California Space Authority Honors Ames with Two Awards

Home , Dale Cruikshank

October 2006 California Space Authority honors Ames with two awards The California Space Authority heat shield used for the Stardust re- ing and evaluation of Boeing’s PICA (CSA) has announced that two NASA entry capsule. deliverables, assessing the material Ames teams are recipients of the 2006 In January 2006, the Stardust SpotBeam awards. capsule re-entered Earth’s atmosphere The SpotBeam awards recognize at the highest re-entry speed ever, “space enterprise community leaders penetrating Earth’s atmosphere much who have made extraordinary contri- like a meteor. This event provided a butions to California and U.S. leader- unique opportunity to observe and ship in the international space arena. analyze the performance of the heat The SpotBeam awards are CSA’s shield and the chemistry associated highest honor,” according to the CSA with the heat shield as it eroded dur- Web site. ing re-entry. “I am delighted that CSA has NASA Ames leads the agency’s acknowledged Ames’ exceptional con- thermal protection systems research. tributions in thermal protection and The results of the Stardust analysis space science with these prestigious will be used to design the thermal pro- awards,” said NASA Ames Director tection system for the agency’s new S. Pete Worden. “Ames has a long crew exploration vehicle. The Boeing history of outstanding achievements Company (Huntington Beach, Calif.) in these fields, and these awards add was selected in September 2006 to to our proud tradition of cutting-edge support the design and development science and research.” of a lunar direct return-capable heat Ames received the Civil Space shield for the Orion crew exploration performance and suitability for use as Award for the development and vehicle. Ames will use its thermal the Orion heat shield. associated research on the Phenolic (arc jet), structural and environmental continued on page 2 Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA) facilities to conduct extensive test- NASA Ames tests small spaceship capsule model at high speed NASA recently conducted high- News media were invited to view For further information about speed tests of small models of the the Hypervelocity Free-Flight Facility Ames’ hypervelocity free-flight tests, agency’s new Orion crew exploration at NASA Ames in October. please visit: http://thermo-physics. vehicle to learn about its stability dur- The hypervelocity test facility arc.nasa.gov/range.htm ing flight. uses a gun to shoot Orion models For more information about the between 0.5 and 1.5 inches (1.25-3.75 Orion crew capsule, please visit: centimeters) in diameter. The facility http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pag- can conduct experiments with speeds es/constellation/orion/ up to 19,000 miles per hour (30,400 by John Bluck kilometers per hour). These tests allow engineers to analyze aerodynamic characteristics of the blunt capsules in flight, and will On the Inside . . . be used to help design safe, control- Page 3 - Globus and Cruikshank lable profiles for re-entry through recognized as Ames Earth’s atmosphere. The Orion spacecraft will succeed Associate Fellows the space shuttle as NASA’s vehicle Page 5 - Jonathan Trent receives for human space exploration. Orion nanotechnology award is designed to carry six astronauts to Page 7 - NASA helps aircraft glide into low-Earth orbit or four astronauts to a more efficient landing The Orion crew exploration vehicle (CEV) M1 the moon. Orion’s first crewed flight Page 7 - Ames and M2Mi Corp. to model, recently underwent high-speed testing to the International Space Station is develop ‘Automated M2M at Ames. The tests were performed to learn planned for no later than 2014. Orion’s Intelligence’ about Orion’s stability during flight. first flight to the moon is planned for Page 14 - Ames Ongoing Events no later than 2020. www.nasa.gov NASA honors Ames scientist with planetary science fellowship NASA has selected Jonathan is currently warmer than one expects only a very tiny effect on the coffee. At Fortney, a scientist at NASA Ames, when this effect is not taken into ac- Saturn, this process has been a major for the prestigious new Early Career count. energy source over the past two billion Fellows in Planetary Science award “The hydrogen-helium mixing years, and seems to have started in Ju- and research grant, which honors effect is similar to what happens when piter more recently. New Saturn data outstanding young scientists for their from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft will exceptional achievement in space sci- help shed new light on the cooling of ence research. these planets,” he added. Employed at Ames through a co- “Dr. Fortney’s pioneering work on operative agreement with the SETI In- the cooling of Jupiter and Saturn will stitute in Mountain View, Fortney has help us better understand how planets been studying the atmosphere, interior are formed and change over time. and evolution of ‘gas giant’ planets. This is particularly important, since The most familiar gas giant planets are we now know of over 200 Jupiter-like Jupiter and Saturn, which are made up planets orbiting around other stars,” mostly of hydrogen and helium. said Mark Marley, Ph.D., a space sci- “We are delighted that Jonathan entist at Ames. won this award and recognition for The award was given as a result the importance of his ideas. Jonathan NASA photo by Tom Trower of a proposal entitled ‘A Consistent represents NASA’s future,” said Dr. Jonathan Fortney of Ames recently was honored Evolutionary History for Jupiter and Steven Zornetzer, associate director with the Early Career Fellow in Planetary Science Saturn’ that Fortney submitted to the for institutions and research at NASA award and research grant. The award honors Outer Planets Research Program in Ames. “His research will both inform outstanding young scientists for exceptional 2005. us and raise new questions that we achievement in space science research. He will receive a $160,000 research will need to answer in the future. grant over three years to study the Ames is proud that Jonathan and SETI you add sugar to your morning coffee cooling process of these giant planets, are breaking new barriers to under- – if you add too much sugar, it won’t and will have the opportunity to apply standing the evolution of planetary dissolve any more, and it simply sinks for an additional $120,000 in research bodies,” Zornetzer added. to the bottom,” said Fortney. “The grant funding. “I was given the award to study sinking sugar puts a tiny amount of Born and raised near St. Paul, the evolution and changing tem- additional energy into the coffee. It is Minn., he received his bachelor of sci- peratures of Jupiter and Saturn,” said not enough to raise the temperature of ence degree in physics from Iowa State Fortney, a former National Research the coffee, but it slightly slows down University in Ames, Iowa, in 1999, and Council postdoctoral associate and how fast the coffee cools off. Likewise, was awarded a doctorate in planetary now a Spitzer Space Telescope Fellow. but on a much larger scale, the sinking sciences from the University of Ari- “Specifically, I will try to understand helium imparts energy that slows the zona, Tucson, in 2004. how ‘helium rain’ affects the cooling cooling of a planet. It is not a perfect by Ruth Marlaire of these planets. Understanding this analogy because the sugar grains have cooling process will help astronomers detect and understand the temperature of giant planets in other solar systems as well,” he added. California Space Authority honors Ames According to Fortney, giant planets continued from front page are very hot when they form, but cool CSA also presented its Space Sci- faint and much farther from the planet off over time. Deep within the hot in- ence Research Award to planetary teriors of these planets, at one million than expected, the rings were located astronomer Dr. Mark Showalter of the by a careful analysis of nearly 100 times the atmospheric pressure that SETI Institute, Mountain View, and to we feel on Earth, hydrogen turns to a Voyager images. collaborating scientist Dr. Jack Lissau- The awards will be presented at liquid metal. After a giant planet has er of NASA Ames, for the discovery cooled significantly, the helium can the CSA SpotBeam awards dinner of two new rings, Uranus’s 12th and on Nov. 30 at the Westin Hotel, Los no longer mix with the surrounding 13th, and two new moons, Mab and metallic hydrogen, much as oil and Angeles International Airport, as part Cupid, around the planet. of the Transforming Space Conference water don’t mix. Instead of rising to The discovery was reported in the surface as oil does in water, the he- (http://www.californiaspaceauthority. December 2005, following a long-term org/conference2006/index.html). lium atoms merge to form drops that observing campaign by Showalter ‘rain’ into the deeper layers within the Governed by a statewide board and Lissauer. The two scientists cap- of directors, the CSA is a nonprofit planet. tured numerous visible-light images As the helium drops sink within corporation representing the commer- of Uranus between 2003 and 2005 cial, civil and national defense/home- the planet, the friction between the with Hubble’s Advanced Camera for drops and the surrounding metallic land security interests of California’s Surveys and also found the rings in diverse space enterprise community in hydrogen adds thermal energy to the archival images taken during Voyager planet. The result is that these plan- industry, government, academia and 2’s flyby of Uranus in 1986. Previously workforce. ets continue to cool, but much more unnoticed because they are extremely by Ann Sullivan slowly. Saturn, and perhaps Jupiter,

Astrogram October 2006 Globus and Cruikshank selected as Ames Associate Fellows Dr. Ruth Globus and Dr. Dale and function have established her as nia Academy of Sciences and of the Cruikshank have been named as Ames a leader in the field of gravitational American Geophysical Union. He was Associate Fellows for 2006. This is biology. She co-directs the Bone and one of the highest honors that Ames Signaling Laboratory at Ames and serves as a project science expert, de- veloping plans to prevent space flight deconditioning for the NASA artificial gravity and countermeasures projects. She serves as science manager for the Ames suite of centrifuges and scientist sponsor for the Space Settlement De- sign Contest education and outreach project at Ames. She has been success- ful in bringing more than $2 million in research awards in the last five years. Globus has also been an outstanding mentor for more than 40 undergraduate students graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars at Ames. Cruikshank was elected for his research achievements in planetary NASA photo by Dominic Hart Dr. Ruth Globus was selected by the Science science and astrophysics. He has made Dr. Dale Cruikshank was selected by the Science and Technology Council as an Ames Associate significant research contributions to and Technology council as an Ames Associate Fellow. She was awarded this honor for her the understanding of the surface com- Fellow for his research achievements in planetary research contribution and leadership in facili- position of solar systems objects. He science and astrophysics. Cruikshank also was tating and implementing innovative science is one of the pre-eminent authorities awarded the 2006 Gerard P. Kuiper Prize. programs. on organic matter and ices in the solar system. His work on outer planetary recently announced as the winner of bestows on its scientific and engineer- systems has contributed heavily to our the 2006 Gerard P. Kuiper Prize. ing staff. The award includes a $4,000 understanding of how organic matter The call for nomination for Ames personal honorarium, a $2,500 travel is connected to primitive bodies and Associate Fellows for 2007 has just grant and a $40,000 research stipend. how it may have been delivered to been issued via a centerwide an- Any civil servant with more than five Earth at early times. He also has made nouncement. Nominations of eligible years of service is eligible to win the major contributions to spacecraft staff members may be made by any award. The Science and Technology activities and to the organization of Ames staff member. Nominations are Council is responsible for making the planetary science and astronomy. He due no later than Nov. 17, 2006. selections. Globus was selected for her is internationally recognized for excel- Contact Dr. Stephanie Langhoff, research contributions and leadership lence in his research field with more chief scientist at NASA Ames, at slang- in facilitating and implementing inno- than 320 research articles in major [email protected], for further vative science programs. Her inves- journals. He has delivered numerous information. tigations into cellular and molecular invited lectures to both professional by Stephanie Langhoff mechanisms defining how gravita- scientists and amateur astronomers. tional loading affects skeletal structure Cruikshank is a Fellow of the Califor- Cruikshank - winner of 2006 Gerard P. Kuiper Prize The Division for Planetary Sciences and outer solar system bodies. His atmosphere, on Titan. of the American Astronomical Soci- discoveries, spanning four decades, Cruikshank pioneered thermal in- ety has awarded the 2006 Gerard P. confirm the early conjecture that com- frared determinations of the albedos of Kuiper Prize for outstanding contribu- mon ices are dominant components of small bodies beyond the asteroid main tions to the field of planetary science, outer solar system bodies. belt, leading to the recognition that and especially planetary astronomy, to With colleagues, he discovered low-albedo material is prevalent in the Dale Cruikshank, research scientist at the five ices known on Triton, three outer solar system. His spectroscopic NASA Ames. Cruikshank pioneered on Pluto, and water ice on satellites work gave the first firm evidence for the application of infrared spectrosco- of Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and complex organic solids on a planetary py to solar system bodies, developed Pluto. With colleagues, he was first to body (Saturn’s satellite Iapetus), and laboratory techniques that became find water ice in the Kuiper Belt, and provides the basis for progress on tools for interpreting the observations, methanol ice on a Centaur (an asteroid the identification of such materials and has been a leader in the design whose orbit is out beyond Jupiter) that elsewhere. of instruments for remote sensing ob- links these bodies to comets. A distinguished scientist and a rec- servations from deep space planetary The ices he found on Triton and ognized leader in the planetary com- exploration probes. Cruikshank’s key Pluto are the sources of the atmo- munity, Cruikshank has participated contributions concern the detection spheres of these two bodies, especially in a number of past and present NASA and characterization of volatiles and fitting discoveries as it was G.P. Kui- missions, including Voyager, Cassini, organics of the surfaces of asteroids per who discovered the first satellite Spitzer and New Horizons.

Astrogram October 2006 Ames presents Honor Awards for 2006

During an Oct. 4 ceremony, Ames presented its 2006 Honor Awards. Award recipients included:

Administrative Professional Joanne A. Comstock Evelyn T. Perez

Best First Paper at Ames T. Barbara Nguyen-Vu

Commercialization/Tech Transfer Award David L. Iverson FACET

Community Service/Volunteer NASA photo by Dominic Hart Wendy W. Dolci and Yvonne J. NASA Ames Honor Award recipients in the N201 auditoriumduring the awards ceremony held at Pendleton Ames in October. Eric R. Mueller

Contractor Employee Mark R. Anderson, Group/Team Safety and Environment QSS Group, Inc. ARC TOPS Proposal Team Susan P. Suffel Estela H. Buchmann Electronic Employee Checkout Arlen R. Lyon Science Applications Process Development Team International Corporation European Modular Cultivation Scientist/Researcher Nathan J. Burnside System (EMCS) Project Team Ramakrishna R. Nemani AerospaceComputing, Inc. Global Connection Project Scott A. Sandford Charles E. Niggley Computer Sciences Corporation 2006 Joint Flight Demonstration Secretary/Admin. Assistant Sup- Daniel T. Pappas, Jr., Test Team port Planners Collaborative STS-121 FIT Payload Team Erlinda M. Fox Karin E. Perkins, Vertical Motion Simulator JSF Lockheed Martin Team Student Engineering & Sciences Co. Christiana E. Woodward Christopher D. Youngquist, Mentor INFONETIC Charles R. Friedericks Supervisor/Manager Raymond T. Gilstrap Sidney Sun EEO Joseph W. Skiles III Kimberly M. Wagenbach Wendy L. Holforty Project Manager Technical Support Engineer Daniel R. Andrews Thomas H. Hinke Stuart E. Rogers Mike D. Madson Hugh La Master Glen E. Sasaki Julie A. Mikula Gloria K. Yamauchi Kent C. Shiffer Technician John G. Amaral

Astrogram October 2006 Ames’ Jonathan Trent wins nanotechnology award For his work in using proteins into ordered structures and for us to port our research on bio-nano technol- from extremophiles to create na- use genetic engineering to change ogy,” he said. “We have one project noscale electronic and medical devic- nature’s plans, transforming these to transform sawdust into ethanol for es, Ames’ Jonathan Trent won a ‘Nano structures into something useful,” the DOE bio-fuel initiative. We’re also 50 award,’ that Nanotech Briefs will said Trent, principal investigator of a working on bio-sensors to detect bio present to him during a conference in research project to produce ‘nano-elec- threats, or any form of life, which may Boston, Nov. 9 -10, 2006. tronics’ at NASA Ames. A nanometer be interesting to NASA’s future Mars Extremophiles are forms of life is roughly 100,000 times smaller than missions.” that survive in extreme conditions, the width of a human hair. “Build- The Nano 50 awards recognize including severe heat, cold and acidic ing structures on the nanoscale is an the top 50 technologies, products and conditions, among others. Nanotech incredible engineering challenge,” he innovators that have significantly im- Briefs, launched in January 2004, is a said. pacted - or are expected to impact - the digital magazine from the publishers Trent currently is working on two state of the art in nanotechnology. related nanotechnology projects. “We of NASA Tech Briefs. by John Bluck “Our innovation takes advantage are attempting to get funding from the of the innate ability of proteins to form Department of Energy (DOE) to sup-

Speakers sought to share the Vision for Space Exploration Would you like to share the civic and social organizations. Speak- excitement of working for NASA, to ers also may participate in conferenc- inform the public about the agency es, workshops and lectures, and staff and the Vision for Space Explora- NASA exhibits at local community tion, to inspire the next generation events. of explorers and to stimulate their To carry out this important work, interest in math and science? Do you the Speakers Bureau needs YOUR have an upcoming speaking engage- help. We need a listing of potential ment or need a speaker from NASA speakers, their areas of interest and to talk at the event? If so, the NASA expertise, and their availability. Speak- Ames Speaker’s Bureau can help! ers with a wide range of backgrounds, The people who talk to commu- skills and experiences are needed. We nity and educational groups about need speakers with expertise in sci- NASA, about Ames and about their ence, aeronautics, space flight, com- jobs play a vital role in ‘spread- puters and living in space. We espe- ing the word’ about the agency. cially need bilingual volunteers who People love to hear about NASA can reach out to underserved groups. and consider this one of the ‘cool- In FY06, Speakers Bureau vol- est’ places to work. Whether you are unteers reached more than 40,000 talking to a classroom of 30 eager individuals with information about Jennifer Kremer, Planner’s Collaborative, students, addressing 3,000 people at NASA and its programs, all delivered speaks to an elementary classroom as part of the a math, science and technology fair, with a personal point of view. We NASA Ames Speakers Bureau Program. She or speaking at a meeting of the local can do even more, but we need more is describing the different functions of a NASA civic club, you are helping to spread speakers! spacesuit to the students. the word about NASA and Ames. Anyone -- scientists, engineers and other states. The NASA Ames Speakers administrative staff, both civil servants You can help share the NASA Bureau, lead by Sheila Johnson of and contractors -- can help the Speak- vision and excitement of working the Public Affairs Division, supports ers Bureau reach out to the Bay Area for NASA by volunteering for an this invaluable service by provid- community, as well as to other states. event or notifying the Speakers ing speakers who offer programs For those who are interested, and Bureau of an upcoming speech you and information to the educational whose supervisors agree, we some- are presenting. Please contact Sheila community, libraries and museums, times have travel opportunities (paid Johnson, Speakers Bureau manager as well as to professional, technical, by the requesting organization) to at ext. 4-5054.

Astrogram October 2006 NASA computer systems help explore ocean depths and beyond The problems scientists must included 13 vessels, fixed and drifting onstrated during MB 06 -- XBoard and solve to enable robots to explore Mars instruments and several dozen robotic ScienceOrganizer -- are in the forefront and examine Earth’s oceans are very vehicles. of NASA’s efforts to proficiently plan similar, according to NASA computer “It’s a demonstration project,” said and conduct science. They and prede- scientists. Kanna Rajan, principal researcher for cessor NASA systems are intended to One major difficulty for large, autonomy at the Monterey Bay Aquar- help scientists avoid excessive paper collaborative groups of scientists scat- ium Research Institute (MBARI), Moss handling, to improve organization, to tered around the globe is for them to Landing, Calif. MBARI is the institu- increase speed and to help simplify their jobs. For MB 06, ScienceOrganizer stores scientific proposals, short text sum- maries, data, plots, graphs and written analyses. All these are interlinked in multiple ways to make it easier for scientists to find and access information they want. In 2003 and 2004, NASA used ScienceOrganizer to help during the investigation of the space shuttle Columbia accident. The second system, XBoard, includes a central server computer to store hand-written ideas, pictures, diagrams and data. Electronic ‘white- Photo courtesy of David Fierstein (c) 2003 MBARI boards’ -- about the size of small chalkboards -- can display these items simultaneously at various sites across the world where teams of scientists work. Scientists at each location can brainstorm, print lists of ideas and sketch on the whiteboards, which are The Autonomous Ocean Sampling Network (AOSN) Monterey 2003 Field Experiment involved sev- large enough for each group of scien- eral ships and dozens of floating, diving and flying oceanographic instruments operating simultane- tists to study without squinting. These ously. The goal was to observe and model water movement, temperature and other upwelling-related electronic whiteboards - XBoards -- are processes in Monterey Bay over a 4-week period during August 2003. This is a computer-generated also touch screens that scientists can image of the Monterey Bay study area. touch with their fingers to control each whiteboard’s computer programs, just cooperatively and efficiently operate tion that organized the MB 06 effort. as scientists could control them with instruments and robots investigating “MBARI is a key player because all the computer mice. distant planets and moons. data come through the MBARI data “In the XBoard, one of my students To meet these challenges, NASA portal. It (gathers) in data from under- has built what’s called a situational experts have developed computer water assets, ships and underwater awareness tool,” Rajan noted. “That ‘tools’ to keep these scientists on the robots - everything,” Rajan explained. tells you where each asset is located in ‘same page’ using the power of elec- “This particular engagement the ocean based on a global position- tronic ‘whiteboards,’ computers and with MBARI has to do with enabling ing system (GPS) location, and it (the the Internet’s linking ability to connect scientists to track their reasoning awareness tool) also connects each of people, machines and spacecraft. processes as they conduct their field the assets to the data stream so you Two NASA systems that increase experiments,” said Richard Keller, can look at the data and assess what speed and efficiency for scientists a computer scientist in charge of the ship or the robot is doing,” Rajan are XBoard and ScienceOrganizer. To ScienceOrganizer software develop- said. demonstrate how useful they could ment at NASA Ames. According to Rajan, using XBoard, be, NASA Ames provided them to “In terms of using ScienceOrga- the MB 06 scientists were able to get scientists during a major experiment nizer to track the scientific reason- together every other day. in the Pacific Ocean off the central ing and planning processes, this is a For more information about the coast of California - the largest oceano- new way of using our tool,” Keller MBARI undersea experiments, please graphic field study ever conducted in observed. “We haven’t had anybody visit: http://www.mbari.org/ the United States. use the system for this purpose during mb2006/default.htm From July through mid September an actual scientific mission, but we For more information about 2006, oceanographic researchers from did develop a prototype for the Mars ScienceOrganizer, please visit: http:// more than a dozen institutions car- Exploration Rovers mission. This (the sciencedesk.arc.nasa.gov ried out four major experiments in a group of Monterey Bay experiments) by John Bluck mammoth, multi-pronged effort in is an opportunity for us to test some Monterey Bay, home of a deep under- of these ideas in the field in practice,” water canyon. The overall experiment, Keller said. called Monterey Bay 2006, or ‘MB 06,’ The two computer systems dem- Astrogram October 2006 NASA helps aircraft glide into a more efficient landing NASA is saving jet fuel by helping runway. The FMS uses this prediction ing 777 have been estimated at 200 to aircraft achieve the ideal glide path as to accurately guide and control the air- 800 pounds per flight, in comparison they approach a crowded airport for craft to landing with very few manual with simulated operations represent- landing. inputs required by the flight crew. ing congested traffic periods where NASA Ames and The Boeing Com- Along with fuel savings, OTA ap- continuous descent approaches are pany, Chicago, Ill., in partnership with proaches have the potential to signifi- impeded,” he added. the Federal Aviation Administration cantly reduce noise and environmental Trials are expected to continue (FAA), Washington; United Airlines, impact at surrounding airports. Tai- later this year after the initial data are Chicago; and the San Francisco Inter- lored arrivals also may reduce work- compiled and analyzed. national Airport (SFO), have com- load by providing pilots and control- The Oceanic Tailored Arrivals pleted trials to study the effectiveness lers with a common understanding of Initiative is funded through the NASA of the Oceanic Tailored Arrivals (OTA) the intended arrival path and reducing Airspace Systems Program at NASA concept for aircraft landing at SFO. the need for voice communications. Headquarters, Washington. The En Currently, the ideal landing ap- Tailored arrivals enable pilots to fly Route Descent Advisor is a build- proach, an even continuous descent, airplanes as they were designed to ing block of the next-generation air often is interrupted with course be flown, which helps reduce crew transportation system that scientists at changes and altitude level-offs. These workload and errors, according to Rob NASA Ames are helping define. deviations can result in increased Mead, Boeing Phantom Works lead For more information about the fuel use, noise and environmental engineer for advanced air traffic man- NASA/Boeing Oceanic Tailored Arriv- emissions. The study is investigating agement air/ground communications. als Initiative, visit: http://www.nasa. the customization of aircraft descent In addition to the SFO trials, Boe- gov/centers/ames/research/2006/ procedures using the latest in com- ing has spearheaded trials in Australia conops_ota.html munications and aircraft navigation and the Netherlands. For more information about technology and NASA air traffic man- “Early reaction from pilots and NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission agement algorithms to maintain the controllers to the OTA concept has Directorate, visit: http://aeronautics. ideal approach. been very encouraging,” said Coppen- nasa.gov “The goal of the Oceanic Tailored barger. “Initial fuel savings for a Boe- by Jonas Dino Arrivals initiative is to allow aircraft to and Daryl Stephenson descend in a manner that is both fuel efficient and environmentally friend- ly,” said Rich Coppenbarger, lead Ames and M2Mi Corp. to develop investigator for the Oceanic Tailored ‘Automated M2M Intelligence’ Arrivals Initiative at NASA Ames. To help enable “We are prototyping automation tools machines to make and procedures to help controllers choices and efficient- strategically anticipate and solve ar- ly communicate with rival problems well in advance, allow- one another without ing for more ideal descent operations, human interven- especially during busy traffic periods tion, NASA Ames where potential benefits are greatest.” and M2Mi Corp. During the initial portion of the have agreed to work trials, researchers are working with together to develop controllers at the FAA’s Oakland Air- automated ‘machine- Route Traffic Control Center and the to-machine (M2M) Northern California Terminal Radar intelligence.’ Approach Control to tailor the ap- An agreement proach of a United Airlines Boeing 777 between the center equipped with state-of-the-art avion- and M2Mi Corp. ics, approaching SFO en route from calls for the two Hawaii. organizations to At approximately 300 miles from cooperate to evolve Johnson Space Center’s Robonaut (foreground) performing a mock weld the destination airport, a four-dimen- ‘automated M2M in- sional descent profile, customized while Ames Research Center’s K10 robot (center) assists two EVA crew telligence’ for space inspecting a previously welded seam. for each aircraft and airspace condi- missions. A satellite tions, is generated with help from the that would repair itself in low orbit is NASA Ames-developed En Route tion in science and research disciplines an example of how the new, automat- critical to space exploration. Descent Advisor (EDA). The ideal ed M2M intelligence could be used in descent profile is then transmitted via “We are delighted to cooper- the very near future. M2Mi is located ate with the M2Mi Corp. to develop high-speed data link to the aircraft. in NASA Research Park, a dynamic Once reviewed by the flight crew, the automated intelligence for comput- research and education community ers, spacecraft and robots so they can profile is loaded automatically into the adjacent to NASA Ames that culti- aircraft’s flight management system ‘mind-meld,’ enabling them to make vates collaborative partnerships with their own decisions,” said S. Pete (FMS) where it is used to compute a academia, industry and non-profits complete trajectory prediction to the Worden, director of NASA Ames, who to stimulate innovation and educa- continued on page 8

Astrogram October 2006 Ames and M2Mi Corp. to develop M2M intelligence continued from page 7 recently signed the agreement. “In facilitate change,” he said. automation] is commercial enter- turn, M2Mi intends to spin off auto- Automated M2M intelligence will prise software that will optimize how mated intelligent software to industry enable machines to be aware of what machines work. For example, this to help make business and factories is going on around them, foresee automated M2M intelligence would more efficient,” Worden said. events and be able to make plans and permit an automated factory to adjust Automated M2M intelligence will decisions without human intervention, its system to be more efficient,” Brown work with a wide variety of mecha- according to computer scientists. said. nisms including wired or wireless “The prime market [for intelligent by John Bluck tools, sensors, devices, server computers, robots, spacecraft and grid systems. A grid system is a network of many computers that can work together to complete tasks. NASA scientists invite news media to “Our technology interconnects all machines and provides an intelligent workshop about the search for alien life way for them to communicate and exchange information much more effi- For the first time, NASA scientists public’s demand to remove ‘evolution’ ciently than before,” said Geoff Brown, invited journalists to a prestigious from public school textbooks. CEO and M2Mi Corp. founder. workshop in Chicago to discuss the “I write for people who have an in- “It provides a basis for true ma- challenges of communicating science terest in science,” said David Perlman, chine self-dependency. We are hon- science ored to partner with NASA to further editor for develop this technology in demanding the San and unique environments,” Brown Francisco explained. Chronicle, “The vast cost of machine manage- when ment is actually in the machines and asked who complexity of the machines. Devices he writes currently communicate in a very ex- for. ”It isn’t pensive way. For example, if you look my job to at the space shuttle, the cost of hav- pick up ing computers communicate is very the role of expensive,” Brown noted. to the public. The third Pale Blue a failed education system. The biggest According to computer scientists, Dot workshop was held at the Adler obstacle in my job is the competition automated M2M intelligence uses a Planetarium and Astronomy Museum for space with other reporters. I’m recognized standard ‘semantic web’ in September. The ‘pale blue dot’ constantly fighting for space to tell a communication format so all machines refers to Carl Sagan’s description of story,” Perlman lamented. can converse easily. Automated M2M Earth’s appearance from space, and is “As a science reporter, my biggest intelligence encodes the information the name of the series of workshops problem is being inundated with in- that computers and machines need to co-convened by Adler and the NASA formation. I receive over 200 e-mails a exchange into a universal language Astrobiology Institute. day requesting that I write someone’s - the semantic web. Similarly, human “Our sphere of knowledge is much story,” said Leonard David, a science beings speak hundreds of languages greater now, and because of this, journalist for Space.com. worldwide, and these people some- substantial involvement by the media Some felt that the public’s indif- times use a universal language -- such has become increasingly important,” ference to science has had an effect on as French or English - to ease commu- said Dr. David Des Marais, a principal some projects in the past. One example nications. investigator at the NASA Astrobiology was the shutdown of the Supercon- “This removes a lot of cost and Institute at NASA Ames. ducting Super Collider project in 1993 complexity (when computers and Casual table talk between the me- by the U.S. Congress. other machines are) talking to one dia and scientists included the public’s A discussion of the social benefits another,” Brown said. “We focus on reaction to Pluto’s re-classification to of keeping the public informed of sci- making it easier for software to com- a dwarf planet. “I don’t think Pluto entific developments raised the issues municate with the actual machines. cares what we call it,” said Dr. Alan of helping people make sense of their It is similar to making a human brain Grinspoon, an internationally known lives and directing their attention to communicate more easily with the planetary scientist and recipient of the needs of future job markets. body’s muscles,” Brown clarified. the American Astronomical Society’s The NASA Astrobiology Institute “The problem is, if you have a 2006 Carl Sagan Award. “There really currently represents more than 700 hundred machines, and you roll out is great science being done; it’s more investigators across the United States. new software without automated than just nomenclature.” It also has partnerships with astrobiol- M2M intelligence, you can’t change While some discussed the public’s ogy research organizations around the passion over Pluto’s demoted status, world. your components in real time,” Brown by Ruth Marlaire said, explaining some of today’s others were similarly interested in the problems. “It’s not flexible enough to

Astrogram October 2006 University students help NASA with GeneSat mission Dozens of university students lite will be a ‘secondary payload’ on the GeneSat mission operations center are helping NASA to prepare, moni- an Air Force Minotaur rocket, derived at NASA Ames. tor and analyze the science from a from a Minuteman missile and modi- Santa Clara University students ‘nano’ satellite scheduled to launch in fied to launch payloads into orbit. will control the spacecraft from the December. The main purpose of the launch from mission operations center at NASA NASA’s GeneSat-1 satellite is the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Ames. The students developed soft- scheduled to ride aboard an Air Force Virginia is to loft an Air Force TacSat ware that will send commands to the rocket being launched into Earth orbit 2 satellite into orbit. NASA’s separate satellite, analyze spacecraft health and on Dec. 11, 2006. The small satellite GeneSat-1 will carry bacteria inside a calibrate biological data. will carry bacteria that researchers miniature laboratory to study how the With this program, NASA contin- will analyze to determine the effects microbes may change genetically dur- ues the agency’s tradition of investing of space flight on microscopic living ing spaceflight. in the nation’s education programs. things. The micro-laboratory includes The program directly ties into the Ames provided a media opportu- sensors and optical systems that can agency’s major education goal of nity Oct. 26 for reporters to interview detect proteins and specific genetic strengthening NASA and the nation’s students from Santa Clara University, activity. The student-operated GeneSat future workforce. Through this and Santa Clara, who are helping NASA communications system, located in the the agency’s other college and univer- with the GeneSat-1 mission. In addi- Stanford foothills, will receive data via sity programs, NASA will identify and tion, Ames’ John Hines GeneSat proj- radio from the satellite’s onboard mi- develop the critical skills and capabili- ect manager, and Bruce Yost, GeneSat cro-laboratory after it has completed ties needed to achieve the Vision for mission manager, were also on hand its observations and tests of the bacte- Space Exploration. for interviews with the media. ria carried on the spacecraft. This data by John Bluck The 10-pound (4.5-kilogram) satel- will be relayed through the Internet to NRP welcomes Advanced Wireless Communications New NRP partner Advanced people in early 2005 and immediately “Advanced Wireless has been well Wireless Communications (AWC) Inc. doubled to six in our original 2500 sq. received by NRP. We find it appealing designs and maintains metro-scale ft. Pacific Grove headquarters. Since to be surrounded by brilliant compa- (citi-wide) wireless networks, and at- arriving at the NASA Research Park nies and brilliant people in Silicon Val- tempts to do what most people see as this September we have again doubled ley’s technology sector. Surrounding impossible. to 12. We have decided to make NRP ourselves by the technology industry AWC has been awarded jobs our headquarters and are now open- allows us to give our best”, Gold said. throughout the United States and has ing offices in the midwest and on the “We are very interested in work- worked with many East Coast.” ing with NASA not only to deploy, California public but to develop wireless safety agencies. The latest partner to join the NASA Re- technology to support “We specialize in search Park (NRP) is Advanced Wireless FEMA and Homeland surveillance sys- Communication (AWC) Inc. AWC team Security. We are in tems coupled with members are, left to right, Jeff Ottinger, discussion with NASA wireless technology Zachary Pereyo, Brian Trumbull, Tor Ames to participate in Amundson, Andrew Gold and Dusty emergency communica- transport. We want Rhoades. The AWC team designs and to apply technol- tion testing. We would maintains metro scale (citi-wide) wireless like to provide equip- ogy in ways never networks. before seen,” said ment and test protocols AWC Chief Technol- to support all such ogy Officer Zachary organizations.” Pereyo. “We forecast con- “Most of our tinued growth, expect- work is now terres- photo by Diane Farrar ing to have more than trial based and often 25 engineers and IT focused on emer- skilled employees by gency communications,” said AWC “We are very interested in lunar the beginning of 2007. We are looking Director of Operations Brian Trumbull. and interplanetary communications, for the best and the brightest. We are “Wireless communication systems including all forms of satellite com- in search of installers with exceptional are extremely effective in overcoming munication,” said AWC chairman mechanical experience, and engineers catastrophic events. We can provide Andrew Gold. “We formed an R&D with wireless and emergency technical an immediate response and deploy department, and our engineers have skills”, Gold said. communication systems rapidly to significant satellite experience. We AWC Inc. was founded in 2005 in prevent communication breakdowns would like to be able to provide Monterey, Calif., as a spin-off from like those that occurred during Hur- increased data flow capacity between another high technology networking ricane Katrina,” he added. here and the moon, in support of the company. “We are growing astronomi- government and the emerging com- by Diane Farrar cally,” said Trumbull. “We had three mercial space industry.” Astrogram October 2006 In and around Ames . . . Ames’ Salinas Air Show exhibit attracts huge crowds

NASA Ames staffed a tent exhibit at the 2006 Salinas California International Air Show recently. The NASA exhibit was a collaboration with the Salinas Valley Memorial Heathcare System and featured astronaut Steve Robinson signing autographs. The tent contained almost 1,000 square -feet of exhibits, demonstrations and information about research and programs at Ames. An estimated 3,000 visitors came through the exhibit. Highlights of the exhibit included scale models of the Pioneer spacecraft operated by Ames and an interactive display of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), an airborne observatory that will study the universe in the infrared spectrum in our galaxy. Also featured in the tent was a space- shuttle heat-shield tile demonstration. Photos by Astrid Olson

Fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Golf Tournament held

The Hispanic Advisory Committee for Em- ployees (HACE) celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept.15 - Oct. 15) by hosting the 4th Annual Hispanic Heritage Golf Tournament at the Moffett Golf Course. Many golf enthusiasts participated and many non-golfing enthusiasts came out to enjoy the Mariachi group that performed after the golf tournament. The entire HACE team would like to thank everyone who participated and supported this event. The golf tournament was a great success and we hope to see more familiar faces on the green next time.

Photos by Vivian Torres

10 Astrogram October 2006

Ames holds safety fair, chili cook off and fun run NASA photo by Dominic Hart Dominic by photo NASA

On Oct. 4, NASA Ames held a fun run (top left photo) and on Oct. 5, the annual safety fair (lower right photo) and chili cook off (remaining photos). Awards for the cook off were as fol- lows: Judges’ Choice: #18 Hog Wild; Five Alarm: #3 Southern Death Cult Renaissance; Best Presentation: #13 Merlin’s Magic; People’s Choice: 1st Place, #7 NFAC is Back and 2nd Place, #15 Wizards of Chili

NASA photos (chili, safety) by Tom Trower

Ames celebrates NASA’s birthday

On Oct. 1, 1958, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) passed into history at the relatively young age of 43, and the National Aero- nautics and Space Administration was born. The new agency boasted three laboratories (now research centers) and a workforce of 8,000 people. Its annual budget was $100 million. This year, NASA celebrates its 48th birthday. Its civil service workforce has more than doubled and the number of centers has tripled. The budget has grown a bit as well. The Ames Exchange helped celebrate the birthday by inviting Ames employees to enjoy an ‘anniversary cake’ in celebration of NASA’s 48th year during the lunch hour at the Ames Cafeteria on Oct. 2.

NASA photo by Dominic Hart

Astrogram 11 October 2006 In memory of . . .

Ames employee Nolie Johnson Nolie Johnson passed away Sallie Johnson of on Sept. 13 at Stanford Univer- Dillon, South Caro- sity Medical Center, after years of lina, as well as a host struggling with a rare lung disease. of family members Johnson worked for many years at and friends in South NASA Ames until his health forced Carolina, Texas and him to stop working. He was a California. Services member of the African-American were held in Dillon, Advisory Group (AAAG) at Ames, South Carolina on a contributor to the Astrogram and Sept. 23 and at his an avid horseman. His children home in Merced, and horses were his first love. Calif., on Oct. 8. He leaves behind his wife, Lynn Johnson; two sons, Joshua and Caleb, of Texas; his mother, Nolie Johnson (right) worked in Code JIT at NASA Ames.

Ames engineer David Engelbert David Engelbert passed away on the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Sept. 22 following a lengthy battle Complex. with cancer. Engelbert joined Ames Engelbert also was project man- in 1963 with an engineering degree ager for the unique Vertical Motion from Colorado State University and Simulator, which is used to prepare retired from Ames in 1996, dur- space shuttle commanders and pilots ing which time he made significant for their final approach and landing contributions as a project manager, flight maneuvers on return from orbit. engineering branch chief, Engineer- In his ‘retirement,’ Engelbert held ing and Facilities Division chief and management positions in the pri- as deputy director for facilities and vate sector, served as San Jose State operations. University’s principal investigator for During his tenure at Ames, he the creation of the Space Technology was recognized as an outstanding Center for small spacecraft develop- manager who had oversight of engi- ment, while finding time to travel ex- neering design of major space proj- tensively and enjoy his grandchildren ects and the design and construction Allie and Nick Chew. of a wide range of facilities projects. On Sept. 28, 120 of Engelbert’s Working with principal investiga- family and friends held a ‘celebration tor Palmer Dyal, he created the first of life’ service for Engelbert at the lunar surface magnetometer, which Hakone Gardens in Saratoga. Engel- David Engelbert flew with the Apollo astronauts to bert is survived by his wife Lynne the moon. He permanently changed and their four children: Lisa Engelbert, the skyline of Ames by directing the Jennifer (Engelbert) Chew, Shanti Sethi construction of the 80-foot-by-120- and Sam Kalitta. foot addition to the 40-foot-by-80-foot wind tunnel subsequently named

12 Astrogram October 2006 Alfred J. Eggers Jr., manned space flight pioneer

Alfred J. Eggers Jr., a NASA Ames sistant administrator for policy when scientist, was famous for his pioneer- he left in 1971 to become the National ing work on atmospheric re-entry. Space Foundation’s first director. Eggers was born June 24, 1922, in After the six-year stint in Washing- Omaha, Neb. As a child, he favored ton, D.C., Eggers returned to the Bay math and was fascinated with air- Area and started his own company, planes. He did his undergraduate Research Applied to National Needs, work at University of Omaha, then in Palo Alto. He refused to retire until continued his studies at Stanford six months ago, when he learned he University, where he earned a master’s had lung cancer.

degree in science and, in 1956, a doc- Eggers died Sept. 22 at his home photo by Cesar Acosta NASA torate in engineering mechanics. in Atherton. ``Several weeks earlier, Eggers was named one of the I asked him what he was think- ``Ten Outstanding Young Men of ing about,’’ Jock Eggers said. The 1957.’’ He was affiliated with a num- 84-year-old’s answer was ``thermal ber of prestigious science and aerodynamics.’’ nautical associations, was a Jerome It was the ``perfect storm’’ when Hunsaker professor at the Massachu- Eggers was pulled out of the Navy’s setts Institute of Technology for sev- officer training school to join NACA. eral years and, when home, enjoyed a There was money after World War II, round of golf with the Stanford Golf his son said, and also ``a clear and Club. present danger,’’ when the Soviet Alfred J. Eggers Jr. Eggers’ greatest achievement while Union launched Sputnik in 1958. employed at NASA, was his work Eggers was put in charge of NASA’s on supersonic interference lift, which manned satellite team the same year. led to the XB-70 Valkyrie supersonic He is survived by his wife, Eliza- Memorial Church. Contributions in bomber. beth Anne Eggers; sons Alfred J. Egg- Alfred J. Eggers Jr.’s name can be sent Eggers lived for his work, said his ers III of Vallejo and Philip Eggers of to Pathways Hospice, 585 N. Mary elder son, Alfred “Jock’’ Eggers. His Salt Lake City; a brother, Robert Eg- Ave., Sunnyvale, Calif., 94085. father joined the National Advisory gers of Kennewick, Wash.; and three Committee for Aeronautics, the pre- grandchildren. Services are sched- cursor to NASA, in 1944. He was as- uled for 2 p.m. Nov. 9 at Stanford

NASA Shared Services Center update PCS / TCS relocation On Oct. 2, 2006, the NASA Shared is [email protected] contact. No alterations will occur to Services Center (NSSC) began facilitat- The NSSC is coordinating efforts employees’ current entitlements. Ad- ing and supporting the administrative to make the transition seamless for ditionally, the NASA Human Resource processes for permanent change of NASA and its employees. This transi- (HR) Office also experienced minimal station (PCS) and temporary change tion will have no affect on employees change. of station (TCS) travel for all All relocation authoriza- NASA centers. tions made on or after Oct. By visiting the NSSC 2 were approved by the customer service Web site (see NASA center, but coordi- URL below), employees and nated through the NSSC. Each centers can access up-to-date centers’ HR office will com- information and quick refer- plete, approve and forward a ence guides that explain the relocation authorization form services that will be provided to the NSSC for the employ- by the NSSC. Questions or ee’s authorized relocation. Once the concerns pertaining to relocation may authorized relocation or travel prior relocation form has been received by also be directed to the NSSC customer to Oct. 2, 2006. Therefore, any em- the NSSC, the relocation process will contact center between 7 a.m. and 7 ployee currently on travel, or who is begin. p.m., CST. authorized to travel, will continue to More information about the pro- The NSSC contact center Web site coordinate through the current point cess may be found by accessing the address is www.nssc.nasa.gov/cus- of contact. After Oct. 2, 2006, em- following Web site at http://www. tomerservice The telephone number ployees should have seen a minimal nssc.nasa.gov/customerservice/fm/ is (877) NSSC-123. The e-mail address change and only then to their point of cto/changeOfStation/index.htm

Astrogram 13 October 2006 Ames Ongoing Monthly Events Calendar

Ames Amateur Radio Club, third Thursday Ames Contractor Council Mtg, first Wednes- Environmental Forum, first Thursday every of each month, 12 noon, N-T28 (across from day each month, 11 a.m., N-200, Comm. Rm. other month, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Bldg. N-255). POC: Michael Wright, KG6BFK, at POC: Doreen Cohen, ext. 4-5203. 218/2nd floor training room. URL: http:// ext. 4-6262. q/qe/events/EHSseries/ POC: Stacy St. Ames Diabetics (AAD), 1st & 3rd Weds, 12 Louis at ext. 4-6810. Ames Ballroom Dance Club, Classes on noon to 1 p.m., at Ames Mega Bites, Sun room. Tuesdays. Beginning classes meet at 5:15 Support group discusses news affecting dia- The Hispanic Advisory Committee for Ex- p.m. Higher-level class meets at 5:50 p.m. betics. POC: Bob Mohlenhoff, ext. 4-2523/e- cellence (HACE) Mtg, first Thurs of month Held in Bldg. 944, the Rec. Center. POC: mail at: [email protected]. in N255 room 101C from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 Helen Hwang at [email protected], ext. p.m. POC: Eric Kristich at ext. 4-5137 and 4-1368. Ames Federal Employees Union (AFEU) Mtg, Mark Leon at ext. 4-6498. third Wednesday of ea. month, 12 p.m. to 1 Ames Bicycling Club, Every 3rd Wednes- p.m., Bldg. 221, Rm 104. Guests welcome. Jetstream Toastmasters, Mondays, 12 p.m. to day of the month. The meeting location is Info at: http://www.afeu.org. POC: Marianne 1 p.m., N-269/Rm.179. POC: Miwa Hayashi Building 19, Conference Room 1083 and the Mosher, ext. 4-4055. at ext. 4-1397, [email protected], meeting time is 12 noon - 1 p.m. Contact Web: http://jetstream.freetoasthost.com Julie Nottage at [email protected], Ames Mac Support Group Mtg, third Tuesday ext. 4-3711. By-laws of Ames Bicycling Club of ea. month, 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m., Bldg. N262, Native American Advisory Committee Mtg, can be found at http://zen.arc.nasa.gov; the Rm 180. POC: Tony ext. 4-0340. fourth Tues each month, 12 noon to 1 p.m., link is right under the picture. Bldg. 19, Rm 1096. POC: Mike Liu at ext. Ames Model Aircraft Club, flying radio-con- 4-1132. Ames Bowling League, Homestead Lanes trolled aircraft at the north end of Parsons Ave. on Thursday nights at 6:20 p.m. Seeking on weekend mornings. POC: Mark Sumich, substitute bowlers. Questions to sign up: ext. 4-6193. Mike Liu at ext. 4-1132. Ames Sailing Club Mtg, second Thursday Ames Child Care Center Board of of ea. month (Feb through Nov), from 12:00 Directors Mtg, every other Tuesday in N- p.m. -1:00 p.m. in Bldg. N-262, Rm 100. URL: 229/Rm 117 from 12 - 1:30 p.m. POC: Julie http://sail.arc.nasa.gov/. POC: Becky Hooey, Schonfeld, ext. 4-6504. ext. 4-2399.

Safety Data

Protective Services NASA-Ames Occupational monthly activity Illness-Injury Data for Calendar Year-to-Date 2006 A statistical summary of activities of the Protective Services Division’s Security/Law Jan. 1, 2006 – Sept. 30, 2006 Enforcement and Fire Protection Services units for the month of July 2006 is shown below. Civil Contractors Servants

Security/Law Enforcement Activity First aid cases 11 17

Lost Workday cases 0 3

Recordable cases 3 7

Fire Protection Activity Restricted duty days 0 0

Above data are as of 09/30/06. May be subject to slight adjustment in the event of a new case or new information regarding an existing case.

14 Astrogram October 2006 Exchange Information Vacation rental, Bass Lake, 4 mls south of Yosemite. Ames Classifieds 3bd/1.5 ba, TV, VCR, MW, frplc, BBQ, priv. boat Ads for the next issue should be sent to astrogram@ Information about products, services and oppor- dock. Sleeps 8. $1,050/wk. Call (559) 642-3600 or mail.arc.nasa.gov and must be resubmitted for each tunities provided to the employee and contractor (650) 390-9668. issue. Ads must involve personal needs or items; (no community by the Ames Exchange Council. Visit commercial/third-party ads) and will run on a space- the web site at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov Big Sur vacation rental, secluded 4bd/2ba house available basis only. First-time ads are given priority. in canyon setting. Fully eqpd kitchen. Access to Ads must include home phone numbers; Ames exten- Beyond Galileo Gift Shop N-235 in priv. beach. Tub in patio gdn. Halfway between sions and email addresses will be accepted for carpool the cafeteria (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) ext. 4-6873 Carmel and Big Sur. $175/night for 2; $225 for 4 and and lost and found ads only. Due to the volume of Don’t forget to purchase your baby shower, birth- $250 for more, plus $150 cleaning dep. Call (650) material received, we are unable to verify the accuracy day, holiday gifts at Ames’ two gift shops! 328-4427. of the statements made in the ads. Caveat emptor! Visitor Center Gift Shop N-943 Pine Mountain Lake vacation home. Access to golf, Housing (M-F, 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sat 12 p.m. to 4 tennis, lake, swimming, horseback riding, walk to p.m.) ext. 4-5412 beach. Three bedrooms/sleeps 10. $100/night. Call House to share for 2 people - 4 bd/2.5 ba, close (408) 799-4052 or (831) 623-4054. to Highway 85 - direct route to Ames - in Los NASA logo merchandise, souvenirs, toys, gifts and Gatos. Large pleasant yard, living room, family educational items. Incline Village, Forest Pines, Lake Tahoe condo, 3 bdrms/2 ba, sleeps 8, fireplace, TVs/VCR/DVD, room, quiet family neighborhood. $750 per Tickets, etc...(N-943 outside the main month per person plus $250 dep. Contact owner stereo w/CD player, microwv, W/D, jacuzzi, sauna, gate, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) ext. 4-5412 and Beyond outdoor pool. Walk to lake. Close to ski areas. Visit at (559) 338-0066 for more information. Galileo (4-6873) web site for pictures: http://www.ACruiseStore.com $135/night spring and fall, $173/night summer and Unfurnished room in house in San Jose, close to Mega Bites Cafeteria N-235 (6 a.m. winter (holidays higher) plus $125 cleaning fee and light rail and Caltrain. $525 incl utils and WiFi. to 2 p.m.) ext. 4-5969/Catering ext. 4-2161 12 percent Nevada room tax. Charlie (650) 743-8990. Available to quiet, mature, non-smoking female student or professional. Email: mbualat@stan- See daily menu at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov New York, 5th Ave. One fully furnished bedroom fordalumni.org or call (408) 578-9580. in 24 hour security bldg. overlooking Washington Moffett Field Golf Club with ‘Tee Square Park, $1,000/wk or $3,000/mo. negotiable. minus 1’ Grill and Sports Bar. Call (650) 603- Call (650) 349-0238. Miscellaneous 8026. Paris/France: Fully furnished studio, 5th Arr, Latin The Ames Cat Network needs help finding Quarter, Notre Dame and Lie-St. Louis., $1,400/wk. homes for cats trapped at Moffett. They range RV Lots Available Call to reserve a negotiable. Call (650) 349-0238. from feral to abandoned/lost pets. Tested, space at (650) 603-7100/01. altered and inoculated. Call Iris at ext. 4-5824 Santa Cruz townhouse, 2 bedrooms plus study, 2 Civilian/Contrators, $50/mo; military $25/mo if you or someone you know are interested in baths, decks, totally furnished, 3 blocks from beach, fostering or adopting a cat. available July, August, September; $1,600 per month. NASA Lodge (N-19) 603-7100 Call (831) 423-5777 (H) or (831) 277-8476 (C). Where to stay when you’re too tired to drive home? Skylane C182A, $41,500. New paint and recent Lake Tahoe cabin rental in Agate Bay, North Shore. annual. New fuel bladders. Iridium spark What about the lodge?! Two types of rooms: Bldg. 19 (43 rooms), rate: $55/night ($5 ea add’l adult); 4bd/3ba tri-level, AEK, cable TVs, fireplace, BBQ, plugs. Good condition. Basic IFR panel. Will Bldg. 583 (150 rooms), rate: $45/night ($5 ea. add’l deck, sleeps 10. Closest skiing is Northstar, Alpine also consider 1/2 share partnership to base at adult) and Squaw. Rates are $375 a weekend, $1,000 a week. LVK, 4Q5, or TCY. Key Dismukes. Call (408) Call (408) 867-4656. 938-0455. Ames Swim Center (N-109) 603-8025 Florida west coast vacation in St. Petersburg, beauti- The pool is heated year round! The pool is cur- ful 2bd/2ba condo, fully equipped kitchen and fur- Ames retiree estate items. Master bedroom nished, sunset views, 1/4 mile from St. Pete Beach, furniture, queen size Sera Perfect Sleeper mat- rently available for lap swim, pool parties and special events. POC -Chana Langley, Pool Manager monthly or 2 week minimum rentals only. Call (703) tress and box springs, tall chest of drawers, full (650) 603-8025. Memberships: single member- 299-8889 or e-mail: [email protected] size dresser, exc. condition. All $500 ships: $40/yr. Family memberships: $60/yr. After Call (408) 252-0386 or e-mail billduke777@ purchasing a membership, there is an entrance fee: Maui luxury oceanfront resort one-bedroom condo yahoo.com daily entrance fee - $3/day or lap pass fee - $40 for available one week. Rents for $345/night now, 20 uses. Platinum membership - $360/yr. (no daily $495/night in the summer. We will rent to an Ames New Thermidor six burner, 36”, gas cook top fee). Special events: include military training, swim family for $1,750 for the week. See the condo at http://www.starwoodvo.com/resorts/villafeatures. and new Dacor 24” Electric Food Warmer - both team events, kayak role practice, etc. The cost for special events is $50/hr. jsp?resortID=12 Call (650) 572-8877 for availabilty unused. Original costs $1729 and $634 respec- and questions. tively. Asking $900 and $350. Call (925) 933-8706. Vacation Opportunities Monterey Bay vacation rental at Pajaro Dunes, 20 Lake Tahoe Squaw Valley townhouse, 3bd/2ba- miles south of Santa Cruz, 3bd/2ba beach house Automotive equipped, balcony view, horseback riding, hiking, with distinctive architecture. Beautiful ocean and ‘01 Kawasaki ZX11 Ninja motorcycle. Mint biking, golf, river rafting, tennis, ice skating and valley views, only 150 ft from the beach, first-class condition w/ 27K miles. Many extras, in- more. Summer rates $100 per night, 2 night mini- tennis courts. $700/wkend, $2,100/wk including mum. Call (650) 968-4155, e-mail DBMcKellar@ cluding after market exhaust (complete w/ cleaning by the maid service when you depart. Call aol.com (408) 252-7260. re-jetting), Corbin seat, GenMar handle-bar risers, tank bag, tank bra, smoke wind screen and Scott steering damper! It is immaculate; has never been down and is magenta (a deep Astrogram deadlines purple) in color. Asking $5,100 or B/O. Ames emergency Kevin (408) 209-0768. Please submit articles, calendar and classified advertisements to astro- [email protected] no later than announcements Found the 10th of each month. If this falls To hear the centerwide status record- Ring at the tennis courts. Call Sophie at ext. on the weekend or holiday, then the ing, call (650) 604-9999 for informa- 4-2860 following business day becomes the tion announcements and emergency deadline. For Astrogram questions, instructions for Ames employees. You contact Astrid Olson at the aforemen- can also listen to 1700 KHz AM radio tioned e-mail address or ext. 4-3347. for the same information.

Astrogram 15 October 2006 Morrison, Honda address AIAA essay contest winners David Morrison, senior scientist achievement to each winning student. outreach for the local AIAA section. of the Astrobiology Institute at NASA Essays were judged based upon Ryan is a teacher at San Jose’s Toyon Ames, joined U.S. Representative originality and realism of ideas, Elementary School and a former chair- Mike Honda (CA-15) and former San soundness of logic, quality of com- woman of the local AIAA section. Jose math teacher in applauding the position and clarity of expression. Any seventh- or eighth-grade achievements of six local mid- student residing in one of dle-school students and their the nine Bay Area counties teachers at a recent awards is eligible to enter the essay banquet at the Shoreline Golf contest each spring. The essay Club in Mountain View. The question changes each year essay contest and awards to address a topical issue of banquet are outreach efforts of the day. Entries are judged by the San Francisco Section of the a corps of local AIAA volun- American Institute of Aeronau- teers and teachers. Said this tics and Astronautics (AIAA). year’s committee chair Pallavi Three seventh graders Shah, “The kids are so bright and three eighth graders were and creative. Reading the es- selected from more than 300 says is a treat-it’s rewarding, entrants across nine Bay Area sometimes educational, and counties responding to the U.S. Representative Mike Honda (CA-15) (first from left) and Dr. David always entertaining.” question, “What steps would The scholarship program you take to protect the Earth Morrison of Ames (rear, second from right) congratulate student and teacher is funded and administered from a major asteroid impact?” winners of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) by the AIAA San Francisco Morrison spoke to the 60 essay contest. The essay subject was “What steps would you take to protect Section, which welcomes vol- students, parents, teachers and the Earth from a major asteroid impact?” unteer support and financial AIAA members and guests, donations. For more infor- lauding the students for their research Savings bonds in amounts ranging mation, please refer to the AIAA San and creativity. He provided an infor- from $100 to $500 were awarded to the Francisco Section Web site at www. mative and entertaining history of winning students; their teachers were aiaa-sf.org or contact Todd Farley at government research on the subject awarded certificates of achievement. [email protected]. of asteroid impact mitigation, and he Now in its 18th year, the essay At the conclusion of the awards pointed out the strengths and weak- contest has awarded thousands of ceremony, Honda was presented with nesses of the approaches suggested in dollars to young people with promis- a certificate naming him an AIAA the students’ essays. ing futures in science and engineering. “Honorary Rocket Scientist.” For In his remarks, Honda extolled the Established and wholly supported by Morrison, who already has an asteroid virtues of math and science educa- the San Francisco Section of the AIAA named in his honor (2410 Morrison), tion and encouraged the students and and its volunteers and donors, the the AIAA renamed San Francisco teachers in the audience to continue essay contest was renamed this year to councilmember (and NASA Ames their efforts. the Juanita Ryan Awards for Scientific researcher) Eric Mueller as “Eric 2410 “The nation’s future is in your Composition to honor the founder Morrison” in Morrison’s honor. hands,” he said. Honda personally and longtime director of pre-college awarded a Congressional certificate of by Todd Farley

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16 Astrogram October 2006