panions Barbara Eads and and Ed Cain in San Rafael Calif., Pamela Davoren. and attended Drake High School. A service was held Jan. Ed created a stunning ca- 18, 2013, at The Little Chapel reer as an electrical engineer in by the Sea in Pacific Grove, civil service, earning a Presidential Calif., with interment at El commendation for his remarkable Carmelo Cemetery. achievements. He lived in six different countries serving his govern-

Edward M. Cain Ames’ AJAX project supports airborne Earth science campaign by Ruth Dasso Marlaire ozone, carbon dioxide, Earth science researchers at and methane will extend NASA Ames are supporting the the measurements being DISCOVER-AQ mission currently tak- taken by the two other ing place over the San Joaquin Valley, aircraft. Calif. One flight was flown Flights are exploring the lower Feb. 3, 2013 in the San portion of the atmosphere to gather Francisco Bay Area, atmospheric data to validate satellite which also included data sensor readings that could dramati- collecting for the Bay cally improve the understanding of Area Air Quality Manage- climate change and air pollution. ment District. The NASA Ames AJAX (Alpha Jet “DISCOVER-AQ will Atmospheric eXperiment) project is help scientists collect the flying several flights to complement data needed to improve the measurements made by NASA's air-quality observations Lockheed P-3B and Beechcraft 200 from space. We are NASA photo by Eric James King Air as part of the DISCOVER-AQ pleased to help extend campaign. this work into the north- The NASA Ames AJAX (Alpha Jet Atmospheric eXperiment) The Alpha Jet is focusing on the ern portion of the Cen- project flew several flights for the DISCOVER-AQ campaign in northern portion of the San Joaquin tral Valley,” said Laura February. Earth science researchers at Ames are supporting the Valley, while the two other aircraft Iraci, project manager mission currently taking place over the San Joaquin Valley, Calif. are flying over the southern reaches for AJAX and research of the Valley. Its measurements of scientist at Ames.

Ames leads agency in ‘Black Engineer of the Year’ awards continued from page 6 “Encouragement of minorities in BEYA is the nation’s largest technologies and information. STEM fields is vital to the creation gathering of STEM professionals and - Ray T. Gilstrap, whose work of a diverse and globally competitive leaders committed to increasing the involves identifying and evaluating workforce,” said Aisha Bowe. percentage of underrepresented com- emerging computer network technolo- “Our recognition as thought lead- munities in the technology workforce. gies for use in NASA missions and sci- ers at the Black Engineer of the Year Fewer than 700 people have been the entific research. Now, as acting Chief awards is not only an incredible honor, recipients of these prestigious awards Technology Officer of IT, he identifies, it also reinforces NASA and the na- and 2013 marks the 27th anniversary evaluates and advocates for new tion’s commitment to inspiring, excit- of officially recognizing black excel- technologies that can benefit NASA ing and encouraging the leaders of lence in STEM fields. missions, projects and users. tomorrow.” 9 Astrogram Spring 2013 NASA targets water recycling system for rapid development by uth asso arlaire R D M Water is a critically Water is one of the most crucial important and limited provisions an astronaut will need to resource, especially live and work in space. Whether orbit- fo astronauts on ing Earth, working at a lunar base, or space missions. To traveling to Mars, astronauts must use help them optimize and recycle water as efficiently as pos- use of this precious sible. That's why NASA has targeted commodity, research engineers at Ames its water recycling technology for rapid are developing development. dependable ways of On the International Space Station, recycling water. each crewmember is allocated about two liters of water daily. Such conser- vation means the crew must stretch the ration by collecting, cleaning and reus- ing wastewater, condensate in the air, and even urine. For future deep space missions, astronauts will need even greater amounts of water. To help them optimize use of this precious commodity, research engineers at Ames are following several NASA photo by different but complementary avenues Eric James to develop dependable ways of recycling water. the greenest buildings in the federal a long-duration space flight mission. "We are very excited about the government. The forward osmosis is NASA's advanced water processor technology As part of Sustainability Base's next generation water recycling tech- development work being done at NASA design, NASA researchers installed a nology. It will help reduce the cost of Ames," said Steve Gaddis, manager new forward osmosis water recovery human space flight, as it increases its for NASA's Game Changing Develop- system in the building, this time for own reliability. This evolving technol- ment Program at the agency's Langley use here on Earth. This system, in ogy also is starting to drive innovation Research Center in Hampton, Va. " combination with other water-saving and advancements in the state-of-the- We're anticipating a system capable technologies integrated into the build- art terrestrial water recycling. of treating all exploration wastewater ing, is reducing water consumption in "Inside the water recovery system -- including hygiene and laundry -- at Sustainability Base by more than 90 is an evolving set of technologies with a recovery rate of greater than 95 percent. great promise," said Michael Flynn, a percent." The recently delivered to JSC for- research engineer at NASA Ames. "Ul- The most recent development of ward osmosis system is a smaller ver- timately, these systems will continue to NASA's water recycling system is the sion of the one in Sustainability Base. evolve and become increasingly more Alternative Water Processor cur- It is sized to support a crew of four on complex, integrated and smaller." rently being developed by NASA's Next Generation Life Support Project, under the Game Changing Develop- ment Program. The water processor Grunsfeld visits Ames has a membrane-aerated bioreactor NASA’s Associate Administrator for Science to destroy organic contaminate and a Dr. John M. Grunsfeld visited Ames on Dec. forward osmosis secondary treatment 11, 2012. This was his first visit to Ames since system to remove dissolved solids. he assumed his current duties at NASA Head- Construction of the first generation quarters in January 2012. Before coming to Forward Osmosis Secondary Treat- Headquarters, Grunsfeld was a member of the ment (FOST) system was recently agency’s astronaut corps, and flew on three completed at NASA Ames. The sys- Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions. tem was shipped to NASA's Johnson He performed a total of eight spacewalks Space Center in Houston to undergo to service and upgrade the observatory. He integrated testing with the membrane- logged more than 58 days in space on his aerated bioreactor, designed by Texas shuttle missions, including 58 hours and 30 Tech University, Lubbock and con- minutes of spacewalk time.Grunsfeld first flew structed by NASA Johnson. to space aboard Endeavour in March 1995 New design concepts continue to on a mission that studied the far ultraviolet spectra of faint astronomical objects using the drive the evolution of this important Astro-2 Observatory. His second flight was technology. Thanks to an agency aboard Atlantis in January 1997. initiative called "Replacement by Renovation," NASA Ames was able to construct Sustainability Base, one of NASA photo by Eric James

10 Astrogram Spring 2013 Ames Ongoing Monthly Events Calendar Exchange Information Ames Jazz Band Club, Bldg. 944, 5:30 African American Advisory Group (AAAG) Information about products, services and opportuni- Mtg., last Tuesday of each month, 12 - 1 p.m., p.m. - 7 p.m., POC: Ralph Bach, email: ties provided to the employee and contractor com- Bldg. N255 Rm 101C. POC: Rose King, ext. [email protected] munity by the Ames Exchange Council. Visit our 4-3442. web site at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov Jetstream Toastmasters, Mondays, 12 p.m. Moffett Aikido Club, Monday and Wednes- - 1 p.m., Bldg. N-269/Rm.179. POC: Tim Beyond Galileo Gift Shop N-235 in the day evenings, 6:30 p.m., Bldg. 944. Aikido Steiger, ext. 4-0195, [email protected]. cafeteria, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., ext. 4-6873 is a non-competitive, defensive martial art Web: http://jetstream.freetoasthost.com Visitor Center Gift Shop (Exploration known as the “Way of Harmony.” POC: Diane Center), Tues-Fri, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat. - Pereda (650) 575-9070 or Robert Dean (650) Ames Nimble Knitters Club, every Tuesday Sun, 12 - 4 p.m., ext. 4--5412 787-1007, email: [email protected] at 11:30 a.m., Bldg. N210/Rm 141. POC: Remember to purchase your baby shower, birthday Rosalyn Jung, [email protected] or Diane and holiday gifts at Ames’ two gift shops! Ames Amateur Radio Club, third Thurs., of Alexander at ext. 4-3140. URL: http://knit.arc. Mega Bites Cafeteria N-235, 6 a.m. to each month, 12 noon, N-T28 (across from nasa.gov 2 p.m., ext. 4-5969/Catering ext. 4-2161 N-255). POC: George Tucker, at ext. 4-2200. Ames Roller Hockey Club, meets daily Barcelona Café Bldg. 3, 6:30 a.m. to Ames Bluegrass Club, every Tuesday from from noon to 1 p.m. at rink on north end of 2 p.m., ext. 4-4948/Catering ext. 4-4948 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Bldg. 944. Players of all the 80-foot-by-120-foot wind tunnel, Players instruments and all levels are welcome, but we should have experience skating and must See daily menus at: http://exchange.arc. nasa.gov/cafe/menu.html are particularly interested in experienced play- wear protective equipment. ers willing to help improve the group’s musical Moffett Field Golf Club with ‘Tee minus , third Thursday of skills. POC: Bob Haberle at ext: 4-5494 or Ames Safety Committee One’ Grill and Sports Bar. Catering avail- email: [email protected] each month, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Bldg. N-237, able. Call (650) 603-8026. Extended Happy Rm. 200. POC: John Livacich, jlivacich@ Hour Thursdays, $5 and $6 pitchers of beer Ames Bocce Ball Club, Ames’ newest Ex- mail.arc.nasa.gov, ext. 4-3243. starting at 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. change-sponsored club is seeking members. POC: Mike Lindsay email: michael.c.lindsay@ Women’s Influence Network (WIN), first RV Lots available. Call to reserve a space at (650) 254-1808. nasa.gov Wednesday of each month, Bldg. 241 room 237, 11:30 - 12:30 p.m., POC: Elena Serna, Civilian/Contractors, $50/mo; military $25/mo Ames Bowling League, Homestead Lanes [email protected] (650) 603-7100 Thursdays at 6 p.m. Need substitute bowl- NASA Lodge (N-19) ers. Sign up questions: Steve Howard at ext. Orphanage Without Borders Mtg., Where to stay when you’re too tired to drive home? 4-4884. Mondays, Buiding 211, Room 205, 11:30 What about the lodge?! Two types of rooms: Bldg. a.m.-12:30 p.m. The mission of Orphanage 19 (43 rooms), rate: $65/night ($5 ea add’l adult); Ames Contractor Council Mtg., first Weds. Without Borders (OWB) is to improve the Bldg. 583 A&B (150 rooms), rate: $55/night ($5 ea. of ea. month, 11 a.m., Bldg. N-200, Committee lives of children living in orphanages and add’l adult); B547 rate $60/night (for large groups) Room. POC: Herb Finger at ext. 4-6598. abandoned children. Our goal is to create a network of organizations that work together to Ames Swim Center (N-109) (650) 603-8025 The swimming pool is now open. Hours of operation Ames Federal Employees Union (AFEU) provide children worldwide with the accept- able standards of life such as education, are as follows: Mtg, third Wednesday each month, noon. Lap swim only: Bldg. N-204, Rm. 101. Guests welcome. health, hygiene, discipline, affection, respon- sibility, hope of future, shelter, nutrition, clean MWF 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Check for occasional schedule changes at: MWF 3 p.m.-6 p.m. http://www.afeu.org. POC: Paul K. Davis, ext. water, joy and safety. We aim to apply these TTH 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 4-5916. standards universally, meaning that they will TTH 4 p.m.-7 p.m. The pool is heated year round. be independent of the nationality, religion, The pool normally is available for lap swim, pool Ames Golf Club, Members have the opportu- culture, race, political opinion or social class parties and special events. POC: Ryan Storms, Pool Manager (650) 603-8025. Memberships: nity to play approximately 13 tournaments per of the children or orphanage location. For additional information contact Miguel at single memberships: $60/yr. Family memberships: year at a variety of 18-hole golf courses in the $80/yr. After purchasing a membership, there is an Bay and Monterey Area. POC: Barry Sullivan: [email protected] or [email protected]. entrance fee: daily entrance fee - $3/day or lap pass [email protected]. fee - $50 for 20 uses. Platinum membership - $380/ yr. (no daily fee). Special events: include military Physical Inventory Underway Ames Green Team (formerly the Green Ames training, swim team events, kayak role practice, etc. Working Group) meetings are held the first Ames’ annual 100 percent wall-to-wall physical The cost for special events is $75/hr, or $50/hr for Tuesday of each month in N237, Room inventory for NASA tagged, bar-coded property military. 101, from 10-11 a.m. For information, call is proceeding as scheduled. As a reminder, all Roger Ashbaugh, Ames Environmental controlled equipment documented on a NASA Exchange Basketball Gym is now open, Bldg. 2 Form 892 “Employee Property Pass/Loan (650) 603-9717 Management Division, ext. 4-5660. Hours of operation: http://environmentalmanagement.arc.nasa. Agreement and Removal Permit” must have their NF 892 up to date. Employees are en- M-F 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. gov/reports/eo-13514.html M-F 4 p.m.-7 p.m. couraged to bring in that property for scanning. Chase Park reservations, call ext. 4-4948 The Hispanic Advisory Committee for Property passes are assigned to those people NACA Park reservations, call ext. 4-4948 Excellence (HACE) Mtg., first Thursday of authorized to carry government equipment on each month, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Bldg. and off Ames Research Center. If you have N-255, Rm. 101C. POC: Jeanette Zamora, questions, contact Nelson Japlit at ext. 4-3428. [email protected]. Ames Cat Network The Ames Cat Network needs help finding homes for cats trapped at Moffett. They range from feral to abandoned/lost pets. Ames emergency announcements They are tested, altered and inoculated. To hear the centerwide status recording, call (650) 604-9999 for information an- Call Iris at ext. 4-5824 if you or someone nouncements and emergency instructions for Ames employees. You can also listen you know are interested in fostering or to 1700 KHz AM radio for the same information. adopting a cat.

11 Astrogram Spring 2013 Protective Services Ames completes LADEE testing by Butler Hine, LADEE project manager monthly activity Engineers at Ames have rocket as it climbs to space. A statistical summary of activities of the Protec- completed all of the mechani- The third test simulated the tive Service Division’s Security/Law Enforcement cal tests of NASA's Lunar shock that will occur when and Fire Protection Services units for the month of Atmosphere and Dust Envi- LADEE separates from the January 2013 is shown below. ronment Explorer (LADEE) upper stage of the rocket and Security/Law Enforcement Activity spacecraft. begins its journey to the moon. Engineers will next com- After returning to Ames, plete preparations to transport LADEE was placed back in the spacecraft back to Ames a cleanroom. Engineers then from the National Technical replaced some components Systems mechanical testing used during mechanical test- facility in Santa Clarita, Calif. ing, including mass models of LADEE is a robotic mis- the transponder and two of the sion that will orbit the moon Lunar Laser Communication to gather detailed information Demonstration modules. about the lunar atmosphere, Most of the accelerometers conditions near the surface, used to record data during and environmental influences the mechanical testing were on lunar dust. replaced with temperature The mechanical-testing sensors to be used during the phase simulates the loud shak- thermal-vacuum tests, the next Fire Protection Activity ing conditions LADEE will face major test phase scheduled in during its launch, and includes the spring. acoustic, vibration, and shock During thermal-vacuum tests. During the acoustic testing, the spacecraft will be testing, which took place first, placed inside a heater cage a large horn blasted intense inside a chamber. The atmo- sound at the observatory to sphere will be pumped down simulate the roar of the rocket to create a vacuum and cooled at launch. to simulate the environment The second test involved of space. The heater cage is shaking the observatory at turned on and off during the different frequencies and ac- testing to simulate the heating celerations on a large platform of the sun and moon during dif- to simulate the vibration of the ferent phases of the mission.

FIRST-CLASS U.S. POSTAGE PAID National Aeronautics and Space PERMIT NO. 85 Administration MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000 Astrogram NP-2013-02-01-ARC

The Ames Astrogram is an official publication of Ames Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Managing Editor...... Michael Mewhinney Editor, Layout and Design...... Astrid Terlep You can reach the Astrogram Office at: astrogram @mail.arc.nasa.gov or by phone at (650) 604- 3347. Astrogram Web site: http://www.nasa.gov/ ames/astrogram. PLEASE RECYCLE Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with vegetable-based ink. 12 Astrogram Spring 2013