DOCSLIB.ORG

ADITYA RAI KHULLER Education B.S.E. Aerospace Engineering 2019 3.38 GPA Arizona State University, Tempe

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
ADITYA RAI KHULLER Education B.S.E. Aerospace Engineering 2019 3.38 GPA Arizona State University, Tempe ADITYA RAI KHULLER Education B.S.E. Aerospace Engineering 2019 3.38 GPA Arizona State University, Tempe M.S. Geological Sciences 2021 3.88 GPA Arizona State University, Tempe Ph.D. Geological Sciences 2023 3.90 GPA Arizona State University, Tempe Work Experience NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Visiting Graduate Student Researcher May 2020 – Present Characterizing the basal interface beneath the Martian south polar layered deposits using MARSIS radar data under Dr. Jeff Plaut. Visiting Graduate Student Researcher June 2019 – Aug. 2019 Characterized the composition and thermophysical properties of Martian aeolian dunes using multispectral data (THEMIS, CRISM and TES) under Dr. Serina Diniega. Visiting Undergraduate Student Researcher May 2018 – Aug. 2018 (1) Studied Martian polygonal ridge networks using CTX and THEMIS data; (2) Assisted with a NASA Discovery mission proposal (Moon Diver); (3) Modeled aeolian erosion in Antarctica with a micro-scale wind model in FORTRAN under Dr. Laura Kerber. Visiting Undergraduate Student Researcher May 2017 – Aug. 2017 (1) Mapped geomorphological variability and analyzed material strength using ArcGIS and Matlab in the Medusae Fossae Formation on Mars; (2) Simulated winds through Beacon Valley, Antarctica with a micro-scale wind model in FORTRAN under Dr. Laura Kerber. Barrett, the Honors College at ASU Community Assistant & Barrett Bridges Program Mentor Aug. 2016 – May 2017 Helped foster an engaging living and learning environment through events and programs for honors students living on campus. Sun Devil Satellite Laboratory at ASU Chief Systems Engineer June 2016 – May 2019 Led a team in collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab to develop a Multi-Axis Pulsed Plasma Thruster for small satellites. Mars Space Flight Facility at ASU Barrett Honors Undergraduate Researcher April 2016 – Aug. 2019 Worked under Dr. Phil Christensen on developing his theory on the formation of recent Martian gullies using CRISM, THEMIS, HiRISE data, along with Matlab, ArcGIS, ENVI and FORTRAN. Materials Science Laboratory at ASU Undergraduate Researcher March 2016 – March 2018 Led a team developing biocompatible (in-vivo) piezoelectric materials to generate power in prosthetics. Phoenix Undergraduate Satellite Mission at ASU Mission Operations/Electrical Power (EP) Engineer November 2015 – July 2018 Assisted with designing telemetry interface and EP system (solar panel configuration, STK orbital analysis, power budgets) for a NASA-funded CubeSat mission currently orbiting Earth. Honors and Awards Recipient of the New American University Scholarship (2015 – 19), Barrett Community Scholarship (2016 – 19), Bidstrup Research Funding (2016, 2017), FURI Research Funding (2016), ASU’s KEEN Research Supplies funding (2017), FURI Travel Grant (2017, 2018), USG Travel Grant (2017, 2018), W. L. Gore Research Funding (2017), Ronald Greeley Planetary Geology Scholarship (2018) and the G.E.M. Scholarship (2018). Relevant Skills Matlab, ArcGIS, ENVI, Solidworks, STK, FORTRAN, JMars, PSpice, LTspice, Linux, MS Office, MS Project, Python, DaVinci, Machine Shop (Mill & Lathe) Training, Soldering. Publications • Khuller, A.R. and Christensen, P.R., (2021). Evidence of Exposed Dusty Water Ice within Martian Gullies. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets. • Khuller, A.R., Christensen, P.R., Harrison, T.N., Diniega S., (2021). The Distribution of Frosts on Mars: Links to Present-Day Gully Activity. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets. • Khuller, A. R. and Plaut, J. J. (2021). Characteristics of the Basal Interface of the Martian South Polar Layered Deposits. Geophysical Research Letters. • Khuller, A.R., Christensen, P.R., S.G. Warren, (2021). Spectral Albedo of Dusty Martian H2O Snow and Ice. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets. • Khuller, A.R., Kerber, L., Schwamb, M.E., Beer, S., Nogal, F., Perry, R., Hood, W., Aye, K.- M., Portyankina, G., Hansen, C.J., (in review). Irregular Polygonal Ridge Networks in Arabia Terra, Nili Fossae and Nilosyrtis. • Khuller, A.R., Alavi, O., Mayer, J., Lanes, T., Needham, P., Rajagopalan, S.S., Curiel, A., Bonelli, D., Thompson, E., Miller, R., Grayson, M., Sandys, N., White, D.B., Mikellides, P.G., (2018). Pulsed Plasma Thruster for Multi-Axis CubeSat Attitude Control Applications. 54th AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit. Selected Conference Abstracts • Khuller, A., Diniega, S., Schultz, P., Espinoza, R. F., Nield, J.N., Wiggs, G.F.S., Baddock, M.C., (2019). Exploring the Composition and Thermophysical Properties of Martian Equatorial Dunes. 2019 GSA Annual Meeting, Abs. 337799. • Stacey, K., Khuller, A., Kerber, L., 2018. The Medusae Fossae Formation in SW Elysium Planitia, Mars as a Record of Recurring Hydrogeologic Activity. 2018 Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, Abs. 2815. Community Work/Teaching Experience • Reviewer for JGR: Planets • Graduate Teaching Assistant, ASU: Earth, Solar System and Universe Lab (2019); Remote Sensing (2021); ASU/NASA SpaceWorks I & III (2021) • Session Chair, Mars Science Results at COSPAR 2021 • Public Tour Guide, ASU/AGU Walk on Mars Program (2020) • Research Assistant, Canine Science Collaboratory at ASU (2016 – 17) • Mission Ambassador, NASA OSIRIS-REx Mission (2016 – Present) .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • MARS ODYSSEY at a GLANCE High-Gain Antenna
    years 20 ar ound th Mars Odyssey’s future remains unknown, but a lack of advocacy might indicate its end is near. BY NOLA TAYLOR REDD hen NASA’s While Odyssey is nevertheless Odyssey managing to still carry out its job in spacecraft space, it’s struggling in the political Wblasted off in arena. President Trump’s 2021 bud- 2001, Mars was get request, released in February considered a dry, barren world. 2020, most clearly threatened mis- But over the past two decades, this sions like SOFIA, a telescope that quiet powerhouse of an orbiter has flies on a plane. However, the revealed a wealth of information danger to Odyssey was more subtle: about the Red Planet. During its Trump’s 2021 budget slashes first year around Mars, Odyssey Odyssey’s funding from just under found the first direct evidence $12 million to around $1 million. of subsurface water on This would effectively pull the plug the planet. The orbiter on a working spacecraft, whose pri- also currently holds the mary costs are human maintenance record for the longest and guidance. continuous observa- But “Odyssey is remarkably tions of martian healthy,” says Phil Christensen, the weather, which is principal investigator for Odyssey’s an ongoing study Thermal Emission Imaging System with important (THEMIS) and a geologist at implications for Arizona State University. “It’s just ABOVE: The 2001 Mars future human this crazy workhorse spacecraft that Odyssey space- habitation rarely goes into safe mode.” craft launched April 7, 2001, aboard a of Mars. Boeing Delta II rocket, Twenty years of Two decades of science starting a seven-month wear and tear have undoubtedly Odyssey arrived at Mars on journey to the Red Planet.
    [Show full text]
  • The Tricky Business of Identifying Rocks on Mars
    PSRD: Using TES to interpret the composition of the Martian surface http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/May02/MarsTES.html posted May 22, 2002 The Tricky Business of Identifying Rocks on Mars --- A new analysis of thermal emission spectra suggests a new interpretation for the composition of the Martian surface. Written by G. Jeffrey Taylor Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology The Mars Global Surveyor mission carries a remote-sensing gizmo called the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES). TES detects heat waves flowing from the surface of the Red Planet. The TES team, led by Phil Christensen (Arizona State University), identified two large regions on Mars that have distinctive spectral properties. Using mathematical mixing calculations based on the thermal emission spectra of numerous materials, the TES team reported in papers led by Josh Bandfield and Victoria Hamilton that the two regions had mineral abundances similar to basalt (Surface Type 1) and andesite (Surface Type 2), two common volcanic rock types on Earth. Andesite has more silicon than does basalt, giving rise to a distinctive mineralogy. Scientists had mixed reactions to the possibility of andesite on Mars, greeting the news with fascination, consternation, or skepticism. One question raised is how uniquely the spectra of Surface Type 2 matches andesite. Michael Wyatt and Harry Y. McSween (University of Tennessee) have taken another look at the TES spectra by using a larger collection of aqueous alteration (weathering) products in the spectral mixing calculations. They show that weathered basalt also matches the spectral properties of Surface Type 2. Wyatt and McSween also note that Type 2 regions are generally confined to a large, low region that is the site of a purported Martian ocean that sloshed around billions of years ago.
    [Show full text]
  • Science Organising Committee Local Organising Committee Katherine Joy (Chair) Romain Tartese Mahesh Anand John Pernet-Fisher
    Science Organising Committee Local Organising Committee Katherine Joy (Chair) Romain Tartese (Chair) Romain Tartese Katherine Joy Mahesh Anand Patricia Clay John Pernet-Fisher Samantha Bell Kerri Donaldson-Hanna Vera Fernandes Evelyn Furi John Pernet-Fisher Jessica Flahaut Sarah Crowther Greg Schmitt Gemma Coleman James Carpenter Updated: 27 March 2019 European Lunar Symposium Manchester 2019 Meeting information Welcome you to Manchester for the 7th European Lunar Symposium (ELS). We are hoping to have a great meeting, demonstrating the diversity of the current lunar research in Europe and elsewhere, and continuing to provide a platform to the European lunar researchers for networking as well as exchanging news ideas and latest results in the field of lunar exploration. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the University of Manchester, NASA SSERVI, the Royal Astronomical Society, the Science and Technology Facilities Council, Europlanet, and the European Space Agency. Our special thanks to our SSERVI colleagues Kristina Gibbs, Jennifer Baer, Maria Leus, and Ashcon Nejad, and to Gemma Coleman at the University of Manchester for their contribution to the meeting preparation and program implementation. Members of the Science Organising Committee are thanked for their input in putting together an exciting program and for volunteering to chair various sessions in this meeting. Meeting Venue Please note that there are two different venues: • The reception event on the 20 th May will be held at the Manchester Museum in the south of the city, close to the University of Manchester. • The symposium on 21 st -23 rd May will be held at the Science and Industry Museum – Garratt suite conference facilities.
    [Show full text]
  • Mineralogy of the Martian Surface
    EA42CH14-Ehlmann ARI 30 April 2014 7:21 Mineralogy of the Martian Surface Bethany L. Ehlmann1,2 and Christopher S. Edwards1 1Division of Geological & Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125; email: [email protected], [email protected] 2Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91109 Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci. 2014. 42:291–315 Keywords First published online as a Review in Advance on Mars, composition, mineralogy, infrared spectroscopy, igneous processes, February 21, 2014 aqueous alteration The Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences is online at earth.annualreviews.org Abstract This article’s doi: The past fifteen years of orbital infrared spectroscopy and in situ exploration 10.1146/annurev-earth-060313-055024 have led to a new understanding of the composition and history of Mars. Copyright c 2014 by Annual Reviews. Globally, Mars has a basaltic upper crust with regionally variable quanti- by California Institute of Technology on 06/09/14. For personal use only. All rights reserved ties of plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine associated with distinctive terrains. Enrichments in olivine (>20%) are found around the largest basins and Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci. 2014.42:291-315. Downloaded from www.annualreviews.org within late Noachian–early Hesperian lavas. Alkali volcanics are also locally present, pointing to regional differences in igneous processes. Many ma- terials from ancient Mars bear the mineralogic fingerprints of interaction with water. Clay minerals, found in exposures of Noachian crust across the globe, preserve widespread evidence for early weathering, hydrothermal, and diagenetic aqueous environments. Noachian and Hesperian sediments include paleolake deposits with clays, carbonates, sulfates, and chlorides that are more localized in extent.
    [Show full text]
  • LAURA KERBER Jet Propulsion Laboratory [email protected] 4800 Oak Grove Dr
    LAURA KERBER Jet Propulsion Laboratory [email protected] 4800 Oak Grove Dr. Pasadena, CA __________________________________________________________________________________________ Education September 2006-May 2011 Brown University, Providence, RI PhD, Geological Sciences (May 2011) MS, Engineering, Fluid Mechanics (May 2011) MS, Geological Sciences (May 2008) August 2002-May 2006 Pomona College, Claremont, CA Major: Planetary Geology/Space Science Minor: Mathematics May 2002 Graduated Cherry Creek High School, Greenwood Village, Colorado, highest honors Research Experience and Roles September 2014- Present Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Research Scientist PI of Discovery Mission Concept Moon Diver Deputy Project Scientist, 2001 Mars Odyssey Yardang formation and distribution on Mars and Earth Ongoing development of end-to-end Martian sulfur cycle model, including microphysical processes, photochemistry, and interaction with the surface Measurement of wind over complex surfaces Microscale wind and erosion processes in cold polar deserts Science liaison to the Mars Program Office, Next Mars Orbiter (NeMO) Member of 2015 NeMO SAG Member of 2015 ICE-WG (In-situ resource utilization and civil engineering HEOMD working group) Science lead on several internal formulation studies, including a “Many MERs to Mars” concept study; “RSL Exploration with the Axel Extreme Terrain Robot” strategic initiative; “Autonomous Recognition of Signs of Life” spontaneous RTD; Moon Diver Instrument Trade Study; etc. Lead of Citizen Scientist “Planet Four:
    [Show full text]
  • Advanced Developmental Architectures for Our Moon Ma
    70th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Washington D.C., United States, 21-25 October 2019. Copyright ©2019 by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). All rights reserved. IAC-19,A3,IP,7,x52520 The USC ADAM Project: Advanced Developmental Architectures for Our Moon Madhu Thangavelua*, Duy Nguyenb, Ivan Figueroac, Danielle Watersd Martin Grecoe, Caitlyn Alexanderf, Zachery Batesg, Jeffrey Asherh, Alexander Sullivani, Robert Antypasj a Conductor, ASTE527 Graduate Space Concept Synthesis Studio, Department of Astronautical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, Rapp Research Building, & the School of Architecture, University of Southern California, University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089-1191. [email protected] b-j Graduate Student, Department of Astronautical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Rapp Research Building, University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089-1191. * Corresponding Author "Lead an innovative and sustainable program of exploration with commercial and international partners to enable human expansion across the solar system and to bring back to Earth new knowledge and opportunities. Beginning with missions beyond low-Earth orbit, the United States will lead the return of humans to the Moon for long-term exploration and utilization, followed by human missions to Mars and other destinations;". – White House Space Policy Directive #1 Abstract The US administration has laid out, in the clearest terms yet in many years, what the nation expects NASA to
    [Show full text]
  • 2008 Medals & Awards G.K. Gilbert Award
    2008 MEDALS & AWARDS G.K. GILBERT AWARD The scientific achievements from the of the next generation of scientists. Ladies TES experiment are too numerous to list here, and gentlemen, I am honored to present the Presented to Philip R. Christensen but we can highlight one that stands apart 2008 recipient of the G. K. Gilbert Award from all the others, and which was critically by the Planetary Geology Division of GSA, important for planetary geology, and that Professor Phil Christensen. was the proposed identification of hematite in specific locations on Mars based on TES data. If this hypothesis could be shown to be Response by Philip R. Christensen correct, it would have profound implications Let me begin by expressing how for the history of Mars and the evolution of deeply honored I am to be receiving the its surface. Based on this hypothesis, one of G.K. Gilbert award. When I am asked what the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) sites was it is I do, I always respond by saying that I selected to test the idea and provide “ground am a geologist - not a Mars scientist, or a truth” for the IR remote sensing data. As geophysicist, or an instrument builder - so is well known now, the MER Opportunity receiving this award from the Geological results confirmed the existence of hematite Society of America is truly an honor. I would and, coupled with other observations, have like to specifically thank Ron Greeley and shown the critical role played by water in all those who supported my nomination, and Philip R.
    [Show full text]
  • The OSIRIS-Rex Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES) Instrument
    Manuscript The OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES) Instrument P.R. Christensen1, V.E. Hamilton2, G.L. Mehall1, D. Pelham1, W. O’Donnell1, S. Anwar1, H. Bowles1, S. Chase1, J. Fahlgren1, Z. Farkas1, T. Fisher1, O. James3, I. Kubik1, I. Lazbin4, M. Miner1, M. Rassas1, L. Schulze1, K. Shamordola1, T. Tourville1, G. West4, R. Woodward1, D. Lauretta5 1School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA Phone: 480-965-7105 ([email protected]) 2Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, CO, USA 3Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA 4Moog Broad Reach, Tempe, AZ; currently at AZ Space Technologies, Gilbert, AZ, USA 5University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA Abstract The OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES) will provide remote measurements of mineralogy and thermophysical properties of Bennu to map its surface, help select the OSIRIS-REx sampling site, and investigate the Yarkovsky effect. OTES is a Fourier Transform spectrometer covering the spectral range 5.71– 100 µm (1750–100 cm–1) with a spectral sample interval of 8.66 cm–1 and a 6.5-mrad field of view. The OTES telescope is a 15.2-cm diameter Cassegrain telescope that feeds a flat-plate Michelson moving mirror mounted on a linear voice-coil motor assembly. A single uncooled deuterated L-alanine doped triglycine sulfate (DLATGS) pyroelectric detector is used to sample the interferogram every two seconds. Redundant ~0.855 µm laser diodes are used in a metrology interferometer to provide precise moving mirror control and IR sampling at 772 Hz. The beamsplitter is a 38-mm diameter, 1-mm thick chemical vapor deposited diamond with an antireflection microstructure to minimize surface reflection.
    [Show full text]
  • AEOLIAN GEOLOGY of the MARS PATHFINDER SITE. Ronald
    AEOLIAN GEOLOGY OF THE MARS PATHFINDER SITE. Ronald Greeley, Michael Kraft, Gregory Wilson (Arizona State University); Robert Sullivan (Cornell University); Ruslan Kuzmin (Vernadsky Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences); Michael Malin (Malin Space Science Systems); Nathan Bridges, Kenneth Herkenhoff, Matthew Golombek (Jet Propulsion Laboratory); Peter Smith (University of Arizona). Introduction wind tails, 2) drift deposits, 3) ripplelike deposits, duneforms of several types, and 4) material on the The Mars Pathfinder landing site contains abun- tops of some rocks and spacecraft components, dant features attributed to aeolian, or wind, proc- presumably settled from atmospheric suspension. esses. These include wind tails, drift deposits, duneforms of various types, ripplelike features, Wind-tails are found in association with many and ventifacts (the first seen on Mars). Many of rocks. Typically they taper to a point away from these features are consistent with formation in- the rock in the inferred downwind direction (at volving sand-size particles. Although some fea- the time of their formation). They range in length tures, such as the barchan dunes, could develop from a cm to nearly a meter and are bright red. from saltating sand-size aggregates of finer Drift deposits are also bright red, but occur as grains, the discovery of ventifact flutes cut in patches, only some of which are associated with rocks strongly suggests that at least some of the rocks. Wind- tails and drift deposits have a grains are crystalline, rather than aggregates. Ex- sculpted appearance and are similar to those seen cluding the ventifacts, the orientations of the at the Viking lander sites (3). wind-related features correlate well with the ori- entations of bright wind streaks seen on Viking Dunelike structures occur as transverse, bar- Orbiter images in the general area.
    [Show full text]
  • RONALD GREELEY Planetary Pioneer
    news & views RONALD GREELEY Planetary pioneer Space missions over the past few decades have revolutionized our understanding of the Solar System and our own planet. Instruments on and orbiting Mars have provided a wealth of information on the red planet’s past and present conditions. Many of these missions — including the Viking, Mars Pathfinder, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Exploration Rovers and the European Mars Express missions — were indebted to the commitment of Ronald Greeley, a Regents’ Professor at Arizona State University, who died on 27 October 2011 at the age of 72. Greeley’s interest in the similarities and differences of far-flung landscapes arose as he and his family moved around frequently — his father was a military serviceman. His PhD research took him to Mississippi’s Barrier Islands, where he combined the study of modern organisms with investigations of their fossil records. This marked the start of a career utilizing / ASU PHOTOGRAPH STORY TOM modern processes on Earth to understand Greeley began teaching at Arizona State every major spacecraft mission that our planet’s past, as well as the surfaces University in 1977. It was there that I first explored the Solar System since the of other planets and satellites. came to work with him in 1986. As I began Apollo Moon landing. In addition to the In 1967 Greeley was assigned to my graduate studies, he reminded me of numerous martian expeditions, Greeley NASA’s Ames Research Center to work the old adage: ‘A journey of 1,000 miles also contributed to the Galileo mission to on questions arising from the Apollo begins with a single step’.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ronald Greeley Center for Planetary Studies: the Nasa Rpif at Arizona State University
    47th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (2016) 2125.pdf THE RONALD GREELEY CENTER FOR PLANETARY STUDIES: THE NASA RPIF AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY. D. M. Nelson1, D. A. Williams1, and A. E. Zink1, 1 School of Earth and Space Explora- tion, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-3603 ([email protected]). Introduction: The NASA Regional Planetary In- and Mars research); 2) photographs, 35 mm slides, and formation Facilities (RPIFs) are a network of 16 cen- 16 mm film movies of field and laboratory experi- ters that archive images, maps, literature, and educa- ments, including the experiment records from the tion outreach materials from past and current planetary NASA Ames Vertical Gun Facility and the Planetary missions. Nine of the RPIFs are located in the US, Aeolian Laboratory wind tunnels; and 3) a series of while seven other are found in Canada, France, Ger- classic NASA Technical Reports, Special Publications, many, Israel, Italy, Japan, and the UK. The RPIFs were and other documents from the 1970s-1990s, many pro- originally established in the 1970s to serve two prima- duced by the late ASU professor Ronald Greeley and ry functions: 1) to archive photographs and literature colleagues. The RGCPS also houses a fully-operational from active and completed planetary missions, and 2) wet darkroom for the generation of photographic prints to provide researchers and the public access to the ar- to support research and EPO activities, and is the only chive for scientific research, future mission planning, RPIF that has such a capability. and education/public outreach (EP/O) [1]. While each The GIS lab in the RGCPS is available to the pub- RPIF houses a variety of similar products, each one lic for planetary research.
    [Show full text]
  • PSS June 22 Teleconference Introductions and Agenda Dr. Ronald Greeley, Chair of the Planetary Science Subcommittee (PSS), Open
    PSS June 22 Teleconference Introductions and Agenda Dr. Ronald Greeley, Chair of the Planetary Science Subcommittee (PSS), opened the meeting with a roll call of the PSS membership. He then reviewed the agenda and changed the sequence in order to ensure that the most important topics were covered. Opening Remarks Dr. James Green, Director of the Planetary Science Division (PSD), discussed recent activities of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee regarding the Department of Energy (DOE), which may affect NASA. DOE makes and manages the nation’s Plutonium-238 (Pu-238) supplies. The House Appropriations Committee recently passed a bill for DOE for Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12), in which the appropriation for DOE was $5.9 billion below the President’s FY12 request. Dr. Green told PSS that they should take note of this. It indicates what is likely in store for other Federal agencies. In the bill, which has not yet been sent to the full House or the Senate, there is a discussion of the Pu-238 restart. The Appropriations Committee provides no funds for this project, and “encourages the Administration to devise a plan for this project that more closely aligns the costs paid by Federal agencies with the benefits they receive.” In other words, if this bill goes through the Senate unaltered, NASA cannot expect DOE to receive funds for the restart. It is important to note that the NASA authorization allows the Agency to provide funds to DOE as part of NASA’s share of the restart of Pu-238. In the recently passed FY11 budget, NASA is not allowed to initiate any new starts.
    [Show full text]