NASA Ames to Establish Nationwide Lunar Science Institute

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November 2007 Worden gives upbeat message about future work for Ames b y Jo h n Bl u c k "We have switched material to In an upbeat talk to a crowd that phenolic impregnated carbon abla- filled the Ames main auditorium, tor (PICA), a (heat shield) material Ames Center Director S. Pete Worden developed here," Worden noted. His outlined an exciting future at Ames projected slide also listed Ames as that includes new work in exploration, leading PICA development and test- science and aeronautics -- each about a ing both for the Crew Exploration Ve- third of the center's efforts, he said. "I hicle, now called Orion, and the Mars have a gazillion charts to go through," Science Laboratory (MSL), which has photo by Eric James NASA he said. a planned launch date in fall 2009. His wide-ranging presentation Worden said that Ames' arc jets about Ames touched on moon explo- facility "a unique facility in the world." ration, a lunar institute, moon dust re- He added, "We want to upgrade search, heat shield work for spacecraft them." destined for the moon and Mars, a Mars sample "cache box" assignment, Life Sciences rising supercomputer capability, small "We are getting additional life Ames Center Director S. Pete Worden responds satellite work with a potential for support tasks assigned by Johnson to a question during the recent upbeat talk he many missions, increased astrobiology (and Marshall)," Worden said. "This is gave to the center about the future of Ames. work, growing cooperation among significant." continued on page 5 academia, and commercial partners and Ames and much more. NASA Ames to establish Moon work The Ames fast-paced Lunar CRater nationwide lunar science institute Observation and Sensing Satellite b y Mi c h a e l Me w h i n n e y center currently manages a similar dis- (LCROSS) mission to hit the moon is NASA recently announced its tributed NASA Astrobiology Institute. important because it is, "demonstrat- intent to establish a new lunar science NLSI's operations are expected to ing what this center can do on sched- begin March 1, 2008. NLSI will aug- ule and in budget," Worden declared. ment other, already established lunar LCROSS, part of NASA's Explora- science investigations funded by tion Systems Mission Directorate's NASA by encouraging the formation activity, will strike the moon's south photo NASA of interdisciplinary research teams that polar region, and kick up lunar mate- are larger than those currently at work rial to enable scientists to analyze it for water content. in lunar science. "We're coordinating a worldwide "I am excited about NLSI," said LCROSS moon impact observation Alan Stern, associate administrator for campaign (led by Ames planetary NASA's Science Mission Directorate, scientist Jen Heldmann)," Worden NASA Headquarters, Washington. "As continued. continued on page 12 The LCROSS launch, slated for October 2008, is, Worden said, "on schedule and on budget. We are mak- On the Inside . . . ing a great program." institute. This effort, with dispersed Page 2 - ‘Return to the Moon Family Speaking about the agency's effort teams across the nation, will help lead Night’ attracts thousands to go back to the moon and travel to the agency's research activities for Page 3 - NASA’s Remotely piloted plane Mars and beyond--the Constellation future lunar science missions related helps battle wildfires Program--Worden said there is a lot to NASA's exploration goals. Page 4 - NASA ‘MULEs’ help move large of work to do for Ames. "We have a Named the NASA Lunar Sci- objects on moon number of very critical elements. The ence Institute (NLSI), the effort will Page 14 - Ames Ongoing Events thermal protection folks are working be managed from NASA Ames. The Page 15 - Classifieds overtime." www.nasa.gov Conference held on exploration of moons - Phobos and Deimos The First International and students interested in discuss- Conference on the Exploration ing the status and advancement of of Phobos and Deimos: The the exploration of Mars' satellites, Science, Robotic Reconnaissance, and the exploration of Mars itself and Human Exploration of the and other near-Earth objects (NEOs) Two Moons of Mars was the first through them. international meeting focused on The conference was held dur-

NASA photo by Dominic Hart NASA Phobos and Deimos, and on how ing a time of renewed interest in the their exploration relates to that exploration of Phobos and Deimos, of the moon, Mars and the solar with several international space- system beyond. craft missions and concept studies The conference was an open underway. international forum bringing Ames Center Director S. Pete Worden speaking at the together scientists, engineers, First International Conference of Photos and Deimos held space exploration professionals recently at the center. ‘Return to the Moon Family Night’ attracts thousands b y Ra c h e l Pr u c e y The moon was high and bright Participants at the in the clear evening sky on Nov. 17 recent Ames ‘Return during ‘Return to the Moon Family to the Moon Fam- Night.’ NASA Ames was abuzz with ily Night’ held at the center got to try an estimated 6,500 attendees, some of science gizmos first whom were outfitted in shiny silver hand. Kids got the spacesuits or other astronaut apparel to chance to operate show their NASA spirit. remote-controlled rov- Volunteer parking attendants ers (top photo); to look equipped with light sabers and event through telescopes staff guided excited children, families at the moon, Comet Holmes (middle left and NASA enthusiasts to the night’s photo) and other ce- various activities and displays. They lestial objects (middle included presentations by scientists, photo); and experience videos, authentic moon rocks on other computer-simu- display, robotic rover demonstrations, lated displays (bottom telescopes to peer into the night sky right photo.) and even a virtual playground of kid’s activities. Seating was scarce at presentations by Ames Center Director S. Pete Worden and Ames scientists who are leading the Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) mission; including Tony Colaprete, Jennifer Heldmann and Stuart Moses. NASA photos by Dominic Hart Crowds flooded the Shenandoah Parade Ground waiting for a chance to view the night’s ‘star’ and main attraction: the moon. Curiosity shone on people’s faces as they learned about NASA’s effort to return and discover moon’s surface purple and green, while all the family night coordinators and more about the moon either by talking others used remote-controlled, mini volunteers, Ames opened its doors to to knowledgeable staff at fun booths rovers to weave through a moon-like the community to share NASA’s excite- featuring colorful handouts, videos and obstacle course, or puzzle together ment and efforts in cutting-edge sci- miniature rovers, or by touching the artistic renderings of space. ence and space exploration. Stay tuned actual materials used on space shuttles. Once again, through the help of for future family events! Little hands creatively colored the event manager Barbara Patterson and

2 Astrogram November 2007 NASA’s remotely piloted plane helps battle wildfires b y Jo h n Bl u c k NASA pilots flew the Ikhana un- National Interagency Fire Center. part of the Western States Fire Mis- manned airplane and its instruments Last month, Ikhana flights were sion to demonstrate improved wildfire that can see through smoke over as conducted as part of a series of wild- imaging and mapping capabilities of many as seven of a dozen the sophisticated imaging Southern California wild- sensor and real-time data fires in late October. communications equipment The Ikhana took off developed at Ames. During from NASA Dryden Flight the September missions, Research Center, Edwards pilots flew the airplane for Air Force Base, Calif., to earlier missions remotely observe wildfires while from NASA Dryden as well. flying south for a 10-hour NASA's Ikhana is a mission. It first observed Predator B unmanned the fires near Lake Arrrow- aircraft system built by head and flew as far south General Atomics Aeronauti- as San Diego County near cal Systems and adapted the Mexican border. for environmental science NASA Ames developed and technology research the Autonomous Modular missions. Each flight is Sensor-Wildfire to look being coordinated with the through the smoke to see FAA to allow the remotely hot spots, flames and tem- piloted aircraft to fly within perature differences. the national airspace while According to Jim photo by NASA and U.S. Forest Service maintaining separation Brass of Ames, who flew Thermal-infrared imaging sensors on NASA’s Ikhana remotely piloted research from other aircraft. to Dryden to conduct the aircraft acquired this image at in the afternoon on Oct. 25 over the Harris Fire in Also, a NASA satellite Ikhana's mission, the fire San Diego County in Southern California. The colorized image shows a mosaic of images looking south, draped over the terrain and shown in 3D. The active wildfire has captured remarkable images are taken from the fronts are in yellow and red, while hot, previously burned areas are in shades of imaging of the wildfires. Ikhana aircraft and are dark red and purple. Unburned areas are shown in green hues. To view and download processed on board. Pilots images and for additional remotely flew the UAV information, visit: http:// from NASA Dryden. fire imaging demonstration missions www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/lookin- "After processing, the images are being conducted by NASA and the gatearth/socal_wildfires_oct07.html transmitted through a communica- U.S. Forest Service. The flights were tions satellite to NASA Ames where the imagery is placed on an Ames Web site. Then the imagery is com- Scientists teach audience about Arctic bined with Google Earth maps," Brass In late October, a team of six scientists and explained. Arctic residents told their personal stories of "We anticipated an event like the life and research in polar regions, supported wildfire siege in Southern California by dramatic high definition video footage, to occurring in October," said the project help the rest of of the audience get a feel for principal investigator Vince Ambrosia life on the world’s icy edges. Photo at right of Ames. "When the call came on Mon- shows a penguin used to help explain Arctic day from the National Interagency life to the children in the audience. The Fire Center, the California Governor's program, ‘POLAR-PALOOZA, Stories from a Changing Planet,’ seeks to inspire diverse Office of Emergency Services and col- audiences across America to better appreciate leagues within the Incident Command the many ways the rapidly changing Arctic structure on the fires, we were ready and Antarctic affect the health and function- to quickly deploy our teams and initi- ing of the entire Earth system. ate a mission plan to over fly the fires and provide critical thermal infrared intelligence on the various wildfires," Ambrosia added. There were team members at various fire camps to assist in the integration of the data and imagery derived NASA photos by Eric James from the AMS-WILDFIRE sensor on the NASA Ikhana UAV, while other members of the team were in place at Dryden, NASA Ames, Google and the

Astrogram 3 November 2007 NASA ‘MULEs’ help move large objects on moon b y Jo h n Bl u c k moving assets, ranging in mass from packages, or when outfitted with civil How would you move big things six metric tons to the entire 20 metric engineering tools to move, dig or drill on the moon to construct a lunar base, ton LSAM (lander), across the sur- regolith," Gonzales explained. "Tasks conduct exploration or later expand face," Gonzales said. "The Ames team ranging from routine site surveying a human settlement? A team of Ames showed that such a capability was key to large equipment moving, using engineers suggested that a small to the success of building an outpost human, telerobotic and autonomous vehicle, the "Mobile Utility for Lunar since each landing would have to control will be performed by MULEs." occur at distances from Engineers later expanded the one to two kilometers MULE concept and added it into the from the outpost core in Lunar Architecture Team 1 (LAT1) NASA order to protect emplaced study, in which Ames took part. Ames, assets." Johnson and JPL representatives The team proved that analyzed as many as six chassis types, MULEs are practical and included walking vehicles. capable of moving the "This study, first presented to the moon landers. Accord- public in December 2006, and initially ing to Gonzales, "Each defined the 'Outpost First' approach LSAM (lander), when to carrying out the lunar component on the moon, actually of the Vision for Space Exploration. would weigh no more It was especially gratifying to see our than a Hummer weighs work represented in the briefings at on Earth." the Architecture roll-out," Gonzales After arriving on said. the moon's surface, the During further LAT2 studies in lander either would be which Ames also took part, the num- The "Mobile Utility for Lunar Exploration" (MULE), Is a single unloaded, and one MULE ber of chassis under consideration utility vehicle type which will move several different lunar surface would take the cargo was reduced back to two, including system elements, perform site preparation and enable mining for to the lunar outpost; or a MULE-like vehicle and a walking in-situ resource utilization. four cooperating MULEs vehicle. Another job assigned to this would haul the lander vehicle was to serve as the lower roll- Exploration" (MULE), could move with its cargo to the outpost, according chassis for unpressurized or pres- large items about on the moon. ing to Gonzales. surized human transport rovers. MULE vehicles could move moon The Ames team updated ap- "The surface mobility products landers, human habitat modules, proaches similar to those used for the from Ames were well received by our power stations and cargo containers. original design of the Apollo Lunar colleagues all across NASA, and was As many as four MULEs could work Roving Vehicle, and showed that mov- another demonstration of the ability together to reposition objects on the ing items overland within the required of Ames to play a significant role in moon, according to the team, ‘The mass range is feasible. implementing the Vision for Space Ames Muleskinners.’ "Moving large items on the lunar Exploration," Gonzales said. "Oppor- "If we are going to operate on the surface could be done within an tunities to further develop the MULE ground, in a new place, we are going acceptable range of mass, volume, are currently being examined," he to have to have large scale surface power and time limits," Gonzales said. added. mobility, just like we do in large ter- "We really opened some eyes and "An industrial partner could build restrial plants," said Andy Gonzales, a covered some new ground for NASA," MULEs and other types of infrastruc- senior systems engineer at Ames, who Gonzales said. ture equipment and then operate them led the ‘Muleskinners.’ In a second phase of its work, the as a service to NASA," stated Dan After a challenge from Johnson Ames team teamed up with lunar Rasky, Ames Space Portal lead. Space Center (JSC), Houston, in the lander design teams from several In addition to Gonzales, the spring of 2006, several NASA centers NASA centers to refine how Lunar Muleskinners included John Segreto, proposed designs for a new human Surface Mobility would be achieved Code REM; Terry Fong, Code TI; Brian lunar lander and related systems. with a number of lander designs. Glass, Code TI; Bob Morris, Code TI; The lander, the ‘Lunar Surface Access "JSC and the other NASA centers Larry Lemke, Code SS; and Jhony Module’ (LSAM), will carry both crew really appreciated our contributions, Zavleta, Code SS, KISS Institute. The and cargo to the lunar surface. Gon- and it was quite enjoyable working work was supported and encouraged zales guided the Ames contribution across NASA," Gonzales said. by Dave Korsmeyer, Code TI; Eugene to that effort, which defined options The NASA centers developed an Tu, Code T; and Laura Doty, Code R. for Lunar Surface Mobility to support operations concept using a small num- the lunar part of the Vision for Space ber of vehicles. Exploration. "The true utility of the MULEs "Ames responded to JSC's chal- becomes apparent when they are lenge by focusing on the problem of used as single units to move smaller

4 Astrogram November 2007 Worden gives upbeat message about future work for Ames continued from page 5 According to Worden, funding has resources, used for many diverse jobs. believes this is a area that needs to been requested from Johnson to work He said the supercomputer system is a expand." on a suit lock concept. Astronauts "key tool." Worden mentioned a major task would climb in and out of a moon or "We have standby crews ready to for Ames, a sample return mission planetary habitat through a spacesuit provide shuttle analysis," he con- from Mars. "We are beginning to build airlock, while the spacesuit would tinued, adding that the center has a cache box." The Ames-built box will remain attached to the outside of the increased computational resources at be part of the Mars Science Laboratory habitat or in other configurations, to Ames. "We will continue to remain in (MSL) mission that is on a schedule to result in less transfer of contaminants the top rank of supercomputer facili- launch in 2009. MSL will gather and and dust into the habitat. ties in the world," he said. Ames will store martian samples in the cache "Lunar dust… a lot of work being spend as much as $600 million over box until a later mission can take them done there," said Worden. "It's a dirty next 10 years on supercomputing, ac- to Earth for analysis in the 2020 time task, but somebody has to do it," he cording to Worden's charts. frame. "This is a very significant proj- joked. One of his charts included a Worden also mentioned Ames' ect," Worden confirmed. "bullet" point, "lunar dust toxicity," role with Integrated Systems Health "Kepler is a major mission (too)," and listed the "opening of Ames' Lu- Management IT. "We are assigned the Worden noted. "We have significant nar Dust Biomedical Laboratory." lead role… a really critical role for the challenges with cost and schedule. . . According to Worden, Ames is Ares 1 and V (rockets) and solid rocket Hard work by Ames and JPL put us doing in-flight laboratory analysis for health management," he said. back on track." the space station. "For those of you in- To explain the Kepler mission, he volved in biosciences, the future looks Space missions, Science said, "We're going to look at a bunch very bright," he said. and Astrobiology of stars like the sun . . . and we expect Worden said that biosciences at “Alan Stern, (NASA's Associate to find several hundred Earth-like Ames are on the "rebound." Ames Administrator for Science), visited planets." developed the payload for an experi- here (Aug. 16 -17, 2007),” Worden re- Then, he turned to the Stratospher- ment carried on the STS-118 flight for called. "He refers to us as the 'un-cen- ic Observatory for Infrared Astronomy the Streptococcus pneumoniae Expres- ter' -- the can-do center. We are good at (SOFIA). Its mission is to explore the sion of Genes in Space (SPEGIS) mis- small payloads," Worden continued. infrared view of the universe while sion that was examining the virulence According to the director's charts, flying above interference from the of bacteria in space. Worden noted Stern challenged Ames "to identify Earth's water vapor atmosphere. that virulence of bacteria increases science endorsed by the National "SOFIA is another significant in space, and the experiment is to Research Council (NRC) Decade Sur- program," he offered. "I think we're in measure "effectiveness of antibiotics in veys that could be implemented with very good shape. . . .We have moved space." $30-million 'Missions of Opportunity.'" the schedule up to do science in mid Ames forwarded 18 mission concepts 2009 … The science will be here." He Computer work to the NASA Science Mission Director- added that SOFIA flight operations Referring to Ames' Constellation- ate in Washington within three weeks, would be in Palmdale in Southern related information technology (IT) according to Worden's slides. California. efforts, Worden said, " We've . . . de- Ames has an increased role in He mentioned that future work- veloped a system to report problems." NASA Science Mission Directorate shops and conferences at Ames are to Called the Problem Reporting and projects, according to Worden. "We include, "Virtual Worlds," Jan. 26-27, Corrective Action (PRACA) system, have been assigned the job of setting 2008; "Deep Mars," related to explora- NASA selected it for Constellation- up a lunar science institute at Ames," tion below Mars' surface, March 1-2, wide baselining, a method used to he said. His slides listed some of 2008; and the "Lunar Science Con- compare on-going performance with subjects the new institute--patterned ference, July 22-24, 2008, in Bldg. 3. a historic baseline, according to one of after the Astrobiology Institute--will Worden suggested that the conference Worden's slides. address. It will jump-start U.S. lunar would put Ames in the spotlight as Worden said Ames information science by recreating a community of lunar research begins to ramp up. technology is supporting NASA's Ex- lunar scientists. The institute also will "You probably read about the wild- ploration Systems Mission Directorate. address and consider basic lunar sci- fires (in Southern California)… . The "We are providing a number of soft- ence, lunar sorties, lunar outpost uses Ikhana's (remotely piloted airplane's) ware tools for the International Space including astronomy and lunar dust sensors (the Ames-developed AMS- Station," he said. One system shows study. Wildfire sensor) can look through the real time location of solar arrays, Referring to the Astrobiology Insti- smoke … . We have got extremely he continued, citing recent troubles tute, headquartered at Ames, Worden good publicity," he said. NASA had with damage to solar cell reported, "We've seen some additional "We understand there will be mon- arrays that astronauts noticed as the funding." He continued, "After a few ey," Worden said, "for small, low-cost arrays unfurled during the STS-120 years we've added a few more univer- missions." Worden also mentioned mission to the space station. sities." "Stand Alone Missions of Opportuni- Worden stated that Ames super- "Astrobiology is beginning to be ty" (SALMONs). They would provide computer systems are "cross-cutting" restored," Worden said. "Alan Stern continued on page 9 Astrogram 5 November 2007 Ames hosts low-carbon economy seminar b y Apr i l Ne i l s o n sized Sheffner, “characterize a carbon Ed Sheffner, deputy chief of the cycle that is generating stronger cli- Ames Earth Science Division, gave a mate forcing and sooner than expect- keynote address at the NASA Ames- ed.” He noted that the observations Cornell University Discovery panel made by NASA Earth science satellites are helping us understand the carbon cycle and the impact of changes in carbon on the land, in the air and in the oceans. Underscoring Sheffner’s remarks, Cornell University Dean Fuchs spoke Panelist Dr. Carl Pechman of Power Economics about Cornell’s new initiative to (left) explains how customer response to power reorganize itself around the theme of network conditions can help balance out intermit- sustainable futures by creating a Cen- tent renewable resources, as Ben Tarbell with ter for a Sustainable Future to advance SolarCity looks on. not only commitments to a sustainable NASA photos by Dominic Hart and energy efficient campus but also A captivated audience raptly listened to Ames Energy Solutions; Ben Tarbell, product Earth Science Division Deputy Chief Ed Sheffner’s to foster new educational opportuni- director for SolarCity; Dr. Carl Pech- report on the effects of C02 in the atmosphere. ties that integrate science, technol- man, president of Power Economics, ogy, economics and entrepreneurship Inc.; and Dr. Annemarie Meike, busi- around concepts of sustainability. ness development executive of the entitled ‘How to Build a Low-Carbon Alumni panelists representing a Industrial Partnerships Office at Law- Economy,’ in mid November. range of environmental/energy areas rence Livermore National Laboratory. The consensus today is that human included Dr. Jonathan Gelbard, execu- For more information, visit: http:// activities have significantly altered the tive director and founder of Conserva- www.climatescience.gov/Library/ balance of sources that add CO2 to the tion Value; Ted Pope, vice president at sap/sap2-2/final-report/default.htm atmosphere and the sinks that remove it, says Sheffner. The event, which was coordinated by Ames Environmental Code C puts the “IT” in diversity Chief Dr. Ann Clarke and moderated By Ro s e Ki n g by Ames’ Chief Scientist Dr. Stephanie What is ‘IT’? ‘Inclusion’ plus is informed keeping the dialog about Langhoff, featured opening remarks ‘Talent’ equals ‘Diversity.’ Code C, diversity ongoing: by W. Kent Fuchs, Cornell University’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer, • The Code C Diversity Action Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering has taken steps to promote diversity Plan was “rolled out” at a Code C all and panel presentations by distin- awareness while encouraging its hands meeting; guished Cornell alumni active in the staff members to attend meetings as • An overview of “Diversity energy sector. a means of inclusion. Its goal is to Leadership,” a 10-week course of- Disclosing findings from the establish a high standard of excellence fered through Ames, was presented by just-published ‘The First State of the while making diversity a reality, not Denise Snow and Ken Ledbetter, who Carbon Cycle Report (SOCCR): The just lip service. along with Rose King and Paul Agnew North American Carbon Budget and In November 2006, a diversity are currently enrolled in the course; Implications for the Global Carbon board was formed which developed a and Cycle,’ Sheffner pointed out that diversity action plan. This past year, • A video of the Ames Diversity understanding the carbon cycle and the board, along with Code C manage- Kickoff with Bryon Kunisawa was human influence on sources and sinks ment, has been monitoring those goals shown at the Code C all hands meet- in North America will be crucial to set forth in the action plan. Although ing. any effort to mitigate global climate challenges still exist, they have made The diversity board also has writ- change. Observations taken in Hawaii strides towards those goals, one of ten two articles, “Code C Employee over the last 50 years and recent data them being “demonstrate manage- Diversity Board Spotlight,” published released by the Global Carbon Project ment to commitment.” August 2007 and “Code C Sets up show that C02 has been steadily climb- Code C management plays an Employee Diversity Board,” published ing every year since 1958. Moreover, active and visible role in supporting April 2007. These articles have ap- since 2000, Sheffner noted: diversity initiatives, but how? Dar- peared in the “Astrogram” and the • The growth of carbon emissions lene Gross, chief, Business Systems Code C newsletter the “SCENE.” from fossil fuels has tripled compared Office in Code CS, and a member of Code C is in the forefront in its to the 1990s and is exceeding the pre- the center's Diversity and Equal Op- attempt to make diversity work and dictions of the highest IPCC emission portunity Board, chairs the board; and the goals set forth happen. The board scenarios; Paul Agnew, chief financial officer, is a encourages its staff to participate by • The rate of increase of atmo- member. Their involvement validates becoming members. The world is spheric CO2 has grown from 1.5 ppm/ management's commitment to diver- constantly changing and new ideas yr to 1.9 ppm/yr; and sity by keeping the diversity strategy and ways of thinking bring with it • The carbon intensity of the on track. empowerment. So get on board and world’s economy has stopped decreas- Topics about diversity are added get with “IT.”For more information, ing *ppm = parts per million. to the Code C all-hands agenda to visit http://www.cfo.arc.nasa.gov/er- “All of these changes,” empha- ensure the entire Code C community diversity.html 6 Astrogram November 2007 NESC honors Ames employee for technical excellence b y Ke i t h He n r y The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) honored an Ames employee, Ian Fernandez, during ceremo- nies at an NESC leadership meeting held recently at NASA Langley. The ceremony recognized individuals for their contributions to critical technical assessments over the past year. Fernandez received an NESC Engi- neering Excellence Award in recognition “of engineering excellence in the development of an innovative load sharing floor design on the Composite Crew Module Project.” The NESC-managed project is designed to evaluate the use of composite materials and other concepts in future spacecraft. While the NESC project is not intended for use in a first-generation crew module, the NASA photo load-sharing floor design was adopted From left to right: NESC Deputy Director for Safety and NESC Chief Astronaut Ken Cameron; recipient by the agency’s Constellation Program of the NESC Engineering Excellence Award Ian Fernandez; and the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Director Ralph Roe, sduring the NESC leadership meeting and awards ceremony at NASA Langley. for use in the Orion Crew Module currently under development. nitude and merit as to deserve special partners for outstanding contributions The Engineering Excellence Award recognition. to NESC-sponsored activities and to honors individual accomplishments of This is the fourth year that NESC encourage critical examination of engi- NESC-job related tasks of such mag- has recognized employees and NASA neering problems.

Ames honors 21 employees for improving safety Ames recently recognized 21 Tier Level 3 - Individual awards Code TH Safety Team employees for their outstanding Dennis Acosta Myesha Domino accomplishments in improving Chuck Cornelison Lissa Webbon health and safety under the provi- sions of the Ames Safety Awards Tier Level 3 - Team awards Tier Level 1 - Individual awards Program (ASAP) II. ASAP II was None Kim Washington established to recognize employee Sanford Davis actions, behavior and/or job per- Tier Level 2 - Individual awards formance that result in improved Cheryl Quinn Tier Level 1 - Team awards health and safety conditions at the Andrew Mattioda None center. Seth Kurasaki There are four levels of awards, Tony Purcell Each of these employees and with tier four being the highest Laura Iraci teams was nominated by their level of achievement. The ASAP II Steven Hing colleagues for their outstanding board evaluates each nomination actions and accomplishments in and selects the tier level that most Tier Level 2 - Team awards represents the actions and accom- Supercomputing Team improving health and safety condi- plishments of that nomination. Chris Hense tions at Ames. During this semester two tier four Bryan Biegel awards were presented. John Parks Mark Tangney Tier Level 4 - Individual awards Art Joley Huy Tran David Robertson Randy Berthold Ana Grady

Astrogram 7 November 2007 New HSPD-12 badge enrollments on the rise, benefits too b y Ra y m o n d O’Br i e n Identity theft is the nation’s fastest growing crime. According to USA.gov, the Federal Trade Commission ranks “identity theft/fraud” as the most rapidly growing category of complaints that the agency receives. This alarming trend is one of several reasons why NASA is issuing new badges with a more sophisticated and standardized enrollment process, New badges are to be issued by the end of the year. For further information, visit the HSPD-12 Web site at: http://hspd12.nasa.gov which will better protect personal identity information collected from employees and maintained by the agency. Another reason: it is a presi- photos by John Stebel dential directive. In an effort to reduce inefficiency, Above photo: Armando Jimenez cost and risk to the federal govern- (ISSI) of Ames is enrolled for the ment, President Bush signed the new NASA HSPD-12 badge by Art Homeland Security Presidential Direc- Gonzales, personal security specialist (Maden Technologies). tive (HSPD) 12 “Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors” on Aug. 27, 2004. This directive calls for all government agencies to implement a uniform identification system. Left photo: During the enrollment “Even prior to this directive, process for the new NASA HSPD-12 NASA was working on a smart card badges, Jimenez (ISSI) has his finger- system,” said Walter Hussey, project prints scanned by Gonzales. director for HSPD-12. “This directive gave us something to focus on in terms of how we wanted to do this technically.” This new system will help deter identity fraud, tampering, counter- feiting and terrorist exploitation. The the phase one investigations for civil investigations necessary for re-badg- directive is not only for NASA civil servants and nearly 85 percent with ing civil servants and contractors are servants but also includes contractor contractors. either already on record or have been employees and grantees -- basically Enrollment, or phase two, requires submitted to the Office of Personnel anyone who has routine physical or proving employees’ identities and Management (OPM) for processing,” virtual access to NASA facilities and taking fingerprints. Over 98 percent said Wende Hower, Ames Personnel information technology (IT) systems. of those who need new badges are Security Manager. With approxi- NASA is working hard to achieve now entered in the Personal Identity mately 3,700 employees that need its task of issuing new badges. With Verification (PIV) system and over new badges at Ames, “this is a very about 80,000 NASA employees and half of those have already had their significant accomplishment,” added contractors that need new badges, this badging data collected, i.e., enrolled. Raymond O’Brien, Ames HSPD-12 project is no simple mission. So far, NASA’s total enrollments for implementation manager. Three phases are involved in im- new badges have exceeded the 43,000 Ames is also well into phase two plementing the presidential directive: mark. with over 1,500 employees enrolled. appropriate background investigation, “At NASA Ames Research Cen- The new NASA badges will be avail- enrollment and issuance. NASA, as an ter, we have nearly completed phase able soon, so please look for notifica- agency, has completed 100 percent of one -- virtually all of the background continued on page 12 8 Astrogram November 2007 Worden gives upbeat message about future work for Ames continued from page 5 Sat," that he said is in development Aeronautics work opportunities for both Ames science and is "based on the idea you can buy Turning to aeronautics at Ames, and small satellite missions, Worden's off-the-shelf stuff from" an electronics Worden said, "We were given targets charts revealed. store and build a useable satellite. to increase people in fundamental Worden said that PharmaSat, too, a aeronautics . . . and we met that goal." Small Satellite development small satellite that "builds on heritage and missions of the success of GeneSat." The first Partnerships Ames is "getting increased roles PharmaSat hardware delivery is due "We are growing partnerships with in various missions, according to Nov. 12, 2007, and the mission launch Google," Worden said. "They sent us a Worden, and the center is working on date is in March 2008 on a Minotaur-1 few million dollars." NASA moon data novel ways to accomplish small, fast- rocket that will boost a Department of has been added to a store of informa- paced ‘SmallSat’ missions. Defense Tacsat-3 satellite into Earth tion linked from Google, according Another chart in his stack of slides orbit. to Worden. "We are negotiating with included a question, "Why is a mission Regarding the small exploration Google (about use of) 40 acres," he design center needed?" Increasing SMEX missions, "we have teamed said, noting that the University of complexity has slowed the design pro- with Goddard," Worden said, not- California also is negotiating with cess to a crawl, according to the chart. ing as many as a dozen proposals on Ames for a major campus. More details on the slide revealed that which the two centers are partnering. "Housing will be built (here), too," the Explorer 1 satellite was designed He added, "This is the wave of the he continued. "Those of you have long and launched in 83 days in 1958. future." commutes… you can live here… .We "In the past it took six months to Worden also stated that unfunded can lease out some of this very valu- a year to do mission design," Worden Science Missions Directorate requests able land and enhance our operations. noted. "We are trying to use computers for information. For ISS "attached pay- His slides revealed that a NASA to design (a mission) in an afternoon," loads," Ames has submitted two pay- YouTube Channel would be imple- he stated. He added, "We presented load proposals, according to Worden. mented. Worden also mentioned this (mission design center concept) to "We have submitted 13 proposals collaborations with Symantec (infor- the science mission directors and got for science mission partnership oppor- mation technology security), Microsoft good vibes," he continued. tunities," said Worden. The proposals (the imaging process) and Sun Micro- Worden mentioned the successful are in the areas of astrobiology, plan- systems (supercomputers), too. Foton-M3 mission with the Russian etary and Earth sciences, according During a short question-and-an- Institute of Biomedical Problems that to Worden's charts. Other unfunded swer-period after his talk, an audience flew Sept. 14 -26, 2007. Ames delivered proposals, he said, include isotope- member asked, "Will you reinstitute hardware to Russia in August 2007 for powered, small missions to planets. the Director's Discretionary Fund?" the Foton mission. It investigated tis- There is "a lot of work (about) "I'm going to try to institute it with sue regeneration, genetic responses as asteroids, (and there are) potential a little more goal-oriented (criteria)," well as gravity-sensing organ structure announcements of small asteroid he answered. "We'll try to make it and function. missions," he said, displaying a chart more formal." Ames also is working with Russia about near-Earth-object mission con- on the Bion M1 mission, according to cepts. Worden. The Bion M1 is expected to launch in September 2010 for a 30-day mission to investigate immune function and physiological responses to microgravity. Speaking about funded Science Former Ames research pilot dies Missions Directorate work for Ames, Worden said, "A lot of new things are coming along." He mentioned Edwin W. Lewis Jr., a NASA Dryden Lunar Advanced Science and Explora- Flight Research Center research pilot, died tion Research (LASER), astrophysics in a Cessna Crash on Nov. 8, 2007. Lewis strategic mission concepts and Small was flying a Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 Explorer (SMEX) missions to conduct with another person, who also died, when astrophysics, space physics and solar the plane crashed southwest of Las Vegas. physics. The crash is under investigation by the Na- Worden described small satellite tional Transportation Safety Board. Lewis work at Ames including "micro-nano" served as a NASA Dryden research pilot since 1997. He previously served as a pilot spacecraft that have "common, reus- for eight years at NASA Ames. able architectures." Besides noting the GeneSat, PharmaSat and other missions, he talked about a proposed lunar science orbiter. Another idea he NASA photo by Tom Trower revealed is the concept of a "Cheap- Astrogram 9 November 2007 Ames Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team marks 20th anniversary b y An n Su l l i v a n For the past 20 years, the NASA Ames Disaster Assistance and Res- cue Team (DART) has been ready to respond to disasters both natural and human-made. These aren’t people who watch a disaster unfold on television and say, “I wish I could do something to help.”

These are people who are ready to Heineck photo by J.T. NASA spring into action as soon as the phone rings, who have their ‘go bags’ packed for an immediate departure, and who photo by Dominic Hart NASA are disappointed if they aren’t in the first group deployed following a disaster. “DART is prepared to respond to emergencies at Ames and to support the community and the nation as a functional urban search and rescue team,” said Bob Dolci, DART chief and director of Ames emergency services. “DART is a highly qualified and well- equipped emergency response team.” Despite their disparate back- The NASA Ames Disaster Assistance grounds -- engineering, science, medi- and Rescue Team (DART) seen here cine, safety, logistics, communications, during various emergency service computer technology and adminis- drills at Ames, celebrates its 20th tration, among others -- DART’s 90 anniversary this year. members have one thing in common: a desire to be on the front lines after

disaster strikes. Trower photo by Tom NASA When Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, members of DART’s rescue team deployed with California Task cisco area in 1989, DART responded to DART is a way to give back to their Force 3, a California Office of Emer- more than 500 building system alarms, community and nation. For others, gency Services and Federal Emergency three hazardous materials incidents, it’s an extension of their day jobs. Still Management Agency (FEMA) urban and inspected more than 90 buildings others enjoy the challenges and work- search and rescue task force, searched and research facilities for damage. ing with motivated, forward-thinking for survivors in polluted and danger- DART secured dozens of water leaks people and leaders. Their greatest ous waters. DART’s communications and natural gas leaks. Team members reward comes from within, DART team provided equipment, set up a worked around the clock for three members say. communications network and pur- days straight. Their rapid and profes- “Successfully leading the planning chased satellite time that enabled the sional response minimized damage and support of high-speed data, voice Michoud Assembly Facility to com- to NASA buildings from floods and and video services to Michoud” after municate with the rest of the world. explosions, saving countless dollars in Katrina was extremely rewarding, The damage and utility control team potential repair costs. according to Bill Notley. “This was deployed with a portable, 3,000-gal- DART members also have used special,” Notley added, because nine lon-per-hour water treatment plant to their training and expertise to solve months before Katrina, he developed provide potable water. Dolci deployed problems in their everyday jobs. The a multi-center communications plan to Stennis Space Center to assist FEMA ‘SearchCam,’ a tiny fiber optic camera that was “successfully executed in and Stennis management with disaster used to search inside spaces too small an exercise that exactly matched the recovery operations. or too dangerous for a human to enter, scenario and services” his team deliv- Seven members of DART were de- was used to check the condition of a ered after Katrina. For canine search ployed to New York City after the 2001 back-up boiler in a building at Ames specialist Lynne Engelbert, who with terrorist attacks, where they worked following the failure of the primary her dog Lucy located victims of the side-by-side with New York City boiler. The camera showed that the New York terrorist attacks, “Being able emergency services units and rescue second boiler also was about to fail. to help people when they need it the professionals from around the coun- As a result, both pieces of equipment most is the ultimate ‘reward’.” try to search for survivors and help were repaired at the same time, avoid- Congratulations to the highly recover victims in buildings crumbled ing a second major shutdown and sav- trained, experienced and dedicated into tangled masses of concrete and ing considerable time and money. members of DART on their first 20 steel. The reasons people stay with years of service! In the 12 hours after a magnitude DART year after year are as diverse as For more information about DART, 6.9 earthquake shook the San Fran- the members themselves. For some, visit www.dart.arc.nasa.gov 10 Astrogram November 2007 Creative costumes win cool prizes at Halloween contest NASA photos by Dominic Hart NASA

The Ames Exchange held its annual Halloween Costume Contest on Oct. 31. Prizes were awarded to the best costumes and the Ames Exchange provided complimentary refreshments.

Ames holds commute alternatives fair Employees had the chance to test drive a hybrid and ride a collapsible bike, among other alternative vehicles, seen here during the recent commute alternatives fair held at Ames.

NASA photos by Eric James PM Challenge 2008 is now open The NASA PM Challenge 2008 registration is now open. Share your knowledge of project management, safety, systems engineering, communications, team building, lessons learned, engineering management, acquisition, leadership and other topics with your NASA colleagues at the agency’s 5th PM Challenge conference to be held in Daytona Beach, Fl., on Feb. 26 - 27, 2008. Register online at: http:// closes Jan. 31, 2008. pmchallenge.gsfc.nasa.gov/reg- For full conference details visit istration2008.htm. Registration http://pmchallenge.gsfc.nasa.gov.

Astrogram 11 November 2007 Disability advocates discuss their inspiring work Two representatives of Whirl- integration into society. whind Wheelchair International Founded in 1989, Whirlwind (WWI) recently spoke at Ames for grew from Hotchkiss’s efforts since National Disability Employment 1980 to travel the globe designing Awareness Month. The talk was given wheelchairs in developing countries by Ralf Hotchkiss and Marc Krizack. from locally available materials. They described their inspiring work Hotchkiss’s pioneering work has led that benefits disabled people in 45 to numerous important innovations countries around the world. in wheelchair design. WWI’s mission is to make it pos- All WWI’s designs are placed sible for every person in the develop- in the public domain to aid village ing world who needs a wheelchair to wheelchair shops and keep costs to a obtain one so that they can achieve the minimum. Ralf Hotchkiss of Whirlwind Wheelchair Interna- maximum personal independence and tional recently spoke at Ames for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. NASA to establish nationwide lunar science institute continued from front page the National Academy of Sciences has well as astronomical, solar and Earth around the nations. These groups will told us, the science to be done at the science investigations that could be be competitively selected after scien- moon and from the moon are of high performed from the moon. They also tific peer review. value, and NLSI will help us coordi- will offer a quick response capability Initially, NASA will select four or nate and expand a number of in-depth for lunar science support to NASA's five teams for grants of $1 to $2 mil- research efforts in lunar science and Exploration initiative. lion each for three years, with renew- other fields that can benefit from -hu A national search for a NLSI direc- als of up to five years. NASA will man and robotic missions that are part tor is currently underway. Most work solicit team proposals in a 2008 NASA of NASA's exploration plans." done under NLSI's banner will take Research Announcement. NLSI research teams will address place at other NASA centers, universi- By late 2008, about 50 research- current topics in basic lunar science, as ties and non-profit research groups ers around the U.S. could be working under NLSI's banner. By 2010, that number could double. Funds for this New HSPD-12 badge enrollments effort are part of the president's pro- continued from page 8 posed 2008 NASA budget for the lunar tions and instructions on how you PIV card provider for many agencies science project within the planetary can help complete phase three in the and shared NASA’s experiences with research program, now under consid- coming weeks. them.” eration in Congress. For NASA to achieve this under- Scheduled to be issued in coming "We're delighted NASA Ames was taking, the agency needed to create a weeks, the new badges will have a chosen to lead this exciting new lunar sophisticated technical infrastructure computer chip and will be the means for all the centers to use. to gain access into those buildings science research office," said Ames By putting the new system into ac- with access controls. For higher risk Center Director S. Pete Worden. "This tion, NASA is already seeing benefits. areas and IT systems, a “two-factor” will complement the agency's ongoing Not only will the new badges reduce authentication system will eventually lunar research and further the imple- cost and risk, the agency has improved be used, where access requires some- mentation of the nation's exploration its communication and ability to work thing you have (your ‘smart’ badge) efforts." with other federal agencies. and something you know (your per- The lunar science institute is mod- “We’ve tried to work with the sonal identification number). eled after the highly successful NASA other agencies who are issuing their “There are reasons to do this Astrobiology Institute, based at NASA own PIV cards and share lessons beyond just a presidential directive,” Ames. Established in 1997, the NASA learned. We try to make sure we’re said Hussey. “We’re doing this to Astrobiology Institute promotes, helpful to them where we can be, and benefit NASA, our employees and conducts and leads integrated multi- that we pick up on what they’ve done the research and information that we disciplinary astrobiology research in that can be useful to us,” said Portia develop and use.” addition to training a new generation Dischinger, PIV enrollment and issu- For more information, please of astrobiology researchers. ance project manager at NASA Head- visit the HSPD-12 Web site at http:// For more information, about quarters. “We also have worked a lot hspd12.nasa.gov . NASA and agency programs, visit: with GSA (General Services Adminis- http://www.nasa.gov tration), which is serving as a federal 12 Astrogram November 2007 Annual Hispanic Heritage Golf Tournament held, despite the rain b y Vi v i a n To rr e s holes. These are indeed die-hard golf- In mid October, the Hispanic ers. Advisory Committee for Employees At the end of the tournament, (HACE) hosted the 5th Annual His- entertainment was provided with the panic Heritage Golf Tournament at the Mariachis playing their instruments Moffett Golf Course, in which 76 avid golfers participated. Ames Center Director S. Pete Worden launched the kick-off for this year's golf tournament by welcoming the golfers and cheering them on. Among the special guests were Frances Busby, who sang the National Anthem; Bill Henderson, who served as the disc jockey, playing salsa and Hispanic music; and Pam Sheets, who served as photographer, taking ex- traordinary pictures of all the golfers. The participants received their welcoming gift or 'goodie bag' and Frances Busby sings the National Anthem at NASA photos also were provided with tokens to the recent 5th Annual Hispanic Heritage Golf practice prior to 'tee time,' cart, bever- Ames Center Director S. Pete Worden at the Tournament held at the Moffett Golf Course recent annual golf tournament at Moffett. ages and a wonderful lunch. and hosted by the Ames Hispanic Advisory Through the inclement weather, Committee for Employees. which lasted the majority of the day, memorable gifts. In fact, they are and although the participants were and rendering various songs while already excited and anxious to return already drenched and the temperature the audience sang along, danced next year. According to a few golf- dropped, the participants proved to be and cheered. The golfers are always ers, “it's really all about fun.” Special no quitters, save for a few. The golfers looking forward to the annual HACE thanks to all the volunteers for sup- played to finish off the last of the 18 golf tournament, especially with the porting this event.

Ames’ young artists honored NARFE annual holiday party set On Friday, Dec. 7, the National Association of Active and Retired NASA photos NASA Federal Employees, (NARFE), Chapter 50, will hold its annual Christmas party, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., in Bldg. 944. All federal employees working or retired are invited to come. Guests are welcome. The cost is $17 per person. Lunch is chicken or salmon, vegetables, salad, rolls, beverage and dessert. Mail checks by Dec. 3 to: Dee Shallenberger, 1170 Crespi Dr., Sunnyvale, CA 94086 or Doris Boyd, 945 Torero Plaza, Campbell, CA 95008. On Sept. 19, Ames Research Center and the Ames Fire Department recognized 96 young Come and get reacquainted artists at an ice cream social in the Ames Mega with your former coworkers: Rod Bites Café. Each of these artists, between the ages Perry, Doris Boyd, Marie Rider, of 3 - 18, contributed artwork for the 2008 Ames Pat Beck, Claire Barsky and many Safety Calendar. Calendars will be distributed others. centerwide, via your mail stop, in December.

Astrogram 13 November 2007 Ames Ongoing Monthly Events Calendar Ames Amateur Radio Club, third Thurs., of Environmental Forum, first Thursday every Ames Model Aircraft Club, flying radio-con- ea. month, 12 noon, N-T28 (across from N-255). other month, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m., T20-G conference trolled aircraft at the north end of Parsons Ave. POC: Michael Wright, KG6BFK, at ext. 4-6262. Rm. 129. URL: http://q/qe/events/EHS- on weekend mornings. POC: Mark Sumich, series/ POC: Stacy St. Louis, ext. 4-6810. ext. 4-6193. Ames Ballroom Dance Club, Classes on Tuesdays. Beginning classes meet at 5:15 p.m. Ames Federal Employees Union (AFEU) Mtg, Native American Advisory Committee Mtg., Higher-level class meets at 5:50 p.m. Held in First Wednesday of November (7th), noon. fourth Tuesday each month, 12 noon - 1 p.m., Bldg. 944, the Rec. Center. POC: Helen Hwang First Wednesday of December (5th), noon. Bldg. 19, Rm 1096. POC: Mike Liu, ext. 4-1132. at [email protected], ext. 4-1368. Bldg. N-247, Rm. 109. Beginning 2008, third Wednesday each month, same location. Guests Ames Nimble Knitters Club, every Tuesday Ames Bicycling Club, every third Wednesday welcome. Info at: http://www.afeu.org. POC: at 11:30 a.m., Bldg. N-241/Rm 237. POC: of each month, 12 noon - 1 p.m., Bldg. N-245 Paul K. Davis, ext. 4-5916. Rosalyn Jung, [email protected] or Diane Auditorium. POC: Julie Nottage at jnottage@ Alexander at ext. 4-3140. URL: http://knit.arc. mail.arc.nasa.gov, ext. 4-3711. The Hispanic Advisory Committee for nasa.gov Excellence (HACE) Mtg., first Thursday of each Ames Bowling League, Homestead Lanes on month, 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Bldg. N-255, Rm. Ames Safety Committee, third Thursday of Thursday nights at 6:20 p.m. Seeking substitute 101C. POC: Eric Kristich, ext. 4-5137 and Mark each month, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Bldg. N-237, bowlers. Questions to sign up: Mike Liu at ext. Leon, ext. 4-6498. Rm. 201. POC: John Livacich, jlivacich@mail. 4-1132. arc.nasa.gov, ext. 4-3243 or Terry Reichert, Jetstream Toastmasters, Mondays, 12 p.m. [email protected], ext.-4-0375. Ames Child Care Center Board of Directors - 1 p.m., Bldg. N-269/Rm.179. POC: Miwa Mtg., every other Monday, 1 - 2:30 p.m., Bldg. Hayashi, ext. 4-1397, [email protected]. Ames Sailing Club Mtg., second Thursday N-262/Rm 180. POC: Sally Miller, ext. 4-5411. gov. Web: http://jetstream.freetoasthost.com of each month (March through Nov), from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m., Bldg. N-262, Rm. 100. URL: Ames Contractor Council Mtg., first Wednes- Ames Mac Support Group Mtg., third Tuesday http://sail.arc.nasa.gov/. POC: Becky Hooey, day of ea. month, 11 a.m., Bldg. N-200, Commit- of each month, 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m., Bldg. N-262, ext. 4-2399. tee Room. POC: Chris Johnson, (650) 938-8017. Rm 180. POC: Tony ext. 4-0340.

Ames emergency Protective Services monthly activity announcements A statistical summary of activities of the Protective Services Division’s To hear the centerwide status record- ing, call (650) 604-9999 for informa- Security/Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Services units for the month tion announcements and emergency of November 2007 is shown below. instructions for Ames employees. You 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 - Oct. 31 , 2007

Civil Contractors Servants

First aid cases 12 12 Fire Protection Activity

Lost Workday cases 0 2

Recordable cases 2 3

Restricted duty days 0 0

Above data are as of Oct. 31, 2007. May be subject to slight adjustment in the event of a new case or new information regarding an existing case.

14 Astrogram November 2007 Ames Classifieds Exchange Information Ads for the next issue should be sent to astrogram@ Incline Village, Forest Pines, Lake Tahoe condo, 3 mail.arc.nasa.gov and must be resubmitted for each Information about products, services and oppor- bdrms/2 ba, sleeps 8, fireplace, TVs/VCR/DVD, issue. Ads must involve personal needs or items; (no tunities provided to the employee and contractor stereo w/CD player, microwv, W/D, jacuzzi, commercial/third-party ads) and will run on a space- community by the Ames Exchange Council. Visit sauna, outdoor pool. Walk to lake. Close to ski available basis only. First-time ads are given priority. the web site at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov areas. Visit web site for pictures: http://www. Ads must include home phone numbers; Ames exten- ACruiseStore.com $135/night spring and fall, sions and email addresses will be accepted for carpool Beyond Galileo Gift Shop N-235 in $173/night summer and winter (holidays higher) and lost and found ads only. Due to the volume of the cafeteria , 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., ext. 4-6873 plus $125 cleaning fee and 12 percent Nevada material received, we are unable to verify the accuracy room tax. Charlie (650) 743-8990. of the statements made in the ads. Caveat emptor! Don’t forget to purchase your baby shower, birth- day, holiday gifts at Ames’ two gift shops! New York, 5th Ave., one fully furnished bedroom apt. in 24 hour security fbldg. overlooking N-943 Car Pool Visitor Center Gift Shop Washington Square Park, $1,000/week or M-F, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ext. 4-5412 A blind Ames employee, Jim Stevenson, is in ur- 3,000/month, negotiable. Call (650) 430-6977. gent need of a daily ride to work from mid-town NASA logo merchandise, souvenirs, toys, gifts and Palo Alto mornings or afternoons, anywhere educational items. Paris/France: Fully furnished studio. 5th arr, Latin on the scale from regular to emergency backup. Quarter, Notre Dame and Lie-St. Louis, $1,400/ He currently has to ask for backups every day Tickets, etc... N-943 outside the main gate, week, negotiable. Call (650) 430-6977. and often can not find a ride at all, so he must 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., ext. 4-5412 and Beyond take an expensive taxi cab. If anyone can help, Galileo, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ext. 4-6873 Santa Cruz townhouse, 2 bedrooms plus study, 2 baths, decks, totally furnished, 3 blocks from especially in the morning, most of the time, it Mega Bites Cafeteria N-235, 6 a.m. to beach, available July, August, September; $1,600 would be most appreciated. He will pay for per month. Call (831) 423-5777 (H) or (831) 277- 2 p.m., ext. 4-5969/Catering ext. 4-2161 more than half the gas. Please call ext. 4-5720 if 8476 (C). you are willing to help, or e-mail Jim at : jims@ eos.arc.nasa.gov See daily menu at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov Lake Tahoe cabin rental in Agate Bay, North Shore. 4bd/3ba tri-level, AEK, cable TVs, fireplace, BBQ, Miscellaneous Moffett Field Golf Club with ‘Tee minus deck, sleeps 10. Closest skiing is Northstar, Alpine The Ames Cat Network needs help finding 1’ Grill and Sports Bar. Call (650) 603-8026. and Squaw. Rates are $375 a weekend, $1,000 a homes for cats trapped at Moffett. They range week. Call (408) 867-4656. from feral to abandoned/lost pets. Tested, RV Lots Available Call to reserve a altered and inoculated. Call Iris at ext. 4-5824 space at (650) 603-7100/01. Florida west coast vacation in St. Petersburg, if you or someone you know are interested in beautiful 2bd/2ba condo, fully equipped kitchen fostering or adopting a cat. Civilian/Contractors, $50/mo; military $25/mo and furnished, sunset views, 1/4 mile from St. Pete Beach, monthly or 2 week minimum rentals only. Utility trailer, 4’ x 6’, dilapidated, wood-rotten, NASA Lodge (N-19) 603-7100 Call (703) 299-8889 or e-mail: [email protected] hardware reusable. No wheels. Free. Dick Where to stay when you’re too tired to drive home? (408) 997-3639. Monterey Bay vacation rental at Pajaro Dunes, 20 What about the lodge?! Two types of rooms: Bldg. miles south of Santa Cruz, 3bd/2ba beach house 19 (43 rooms), rate: $55/night ($5 ea add’l adult); Sewing machine for sale, $75. Singer (403) Slant- with distinctive architecture. Beautiful ocean and Bldg. 583 (150 rooms), rate: $45/night ($5 ea. add’l valley views, only 150 ft from the beach, first-class o-Matic, in 2-drawer walnut cabinet. adult) Attachments: cams, bobbins, instr. book, oil. tennis courts. $700/wkend, $2,100/wk including cleaning by the maid service when you depart. Linda (408) 736-7584, lv. msg. (N-109) 603-8025 Ames Swim Center Call (408) 252-7260. The pool is heated year round! The pool is currently available for lap swim, pool parties and South Lake Tahoe large cabin surrounded by special events. POC -Chana Langley, Pool Manager protected forest, 8 miles from Stateline Sleeps 12 Benefits Fair set (650) 603-8025. Memberships: single member- comfortably, 4 bd/3ba. Hot tub/pool table/65” TV ships: $40/yr. Family memberships: $60/yr. After Matt (408) 482-5286 A ‘2007 Federal Benefits Open purchasing a membership, there is an entrance fee: Season Fair’ will be held on daily entrance fee - $3/day or lap pass fee - $40 for South Lake Tahoe cozy home backs up to large open meadow, 1 mile from Heavenly Valley. Sleeps Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007, in the 20 uses. Platinum membership - $360/yr. (no daily fee). Special events: include military training, swim 11, 3 bd/2.5 ba. Large deck with hot tub. Matt (408) Eagle Room of Bldg. 943 from 10 team events, kayak role practice, etc. The cost for 482-5286. a.m. through 1 p.m. All federal special events is $50/hr. civilian employees are invited to Ongoing Vacation Opportunities Astrogram deadlines attend. If you have any questions, Lake Tahoe-Squaw Valley Townhse, 3bd/2ba, View Please submit articles, calendar and please call Lita Que at ext. 4-1019 or of slopes, close to lifts. Per night: $250, plus $145 classified advertisements to astro- Mary Perez at ext. 4-6865. cleaning fee. Two night minimum. Includes linens, [email protected] no later than propane fireplace, fully equipped. Call (650) 968- the 10th of each month. If this falls on 4155, [email protected]. a weekend or holiday, then the following business day becomes the dead- Bass Lake vacation rental, 4 mls south of Yosemite. line. For Astrogram questions, contact 3bd/1.5 ba, TV, VCR, MW, frplc, BBQ, priv. boat dock. Sleeps 8. $1,050/wk. Call (559) 642-3600 or Astrid Olson at the aforementioned (650) 390-9668. e-mail address or ext. 4-3347.

Big Sur vacation rental, secluded 4bd/2ba house in canyon setting. Fully eqpd kitchen. Access to priv. beach. Tub in patio gdn. Halfway between Carmel and Big Sur. $175/night for 2; $225 for 4 and $250 for more, plus $150 cleaning dep. Call (650) 328-4427.

Pine Mountain Lake vacation home. Access to golf, tennis, lake, swimming, horseback riding, walk to beach. Three bedrooms/sleeps 10. $100/night. Call (408) 799-4052 or (831) 623-4054.

Astrogram 15 November 2007 Inventor of the computer mouse returns to Ames b y Je f f r e y McCa n d l e s s a n d Ga y e Gr a v e s his ideas for boosting Dr. Douglas Engelbart from SRI mankind's collective International, Mountain View, and capability for under- inventor of the computer mouse, standing and coping with complex, urgent problems. photos by Gaye Graves During his lecture, Engelbart spoke about the need to develop a Network Improve- ment Community (NIC) to improve the collective IQ of organizations. Dr. Douglas Engelbart shares memories of his early days at Ames with Human- While at Ames, Computer Interaction (HCI) researcher Jack Li after the Director’s Colloquium. he toured several labs in the Human Engelbart is a recipient of the Systems Integration Division as National Medal of Technology, which well as simulators in the SimLabs is the highest honor awarded by facilities and he spoke with nu- the president to America’s leading Dr. Bernard Adelstein (right) demonstrates advances merous Ames scientists. innovators. in haptic computer input software to the inventor of the From 1948 - 1951, Engelbart At the conclusion of the collo- computer mouse, Dr. Douglas Engelbart. worked at Ames as an electrical quium, Jeffrey McCandless presented engineer supporting wind tun- Engelbart with an autographed copy recently gave a director’s colloquium nels before Ames transitioned from of the book ‘Atmosphere of Free- at the center entitled, ‘Facilitating the a National Advisory Committee for dom: Sixty Years at the NASA Ames Evolution of our Collective IQ: What Aeronautics (NACA) facility to a Research Center,’ written by Dr. Glenn Could NASA Do?’ NASA facility. He was delighted to Bugos. Approximately 60 people attended see many of the same wind tunnels he the event to hear Engelbart discuss supported then are still present today.

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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.

Managing Editor...... Michael Mewhinney 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/ PLEASE RECYCLE ames/astrogram. Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with vegetable-based ink.

16 Astrogram November 2007