President Lands at Moffett Field During Silicon Valley Visit by Huong Nguyen and Jessica Culler President Barack Obama’S Arrival Onboard Air Force One on Sunday, Sept

Fall 2011 - A Quarterly Publication

Thousands turn out to tour airborne observatory at Ames

The Stratospheric Observatory for In- frared Astronomy (SOFIA) visited NASA Ames and provided a rare opportunity to tour the airborne observatory in October. News media and Ames employees were invited to tour on Friday, Oct. 14 and the public on Saturday, Oct. 15. On Friday, an estimated 2,500 people, including representatives from CNET, Fox News, KQED (PBS), New Scientist, Space. com, Mountain View Patch and the San Mateo Daily Journal attended the event. On Saturday, an estimated 5,500 people visited Ames to tour SOFIA. See page 6 for a feature about the SOFIA visit.

NASA photo by Doiminic Hart

President lands at Moffett Field during Silicon Valley visit by Huong Nguyen and Jessica Culler President Barack Obama’s arrival onboard Air Force One on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, at Moffett Federal Airfield marked his first landing at NASA Ames. Center Director Pete Worden met President Barack Obama upon his arrival. "I had the honor to meet President Obama when he arrived at Moffett Federal Airfield," said Worden, who along with San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed and Mountain View Mayor Jac Siegel, greeted the president. "It was fitting that the president came to Silicon Valley to talk about his job creation plan, given how critical Silicon Valley is to the future of the U.S. economy," Worden said. NASA Ames is an integral com- ponent of the world-renowned innovation economy and actively partici- pates in the valley’s technological Photo credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza and scientific evolution. The center NASA Ames Research Center Director Pete Worden greets President Barack Obama during the plays a key role in the success of the president’s visit in late September. local economy, specifically by invest- ing in research and development, continued on page 11 www.nasa.gov NASA scientist unveils new chemical detection technology NASA’s Kepler Discovery confirms first planet orbiting two stars by Cathy Weselby by Michele Johnson NASA scientists are creating The existence of a world with a technology that can detect hazardous double sunset, as portrayed in the film chemical compounds in the air with a Star Wars more than 30 years ago, smart phone. is now scientific fact. NASA’s Kepler Jing Li, a physical scientist at mission made the first unambiguous NASA Ames, demonstrated this in- detection of a circumbinary planet -- a novative technology called Cell-All in a planet orbiting two stars -- 200 light- years from Earth. training exercise on Sept. 28, 2011, at Unlike Star Wars’ Tatooine, the the Los Angeles Fire Department. planet is cold, gaseous and not The technology was used to detect thought to harbor life, but its discovery carbon monoxide in a response and demonstrates the diversity of planets rescue training exercise for Los Ange- in our galaxy. Previous research has les fire and police departments. The hinted at the existence of circumbinary U.S. Department of Homeland Secu- planets, but clear confirmation proved rity's Science and Technology (S&T) elusive. Kepler detected such a planet, Directorate, in partnership with the Los known as Kepler-16b, by observing Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles transits, where the brightness of a parent star dims from the planet crossing Police Department and the California in front of it. Environmental Protection Agency, “This discovery confirms a new sponsored the training exercise. class of planetary systems that could "This new technology can enhance NASA photo by Dominic Hart harbor life,” Kepler principal investiga- both personal and public safety by uti- The latest-generation of the multiple-channel silicon-based sensing chip, which consists of 64 tor William Borucki said. “Given that lizing a common device, such as a cell nanosensors, and measures less than one square centimeter. Each side has 16 nanosensors most stars in our galaxy are part of a Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle phone, to detect hazardous chemi- – all that is needed for cell phone use. binary system, this means the op- cals," said Stephen Dennis, technical portunities for life are much broader This artist's concept illustrates Kepler-16b, the first planet known to definitively orbit two stars than if planets form only around single -- what's called a circumbinary planet. The planet, which can be seen in the foreground, was director of S&T’s Homeland Security discovered by NASA's Kepler mission. The two orbiting stars regularly eclipse each other, Advanced Research Projects Agency. the option of using the sensor in a Ames and a prototype developed in stars. This milestone discovery confirms a theory that scientists have had as seen from our point of view on Earth. The planet also eclipses, or transits, each star, and "Our goal is to create a lightweight, personal mode, which provides per- partnership between Qualcomm Inc., Kepler data from these planetary transits allowed the size, density and mass of the planet to sonal alerts, or opting-in to a network San Diego, Calif., and Synkera Tech- for decades but could not prove until cost-effective, power-efficient resource now.” be extremely well determined. The fact that the orbits of the stars and the planet align within for widespread public use." service, providing anonymous reports nologies Inc., Longmont, Colo. A research team led by Laurance a degree of each other indicate that the planet formed within the same circumbinary disk that The Cell-All technology, consist- of the environmental condition to local To see images of the cell phone Doyle of the SETI Institute in Mountain the stars formed within, rather than being captured later by the two stars. ing of an energy-efficient sensor and responder networks. sensors, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ View, Calif., used data from the Kepler cell phone application, detects toxic Two different prototypes of Cell-All centers/ames/news/features/2009/ space telescope, which measures chemicals and alerts individuals and were demonstrated: one developed by cell_phone_sensors.html dips in the brightness of more than showed the third body was circling, than our sun. One is 69 percent the public safety authorities. Users have NASA’s Center for Nanotechnology at 150,000 stars, to search for transit- not just one, but both stars, in a wide mass of the sun and the other only ing planets. Kepler is the first NASA circumbinary orbit. 20 percent. Kepler-16b orbits around mission capable of finding Earth-size The gravitational tug on the stars, both stars every 229 days, similar to planets in or near the “habitable zone,” measured by changes in their eclipse Venus’ 225-day orbit, but lies outside National Science Conference focuses on diversity the region in a planetary system where times, was a good indicator of the the system’s habitable zone, where liquid water can exist on the surface of mass of the third body. Only a very liquid water could exist on the surface, by Ruth Dasso Marlaire the orbiting planet. slight gravitational pull was detected, because the stars are cooler than our NASA Ames is supporting the and organizations dedicated to sci- available were exhibits and field trips Scientists detected the new planet one that only could be caused by sun. in the Kepler-16 system, a pair of orbit- a small mass. The findings are de- “Working in film, we often are efforts of the Society for Advance- ence, technology, engineering, and to NASA Ames and local universi- ing stars that eclipse each other from scribed in a new study published Fri- tasked with creating something never ment of Chicanos and Native Ameri- mathematics (STEM) and research, ties. our vantage point on Earth. When the day, Sept. 16, in the journal Science. before seen,” said visual effects super- cans in Science (SACNAS) to bring teaching and leadership. SACNAS On Saturday, Oct. 29, SACNAS smaller star partially blocks the larger “Most of what we know about the visor John Knoll of Industrial Light & together a national network of talent- fosters the success of Hispanic/ hosted its local Community Day, star, a primary eclipse occurs, and a sizes of stars comes from such eclips- Magic, a division of Lucasfilm Ltd., in ed students and science profession- Chicano and Native American sci- designed to serve 500 local high secondary eclipse occurs when the ing binary systems, and most of what San Francisco. smaller star is occulted, or completely we know about the size of planets “However, more often than not, als committed to increasing diverse entists—from college students to school students. NASA astronaut blocked, by the larger star. comes from transits,” said Doyle, who scientific discoveries prove to be individuals’ participation in science. professionals—to attain advanced and Navy Commander John Her- Astronomers further observed that also is the lead author and a Kepler more spectacular than anything we The 2011 SACNAS National degrees, careers, and positions of rington, a member of the Chickasaw the brightness of the system dipped participating scientist. “Kepler-16 dare imagine. There is no doubt these Conference, titled “Empowering leadership in science. tribe, delivered a keynote address to even when the stars were not eclips- combines the best of both worlds, with discoveries influence and inspire sto- Innovation and Synergy through The conference included work- the Community Day audience. ing one another, hinting at a third body. stellar eclipses and planetary transits rytellers. Their very existence serves The additional dimming in brightness in one system.” as cause to dream bigger and open Diversity,” was held at the San Jose shops, scientific symposia, network- events, called the tertiary and quater- This discovery confirms that Ke- our minds to new possibilities beyond McEnery Convention Center Oct. ing and mentoring events, keynote nary eclipses, reappeared at irregular pler-16b is an inhospitable, cold world what we think we ‘know.’” 27 - 30, 2011. SACNAS is a national speakers, and professional develop- intervals of time, indicating the stars about the size of Saturn and thought nonprofit organization of individuals ment and leadership sessions. Also were in different positions in their orbit to be made up of about half rock and each time the third body passed. This half gas. The parent stars are smaller 2 3 Astrogram Fall 2011 Astrogram Fall 2011 NASA awards largest prize in aviation history STS-135 astronauts discuss last space shuttle mission by Karen Jenvey by Rachel Hoover NASA has awarded the largest prize in aviation history, created to NASA's space shuttle Atlantis inspire the development of more fuel- astronauts visited Ames Research efficient aircraft and spark the start of Center on Aug. 22, 2011, for inter- a new electric airplane industry. The views and discussed their mission to technologies demonstrated by the the International Space Station -- the CAFE Green Flight Challenge, spon- flight that brought the illustrious space sored by Google, competitors may end shuttle program to a close. Chris up in general aviation aircraft, spawn- Ferguson commanded the STS-135 ing new jobs and new industries for mission and was joined by fellow vet- the 21st century. The first place prize of $1.35 mil- eran astronauts Pilot Doug Hurley and lion was awarded to team Pipistrel- Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus USA.com of State College, Pa. The and Rex Walheim. second place prize of $120,000 went The STS-135 mission launched to team eGenius, of Ramona, Calif. July 8, 2011, and landed July 21, Fourteen teams originally regis- 2011. It was the 33rd and final flight tered for the competition. Three teams for Atlantis, which spent 307 days in successfully met all requirements space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and and competed in the skies over the traveled 125,935,769 miles. In addi- NASA photo by Bill Ingalls Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County tion to carrying supplies to the space Airport in Santa Rosa, Calif. The com- Team lead Jack Langelaan poses for a photograph next to the Pipistrel-USA, Taurus G4, aircraft station, space shuttle Atlantis flew a NASA photo by Dominic Hart petition was managed by the Compar- prior to winning the 2011 Green Flight Challenge, sponsored by Google, on Monday, Oct. 3, ative Aircraft Flight Efficiency (CAFE) 2011 at NASA Ames. The all electric Taurus G4 aircraft achieved the equivalency of more than system to study robotic spacecraft re- The STS-135 crew during their recent visit to Ames, left to right, NASA astronauts Chris Foundation under an agreement with 400 miles per gallon. NASA and CAFE held the challenge to advance technologies in fuel ef- fueling and returned a failed ammonia Ferguson, commander; Doug Hurley, pilot; and mission specialists Sandy Magnus and NASA. ficiency and reduced emissions with cleaner renewable fuels and electric aircraft. pump module to help NASA improve Rex Walheim. "NASA congratulates Pipistrel- pump designs for future systems. USA.com for proving that ultra-efficient The winning aircraft had to fly they flew 200 miles using just over a This was Ferguson, Magnus in space and Walheim has logged For more information about the aviation is within our grasp," said Joe 200 miles in less than two hours and half-gallon of fuel equivalent per pas- and Walheim's third spaceflight and more than 24 days in space including STS-135 crew members and their Parrish, NASA's acting chief tech- use less than one gallon of fuel per senger. Hurley's second. Ferguson has logged five spacewalks; Hurley has logged mission, visit: http://go.usa.gov/KMk nologist at NASA Headquarters in occupant, or the equivalent in electric- "Two years ago the thought of fly- more than 28 days in space; Magnus more than 4,000 hours in 25 different Washington. "Today we've shown that ity. The first and second place teams, ing 200 miles at 100 mph in an electric has logged more than four months aircraft. electric aircraft have moved beyond which were both electric-powered, aircraft was pure science fiction," said science fiction and are now in the achieved twice the fuel efficiency re- Jack W. Langelaan, team leader of realm of practice." quirement of the competition, meaning Team Pipistrel-USA.com. "Now, we are all looking forward to the future of Ames celebrates International Observe the Moon Night by Cathy Weselby electric aviation." Unique NASA sounds available The competition marks the culmi- NASA’s Ames hosted a free by Karen Jenvey nation of more than two years of air- event celebrating the moon from Historic and interesting sounds and other sounds of planets and stars craft design, development and testing noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. and sound bites from NASA space "NASA has been making historic for the teams. It represents the dawn sounds for over 50 years," said Jerry 8, 2011, to celebrate the 2011 Inter- missions are available for download of a new era in efficient flight and is national Observe the Moon Night. as ringtones or on your computer for Colen, NASA App project manager at the first time that full-scale electric events, errors, alarms and notifica- NASA Ames Research Center. "Now aircraft have performed in competition. More than 450 people from the tions. we're making some of these memo- NASA uses prize competitions to local community visited Ames for a The public now can hear the roar rable sounds easy to find and use." increase the number and diversity series of day and night-time activi- of a space shuttle launch or Neil Arm- Historic and interesting sounds of the individuals, organizations and and sound bites from NASA space ties focused on the moon. Students strong's, "One small step for (a) man, teams that are addressing a particular guided the Exploration Uplink rover one giant leap for mankind," every missions are available for download problem or challenge. Prize competi- time they get a phone call. A new as ringtones or on your computer for tions stimulate private sector invest- over the eight-ton Ames lunar simu- NASA web page now has a collec- events, errors, alarms and notifications ment that is many times greater than lant test bed, Ames scientists spoke tion of more than 35 different sounds, thanks to an Ames-developed website. the cash value of the prize and further to the public about science returns each approximately 20 seconds. The NASA sounds are available NASA's mission by attracting interest in both MP3 and M4R (iPhone) files. from the LCROSS and LRO mis- Examples include: and attention to a defined technical sions, the newly launched GRAIL - Apollo 13's John "Jack" Swigert NASA will update the collection as new objective. commenting "Houston, we've had a sounds become available. To listen to This prize competition is part of mission, and the future NASA NASA photo by Dominic Hart problem" and download the sounds, visit: http:// the NASA Centennial Challenges LADEE mission. www.nasa.gov/connect/sounds Amateur astronomers of all ages attended NASA Ames’ Observe the Moon Night on Oct. 8, - Crackle of the historic last program, part of the Space Technol- Local astronomy clubs brought 2011. Pictured here: Adrian Brown shows daughter Alexis what the moon looks like up close. launch of the space shuttle, STS-135 The NASA App for Android allows ogy Program, managed by the NASA users to easily preview and set the dozens of telescopes and families - Segments from President John Office of the Chief Technologist. lined up to see the wonders of our ant screen visible to all the spec- ciation with several NASA centers F. Kennedy's historic moon speech sounds as ringtones. To download For more information, visit: http:// - Sound wave conversions of the the most recent version of the NASA www.cafefoundation.org moon. A guided tour of the moon tators. The NASA Lunar Science and public astronomy groups, and light curve waves created by stars App for Android, visit: https://market. was given by Ames’ Brian Day as Institute supports the International this year more than 500 events were discovered by NASA's Kepler mission android.com/details?id=gov.nasa his telescope view was fed to a gi- Observe the Moon Night in asso- scheduled in 30 countries. 4 5 Astrogram Fall 2011 Astrogram Fall 2011 NASA’s Airborne Observatory reaches new heights teaching science Kepler Mission-themed corn maze attracts more than a thousand visitors by Ruth Dasso Marlaire by Michele Johnson and Huong Nguyen NASA recently invited high school San Jose teacher More than a thousand visitors students and the general public to Marita Beard, who turned out for the Kepler Mission- Ames to tour NASA’s next genera- flew on SOFIA themed corn maze on Oct. 1, 2011, tion airborne observatory, called the explains the airborne hosted by NASA and the Dell’Osso observatory’s mission Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Family Farm of Lathrop, Calif. to her students. At The public explored and got “lost in Astronomy (SOFIA), and talk with its right is Eddie Zavala, science team. SOFIA deputy pro- space” inside the 20-acre corn maze SOFIA is a highly modified Boeing gram manager. which grew to approximately 10-feet 747SP aircraft that carries a telescope tall. The maze was intricately cropped with a 100-inch (2.5 meter)-diameter to display discoveries and images reflecting mirror that conducts astrono- from the Kepler mission. my research not possible for even the Kepler is the first NASA mission largest and highest of ground-based capable of finding Earth-size planets telescopes. It uses an infrared tele- in or near the "habitable zone," the scope to detect the invisible energy of region in a planetary system where many astronomical objects that cannot liquid water can exist on the surface of be seen with the human eye, or ordi- the orbiting planet. The Kepler mission nary telescopes. is managed by NASA’s Ames. SOFIA began science flights in “It is important for NASA to partici- December 2010. In May 2011, NASA pate in nontraditional outreach efforts announced the selection of six teach- that closely interact and engage the ers from across the U.S. to share flight experiences with astronomers. Marita Beard, a science teacher from Bra- nham High School, San Jose, Calif., participated in a flight during the night of June 3-4 that lasted 10 hours and flew at altitudes up to 43,000 feet NASA photo by Eric James above Earth. As part of the astronomy NASA photos by Dominic Hart Maze-goers of all ages wound their way through experience, Beard’s high school stu- Ames employees, students and news media toured the huge airborne observatory on Oct. 14, 2011. dents recently were given an oppor- the Kepler mission-themed corn maze. tunity to tour the airborne facility that molecules in space, evolution of gas were videographers, pilots, safety and they had heard so much about from and dust in the interstellar medium (or, avionics officers, flight engineers and sion about sustainable life support their teacher. ecosystems of galaxies), composition planners, and others on board; each systems in space. “It was a wonderful experience of planets, comets and asteroids in our playing a role in the science experi- In order to leave Earth and explore for me as a teacher. I now have real, solar system, and supermassive black ment process. space, we need to bring life support personal experience to help teach sci- holes at the center of galaxies. “I was surprised by the number of systems that perform functions similar ence. I can better explain the science “The most exciting thing I saw was people on board. You don’t have to to what Earth normally provides for and have seen how science experi- the center of the galaxy,” said Beard. be a scientist to be a member of the us. Hogan introduced attendees to ments are done,” said Beard. “Dr. Terry Herter, Cornell University’s NASA SOFIA team,” she said. the concept of 'Spaceship Earth.' This In addition to making a contribu- principal investigator for the Faint Once the students arrived at is the idea that we live on the largest known spacecraft, flying around the tion to science, NASA is helping young Object InfraRed Camera for the SOFIA Ames, they visited SOFIA exhibits, Overhead view of the Kepler Mission maze. scientists and teachers learn infrared Telescope (FORCAST), showed me saw demonstrations and heard talks sun in the vastness of space. astronomy. Teachers, like Beard, are the highest resolution and clearest by SOPHIA experts. The planet-finding mission also public with NASA’s missions,” said opening remarks from NASA Ames’ being given a unique opportunity to picture of the center of the Milky Way “This is an infrared camera, and was a topic of the NASA talks. Steve Deborah Feng, acting deputy center acting deputy center director, visitors partner with SOFIA’s science team. ever seen.” you are seeing yourselves on this Howell and Steve Bryson, Kepler sci- director of NASA Ames. “Through this to the agritourism farm were treated “I had pre-conceived ideas about the As a science teacher, Beard was screen. The darker colors are the entists at NASA Ames, led interactive special outreach effort, NASA was to interactive presentations by NASA experience. I thought I’d be looking given hands-on experience and shown cooler temperatures, and the lighter skits engaging space fans of all ages. able to highlight a new era of post- Ames’ scientists. Other engaging over the scientists’ shoulders. But they how the astronomy research process colors are the warmer temperatures. Audience participation helped demon- shuttle spaceflight by showcasing cur- activities included an aerial ropes actually took time to explain things to works. “I learned what ‘chopping’ is. Your hair is darker than your skin strate how the spacecraft detects plan- rent and future programs, such as the course, zip lines, train rides, pony me,” Beard said. It’s how scientists get rid of back- because it’s cooler,” said Dana Back- ets more than 1,000-light years away Kepler mission, and reach geographi- rides, a giant pumpkin patch and a SOFIA will be used to study many ground radiation in an image, so they man, SOFIA’s education and public by measuring the change in brightness cally dispersed communities.” scary haunted house. different kinds of astronomical objects look at only the infrared light coming outreach manager, who demonstrated of distant stars. Opening day featured a special John Hogan, an environmental and phenomena, but some of the most from the galaxy,” explained Beard. to students the temperature variations continued on page 10 guest appearance by NASA Astronaut scientist in the Bioengineering Branch interesting are: the birth and death The learning experience wasn’t of infrared images. Yvonne Cagle, who signed autographs at NASA Ames, kicked-off the NASA of stars, the formation of new solar just about science though; career continued on page 10 for ecstatic space fans. Shortly after presentations with a rousing discus- systems, identification of complex development also was part it. There 6 7 Astrogram Fall 2011 Astrogram Fall 2011 NASA and Palo Alto Humane Society Partner for Animal Protection by Ruth Dasso Marlaire Ames employees savor chili during annual cook-off Since 1990, NASA Ames has been implementing a predator control program in concert with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge to protect the threatened and endangered species on Hundreds of hungry the center and in the refuge property. Ames employees recently As part of that program, Ames recently sampled 20 participating signed a new agreement with the Palo team’s chili recipes. To Alto Humane Society (PAHS) to help complement the chili tast- find homes for feral cats. ing, hot dogs, turkey legs, Dippin Dots and cookies Many of us are aware that threat- were served for dessert. ened and endangered species, including birds and the salt marsh harvest mouse, live in the outfields of NASA Ames. Almost 20 years ago, Ames was notified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a part of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), that it was at risk of violating the Federal Endangered Species Act if it did not implement a Threatened and endangered species, including birds and the salt marsh harvest mouse, live in predator control program to protect the the outfields of NASA Ames. NASA photos by Dominic Hart endangered species. To start the process, Ames con- animals. “The agreement will help aban- tracted with DOI biologists who iden- The Ames Cat Network has been doned cats, protect and preserve wild tified feral cats as a major predator active in discouraging personnel animals living at Ames, and it will lift at Ames. Over the years, Ames and from abandoning cats at the center, the financial burden for animal control the Don Edwards San Francisco and has been recognized for its work off the taxpayer,” said Carole Hyde, Bay National Wildlife Refuge have with the military, encouraging military executive director at PAHS. “Chari- contracted with the U.S. Department of personnel transferring from Ames to table organizations play a crucial role Agriculture Wildlife Services Program obtain information from the services to such vital work.” to humanely catch feral and aban- about pet relocation options. doned cats. Although the number of captured cats has fluctuated from year to year, NASA supercomputer enables in 2010, 50 cats were caught and transported to a local veterinarian, largest cosmological simulations where they were spayed or neutered by Karen Jenvey and made available for fostering. Scientists have generated the “NASA installs systems like Pleia- Ames can no longer afford the cost largest and most realistic cosmo- des, which are able to run single jobs of spaying and neutering, which was logical simulations of the evolving that span tens of thousands of proces- approximately $100 per cat. Because universe to-date, thanks to NASA’s sors, to facilitate scientific discovery,” of the number of cats and the risk of powerful Pleiades supercomputer. said William Thigpen, systems and violating state law prohibiting abandon- Using the “Bolshoi” simulation code, engineering branch chief in the NASA ing animals at a veterinarian, Ames researchers hope to explain how gal- Advanced Supercomputing (NAS) has formalized an agreement with the axies and other very large structures Division at NASA Ames. PAHS. The society now will take cus- in the universe changed since the Big “The Bolshoi simulation is an ex- tody of the cats, after they have been Bang. cellent example of work done in sup- transported to the veterinarian. To complete the enormous Bolshoi port of NASA’s science goal to under- “Ames will be working with the Palo simulation, which traces how the stand how stars, galaxies and planets Alto Humane Society, where the cats largest galaxies and galaxy structures are formed in order to get a picture of will be given a second chance through in the universe were formed billions how the universe has changed over fostering and adoption, rather than of years ago, astrophysicists at New billions of years,” Thigpen added. being released back at Ames,” said Mexico State University Las Cruces, The Bolshoi simulation models the Ann Clarke, chief of the Environmental New Mexico, and the University of distribution of dark matter across a Division at Ames. California High-Performance Astro- span of one billion light years to better To reduce the number of aban- computing Center (UC-HIPACC), understand how structures like galax- doned cats, Ames also has a feral cat Santa Cruz, Calif., ran their code ies formed in the early universe. Dark management policy, which includes: on Pleiades for 18 days, consumed matter -- a mysterious substance with no artificial feeding of feral or aban- millions of hours of computer time immense gravity that does not inter- doned cats and wildlife, dumpsters and and generating enormous amounts act with normal matter and cannot be garbage cans must be covered at all of data. Pleiades is the seventh most directly observed – makes up roughly times, and no pets are allowed on the powerful supercomputer in the world. 25 percent of the universe. Ames campus, except registered guide 8 9 Astrogram Fall 2011 Astrogram Fall 2011 Contractor Council hosts 8th Annual Golf Tournament NASA releases new interactive space communications game by Kathleen Starmer by Jessica Culler players must first establish command study and open minds to potential ca- stations around the world and ac- reers in those fields, Laughlin added" The Ames Contractor Council NASA has released an interactive, educational video game called cept clients conducting space mis- NetworKing is available to the pub- (ACC) hosted its eighth annual fun- NetworKing that depicts how the sions, such as satellites and space lic for play on the NASA 3D Resources draising golf tournament on Aug. 12, Space Communication and Navigation telescopes. Resources are earned website. Players can access the game 2011, at the Moffett Field Golf Course. (SCaN) network operates. The release throughout the game as players con- using an Internet browser. It can be The ACC is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit of the video game coincided with the tinue to acquire more clients. Players downloaded and run on both a PC organization, and proceeds from this close of World Space Week, Oct. 4-10, can strategically use accumulated and Macintosh operating system. To annual event support both the Ames 2011. resources to enhance and increase play the NetworKing game, visit: http:// community and various educational Developed by the Information their networks' capabilities. www.nasa.gov/multimedia/3d_resourc- outreach programs. This year’s Golf Technology Office at NASA Ames Players with the most integrated es/scan.html Tournament Planning Committee was Research Center, NetworKing gives communications networks will have In conjunction with NetworKing, chaired by Steve Perry and co-chaired players an insider's perspective into the ability to acquire more complex cli- the 3D Resources website also links ents, such as the International Space visitors to the Station Spacewalk Inter- by Chris Buchanan. Staffing was how astronauts, mission controllers and scientists communicate during Station, Hubble Space Telescope and active Game and the SCaN Interactive provided by numerous volunteers from space missions. the Kepler mission. Demo that demonstrate the interaction the Ames contractor community. "For any young person who ever "As a simple and fun introduction between SCaN's ground-and-space Eighty-eight players participated in dreamed of one day contributing to to the complex world of space com- facilities and NASA spacecraft. the tournament. The winning foursome space missions, NetworKing lets munications, NetworKing gives players Declared by the United Nations was a team sponsored by the Interna- NASA photo by Dominic Hart players develop a kingdom of mul- the opportunity to enjoy a challenging General Assembly, World Space Week tional Association of Machinists and tiple space communication networks game while absorbing the basic con- is an annual international celebration included players Thomas Brandon, ACC treasurer and Golf Committee chair Steve Perry displays some of the raffle prizes at working together to support space cepts of space communication," said of science and technology commemo- the 2011 ACC Golf Tournament. Arthur Gonzalez, Pedro Mendez and missions," said Barbara Adde, policy Daniel Laughlin, games researcher at rating the launch Sputnik 1, the first and strategic communications director NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center human-made Earth satellite, and the Robert Skellen. Tee Minus One. ment the Council’s most successful In addition to the best-ball tourna- for SCaN at NASA Headquarters in in Greenbelt, Md. signing of the Outer Space Treaty. The This event raised more than fundraising effort to-date and said the "It's an engaging way to increase theme for World Space Week 2011 is ment, the event featured putting and Washington. $6,000 for the ACC’s upcoming philan- council looks forward to supporting To successfully construct fast and interest in science, technology, en- "50 Years of Human Spaceflight." pitching contests, raffles for exciting thropic activities. ACC President Terry the Ames community and local educa- efficient communication networks, gineering and mathematics areas of prizes and a BBQ dinner hosted by Reichert deemed the 2011 golf tourna- tional efforts with the proceeds. President lands at Moffett Field during Silicon Valley visit Airborne Observatory continued from front page continued from page 6 promoting innovation, and advancing what you see here is entrepreneurship After 70 years of innovation, Ames “An infrared camera has terrestrial research in green and clean technolo- and dynamism, a forward-orientation continues to pursue new breakthrough uses also. For instance, it can be used Kepler Mission-themed corn maze gies. and optimism.” technologies and strengthen partner- for “search and rescue” campaigns, attracts more than a thousand visitors NASA Ames also supports sci- According to an economic benefits ships with local Silicon Valley orga- since a person’s warmth could be continued from page 7 ence, technology, engineering and study prepared for Ames in March nizations, companies, and academic detected at night in the wilderness,” math (STEM) education and workforce 2010, Ames generated $1.3 billion in institutions through the NRP. Backman said. Seven "Space Farms" around the field centers, an estimated one million development. In addition, NASA Ames’ annual economic output and sup- Ames supports the local and The Airborne Astronomy Ambas- country were chosen to honor NASA people are expected to visit the corn efforts include developing partnerships ported more than 8,400 jobs nation- regional economy, not only through sadors program is an outstanding op- and the 50th anniversary of human mazes. with the private sector and facilitating ally, with 70 percent of these jobs its direct jobs and purchases, also by portunity for NASA to reach out to both spaceflight with their 2011 corn maze “We are truly honored to work with commercialization of space. located in California. Regionally, more maintaining its specialized research new and veteran teachers of science, designs. With a unique Kepler theme NASA and participate in the Space On the second day of his overnight than 5,300 jobs and $877 million in facilities for use by external organiza- technology, engineering and math to to highlight space exploration, the Farm 7 outreach program,” said Susan visit, Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, Presi- annual economic output were reported tions actively-seeking commercial bring the excitement of real science Dell’Osso Family Farm corn maze is Dell’Osso, co-owner of the Dell’Osso dent Obama visited the Computer His- in the San Francisco Bay Area. NASA partnerships. Ames also continues to research into the classroom and the one of the nation’s top seven agritour- Family Farm. “Space exploration is tory Museum in Mountain View, Calif., Research Park (NRP), a collaborative operate Moffett Federal Airfield and community at large. ism farms selected for the Space Farm a critical part of our American history to participate in a discussion about community sponsored by NASA Ames, sponsor forums, public events and For more information about apply- 7 outreach program. and we hope to educate thousands of putting America back to work. Linke- now has 80 on-site partners, includ- seminars. ing for the Airborne Astronomy Ambas- The Space Farm 7 maze project children about the importance of space dIn, the world's largest professional ing Bloom Energy, Apprion, Tibion, Although President Obama’s sadors Cycle 1 (2012-2103) team, enables generations to enjoy NASA’s to our future. The entire population of network with more than 120 million Nanostellar and Benetech. schedule did not permit a longer visit, visit: http://www.seti.org/epo/SOFIA numerous contributions to space ex- Lathrop is proud to have been part of users worldwide, hosted the town hall “As Ames explores space and Worden invited the president to return For more information about NASA ploration in a distinct setting, combin- this venture.” meeting. our planet, it stimulates economic to NASA Ames for an extended visit. SOFIA program, visit: http://www.nasa. ing the thrill of space with a search for The Kepler corn maze remained The core topics of the President’s growth by employing scientists and "We look forward to the possibility gov/mission_pages/SOFIA a way out of the maze. With cross- open to the public daily throughout the trip to Silicon Valley focused on job engineering professionals, promoting of a future visit, so that we can show For more information about NASA agency participation from six NASA month of October. creation and the economy. In remarks technology innovation, and prepar- him first-hand some of the technolo- SOFIA education program, visit: at the town hall meeting, President ing the workforce in the future – all to gies that we are developing that both hyyp://sofia.usra.edu Obama referred to Silicon Valley as enhance the health, growth, and long- serve NASA missions and benefit the the part of the country that represents term competitiveness of the Bay Area quality of life on Earth for all Ameri- the essence of America, “because and the nation,” said Worden. cans," said Worden. 10 11 Astrogram Fall 2011 Astrogram Fall 2011 NASA Ames hosts 2011 Honor Awards Ceremony Ames Ongoing Monthly Events Calendar NASA Ames hosted its 2011 Honor Ames’ Inaugural Diversity and Inclu- Stephen C. Jensen, Dryden Flight Awards at a ceremony on Nov. 2, sion Day Team Research Center African American Advisory Group (AAAG) Ames Mac Support Group Mtg., third Tuesday Exchange Information 2011 in the Syvertson Auditorium, Ames Railroad Valley (RRV) Experi- Mtg., every last Tuesday of each month, 12 - 1 of each month, 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m., Bldg. N-201. Thanks to every employee ment 2011 Team Project Management p.m., Bldg. N241, Rm 237. POC: Chair - Jim N-262, Rm 180. POC: Tony ext. 4-0340. Information about products, services and opportuni- who submitted a nomination this year, Ames Shuttle Orbiter Aerothermal Deborah S. Ballinger Busby, ext. 4-2792. ties provided to the employee and contractor com- and congratulations to these deserv- Analysis Team Gelsomina Cappuccio Ames Model Aircraft Club, flying radio-con- munity by the Ames Exchange Council. Visit the ing employees. A list of those honored ARCLAN Engineering & Operations David L. Pletcher Ames Amateur Radio Club, third Thurs., of trolled aircraft at the north end of Parsons Ave. web site at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov follows: Team ea. month, 12 noon, N-T28 (across from on weekend mornings. POC: Mark Sumich, Commercial Biomedical Test Module-3 Scientist or Researcher N-255). POC: Michael Wright, KG6BFK, at ext. 4-6193. Beyond Galileo Gift Shop N-235 in the 2011 AMES HONOR AWARDEES (CBTM-3) Payload Team William J. Borucki ext. 4-6262. cafeteria , 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., ext. 4-6873 Fusion Imaging Team Jessica Koehne Moffett Aikido Club, Monday and Wednesday Ames Ballroom Dance Club, Classes on evenings, 6:30 p.m., Bldg. 944, across from Visitor Center Gift Shop (White Tent Administrative Assistant Support/ Kepler Anomaly Resolution Team Tuesdays. Beginning classes meet at 5:15 former McDonalds. Aikido is a non-competi- N-943-A, Tues-Fri, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat. Secretary MI2 Team Student p.m. Higher-level class meets at 5:50 p.m. tive, defensive martial art known as the “Way - Sun, 12 - 4 p.m., ext. 4--5412 Deborah C. Nagy NASA ARC International Visits Coordi- Cherise L. Cunha Held in Bldg. 944, the Rec. Center. POC: of Harmony.” POC: Diane Pereda (650) 575- Remember to purchase your baby shower, birthday, Kay L. Twitchell nation (IVC) Team Lynnette C. Jacome Helen Hwang at [email protected], ext. 9070 or Robert Dean (650) 787-1007, email: holiday gifts at Ames’ two gift shops! Operational Based Vision Assessment Lubna M. Shirazi 4-1368. [email protected] Mega Bites Cafeteria N-235, 6 a.m. to Administrative Professional Team 2 p.m., ext. 4-5969/Catering ext. 4-2161 Dennis R. Cauterucio SOFIA Outreach Group Supervisor/Manager Ames Bicycling Club, every third Wednesday Native American Advisory Committee Mtg., Kevin F. Kouba STL2 Team Rabindra D. Mehta of each month, 12 noon - 1 p.m., Bldg. N-245 fourth Tuesday each month, 12 noon - 1 Barcelona Café Bldg. 3, 6:30 a.m. to Auditorium. For information on the club go p.m., Bldg. 19, Rm 1096. POC: Mike Liu, ext. 2 p.m., ext. 4-4948/Catering ext. 4-4948 Beverly M. Norris Ultrasound 2 Project Team to the website https://ames.clubexpress.com. 4-1132. Technical Support/Professional POC: Julie Nottage at [email protected]. See daily menus at: http://exchange.arc. Commercialization/Technology Mentor Susan P. Suffel nasa.gov, ext. 4-3711. Ames Nimble Knitters Club, every Tuesday nasa.gov/cafe/menu.html Transfer Award James E. Kennon at 11:30 a.m., Bldg. N210/Rm 141. POC: Moffett Field Golf Club with ‘Tee minus 1’ David F. Blake David R. Morse Technician Ames Bowling League, Homestead Lanes Rosalyn Jung, [email protected] or Diane Grill and Sports Bar. Catering available. Shawn A. Meszaros Thursdays at 6:20 p.m. Need substitute bowl- Alexander at ext. 4-3140. URL: http://knit.arc. Call (650) 603-8026. Extended Happy Hour Diversity and Opportunity Special Appreciation Robert L. Walker ers. Sign up questions: Steve Howard at ext. nasa.gov Thursdays, $5 and $6 pitchers of beer starting William G. Warmbrodt David F. Downing, Kennedy Space 4-4884. at 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Center Ames Green Team (formerly the Green Ames Ames Child Care Center Board of Direc- Working Group) meetings are held the first RV Lots Available Call to reserve a space Contractor Employee tors Mtg., every other Monday, 1 - 2:30 p.m., Thursday of each month in N237, Room at (650) 603-7100/01. Dennis W. Acosta, Jacobs Control Apparatus, Five Degree Cen- Bldg. N-262/Rm 180. POC: Sally Miller, ext. 101, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. For information, Civilian/Contractors, $50/mo; military $25/mo Technology Inc. In memorium trifuge, Flight Simulator for Advanced 4-5411. call Roger Ashbaugh, Ames Environmental NASA Lodge (N-19) 603-7100 Christopher R. Boshuizen, Stinger Maurice D. White, 94, of Palo Aircraft, and the Vertical Motion Simu- Management Division, ext. 4-5602. Ghaffarian Technologies Inc. Alto, Calif., died peacefully Sept. 30, lator. Ames Contractor Council Mtg., first Weds. of http://environmentalmanagement.arc.nasa. Where to stay when you’re too tired to drive home? Robert W. Craun, Stinger Ghaffarian 2011. Maurie was born in Lawrence, Starting in 1970, as chief of the ea. month, 11 a.m., Bldg. N-200, Committee gov/reports/eo-13514.html What about the lodge?! Two types of rooms: Bldg. Room. POC: Elisa Taube (408) 541-2838. 19 (43 rooms), rate: $55/night ($5 ea add’l adult); Technologies Inc. Ma., in 1916. He graduated with a Flight Dynamics and Controls Branch, Bldg. 583 (150 rooms), rate: $45/night ($5 ea. add’l Paula M. Dumars, Lockheed Martin B.S. degree in aeronautical engineer- he managed technical specialists Ames Sailing Club Mtg., second Thursday of adult) Ames Federal Employees Union (AFEU) each month (March through November), from Space OPNS ing from MIT in 1938 and began what working on the latest developments in Ames Swim Center (N-109) 603-8025 William E. Eshagh, PEROT Systems Mtg, third Wednesday ea. month, noon. Bldg. 12 p.m. - 1 p.m., Bldg. N-260, Rm. 113. URL: would become a distinguished 37 year aircraft dynamics and control techolo- N-247, Rm. 109.. Guests welcome. Info at: http://sail.arc.nasa.gov/. POC: Clif Horne, ext. Closed for repairs, for updates visit http://amesex- Edward A. Figueira, Tessada career at NACA and NASA at Langley gies for aircraft ranging from commer- http://www.afeu.org. POC: Paul K. Davis, ext. 4-4571. change.arc.nasa.gov/swim/index.html Lynette I. Forsman, Delta-Critique Research Center. cial transports to an array of fixed wing 4-5916. The pool is heated year round! The pool is currently Chok Fung Lai, University Affiliated Maurie had spent the war years and rotary wing vertical flight concepts. Ames Safety Committee, third Thursday of available for lap swim, pool parties and special The Hispanic Advisory Committee for events. POC: Ryan Storms, Pool Manager (650) Research Center learning the ropes of flight research After his retirement from NASA, each month, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Bldg. N-237, 603-8025. Memberships: single memberships: Ronald D. Lehmer, SAIC and airplane flying qualities technol- he and George Cooper, old friends Excellence (HACE) Mtg., first Thursday of Rm. 201. POC: John Livacich, jlivacich@ $60/yr. Family memberships: $80/yr. After purchas- Michael W. Leonard, SAIC ogy. A highlight of this early phase of and colleagues, consulted with Ames each month, 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Bldg. mail.arc.nasa.gov, ext. 4-3243 or Terry Reich- ing a membership, there is an entrance fee: daily Juan A. Magana, Ames Exchange his career was the coauthorship with on a program to improve coordina- N-255, Rm. 101C. POC: Eric Kristich, ext. ert, [email protected], ext.-4-0375. entrance fee - $3/day or lap pass fee - $50 for 20 Walter E. Miller, Lockheed Martin Gilruth of NACA Report No. 711, an tion among aircraft crew members in 4-5137 and Mark Leon, ext. 4-6498. uses. Platinum membership - $380/yr. (no daily Jetstream Toastmasters, Mondays, 12 p.m. fee). Special events: include military training, swim Space OPNS analysis and prediction of the longitu- the cockpit. They were the principals - 1 p.m., Bldg. N-269/Rm.179. POC: Tim team events, kayak role practice, etc. The cost for Kevin Y. Sato, Lockheed Martin Space dinal stability of airplanes. This report who organized the first international Steiger, ext. 4-0195, [email protected]. special events is $75/hr, or $50/hr for military. OPNS was important in the design of all conference on Cockpit Resource Man- Web: http://jetstream.freetoasthost.com World War II aircraft. agement that launched this important Reservations for Chase Park call ext. 4-4948 Education and Outreach After transferring to Ames after program for NASA. Reservations for ARC Park call ext. 4-5969 Larry A. Young WWII, Maurie embarked on a three- Maurice’s legacy stands with other decade period of increasingly produc- Ames alumni whose work continues Engineer tive and noteworthy research in aero- to influence current events in U.S. Nathan J. Burnside nautics in the Flight Research Branch. aviation. He is survived by Miriam Ames Cat Network Miles T. Cote An important contribution in the mid- L. White, his loving wife of 35 years, Shon R. Grabbe 50s came with the effort to determine two children from his first marriage to The Ames Cat Network needs help finding airplane stability and control charac- Evelyn M. White, four step-children,13 Ames emergency announcements homes for cats trapped at Moffett. They Environmental and Sustainability teristics that influenced the choice of grandchildren and one great grand- range from feral to abandoned/lost pets. Rose A. Grymes minimum acceptable approach speed child. To hear the centerwide status recording, call (650) 604-9999 for information Tested, altered and inoculated. Call Iris at for landing on an aircraft carrier. For anyone wishing to make a do- announcements and emergency instructions for Ames employees. You can ext. 4-5824 if you or someone you know are interested in fostering or adopting a cat. Group/Team His experience gained with a rudi- nation in Maurie’s memory, the family also listen to 1700 KHz AM radio for the same information. ACFS Simulation Model Upgrade mentary simulator led to his lead roll requests that you donate to a charity Team in setting the requirements for several of your choice. Ames flight simulators: the Height

12 13 Astrogram Fall 2011 Astrogram Fall 2011 Protective Services monthly activity A statistical summary of activities of the Protective Services Division’s One World, One Ames Security/Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Services units for the month Poem by Rose King of September 2011 is shown below. Security/Law Enforcement Activity Rose King was the first place winner for the Ames Diversity and Inclusion Event Poetry Contest. Here is her poem:

Black, white, red, brown, & yellow - A Kaleidoscope of dazzling colors. Crystal clear multicultural hues of brilliant ideas - boundless, infinite, forever.

Cerebral threads woven from hu- manity’s landscape - soaring through time and space. Fire Protection Activity Transcending vertical boundaries of complacency - a world of possibilities.

Each unique yet familiar voice Seeking a path less traveled, An unknown place to journey. As footprints leave, memory whis- pers - Isa world, Isa Ames - Hitotsu world, Hitotsu Ames - Uno world, Uno Ames, Yī world, Yī Ames - Nitokska world, Nitokska Ames

FIRST-CLASS U.S. POSTAGE National Aeronautics and Space PAID PERMIT NO. 85 Administration MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000 Astrogram NP-2011-10-01-ARC

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

Managing Editor...... Michael Mewhinney Editor, Layout and Design...... Astrid Olson

You can reach the Astrogram Office at: astrogram @mail.arc.nasa.gov or by phone at (650) 604- 3347. Astrogram Web site: http://www.nasa.gov/ PLEASE RECYCLE ames/astrogram. Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with vegetable-based ink. 14 Astrogram Fall 2011