February 2007 Ames’ transformation called ‘amazing’ by center management NASA Ames is beginning to show (TSP) remains critical to the agency, overall NASA budget. Its successes strength and its future looks optimis- and Ames’ excellence in aeronautics include gaining national attention for and information technology is unsur- Earth sciences, and funding the Global passed, said Christensen. Precipitation Measurement Mission as “By making our programs more a new start. He reported that the Hub- relevant, our institution is moving to ble Space Telescope will be serviced in the next state of ‘readiness,’ he noted. 2008, and five Themis microsatellites “Our workforce is becoming realigned are still expected to launch. to take on meaningful work, and the Christensen pointed out that restructured organization is beginning although Ames lost the Stratospheric to optimize operational efficiencies.” Observatory for Infrared Astronomy Turning to mission directorate (SOFIA) to Dryden for flight tests ear- funding issues, he said the Science lier this year, negotiations are under- Mission Directorate’s (SMD) budget way at Headquarters to allow Ames represents about 31 percent of the continued on page 7 NASA Moon-Impactor mission

NASA photo by Dominic Hart passes major review NASA’s drive to return astronauts Ames Deputy Center Director Marvin “Chris” The mission is valued at $79 million, Christensen addresses the audience during the to the moon and later probe deeper excluding launch costs. The mission recent all-hands meeting in February. into space achieved a key milestone will help NASA gain a new foothold tic, according to Ames’ Deputy Direc- tor Marvin “Chris” Christensen. The agency’s FY08 budget shows a 3.1 percent increase, a clear mandate of administration support of NASA, he said, despite the difficult political climate. NASA Ames’ forecast holds recently when agency officials ap- on the moon and prepare for new jour- the promise of many new opportuni- proved critical elements of a moon neys to Mars and beyond. ties, Christensen assured a apacity impact mission scheduled to launch The confirmation review autho- crowd gathered Feb. 7 in the main in October 2008. NASA’s unmanned rized continuation of the lunar impac- auditorium for an all-hands meet- Lunar Crater Observation and Sens- tor project and set its cost and sched- ing to discuss the state of the center. ing Satellite, known as LCROSS, will ule. Another mission milestone, the The Innovative Partnerships Program strike the moon near its south pole in critical design review, is scheduled for and the Small Business Innovative January 2009. It will search for water continued on page 3 Research program “are going strong,” and other materials that astronauts and Ames is recognized for its new could use at a future lunar outpost. role as the small satellite lead and its Scott Horowitz, associate admin- On the Inside . . . ‘space portal’ entrepreneurship, he istrator of the agency’s Exploration Page 2 - Diving Safety Office could aid both said. Systems Mission Directorate, led Earth and space sciences “People should be proud to work a confirmation review panel that Page 3 - Ames people volunteer to help in at NASA Ames Research Center,” recently approved the detailed plans, search for missing sailor Christensen said. “Due to a lot of hard instrument suite, budget and risk fac- Page 5 - Gilena Monroe selected as ‘Most work by a number of dedicated peo- tor analysis for the satellite. Promising in Government’ ple, it’s an extremely strong center.” NASA Ames Research Center, Mof- Page 10 - Ames Ongoing Events The thermal support program fett Field, Calif., manages the mission. Page 11 - Classifieds www.nasa.gov Diving Safety Office could aid both Earth and space sciences As NASA goes forward in the at Ames. This office operates under NASA Ames-affiliated scientific diving Vision for Space Exploration, research guidelines established by the Ameri- is conducted in a manner that will remains an ever-present element in can Academy of Underwater Scientists maximize protection of the scientific defining the world around us. Within (AAUS) and provides full technical diver while allowing efficiency of support for the de- observation and a means of collect- velopment of diving ing data that are available through no protocols, diver train- other means, in a safe manner. The ing and certification office has proven that it provides a and field support as level of recognized structure and com- required. petency that allows research teams to To facilitate the interact with national and internation- research community, al marine research organizations. a full range of diver Projects currently being supported training is available. include the Remote Sensing and Classes range from Spectral Analysis of Coral Reef Health general certifications and Biodiversity and the Astrobiology to tailored, specific High Lakes Project. skill classes such as In summary, the Diving Safety deep water and high- Office has captured unique local talent altitude diving. Safety to allow Ames researchers and affili- NASA Ames and University of Puerto Rico divers taking a spectral classes range from ates to expand their potential research measurement with a handheld spectroradiometer. diver-rescue training programs to support exploration to the development of initiatives and emerging earth sciences the past six months, exploration was emergency rescue plans. All of these programs. The capabilities the office conducted to determine the biodi- become vital elements in assuring provides may not only support and versity of high-altitude lakes and in safe and greatest available access to promote the Earth sciences programs coral reefs to determine bio-health and nature’s aquatic laboratories. but could play a lead role in support- diversity. Just as astronauts work un- The Diving Safety Office also ing water analog activities to more derwater to practice their EVA proce- includes certified divers and boat op- fully understand future activities in dures, researchers work underwater as erators who are available to research the microgravity and 1/3 gravity a laboratory for data gathering. projects to reduce training time and environments of exploration. Conducting aquatic research is funding to develop unique skills with- For additional information, contact only possible through learning the in the project. In addition, the office the Ames Diving Safety Office at ext. techniques of skilled and safe div- has an inventory of diving equipment 4-3408 or at e-mail the author at Ran- ing. With this in mind, the talents and small portable boats that can be [email protected] of personnel came forward for the made available to the researcher. by Randall Berthold establishment of a Diving Safety Office The office will assure that all

Worden recognizes ‘Morning Report’ for Space Act Award The Aviation System Monitor- by each aircraft in an airline’s fleet Board Award was distributed among ing and Modeling (ASMM) Project during a selected period of time. It the inventors. Morning Report has team was recognized by Ames Center then brings all of the flights that were been commercialized within the Director S. Pete Worden in January deemed atypical in a multivariate airline industry and a patent is for receiving a second Space Act statistical analysis, with respect to pending. It has been recognized by Award from the NASA Inventions the main body of comparable flight the aviation industry as a significant and Contributions Board for the in- data, to the safety analyst’s attention. contribution to the achievement of vention and commercialization of the ASMM project team members present proactive management of safety Morning Report Atypicality Tool For at the ceremony included Dr. Irving risk by demonstrating its capability Analysis of Aircraft Flight Data. Statler and retired United Airlines to identify unexpected, operation- Morning Report automatically Captains Robert E. Lawrence and ally significant events or trends that analyzes the flight data recorded Robert E. Lynch. The cash Space Act could compromise aviation safety.

 Astrogram February 2007 Ames’ staff volunteers to help search for missing sailor In search of renowned computer engineer Jim Gray and his 40-foot sailboat, missing in the Pacific Ocean, outside San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, a NASA high-flying ER-2 aircraft, similar to a U-2, took off from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Cen- ter, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., in the morning of Friday, Feb. 2. This flight was also a required pilot-proficiency flight. The airplane carried a 16-megapixel digital camera that took near-infrared and visible light images, which can show details in easy-to-spot ‘false colors’. Gray had been en route to the Farallon Islands to scatter his moth- er’s ashes. He was reported missing Lockheed’s ER-2 high altitude research aircraft in flight, similar to the ER-2 that recently aided in the Sunday, Jan.28, by his wife. The Coast search for renowned computer engineer Jim Gray and his 40-foot sailboat. Guard had stopped its search Thurs- day, Feb. 1. Organizers at NASA Ames wor- tracks three miles apart extending to to Dryden, an F-18 jet carried the ried that the search area could be about 30 miles off the coast from about imaging data (on tapes and discs) mostly cloud-covered, but the weather Carmel to Pt. Reyes, Calif. The camera from Dryden, north to NASA Ames. was better than expected, though there took pictures at 29-second intervals Imaging experts at NASA Ames was some cloud cover. Water could be except when the aircraft was over geospatially registered and processed seen between the clouds. clouds that covered roughly 50 percent the images. Then volunteers began The pilot, David Wright of Dryden, of the area searched. Also, a video to examine hundreds of images and flew the aircraft at about 50,000 feet, camera in the nose of the ER-2 ran all hours of video in search of the missing lower than normal, to get a better view the time to help pinpoint locations. man and his watercraft. of the search area. He flew multiple After the ER-2 aircraft flew back by John Bluck NASA Moon-Impactor mission Alonso gives continued from front page aero update late February. That review will exam- tor, targeting a permanently shadowed ine the detailed Lunar Crater Obser- crater near the lunar South Pole. vation and Sensing Satellite system de- According to scientists, the Cen- sign. After a successful critical design taur’s collision with the moon will ex- review, the project team will assemble cavate about 220 tons of material from the spacecraft and its instruments. the lunar surface. The Lunar Crater

“The Lunar Crater Observation Observation and Sensing Satellite will Hart Dominic by photo NASA and Sensing Satellite project represents observe the plume of material with an efficient way of doing business by a suite of six instruments to look for being cost capped, schedule con- water ice and examine lunar soil. The strained and risk tolerant,” said Daniel satellite will fly through the plume, Andrews, project manager at Ames for also impacting the lunar surface. That the lunar impactor mission. second impact will be observed from The lunar impactor will share a Earth. rocket ride into space with a second The prime contractor for the satel- satellite, the Lunar Reconnaissance lite is Northrop Grumman Space Tech- The Fundamental Aeronautics Program Director Orbiter. After the orbiter separates nologies of Redondo Beach, Calif. For Dr. Juan Alonso and members of his staff visited from the Atlas V launch vehicle for information about the Lunar Crater Ames recenlty. As part of the visit, Alonso its own mission, the LCROSS will use provided Code A and T staff an update on the Observation and Sensing Satellite on status of the Fundamental Aeronautics Program. the spent Centaur upper stage of the the Web, visit: http://lcross.arc.nasa. He also spoke to the rest of the Ames community rocket as a 4,400-pound lunar impac- gov in the main auditorium. by John Bluck

Astrogram  February 2007 Airborne pollutants know no borders Mounting evidence suggests that the Earth. In the last decade, field instruments, were strategically based gas and aerosol pollutants are routine- experiments have documented the in New Hampshire, Faial (Azores) and ly transported by winds across and flow of air pollutants from the Asian Creil (France). between continents and can affect the continent to the Pacific Ocean. Smoke plumes from wildfires in air and climate of areas far from their Typically, the transport of Asian Alaska and Canada were detected by source. pollution to North America peaks in several satellites and affected areas Scientists studying atmospheric spring. However, five major Asian thousands of miles away. Smoke changes have observed smoke plumes plumes were observed at lower reached Europe without significant from wildfires in the boreal removal of particles. Recep- forests of Alaska and Canada tor sites along the path- that were carried as far as way showed an increase parts of Europe, Africa and in ozone and decrease in the Arctic. Satellite imag- carbon monoxide in the ery was used to guide field upper troposphere over the research that used weather Atlantic. Data also showed instruments aboard five dif- relatively little direct Asian ferent aircraft and the ship influence on ozone over the Ronald H. Brown to sample United States, but a sizable the air above North America U.S. influence on Europe’s and the Atlantic Ocean. ozone. “Our findings are the Ozone can be both bene- most extensive characteriza- ficial and harmful to life on tion of the North American Earth. In the stratosphere, it troposphere to date,” said prevents most of the harm- Hanwant Singh, project sci- ful ultraviolet rays from entist at NASA Ames. “We investigat- atmospheric levels crossing North reaching the Earth’s surface. But in the ed the transport and transformation of America in the summer. When plumes troposphere, near the Earth’s surface, gases and aerosols on intercontinental were sampled and analyzed, find- the ozone is a pollutant. Surface ozone scales. Pollution plumes from Asia ings showed fewer human-produced forms when nitrogen oxides and vola- and North America were intercepted pollutants (such as carbon dioxide) tile organic compounds react in the and analyzed as they were transported and more biogenic trace gases, which presence of sunlight. over the North American continent occur naturally from microbial activity Just as Asia’s pollution influences and the Atlantic.” Singh led the in soil (such as nitrous oxide and nitric the air quality over North America, Intercontinental Chemical Transport oxide) and wetlands, swamps and rice and North America’s pollution affects Experiment - North America (INTEX- paddies (such as methane.) European air, studies also show that A) campaign that studied the chemical “We found that air quality across ozone and other oxidants travel to composition and processes of atmo- the North American continent was northeast Asia from Europe and North spheric changes over North America. greatly polluted by major fires over America. Changes in atmospheric composi- Alaska and Canada and strong winds These and related studies ap- tion and climate have been attributed from Asia,” explained Singh. peared in the American Geophysical to rapid industrialization and the While scientists witnessed air pol- Union issues of the Journal of the related energy consumption. Fossil lutants flow into North America from Geophysical Research, 2006. fuels are the main source of energy. Asia, they also observed air pollution For further information, please Studies have shown that air pollutants flow from North America. Summer- visit: http://www.espo.nasa.gov/in- from carbon-based fuels include such time was selected to do field research tex-na/ contaminants as carbon monoxide, because the days were longer, vegeta- by Ruth Dasso Marlaire nitrogen oxides and other harmful tive growth abundant, and wildfires gases and particles. were at their peak. To sample air Any substance introduced into the coming across the Atlantic, four air- atmosphere has the potential to circle craft, each carrying different weather  Astrogram February 2007 Monroe selected as ‘Most Promising in Government’ Gilena Monroe of Ames, Code performance to evaluate its predictive National Airspace System. AFA, was recently selected to receive accuracy, and her work is helping to Monroe co-authored a paper the ‘Most Promising in Government on the accuracy and impact of SMS Award’ from the Black Engineer of the integrated with the Traffic Manage- Year selection panel. She received her ment Advisor decision support tool; award at the 21st Annual Black Engi- the paper was presented at the AIAA neer of the Year Awards Conference on Aviation Technology, Integration and Feb. 17 in Baltimore, MD. Operations conference in September The selection panel for this award 2005. She was one of the recipients included the Council of Engineer- of the NASA Honor Award in Group ing Deans of the Historically Black Achievement for the SMS Project Colleges and Universities, Lockheed team. Martin Corporation, Daimler Chrysler Monroe has been an active partici- Corporation and US Black Engineer & pant in diversity and equal bpportu- Information Technology Magazine. nity activities, including her partici- Monroe has a master’s degree pation in the Blacks in Government in industrial and systems engineer- National Training Conference, Black ing from North Carolina A&T State History Month activities, working University and a bachelor’s degree in NASA photo by Tom Trower with students through NASA’s Smart- computer science from Kentucky State Gilena Monroe received the award Skies educational outreach, and tutor- University. the ‘Most Promising in Government ing students at the 100% College Prep She joined the Aviation Systems Award’ from the Black Engineer of the Institute in San Francisco. Monroe is Division in 2004 under the Federal Year selection panel. a member of the National Society of Career Intern Program and was as- Black Engineers, the Society of Women signed as a project engineer on the form the basis for a solid understand- Engineers and the Human Factors and Surface Management System (SMS) re- ing of surface traffic operations that Ergonomics Society. search and development team. She has will contribute directly to the future by Katharine Lee been conducting data analyses of SMS concepts of surface operations in the

Ames AAAG celebrates Black History Month

The Ames African-American quilts were made of cloth Advisory Group celebrated Na- and provided a narra- tional African-American History tive of family history. month this month in several ways. Their creators used the The national theme for 2007 was technique of applique to ‘From Slavery to Freedom: The literally paste their fam- Story of Africans in the Americas.’ ily album onto a lasting Vendors sold African attire and art fabric. Stories were told in the Mega Bites Cafeteria and the through quilts and they cafeteria also provided traditional provided visual records ‘soul food’ on their Tuesday menu of family events such during the month of February. On as birth, marriage, geo- Feb. 28, the program ‘A Patchwork graphical locations and Quilt’ was presented, which provid- spiritual dedication. The ed an oration of stories to give you a program concluded with glimpse of the lives of some promi- a reception in the lobby of nent and lesser-known people who Building 200 that featured were instrumental in the formation a selection of baked spe- An example of one of the African-American patchwork quilts which of African American history. cialty desserts prepared by provide a narrative of family history. African-American patchwork Brown Girl Kitchen.

Astrogram  February 2007 NASA Ames announces 2006 Length of Service Awards Ames Research Center would Martha A. Smith James H. Stevenson like to acknowledge and recognize Charles A. Smith Jr. Anthony W. Strawa employees who achieved their Length Donald I. Soloway Scott R. Torok of Service anniversaries for 25 and Michael R. Stock Thomas N. Trower above years of service during the Lynn D. Thomas Mary C. Valleau (Retired) period June 30, 2005 to Dec. 31, 2006. Rosa M. Tonarelli (Retired) The contributions of these employees’ Donna M. Washington 35 Years of Service many years of service to our country Sandra G. Williams (Retired) Jeffrey V. Bowles and in helping NASA achieve its many Joseph T. Camisa goals is greatly appreciated. 30 Years of Service Horacio Chavez Jr. Frank J. Aguilera Sanford S. Davis 25 Years of Service Roger W. Ashbaugh Vivienne D. Gallo (Retired) Albert J. Ahumada Jr. John G. Bluck Ronnee R. Gonzalez Guadalupe M. Armendariz Tony R. Caringello Karl Grundmann (Retired) Dennis R. Cauterucio Leonard C. Hee Gary J. Atkins Patricia S. Cowings Gail E. James Rhonda O. Baker Douglas A. Denham Oscar Jung David M. Bergner David J. Des Marais Diane M. Kanally I-Chung Chang Theodore J. Forsyth (Retired) Michael R. Landis Denny S. Chaussee Linda L. Franklin Reynaldo E. Manila Ronald L. Chinnapongse James R. Freel Eugene S. Moses (Retired) Mary Chow Danielle J. Goldwater Thomas J. Moyles (Retired) Kenneth L. Christensen Paul R. Grams Lawrence E. Olson Rudy P. Cotillon John W. Hines Mary E. Perez Robert J. Dolci Terry L. Holst Katherine C. Sablan Laura W. Doty Richard L. Jaffe Adrian L. Smith Stephen R. Ellis Eric H. James Robert L. Finnie Susan A. Kalb 40 Years of Service Ronald C. Fong George H. Kidwell Jr. Anthony R. Gross Kathleen R. Giffin Knowlen F. Knowles Jr. Linda L. Jahnke Peter T. Goldsmith Sylvia S. Longchamps Everett A. Palmer III Janice S. Gonzaga Marshal L. Merriam (Retired) Rick J. Serrano Andrew A. Gonzales Michael J. Ospring Edward L. Tindle (Retired) Karen L. Gundy-Burlet Nellie M. Powell John Zuk David J. Hollenbach Patti P. Powell Stephen A. Jacklin Dennis E. Ray (Retired) 45 Years of Service Sheila A. Johnson Catherine H. Schulbach James P. Connolly Rosalyn Y. Jung Betty W. Silva Eric A. Kristich Robert M. Kufeld Mark J. Leon TOPS mission discussed at colloquium Jane A. Leyland Miguel S. Lopez Mark E. Mc Kelvey Dr. Olivier Guyon presented a Director’s Colloquium William J. McDermott entitled ‘The TOPS Mission Concept: Finding planets around nearby stars’ in February at Ames. Beverly C. Mesa (Retired) Guyon, an astronomer at the Subaru Telescope in Suzanne C. Meyer Hawaii, explained the scientific potential and the Randall L. Peterson technical challenges of the Telescope to Observe Terrence K. Rager Planetary Systems (TOPS) mission concept, includ- ing describing what sorts of planets TOPS can detect Thomas L. Roellig around nearby stars. Glen E. Sasaki John A. Segreto Sally A. Shaw NASA photo by Tom Trower Merle Simbe  Astrogram February 2007 Macon archeological explorers give expedition overview On Jan. 31, a Director’s Colloqui- an archeological expedition off the Big 1935, as it headed back to its home um entitled ‘New explorations of the Sur coast at the submerged wreck site base, in Hangar One at Moffett Field. USS Macon using advanced marine of the rigid airship USS Macon. Grech and Rock gave an overview technology’ was presented at Ames by The Macon crashed on Feb. 12, of the expedition to the Macon along with stunning photographs of the Left to right: Chris Grech and airship and discussed the meth- Steve Rock, Macon expedition ods used to remotely operate the explorers, seen here during their director’s colloquium in January, Tiburon, an underwater vehicle they presenting their expedition findings used to compile a mosaic protrait of to the Ames staff. the debris field. NASA photo by Dominic Hart NASA

Chris Grech and Steve Rock. Grech was the leader of the recent expedi- tion to the Macon. In September 2006, researchers from NOAA’s National The USS Macon (ZRS-5) leaving the airship hangar at Naval Air Station Moffett Field, Marine Sanctuary program and the on Oct. 26, 1933, in preparation for her first flight since arriving from the East Coast 11 Monterey Bay Aquarium Research In- days earlier. The photograph is from the NAS Moffett Field history file and an official U.S. stitute in Moss Landing (MBARI) led Navy photograph from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. Ames’ transformation called ‘amazing’ by center management continued from front page to maintain management of the flying back, and depending on the outcome Ames, the Engineering Directorate observatory’s science work. A decision of the FY07 continuing resolution, the (Code R), to separate program and is expected in March. schedule for the Crew Exploration project responsibility from engineer- He also reminded everyone that Vehicle/Crew Launch Vehicle may ing support by moving current Code the Kepler mission remains a high be in jeopardy, he said. Presently, the P engineers into the new organization. priority, and that other opportunities Orion and Ares 1 procurements are on Laura Doty will lead the new director- may arise in the future. schedule, and the Launch and Range ate. The future looks promising for Operations (LRO) and the Lunar He concluded by noting that the Aeronautics Mission Directorate CRater Observation and Sensing Satel- Ames is moving to the next state of as well, according the Christensen. lite (LCROSS) are still set to launch in readiness and that our program mix Starting in FY08, it shows a stable FY2008, Christensen reported. is increasingly moving to a position of budget profile with a 4.6 percent Christensen warned that these relevance to the agency. Staff realign- budget increase in FY07. Congress also cutbacks could impact the advanced ment and organizational restructuring is showing support for its program capabilities work at Ames, specifically for programmatic and operational budget, he said. in the human research and perfor- efficiencies are on-going. Finally, the Addressing Ames’ future in aero- mance and PharmaSat areas. “Ames center has restored confidence in our nautics, he said “we have restored may use the money Aeronautics gave abilities and management at NASA confidence in our abilities and man- it for new hires to protect these highly Headquarters. agement at Headquarters and, con- skilled jobs,” he said. “In the end, it’s all about the sequently, Ames will be given more While these reductions may affect people at Ames. If you do good work, responsibilities and approval for new the Ames Constellation work, the up people will notice, and you’ll be rec- hires.” side is that Ames has other possibili- ognized for the quality of your work,” However, the Space Exploration ties and options, he said. Christensen concluded. Mission Directorate’s future was less Christensen also announced the by Ruth Marlaire certain. Its FY08 budget showed a set- creation of a new organization at

Astrogram  February 2007 NASA Research Park Partner Changene granted patent NASA Research Park partner he said. Changene, Inc. was granted patent # This bone loss begins in the first 7,163,795 on Jan. 17 by the U.S. Patent few days in space at an average rate and Trademark Office (PTO) for the of 1.6 percent per month. This drop in discovery of nacrein from Pinctada density, known as disuse osteoporosis, margaritifera, a black pearl oyster leaves bones weak and less able to found in the South Pacific Ocean. support the body’s weight and move- Nacrein is a naturally occurring ment upon return to Earth, putting the biological molecule that regulates astronaut at a higher risk of fracture. calcium crystals during pearl forma- Osteoporosis and low-bone den- tion. The mechanism of building sity are also major health concerns for biominerals in shells is similar to bone the world’s aging population. Data- formation in humans. Studies show monitor, a leading consulting firm in that nacreous substances extracted London, forecasts osteoporosis market from Pinctada species demonstrated sales would reach $10.4 billion for significant osteogenic (bone forming) consumers in 2010. activities in mammalian models. Chang said Changene collabo- “Changene is investigating nacrein rated with NASA Ames’ Advanced for space missions as a countermea- Supercomputing Division for ongoing sure for bone mass loss in the micro- studies, applying molecular dynamic gravity environment,” said Frank simulation on the nacrein molecule Chang, Changene CEO. “In space, and deciphering its tertiary structure. many bones that aid movement on He said it is common in biotech field Earth are not subjected to the same that research and development pro- stresses as they were on Earth. Over cesses take many years; however, with time, calcium normally stored in the the known structure and subsequent 3D structure of Nacrein (above model ) was deci- bones breaks down and is released in silico studies, scientists are able to phered with NAMD (NAnoscale Molecular Dynam- into the bloodstream, causing a de- speed up R&D processes. ics, a parallel object-oriented molecular dynamics crease in bone density, or bone mass,” program) by NASA Advanced Supercomputing division and Changene.

Ames hosts visit by Nealy, Cagle NASA photos by Dominic Hart Dominic by photos NASA

In late January, Angela P. Nealy, top photo, right, visited Ames to meet the teams working in/on her field, that of assessing performance biomarkers for elite athletes. She visited Ames with astronaut Yvonne Cagle (photo to the right) and has worked with Cagle at the University of Texas Medical Center,in addition to training numerous Olympic track and field stars.

 Astrogram February 2007 Upcoming Events . . . Ames’ Environmental Services Division presents: Predicting Climate Change with a Climate change has received consider- on climate for the past 15 years, will Hazy Crystal Ball - The Effects of Aero- able attention by the media recently. One discuss what aerosols are, their sources sols on Climate, presented by Dr. A.W. of the largest sources of uncertainty in and trends, how they affect climate, and Strawa assessing climate change is the effect that the difficulty in assessing their effect on aerosols have on climate. This seminar climate. Date: March 1, 2007 will provide a frame work for understand- Finally, he will discuss some strate- Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ing the role of aerosols based on basic gies for controlling aerosols emissions Place: NASA Ames Conference concepts of climate change. and the effect these have on future Center, Bldg. 3, Patio Room Strawa, an atmospheric scientist in the climate conditions. Strawa has over 30 Earth Science Division at Ames who been scientific publications. studying the effects of aerosols and clouds Free public lecture focuses on looking for Earth-like planets As part of the Silicon Valley No background in science will electrical engineering and aero- Astronomy Lectures, Astronaut/ be required for this talk. nautics/astronautics, and has also Scientist Janice Voss of Ames will Background information: The done research in space physics. She give a non-technical, illustrated talk more than 200 planets discovered became an astronaut in 1991, and on: ‘Searching for Earth-like Planets: around other stars so far are all Jupi- has been a mission specialist on five NASA’s Kepler Mission’ ter-like planets, big and most likely space flights. made of gases and liquids. She has logged over 49 days in Date: March 7, 2007 Naturally, astronomers are eager space, traveling 18.8 million miles in Time: 7 p.m. to refine their search to be able 779 Earth orbits. Place: Smithwick Theater to identify smaller solid planets, As part of the evening, she will Foothill College, resembling our own Earth. In No- also discuss her experiences as a sci- El Monte Road vember 2008, NASA is scheduled to entist in space and her perspective and Freeway 280, launch the Kepler mission, to search on the space program. Los Altos Hills . for Earth-like planets around distant She will take questions from the Cost: Free and open to the public. stars. audience at the end of the talk. Parking on campus costs $2. Voss, who is the science office The lecture is co-sponsored by director for the project, will describe NASA Ames, the Foothill College Call the series hot-line at (650) the design and expected results Astronomy Program, the SETI Insti- 949-7888 for more information and from the four-year mission. tute and the Astronomical Society of driving directions. Voss has advanced degrees in the Pacific.

Astronaut Tom Jones to give lecture at Ames Planetary scientist and veteran shuttle astronaut Tom Jones (in photo- graph at right) will present a Director’s Colloquium at Ames on March 13, from 10 a.m. -11 a.m. in N-201, the Main Auditorium. In addition, Jones will deliver a free public lecture March 13 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Bldg. 943, the Eagle Room. Jones will discuss his new book, ‘Skywalking: An Astronaut’s Memoir,’ detailing his experiences as mission spe- cialist and payload commander aboard four space shuttle flights. Jones will sign copies of his book after the lecture.

Astrogram  February 2007 Ames Ongoing Monthly Events Calendar Ames Amateur Radio Club, third Thursday Ames Child Care Center Board of Directors Ames Sailing Club Mtg, second Thursday of of each month, 12 noon, N-T28 (across from Mtg, every other Tuesday in N-229/Rm 117 ea. month (March through Nov), from 12:00 N-255). POC: Michael Wright, KG6BFK, at ext. from 12 - 1:30 p.m. POC: Julie Schonfeld, ext. p.m. -1:00 p.m. in Bldg. N-262, Rm 100. URL: 4-6262. 4-6504. http://sail.arc.nasa.gov/. POC: Becky Hooey, ext. 4-2399. Ames Ballroom Dance Club, Classes on Ames Contractor Council Mtg, first Wednes- Tuesdays. Beginning classes meet at 5:15 p.m. day each month, 11 a.m., N-200, Committee Environmental Forum, first Thursday every Higher-level class meets at 5:50 p.m. Held in Room. POC: Chris Johnson, ext. (650) 938- other month, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Bldg. Bldg. 944, the Rec. Center. POC: Helen Hwang 8017. 218/2nd floor training room. URL: http://q/ at [email protected], ext. 4-1368. qe/events/EHSseries/ POC: Stacy St. Louis Ames Federal Employees Union (AFEU) Mtg, at ext. 4-6810. Ames Bicycling Club, Every 3rd Wednesday third Wednesday of ea. month, 12 p.m. to 1 of the month. The meeting location is Build- p.m., Bldg. 221, Rm 104. Guests welcome. The Hispanic Advisory Committee for Excel- ing 19, Conference Room 1083 and the meeting Info at: http://www.afeu.org. POC: Marianne lence (HACE) Mtg, first Thurs of month in time is 12 noon - 1 p.m. Contact Julie Nottage Mosher, ext. 4-4055. N255 room 101C from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at [email protected], ext. 4-3711. By- POC: Eric Kristich at ext. 4-5137 and Mark laws of Ames Bicycling Club can be found at Ames Mac Support Group Mtg, third Tuesday Leon at ext. 4-6498. http://zen.arc.nasa.gov; the link is right under of ea. month, 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m., Bldg. N262, the picture. Rm 180. POC: Tony ext. 4-0340. Jetstream Toastmasters, Mondays, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., N-269/Rm.179. POC: Miwa Hayashi at Ames Bowling League, Homestead Lanes on Ames Model Aircraft Club, flying radio-con- ext. 4-1397, [email protected], Web: Thursday nights at 6:20 p.m. Seeking substitute trolled aircraft at the north end of Parsons Ave. http://jetstream.freetoasthost.com bowlers. Questions to sign up: Mike Liu at ext. on weekend mornings. POC: Mark Sumich, 4-1132. ext. 4-6193. Native American Advisory Committee Mtg, fourth Tues each month, 12 noon to 1 p.m., Bldg. 19, Rm 1096. POC: Mike Liu at ext. 4-1132.

Ames emergency announcements Protective Services monthly activity To hear the centerwide status record- A statistical summary of activities of the Protective Services Division’s ing, call (650) 604-9999 for informa- Security/Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Services units for the month tion announcements and emergency instructions for Ames employees. You of January 2007 is shown below. can also listen to 1700 KHz AM radio for the same information. Security/Law Enforcement Activity Safety Data

NASA-Ames Occupational Illness-Injury Data for Calendar Year-to-Date 2007 Jan. 1, 2007 – Jan. 31, 2007

Civil Contractors Servants

First aid cases 1 1 Fire Protection Activity

Lost Workday cases 0 0

Recordable cases 0 0

Restricted duty days 0 0

Above data are as of 01/08/07. May be subject to slight adjustment in the event of a new case or new inform- ation regarding an existing case.

10 Astrogram February 2007 Ames Classifieds Exchange Information Ads for the next issue should be sent to astrogram@ Big Sur vacation rental, secluded 4bd/2ba house mail.arc.nasa.gov and must be resubmitted for each Information about products, services and oppor- in canyon setting. Fully eqpd kitchen. Access to issue. Ads must involve personal needs or items; (no tunities provided to the employee and contractor priv. beach. Tub in patio gdn. Halfway between commercial/third-party ads) and will run on a space- community by the Ames Exchange Council. Visit Carmel and Big Sur. $175/night for 2; $225 for 4 and available basis only. First-time ads are given priority. the web site at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov $250 for more, plus $150 cleaning dep. Call (650) Ads must include home phone numbers; Ames exten- 328-4427. sions and email addresses will be accepted for carpool Beyond Galileo Gift Shop N-235 in and lost and found ads only. Due to the volume of the cafeteria , 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., ext. 4-6873 Pine Mountain Lake vacation home. Access to golf, material received, we are unable to verify the accuracy tennis, lake, swimming, horseback riding, walk to of the statements made in the ads. Caveat emptor! Don’t forget to purchase your baby shower, birth- beach. Three bedrooms/sleeps 10. $100/night. Call day, holiday gifts at Ames’ two gift shops! (408) 799-4052 or (831) 623-4054. Miscellaneous N-943 Visitor Center Gift Shop Incline Village, Forest Pines, Lake Tahoe condo, 3 The Ames Cat Network needs help finding M-F, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ext. 4-5412 homes for cats trapped at Moffett. They range bdrms/2 ba, sleeps 8, fireplace, TVs/VCR/DVD, stereo w/CD player, microwv, W/D, jacuzzi, sauna, from feral to abandoned/lost pets. Tested, NASA logo merchandise, souvenirs, toys, gifts and educational items. outdoor pool. Walk to lake. Close to ski areas. Visit altered and inoculated. Call Iris at ext. 4-5824 web site for pictures: http://www.ACruiseStore.com if you or someone you know are interested in Tickets, etc... N-943 outside the main $135/night spring and fall, $173/night summer and fostering or adopting a cat. gate, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ext. 4-5412 and Beyond winter (holidays higher) plus $125 cleaning fee and Galileo, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ext. 4-6873 12 percent Nevada room tax. Charlie (650) 743-8990. Sleeper Sofa Bed - like new. Beige/brown - unat- New York, 5th Ave. One fully furnished bedroom tached pillows across back - $100. Call (408) N-235, 6 a.m. to Mega Bites Cafeteria in 24 hour security bldg. overlooking Washington 765-4935. 2 p.m., ext. 4-5969/Catering ext. 4-2161 Square Park, $2,000/wk or $3,000/mo. negotiable. Call (650) 349-0238. Astrogram deadlines See daily menu at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov Paris/France: Fully furnished studio, 5th Arr, Latin Please submit articles, calendar and Moffett Field Golf Club with ‘Tee minus Quarter, Notre Dame and Lie-St. Louis., $1,400/wk. classified advertisements to astro- 1’ Grill and Sports Bar. Call (650) 603-8026. negotiable. Call (650) 349-0238. [email protected] no later than the 10th of each month. If this falls RV Lots Available Call to reserve a Santa Cruz townhouse, 2 bedrooms plus study, 2 on the weekend or holiday, then the space at (650) 603-7100/01. baths, decks, totally furnished, 3 blocks from beach, following business day becomes the available July, August, September; $1,600 per month. deadline. For Astrogram questions, Civilian/Contrators, $50/mo; military $25/mo Call (831) 423-5777 (H) or (831) 277-8476 (C). contact Astrid Olson at the aforemen- NASA Lodge (N-19) 603-7100 Lake Tahoe cabin rental in Agate Bay, North Shore. tioned e-mail address or ext. 4-3347. 4bd/3ba tri-level, AEK, cable TVs, fireplace, BBQ, Where to stay when you’re too tired to drive home? deck, sleeps 10. Closest skiing is Northstar, Alpine What about the lodge?! Two types of rooms: Bldg. and Squaw. Rates are $375 a weekend, $1,000 a week. 19 (43 rooms), rate: $55/night ($5 ea add’l adult); Call (408) 867-4656. Bldg. 583 (150 rooms), rate: $45/night ($5 ea. add’l adult) Florida west coast vacation in St. Petersburg, beauti- ful 2bd/2ba condo, fully equipped kitchen and fur- Ames Swim Center (N-109) 603-8025 nished, sunset views, 1/4 mile from St. Pete Beach, monthly or 2 week minimum rentals only. Call (703) The pool is heated year round! The pool is cur- 299-8889 or e-mail: [email protected] rently available for lap swim, pool parties and special events. POC -Chana Langley, Pool Manager Maui luxury oceanfront resort one-bedroom condo (650) 603-8025. Memberships: single member- available one week. Rents for $345/night now, ships: $40/yr. Family memberships: $60/yr. After $495/night in the summer. We will rent to an Ames purchasing a membership, there is an entrance fee: family for $1,750 for the week. See the condo at daily entrance fee - $3/day or lap pass fee - $40 for http://www.starwoodvo.com/resorts/villafeatures. 20 uses. Platinum membership - $360/yr. (no daily jsp?resortID=12 Call (650) 572-8877 for availabilty fee). Special events: include military training, swim and questions. team events, kayak role practice, etc. The cost for special events is $50/hr. Monterey Bay vacation rental at Pajaro Dunes, 20 Construction miles south of Santa Cruz, 3bd/2ba beach house Vacation Opportunities with distinctive architecture. Beautiful ocean and safety course set Lake Tahoe-Squaw Valley Townhse, 3bd/2ba. View valley views, only 150 ft from the beach, first-class of slopes, close to lifts. Per night: $250, plus $145 tennis courts. $700/wkend, $2,100/wk including A Construction Safety Best cleaning fee. Two night minimum. Includes linens, cleaning by the maid service when you depart. Call Practices Course is scheduled. propane fireplace, fully equipped. Call (650) 968- (408) 252-7260. 4155, [email protected] Date: May 1 and 2, 2007 South Lake Tahoe Large cabin surrounded by Place: NASA Ames, Bldg. 943 Vacation rental, Bass Lake, 4 mls south of Yosemite. protected forest, 8 miles from Stateline Sleeps 12 3bd/1.5 ba, TV, VCR, MW, frplc, BBQ, priv. boat comfortably, 4 bd/3ba. Hot tub/pool table/65” TV The course consists of 12 hours dock. Sleeps 8. $1,050/wk. Call (559) 642-3600 or Matt (408) 482-5286 presentation followed by a 4-hour (650) 390-9668. South Lake Tahoe Cozy home backs up to large work shop and will be held in open meadow, 1 mile from Heavenly Valley. Sleeps Bldg. N-943 conference room. Civil 11, 3 bd/2.5 ba. Large deck with hot tub. Matt (408) 482-5286 servants and contractors engaged in facility construction are encour- aged to attend. Point of contact is Clarence Smith of Facilities Engi- neering Branch at ext. 4-6895.

Astrogram 11 February 2007 ACC recognizes contractor employees for safe work practices

The Ames Contractor Council (ACC) recognizes deserving contractor employees and contractors for their safe performance on NASA Ames’ projects and programs. In accordance with the ACC charter, we present these awards annually in front of their peers and management, both civil servants and contractors. At the Jan. 3 meeting, ACC Safety Committee Chair Mike Weiss, of Jacobs Technology Inc., presented the company award to Mike Prucey of SecTek and the individual award to Cheryl Orth of SAIC. For more information about the ACC, visit the in Internet at http://contractorcouncil.arc.nasa.gov/ From left to right: Mike Prucey, Mike Weiss and Cheryl Orth

NASA photo by Tom Trower

ACC Excellence awards presented

The Ames Contractor Council Excellence awards ceremony was held recently at the center. The ceremony is held to present awards to contractor individuals and teams in recognition of their out-

standing contributions to the mission of Ames. photo by Dominic Hart NASA Ames Deputy Center Director Marvin “Chris” Christensen (far left) presented the awards.

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Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000 The Ames Astrogram is an official publication of Ames Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Editor, Layout and Design...... Astrid Olson

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/cen- ters/ames/astrogram/2007/07astrograms.html

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12 Astrogram February 2007