NASA Finds Hydrocarbons on Saturn's Moon Hyperion Bill Nye Speaks At

Home , Hyperion (moon), NASA research

July 2007 NASA finds hydrocarbons on Saturn’s moon Hyperion NASA’s Cassini spacecraft has re- Cruikshank, a planetary scientist at expected ways with the ordinary ice. vealed for the first time surface details Ames and the paper’s lead author. Images of the brightest regions of of Saturn’s moon Hyperion, including “These molecules, when embedded Hyperion’s surface show frozen water cup-like craters filled with hydrocar- in ice and exposed to ultraviolet light, that is crystalline in form, like that bons that may indicate more wide- form new molecules of biological found on Earth. spread presence in our solar system of significance. This doesn’t mean that “Most of Hyperion’s surface ice basic chemicals necessary for life. we have found life, but it is a further is a mix of frozen water and organic indication that the basic chemistry dust, but carbon dioxide ice is also needed for life is widespread in the prominent. The carbon dioxide is not universe.” pure, but is somehow chemically at- NASA NASA photo Cassini’s ultraviolet imaging tached to other molecules,” explained spectrograph and visual and infrared Cruikshank. mapping spectrometer captured com- Prior spacecraft data from other positional variations in Hyperion’s moons of Saturn, as well as Jupiter’s surface. These instruments, capable moons Ganymede and Callisto, sug- of mapping mineral and chemical gest that the carbon dioxide molecule features of the moon, sent back data is “complexed,” or attached with confirming the presence of frozen other surface material in multiple water found by earlier ground-based ways. “We think that ordinary carbon observations, but also discovered solid dioxide will evaporate from Saturn’s carbon dioxide (dry ice) mixed in un- continued on page 2

Bill Nye speaks at Ames summit NASA’s Cassini spacecraft’s recent photograph of Saturn’s moon Hyperion shows its sponge- Bill Nye, ‘the Science Guy,’ like appearance with craters that are filled with spoke recently at the Participatory hydrocarbons. Exploration Summit held in June at Ames. The event gathered technology Hyperion yielded some of its experts, communications and thought secrets to the battery of instruments leaders and NASA personnel to dis- aboard Cassini as the spacecraft flew cuss how to use new technologies to close by in September 2005. Water make NASA’s work more accessible and carbon dioxide ices were found, through ‘participatory exploration.’ as well as dark material that fits the Participatory exploration is the way in spectral profile of hydrocarbons. which the public can actively engage A paper published in the July 5, in, and potentially contribute to, the 2007, issue of Nature reports details of exciting activities that NASA conducts. Hyperion’s surface craters and com- position observed during this flyby, including keys to understanding the On the Inside . . . moon’s origin and evolution over Page 2- Liquid mirror telescope on moon 4.5 billion years. This is the first time might see deeper back in time scientists were able to map the surface Page 3 - Nanotechnology space sensor test material on Hyperion. proves successful in orbit “Of special interest is the presence Page 9 - New e-mail system is here! on Hyperion of hydrocarbons - combi- Bill Nye, ‘the Science Guy,’ spoke at Ames dur- Page 12 - Ames Ongoing Events nations of carbon and hydrogen atoms ing the Participatory Exploration Summit held Page 13 - Ames Classifieds that are found in comets, meteorites recently at the center. and the dust in our galaxy,” said Dale www.nasa.gov Liquid-mirror telescope on moon might see deeper back in time Someday, astronauts on the moon The major advantages of liquid searchers used a liquid made of ‘ionic may pour liquid onto a disc-shaped telescope mirrors include ease of ship- salts’ that remains fluid at very low mesh to make a huge mirror for a ping, assembling and maintenance, temperatures. The scientists deposited powerful telescope, according to a re- “which are far easier than for a solid a fine layer of chromium particles on cently public technical article. the liquid and then added a The liquid would include layer of silver particles. The a silver-coated surface, and researchers say that the reflec- would be part of an opti- tiveness of the liquid mirror cal-infrared telescope with a is not yet adequate, but “it is 66-foot (20-meter) to 328-foot now only a matter of techno-

(100 meter) aperture capable of logical improvement.” Photo by Guy Plante (Laval) Plante Guy by Photo observing objects 100 to 1,000 The authors say they will times fainter than the James continue to experiment to Webb Space Telescope, the au- develop more ways to make thors say. The technical paper liquid mirrors. The research- appeared in the June 21, 2007, ers predict that the first lunar, issue of the journal, Nature. liquid-mirror telescope will be “In this case, we have built no earlier than 2020. shown how the moon is ideal Borra received a grant from (for) using liquid mirror tech- A 3.7 meter-diameter liquid mirror, such as this one at Laval University, the Canadian Space Agency to nology to build a telescope someday might be used to create a huge mirror for a large telescope on the conduct his studies. The other much larger than we can af- moon. Mercury is used in the liquid mirror. There are no detectable mer- authors include: Omar Seddiki fordably build in space,” said cury vapors in the air because a thin transparent layer of oxide covers the of Laval University, Quebec, mirror’s surface. Shown from left to right are an unidentified undergradu- Ames Center Director S. Pete ate student; Remi Cabanac, a graduate student who did his Ph.D. thesis on Canada; Roger Angel and Dan- Worden and a co-author of the liquid mirrors; Dr. Ermanno Borra (lead author of a technical paper entitled iel Eisenstein, both from the technical paper. The lead au- ‘Deposition of metal films on an ionic liquid as a basis for a lunar telescope’ University of Arizona, Tucson; thor is Ermanno Borra, Laval published in the June 21, 2007 issue of the journal, Nature); and Gregoire Paul Hickson, University of University, Quebec, Canada. Tremblay, who also wrote his Ph.D. thesis on the liquid mirror.) British Columbia, Vancouver, “Such telescopes, perhaps 100 Canada; and Kenneth Seddon, meters in diameter, can see back to the mirror,” the authors note. The Queen’s University of Belfast, early phases of the universe after the In laboratory experiments, the re- U.K. Big Bang,” Worden added. by John Bluck The authors envision making lunar, infrared telescopes to study normal and dwarf galaxies. Hydrocarbons on Saturn’s moon Hyperion “The lunar, liquid-mirror project continued from front page was supported by the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts. It enabled a moons over long periods of time,” from the imaging team about Hyper- team of scientists including myself to said Cruikshank, “but it appears to be ion’s strange, spongy-looking appear- show how the moon - our first target much more stable when it is attached ance. Details are online at: http://ci- in the Vision for Space Exploration to other molecules.” clops.org/view.php?id=3303 (VSE) - might support astronomy,” “The Hyperion flyby was a fine The Cassini-Huygens mission is Worden explained. “ We hope that this example of Cassini’s multi-wavelength a cooperative project of NASA, the or similar possibilities will excite the capabilities. In this first-ever ultravio- European Space Agency and the Ital- scientific community about the op- let observation of Hyperion, the detec- ian Space Agency. The Jet Propulsion portunities contained within the VSE,” tion of water ice tells us about com- Laboratory, a division of the California Worden observed. positional differences of this bizarre Institute of Technology in Pasadena, body,” said Amanda Hendrix, Cassini According to the article, an un- manages the Cassini-Huygens mission scientist on the ultraviolet imaging coated mirror would be carried to the for NASA’s Science Mission Director- spectrograph at NASA’s Jet Propulsion ate, Washington. moon in a drum that astronauts would Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. More information on the Cassini empty into a rotating mesh, robotically Hyperion, Saturn’s eighth largest mission is available at: http://www. unfolded like an umbrella. moon, has a chaotic spin and orbits nasa.gov/cassini “Surface tension would prevent Saturn every 21 days. The July 5 issue by Ruth Dasso Marlaire the liquid from falling through the of Nature also includes new findings small holes of the mesh,” the authors said.

Astrogram July 2007 Nanotechnology space sensor test proves successful in orbit NASA Ames recently designed Ames the opportunity for a technol- nano-chip chamber, temperature and and built the first nanotechnology- ogy demonstration flight. Li proposed pressure sensors, custom electronics, based electronic device that was her sensor for that flight because of software controls and communica- successfully tested in space. The the maturity of its development. Julie tions. After waiting on the shelf for Ames-developed, Nano-ChemSensor Schonfeld, deputy director for the over a year to fly and three months on Unit (NCSU) hitched a ride to orbit on Ames’ Center for Nano-Techonology orbit to be powered, the unit auto- the U.S. Naval Academy’s MidSTAR-1 at the inception of the project, was matically injected the on-board gas satellite on March 9, 2007, as one of the familiar with the capabilities of the En- containing 20 parts per million NO2 in gineering Systems nitrogen over the nano-sensors during Division, having four experiments each day with three started her career NO2 exposures in each experiment. there as an electri- The unit then recorded the data in cal engineer. She on-board memory and downloaded it assisted in com- to the Navy’s MidSTAR-1 communica- pleting the project tions system, which finally sent it to team by introduc- the USNA ground station. The unit ing Li to engineers will be powered for approximately 45 Jim Hanratty and days. The first set of data was recently Mark Mallinson. received by the team and after analy- This collabora- sis, the NCSU is working properly, tive effort between following the pre-programmed experi- the researchers and ment. After Li’s initial analysis, she engineers at Ames found that some sensors did respond was key to the to 20ppm NO2 in N2 with three re- The Nano ChemSensor Unit is a laboratory in a box. This view shows the N2 gas canister on the left, injection valves for the gas to flow over the nano-sensor and electronics board. The actual sensor is not success of this test. sponse curves from the data set. They shown in this view. A close working look as expected. “I call it a success!” relationship devel- says Li. experiments in a secondary payload. oped among the team. Researchers Li The small team met weekly to Because the experiments were turned and Yijiang Lu built the nano-sensor discuss design requirements, issues, on one-by-one, the sensor test was the chip that included 32 nano-sensors design trade-offs, schedule and budget last one powered on May 24. while electrical en- The data received from the unit gineer Jim Hanratty, showed that the nano-sensor could mechanical engineer

monitor trace gases in low-Earth orbit. Mark Mallinson photos NASA “The nano-sensor worked successfully and safety engineer in space,” said Dr. Jing Li, the Ames’ Ken Zander worked principal investigator for the test. directly with Li and “We demonstrated that nano-sensors Lu over the course can survive in space conditions and of a year to design, the extreme vibrations and gravity prototype, build and change during launch,” she added. space flight qualify The Nano ChemSensor developed at Ames houses 32 sensors and is about the size of a quarter. The goal of the experiment was to three units, known prove that nano-sensors made of tiny as the NCSU. Hanratty also served as to ensure the test would be successful. carbon nano-tubes coated with sens- the project manager while Mallinson It is close working relationships such ing materials could survive the space served as the systems engineer. Ames’ as these among the Ames community, environment to detect trace chemicals in-house shop’s Sam Caires supported specifically between scientists and en- in space. fabrication and the test lab’s Jerry gineers, that make fast-paced, low-cost The opportunity for this space Wang supported qualification testing. missions successful. The smash hit flight test for the Nano-ChemSensor The Ames team also demonstrated of the Nano ChemSensor Unit is yet Unit was provided by Dan Powell, a successful collaboration between another ‘small’ step towards getting nanotechnologist, from the Goddard Ames, Goddard and the US Naval Ames back in the space business. Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., Academy (USNA) in manifesting the by the NCSU Team and John Bluck with whom Ames has had a long col- NCSU on MidSTAR-1. laborative relationship. Powell, who The unit is essentially a tiny labo- has a passion for demonstrating the ratory, which can be held in one hand capabilities of nanotechnology, took and carries a canister with nitrogen advantage of Goddard’s relationship dioxide (NO2), the sample gas, control with the Naval Academy to offer to valves, a custom hermetically sealed

Astrogram July 2007 Meyya Meyyappan wins two honors in one week During the same week, Ames’ for his nanotechnology work. Meyy- dous nanotechnology program for Meyya Meyyappan learned two pro- appan is the chief scientist for explora- Ames,” said Charles A. Smith, chief of tion technology at Ames’ Center for Ames’ Space Technology Division. “It Nanotechnology. doesn’t surprise me that he is being Nanotechnology is the creation recognized for his exceptional nano- of materials, devices and systems technology work by his colleagues through the control of matter on the across the world,” Smith added. nanometer scale. A nanometer is The Resnick award includes the one-billionth of a meter. Scientists say citation, “For the development of nanotechnology could lead to changes nanoscience and technology in aero- in almost everything from comput- space applications and his leadership ers and medicine, to automobiles and in nanotechnology.” spacecraft. The IEEE Board of Directors estab- The Institute of Electrical and Elec- lished the Resnick Award in 1986 to tronics Engineers, Inc., (IEEE), granted recognize outstanding contributions Meyyappan the 2008 Judith A. Resnick to space engineering, according to an Award, and the American Vacuum IEEE publication. The award honors Society elected him as a fellow for, NASA photo IEEE member Resnik, who perished Meyya Meyyappan, is the winner of the Institute of Electrical “outstanding and sustained contribu- when the space shuttle Challenger, and Electronics Engineers, Inc., 2008 Judith A. Resnick tions to processing and applications of exploded in January 1986. The award Award and also an American Vacuum Society fellowship award for his nanotechnology work at Ames. carbon nanotubes, and plasma model- includes a bronze medal, certificate ing and simulation.” and honorarium. fessional organizations honored him “Meyya has put together a tremen- by John Bluck Ames’ David Morrison discusses diverting mass extinction Dr. Stephanie Langhoff, chief sci- Morrison, named after him. Morrison, the greatest severity of all natural entist at NASA Ames, beamed while hands balanced akimbo on the lapel of disasters, Morrison said, but because introducing Dr. David Morrison to his blazer, smiled at the great turn-out, they are also the most predictable, an and apologized to those unable to at- impact is avoidable by changing the tend, due to lack of seating. NEA’s orbit. Citing the Alvarez Hypothesis, Because humans are not immune which claims an impact killed the to the inevitable threat of a major dinosaurs, as an example of one of the impact, Morrison ended his presenta- many mass extinctions that punctu- tion by asking who should assume or ate life on Earth, Morrison went on to explain how vast and sudden impacts affect the understanding of evolution. As opposed to Darwinism, where competition and gradual changes determine survival, he redefines evolution as an interplay between static survival and the ability to survive a catastrophe. Dr. David Morrison (above) speaking during Morrison impressed the recent ‘Impacts and Evolution’ colloquium attendees with the fact he presented to a full house of attendees (right that Near Earth Asteroids NASA photos by Dominic Hart photo) at the center. (NEAs) frequently enter the Earth’s be trusted with the responsibility of atmosphere with a force equal to protecting the “stability of civilization NASA Ames employees who were “Hiroshima” and that detection is key itself” and how to affect planetary gathered in the Space Sciences audito- to preventing a cataclysmic impact. defense to reinforce that, without rium in early July to hear his colloqui- According to Morrison, NASA’s discovering and accounting for an um, ‘Impacts and Evolution.’ During Space Guard Discovery Program has NEA ahead of time, the only warning his presentation, Morrison highlighted reduced the probability of the Earth would be two seconds: a flash of light numerous accomplishments and hon- being hit by an undetected asteroid before the Earth shakes. ors, such as having an asteroid, 2410 by 75 percent. Impact disasters have by Rachel Prucey

Astrogram July 2007 Ames scientists’ book sheds light on airline accidents Three Ames scientists have recent- their peers. Thus, the approach of this ly published a book that sheds new book was to ask why might any highly light on the causes of airline accidents experienced crew involved in a similar and points to ways to reduce acci- situation as the accident crew, know- dent rates. ‘The Limits of Expertise: ing only what the accident crew knew Rethinking Pilot Error and the Causes at each moment, been vulnerable to of Airline Accidents,’ (Ashgate, 2007), performing in much the same way as by Key Dismukes, Ben Berman and the accident crew. Loukia Loukopoulos, is the product of Each accident is examined in a a five-year study in which the authors separate chapter that describes the analyzed 19 recent major U.S. airline sequence of events and actions step- accidents in which accident investiga- by-step and analyzes the cognitive tors found crew error to be causal. processes and organizational forces Most aviation accidents are at- likely to have influenced the accident tributed to pilot error, but this is often sequence. The last chapter identifies misinterpreted as evidence of lack themes that cut across the set of ac- of skill or discipline by the accident cidents, discusses the role of chance, pilots -- “they lacked the right stuff.” criticizes simplistic concepts of causal- This misinterpretation has been an im- ity of accidents, and suggests ways to pediment to improving aviation safety. reduce vulnerability to these catastro- The authors show that errors made by phes. The book begins with a fore- experts, such as airline pilots, are best word by Carl Vogt, former chair of the The recently published book ‘The Limits of Ex- understood as the result of the ways in National Transportation Safety Board. pertise: Rethinking Pilot Error and the Causes which task demands, events, human Although focusing on pilot perfor- of Airline Accidents,’ was written by three cognitive processes and organizational mance and airline accidents, the prin- Ames scientists, Key Dismukes, Ben Berman and Loukia Loukopoulos. The book discusses factors interact. ciples developed in the book apply to the causes of airline accidents and how to reduce The cockpit crews in these acci- any area of skilled performance, such them. dents appear to have been representa- as medicine or nuclear power plant tive of the population of non-accident operation. The analysis of organiza- conduct missions safely in the face of pilots in experience, training, and skill, tional factors is relevant to any orga- diverse and not always predictable and were generally well-regarded by nization, including NASA, that must threats. by Key Dismukes Girl Scouts ‘Launch into Technology’ day held at Ames A ‘Launch into Technology’ media day recently was held at Ames as part of a week-long science program focused on robotics and aeronautics activities for 50 high-school-aged Girl Scouts. During the program, the scouts interacted with Ames experts and participated in hand-on activities, rang- ing from wind tunnel experiments and demonstrations of flight simulators, to instruction in robot design and a robotics competition. KGO-TV, the San Jose Mercury News and the Palo Alto Daily News covered the event.

NASA photos by Dominic Hart

Astrogram July 2007 Friends celebrate anniversary of the passing of Paul Callahan This year is the second anniversary stand new things.His reputation for and later worked with NASA Head- of the passing of Dr. Paul X. Callahan, this became known across Ames and quarters to develop the LSDA. Visit the former NASA Ames Life Sciences he was invited to be on a large number http://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov for informa- Data Archive project manager and of flight payload review teams and tion about the archive. He became contractor competition reviews - a task the Ames Life Science Data Archive not relished by many people, because project manager and led the collection of the long hours and extensive study effort over the next 10 years until his NASA photo NASA of documents required. Callahan and passing. For information about the NASA were truly a good combination. Ames Life Science Data Archive, visit During his career, Callahan pub- http://alsda.arc.nasa.gov. Through lished more than 60 papers and ab- Callahan’s dedicated efforts, the LSDA stracts in the areas of chemistry, physi- is now a mature archive and source for ology, enzymology, hardware design NASA flight and ground life science and project management. He was a experiment information. member of numerous professional and In addition to Callahan’s many honor societies and received several technical contributions, he also was a awards, including the NASA special mentor and friend to many aspiring achievement, performance, and group students. He was a tireless volunteer Dr. Paul X. Callahan achievement awards, and the Fed- in numerous worthy causes, including eral Employee Distinguished Service judging youth science fairs, the Hertz Science Directorate computer secu- Award. Foundation Fellowship awards, troop rity officer, who passed away on July His significant accomplishments leader for the Boy Scouts of America, 14, 2005 at the age of 71. His family, included successfully managing the a Pacific Junior Rifles instructor to sev- friends and many NASA colleagues design, development and implemen- eral Olympic-level aspirants at Pacific gathered soon after, at the Duggan tation of the first major Ames shuttle Rod and Gun Club, task force member Funeral home, for a memorial service payload (SL-3); supporting design to preserve Lake Merced and a su- that fittingly had the spirit of an Irish and development of prototypes for pervisor-teacher-counselor to many wake - a mix of faith, tears, stories and the Research Animal Holding Facility interns at Ames. above all, humor. In tribute of his 39 and the General Purpose Workstation; In tribute to Callahan, the Ames years of service to NASA, Callahan’s and for over a decade, managing the community extends their heartfelt colleagues would like to share some of development of the Ames repository thanks to Callahan’s family, his wife his life achievements. of life sciences data and reusable pre- Pat of 46 years; children Paul and Pau- Callahan was born in Kearny, N.J. served biosamples. lette; grandchildren Megan and Paul; and grew up in a close, traditional, Callahan recognized early on the sister Lynn Williams and niece, Jenni- Irish family. In 1959, he received a need to capture and make available fer Williams. He is greatly missed by Ph.D. in chemistry from the Univer- the expanding NASA-sponsored space his NASA Ames colleagues. sity of Louisville. He began his career life sciences research information by Barbara Navarro at Ames in 1966, following research fellowships at the University of Cali- fornia at San Francisco and Stanford In Memory of . . . University. At Ames, he served as a research scientist, animal colony direc- Edgar ‘Don’ Madden tor, student space biology research Edgar ‘Don’ Madden, an em- submarine base. program director, life sciences facility ployee of NASA Ames for 20 years, He was employed at NASA passed away Feb. 16, 2007, after safety manager, life sciences payload Ames from 1957 through 1977 as an complications from a debilitating electronic technician in the electron- project manager for Spacelab Mission- stroke in July of 2003. ic instrumentation shop. Madden 3 (SL-3), chief of the Science Opera- Madden was a 21-year Navy enjoyed his years there and was tions Branch and Life Sciences Data veteran and a Pearl Harbor survivor proud to be a part of the many dif- Archive (LSDA) project manager. and who also served in the South ferent and interesting projects that These many roles suited him well, Pacific and the Korean war. He also he particiapted in. He is survived as evidenced by his becoming an participated in atomic bomb testing, by his wife of 63 years, Jo Madden, Eagle Scout during his youth. Cal- along with tours of duty in the Phil- and his sons, Ed and Dwain, and lahan always had unlimited curiosity ippines and China. Later, Madden Dwain’s friend, Ginger. and the desire to pursue and under- was stationed at the Pearl Harbor Astrogram July 2007 IT systems administrator retires after four decades at Ames More than 30 friends and col- NASA,” the letter reads. “Forty years a full-time employee at Ames on leagues from across Ames gathered at of dedication to the noble goals of the June 2, 1967, immediately following Michaels at Shoreline on June 13 for foremost space exploration organiza- graduation. Over the years, he has also a farewell luncheon to honor Danny tion in the world is an impressive Sallas, an information technology sys- legacy. If memory serves, you would tems administrator for Perot Systems, have started when NASA itself was who retired June 15 after 40 years of only nine years old, and your service service. spanned the entire Apollo program, Bill Preston, senior Airspace Op- through the space shuttles, myriad erations specialist for Perot Systems, unmanned exploration programs and presented Sallas with a congratulatory the International Space Station.” letter from President and Mrs. George Aeronautics Projects Office Branch Bush. “As you celebrate this mile- Chief Lynda Haines presented Sallas stone, I hope you will take pride in with a NASA plaque in recognition of your accomplishments and dedicated 40 years of service to Ames. Haines service,” the letter reads. “Laura and I praised Sallas for “his years of dedica- send our best wishes for an enjoyable tion and countless nights and week- retirement.” ends” and called him one of the “most Sallas also received a congratula- talented people I know.” tory letter from Representative Zoe Mike Landis, project manager for Lofgren (D-San Jose) and an American the Next Generation Air Transpor- flag. The flag was flown for Sallas over tation System (NGATS) Air Traffic the U.S. Capitol Building on May 24 in Management (ATM) Airspace Proj- photo by Nicola Windmueller Danny Sallas, an information technology systems recognition of his retirement after 40 ect, presented a NASA Certificate of administrator for Perot Systems at Ames, retired years of service to NASA Ames. An Appreciation signed by Ames Center recently after 40 years of service at the center. inscribed Movado desk clock was also Director S. Pete Worden and thanked given to him as a special gift from his Sallas for his “superb work” support- worked for Programming Methods, friends and colleagues. ing NASA research activities. Informatics, Sterling Software, Raythe- Michael Swiger, program manager The 58-year-old Sallas first began on, QSS Group and Perot Systems. for Perot Systems, presented Sallas working at Ames in 1966 as a 17-year- Sallas said he is excited about his with a letter of appreciation from old intern with the Neighborhood retirement and is “so looking forward Ross Perot, chairman Emeritus of the Youth Corp work study program to starting the next phase of my life.” board of Perot Systems Corporation. while still attending Cupertino High “The dance at Ames was fantastic. I “I want to thank you personally for School. Sallas subsequently joined now look forward to new adventures your service to our country and to Computer Usage Corporation as in the future.” An avid gardener, chef, baker, and do-it-yourselfer, Sallas plans to Popular annual AAAG BBQ held remodel parts of his San Jose home and is already enrolled in classes this fall to learn more about his passion in interior and landscape design. He also hopes to achieve his re-certification with Apple Computer. With homes in Maricopa, Ariz., San Jose and Hemet, Calif., future plans include more fre- NASA photo by Paul Langston NASA quent travel, including to his father’s homeland in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico and to his mother’s birthplace in Kaui, Hawaii. He also plans to spend more time with his brothers, John, Jim and Joe and sister, Mary, as well as with friends, his son Johnny, daughter-in- law Dina and three grandchildren. “Life has been, and is good, and by nature I only look forward not back,”

The African American Advisory Group (AAAG) barbecue was held at Chase Park on June 28. The menu consisted of ribs, chicken, he said. “The future looks amazing baked beans, green salad, garlic bread and an variety of desserts. As a very special welcome to all the Ames students, the Office of the indeed.” Director and the Ames Exchange sponsored students at the center to attend the BBQ. Door prizes were also available for students. A by Patricia Carroll great time was had by all who attended and enjoyed the great music and delicious food.

Astrogram July 2007 Ames Safety Awards Program (ASAP) II awards presented Recently, Ames recognized 29 Tier Level 3 - Individual awards Tier Level 2 - Team awards employees for their outstanding ac- Tony Baca Systems Administration Team complishments in improving health John Thomas Costandi Wahhab and safety. Al Vitali Oleg Mitine ASAP II was established to rec- Nick Bartos ognize employee actions, behavior Tier Level 3 - Team awards Lester Barrows and/or job performance that result in Nanomaterials Safety Committee Samir Khouri improved health and safety conditions Tomoko Ishihara Sam Kim at the center. Alan Cassell Carson Little There are four levels of awards, Jessica Koehne Ryan Nelson tier four being the highest level of David Loftus achievement. The ASAP II board BEAP Update Team evaluates each nomination and selects Tessada/SCSC Safety & Occupational Merle Simbe the tier level that most represents the Health Committee John Segreto actions and accomplishments of that Greg Bennett nomination. Terry Reichert Tier Level 1 - Individual awards Three different teams received a Jon Talbot Vytas SunSpiral Tier Level 3 award, the highest team Steve Perry Bob Lopez award for this semester. Shawn Puma The Nanomaterials Safety Com- Tier Level 1 - Team awards mittee nomination, which consists of Emergency Disaster Support Team None four employees, was recognized for Gregory Descoteau their collaborative research with safety Claudio Martinez Each of these employees and teams and health professionals to develop Stephen Burns was nominated by their colleagues for guidance for safe handling of new their outstanding actions and accom- materials. Tier Level 2 - Individual awards plishments in improving health and The Tessada/SCSC Safety and Steve Frankel safety conditions at Ames. Occupational Health Committee is a Nicola Windmueller five-member team, from three different contracts. The committees commitment and on-going efforts in employee safety and health have cul- minated in the Tessada/SCSC contract Potter discusses global warming operating a full year without incurring any reportable/recordable injuries or vehicles mishaps. This is a particularly outstanding achievement when you review the “hands-on” types of jobs, requiring daily physical exertion, this includes: mail services, shipping and Hart Dominic by photo NASA receiving, moving services, transportation management and janitorial services. The Emergency Disaster Support team consists of three employees who were recognized for their efforts in the preparation and creation of pre-as- sembled emergency preparedness kits, which could be readily available for Recently, Dr. Christopher Potter, a senior research scientist in the Earth Science Division, recently presented a Director’s Colloquium entitled ‘Studying Global Warming’s Impacts and the Uncertain Future quick deployment with emergency of the Biosphere.’ This was the third in a series of 10 colloquia in the Director’s Colloquium Summer responder personnel. This included Series. Potter summarized the scientific evidence for past, present and future changes in Earth’s bio- the receipt of 89 pallets of materials, sphere related to global warming. He also discussed applications of satellite data analysis and computer inventory, sorting, assembly, storage simulation modeling at NASA Ames to climate impact studies. preparation and storage of materials. Astrogram July 2007 Ames improves bicycling safety at the center “My commute is just about perfect. The past few months have seen bags and panniers must be removed. It takes only nine minutes by CalTrain significant safety improvements, Only wire racks and baskets that can express to Mountain View. Then, I thanks to the efforts of Steve Frankel, be seen through are allowed to stay on just bike down Moffett Boulevard Plant Engineering branch chief (Code bikes” for security concerns. with an old bike I bought on the Web RCM); John Panella, Occupational on Craigslist for $100. It is definitely Safety Team Lead (Code QH) and the Ames Safety Committee, which arranged replacements of several dangerous storm grates on Moffett Research Park roads. “The old grates were a consid- photo by Pat Grant Grant Pat by photo erable hazard to bikers and anyone who rode into one of these was in danger of flipping instantly. It is great to be rid of them and we owe a huge thanks to the Facilities Group for this considerable safety improvement,” said Pat Grant of The newly installed bike shelter at Ames the ABC. located just inside the Ellis gate. A covered bike area now serves The replaced bike grate at the center improves safety for Santa Clara VTA light rail com- For those needing bike routes, the bike riders at Ames. muters just inside the Ellis gate, ABC maintains bike route informa- thanks to Steve Eisele, of Facili- tion in the library. To provide educa- quicker and cheaper to leave the car ties Group, AMTI/CSC (Code TN). tion on safe biking, the ABC provided at home and I get a little exercise too,” Eisele arranged for the donation of Code Q with a copy of ‘Street Smarts,’ said Mark McKelvey of Code S. the shed from Sunnyvale Toy’s-R-Us a bike safety video that is used as In support of biking commuters and volunteers from Ames and the part of safety orientation for summer and Ames’ numerous biking enthusi- ABC disassembled and reassembled students, interns and new employ- asts, NASA Ames management, orga- it and added rain shields on the sides. ees. For further information about nizations and the Ames Bicycling Club In agreement with Dirk Meier of the the ABC, visit http://www/geocities. (ABC) have spent considerable effort Ames Security Office, any Moffett- com/abc_bike_club/amesbicycleclub. to make the Moffett Research Park and bound commuter may store his or her html. Ames friendlier to bicylists. bike there. Meier said that “all bike by Ted Roush and Patrick Grant New e-mail system is here! NASA Ames employees have • Phase III (September 2007): • Review X.500 information and started the migration to the NOMAD Individuals migrate Oracle make any necessary corrections at AR- (NASA Operational Messaging and Calendar data to Microsoft CAPPS https://arcapps.arc.nasa.gov. Directory) system. Code JT volun- Calendar • Start using your OneNASA (First. teered to migrate first and is now on [email protected]) e-mail address for the new e-mail system. The NOMAD • November 2007: Project completed! business cards and e-mail. migration process will be implement- Everyone at the center is on NOMAD, • Obtain a Satern account to access ed in a phased approach by organiza- Oracle Calendar is decommissioned Web based training https://satern. tion. and the Eudora client is no longer sup- nasa.gov. ported. • Review additional training materi- • Phase I (June 2007 through als posted on ARC NOMAD Web site October 2007): There are numerous benefits of the http://nomad.arc.nasa.gov. Client installation (Outlook/Entou- NOMAD system across the agency rage) is accomplished, e-mail contin- including unified messaging and cal- Employees will continue to receive ues to be obtained locally and optional endaring, instant messaging, file-shar- communications regarding the NO- Eudora e-mail migration will be at ing capabilities and an agency-wide MAD system including scheduling user’s discretion and cost. global address list. In addition, the specifics for your migration. For more new system will provide single pass- information or to submit questions, • Phase II (July 2007 through word sign-on for calendar, e-mail and please refer to the Ames NOMAD Web November 2007): file sharing capabilities. site at http://nomad.arc.nasa.gov. E-mail accounts are migrated to There will also be events to offer dem- agency NOMAD servers and e-mail is • Start getting prepared: onstrations of features and assistance obtained from an agency data center. • Non-ODIN systems - check that to all users. Stay tuned for your code your system meets desktop configura- migration schedule! tion standards http://desktop-standards.nasa.gov by Vonnie Simonsen Astrogram July 2007 Here’s how to spare the air -- and your wallet With recent temperatures soar- ing into the triple digits, you may be wondering what you can do to get relief. Before heading into the nearest air-conditioned building, consider the answer at your fingertips: reducing your car use. Each year, cars contribute signifi- cantly to heat-trapping pollution. An average household with two medium- sized sedans emits more than 20,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually; pollution that can stay in the atmosphere for decades. Visit the site FightGlobalWarming.org at http:// www.fightglobalwarming.com/page. cfm?tagID=263 How much does your commute cost and much does your commute affect the environment? Use this commute cost and emissions calculator to do the math: http://rideshare.511. org/calculator/default.asp? From the Web site ‘511.org’ you can check out the ‘Commute Cost and Emissions Calculator’ at http://rideshare.511.org/calculator/ Want to reduce your car use and save money? Local counties and state discounts to drivers who drive below tioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, agencies have teamed up to help you the average number of miles per year. Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael, find convenient ways to commute. You may be eligible for a discount, if San Francisco-Oakland Bay and San you: Mateo-Hayward Bridges). Spare the air and ride for free! • Carpool Open a new FasTrak account To promote transit use this sum- • Use public transportation before Aug. 31 and receive $5 in free mer, the Air District and MTC are • Drive an economy car or offset tolls. Pick up your toll tag at select partnering with 29 transit operators to some of your car use by biking Safeway or Costco stores and receive offer four free commute days. Between even more free tolls offered by Ameri- now and Oct. 12, on the first four Consult your insurer for eligibility and can Express for customers who opt Spare the Air, non-holiday weekdays, savings. to use an American Express® Card to ride free on BART, CalTrain, ACE replenish their new FasTrak account. Train and all Bay Area ferries until 1:00 Save with new FasTrak-only lanes Visit 511.org. p.m., and on Bay Area bus systems all and free tolls To learn more about Ames envi- day! For details, visit 511.org. This month, more cash lanes ronmental sustainability initiatives, go convert to FasTrak-only lanes on state- to http://q.arc.nasa.gov/qe/ owned bridges in the Bay Area (An- Carpool and earn $$ toward gas by April Neilson Cut your monthly commute costs and time in half. Carpooling is a flex- ible and convenient way to get where ACCC to host Charity Golf Tournament you need to go, and if you commute over Bay Area bridges, you can cross Ames Child Care Center (ACCC) is be awarded to the teams with the lowest toll-free. Carpool as many days as holding it’s 11th Charity Golf Tourna- three net scores and the lowest gross you want, one-way or roundtrip. All ment on Aug. 17 at the Moffett Field score. you need is one or two other people Golf Course. The ACCC is a National to make it work. Carpool with neigh- Association for the Education of Young • 12:00 p.m. - Registration bors, co-workers, family, friends from Children (NAEYC) accredited child care • 1:00 p.m. - Shotgun start the gym, or sign up free with the 511 and preschool serving the NASA Ames • 5:00 p.m. - Hors d’Oeuvres and RideMatch Service to instantly locate and surrounding communities. Post-Tournament Raffle people who live and work nearby to Registration fee for the golf tournament is $75 per person, with registrations The proceeds from this tournament share commutes. due Aug. 10. The fee includes a round will be used towards playground con- Occasionally, counties offer special of golf, lunch before the tournament and struction and improvements at the ACCC promotions providing money-saving one raffle ticket per player. Registra- facility. gas cards to carpoolers who carpool tion forms can be downloaded from the Visit the ACCC Web site at http:// three or more days to work each week. ACCC Web site: http://accc.arc.nasa.gov. accc.arc.nasa.gov or e-mail saverma@ See the Web site 511.org for informa- Corporate sponsorship information is mail.arc.nasa.gov for more information tion. also available on the Web site. about the tournament, or send an e- Tournament format will be a four- mail to [email protected] for more Take advantage of auto insurance person scramble (best shot from each information about the ACCC. discounts team used for each stroke.) Prizes will Often insurance companies give 10 Astrogram July 2007 Ames remembers the ‘Great Worden Quake’ of 2007 On May 11, the Ames Protective Services Of- fice, at the request of Center Director Pete Worden, held a center-wide disaster drill known as the Great Worden Quake, a simulated 7.3 earthquake. Ames photographers Eric James, Dominic Hart, Cesar Acosta, John Schultz and Paul Langston captured the action throughout the day. The feedback and

‘lessons learned’ from that day are being reviewed photo by Dominic Hart NASA

and will be presented to staff in the next few weeks, photo byNASA Cesar Acosta as preparations get underway for the Great Worden Quake of 2008.

Employees evacuate their building and walk toward the Hangar 211 tarmac after the simulated earthquake.

A supervisor accounts for employees on her

building emergency action plan roster. NASA photo by Eric James Eric by photo NASA

Moffett Field firefighters assist acrew member of the C-130 aircraft ‘damaged’ in an photo by Paul Langston NASA emergency land- ing at Moffett Field following the ‘Great Worden Members of DART remove an ‘injured’ Quake.’ person following the simulated 7.3 earthquake on May 11. NASA photo by Dominic Hart An injured earthquake ‘victim’ shows her ‘injuries.’ DART members undergo decontamina- Employees on tion following a the Hangar 211 simulated toxic tarmac await chemical spill at additional details NASA photo by Dominic Hart NASA Moffett in the of the earthquake aftermath of the from Acting Cen- ‘Great Worden ter Director Steve

Quake.’ photo by Dominic Hart NASA Zornetzer. NASA photo by John Schultz John by photo NASA NASA photo by Dominic Hart NASA

NASA photo by Paul Langston NASA Emergency Operations Center Director Phil Snyder talks to members of the Ames Executive Council Sporting black clothing and a about conditions at Ames after the ‘earthquake.’ ‘skull and crossbones’ tie, signify- ing that he was deceased, Ames Employees enjoy an outdoor lunch sponsored by the Ames Ex- Center Director S. Pete Worden change following the Great Worden Quake exercise. observes the crowd on the tarmac.

Astrogram 11 July 2007 Ames Ongoing Monthly Events Calendar Ames Amateur Radio Club, third Thursday Ames Child Care Center Board of Direc- Ames Sailing Club Mtg, second Thursday of of each month, 12 noon, N-T28 (across from tors Mtg, every other Monday in N-262/Rm ea. month (March through Nov), from 12:00 N-255). POC: Michael Wright, KG6BFK, at ext. 180 from 1- 2:30 p.m. POC: Sally Miller, ext. p.m. -1:00 p.m. in Bldg. N-262, Rm 100. URL: 4-6262. 4-5411. http://sail.arc.nasa.gov/. POC: Becky Hooey, ext. 4-2399. Ames Ballroom Dance Club, Classes on Ames Contractor Council Mtg, first Wednes- Tuesdays. Beginning classes meet at 5:15 p.m. day each month, 11 a.m., N-200, Committee Environmental Forum, first Thursday every Higher-level class meets at 5:50 p.m. Held in Room. POC: Chris Johnson, ext. (650) 938- other month, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Bldg. Bldg. 944, the Rec. Center. POC: Helen Hwang 8017. 218/2nd floor training room. URL: http://q/ at [email protected], ext. 4-1368. qe/events/EHSseries/ POC: Stacy St. Louis Ames Federal Employees Union (AFEU) Mtg, at ext. 4-6810. Ames Bicycling Club, Every 3rd Wednesday third Wednesday of ea. month, 12 p.m. to 1 of the month. The meeting location is Building p.m., Bldg. 221, Rm 104. Guests welcome. The Hispanic Advisory Committee for Excel- N-245 Auditorium, 12 noon - 1 p.m. Contact Info at: http://www.afeu.org. POC: Marianne lence (HACE) Mtg, first Thurs of month in Julie Nottage at [email protected], ext. Mosher, ext. 4-4055. N255 room 101C from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 4-3711. By-laws of Ames Bicycling Club can POC: Eric Kristich at ext. 4-5137 and Mark be found at http://zen.arc.nasa.gov; the link is Ames Mac Support Group Mtg, third Tuesday Leon at ext. 4-6498. right under the picture. of ea. month, 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m., Bldg. N262, Rm 180. POC: Tony ext. 4-0340. Jetstream Toastmasters, Mondays, 12 p.m. to Ames Bowling League, Homestead Lanes on 1 p.m., N-269/Rm.179. POC: Miwa Hayashi at Thursday nights at 6:20 p.m. Seeking substitute Ames Model Aircraft Club, flying radio-con- ext. 4-1397, [email protected], Web: bowlers. Questions to sign up: Mike Liu at ext. trolled aircraft at the north end of Parsons Ave. http://jetstream.freetoasthost.com 4-1132. on weekend mornings. POC: Mark Sumich, ext. 4-6193. Native American Advisory Committee Mtg, fourth Tues each month, 12 noon to 1 p.m., Bldg. 19, Rm 1096. POC: Mike Liu at ext. 4-1132. Ames emergency announcements Protective Services monthly activity To hear the centerwide status record- A statistical summary of activities of the Protective Services Division’s ing, call (650) 604-9999 for informa- Security/Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Services units for the month tion announcements and emergency instructions for Ames employees. You of June 2007 is shown below. can also listen to 1700 KHz AM radio for the same information. Security/Law Enforcement Activity

Safety Data

NASA-Ames Occupational Illness-Injury Data for Calendar Year-to-Date 2007 Jan. 1, 2007 – June 30, 2007

Civil Contractors Servants

First aid cases 5 10 Fire Protection Activity

Lost Workday cases 0 1

Recordable cases 0 1

Restricted duty days 0 0

Above data are as of June 30, 2007. May be subject to slight adjustment in the event of a new case or new information regarding an existing case.

12 Astrogram July 2007 Ames Classifieds Exchange Information Incline Village, Forest Pines, Lake Tahoe condo, 3 Ads for the next issue should be sent to astrogram@ bdrms/2 ba, sleeps 8, fireplace, TVs/VCR/DVD, mail.arc.nasa.gov and must be resubmitted for each Information about products, services and oppor- stereo w/CD player, microwv, W/D, jacuzzi, sauna, issue. Ads must involve personal needs or items; (no tunities provided to the employee and contractor outdoor pool. Walk to lake. Close to ski areas. Visit commercial/third-party ads) and will run on a space- community by the Ames Exchange Council. Visit web site for pictures: http://www.ACruiseStore.com available basis only. First-time ads are given priority. the web site at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov $135/night spring and fall, $173/night summer and Ads must include home phone numbers; Ames exten- winter (holidays higher) plus $125 cleaning fee and sions and email addresses will be accepted for carpool Beyond Galileo Gift Shop N-235 in 12 percent Nevada room tax. Charlie (650) 743-8990. and lost and found ads only. Due to the volume of the cafeteria , 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., ext. 4-6873 material received, we are unable to verify the accuracy New York, 5th Ave. One fully furnished bedroom Don’t forget to purchase your baby shower, birth- of the statements made in the ads. Caveat emptor! in 24 hour security bldg. overlooking Washington day, holiday gifts at Ames’ two gift shops! Square Park, $2,000/wk or $3,000/mo. negotiable. Transportation Call (650) 349-0238. Visitor Center Gift Shop N-943 2000 Cadillac DeVille, burgundy 4 door with M-F, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ext. 4-5412 76,000 miles for $11,500. Exc. condition w/4 new Paris/France: Fully furnished studio, 5th Arr, Latin tires and 75K dealer service. Exceptionally clean. NASA logo merchandise, souvenirs, toys, gifts and Quarter, Notre Dame and Lie-St. Louis., $1,400/wk. negotiable. Call (650) 349-0238. Gets 25 mls/gal highway at speed limit, North- educational items. star V-8, all accessories, air bags, A/C, power Tickets, etc... N-943 outside the main gate, Santa Cruz townhouse, 2 bedrooms plus study, 2 seats, windows, door locks (remote ) and steer- 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., ext. 4-5412 and Beyond baths, decks, totally furnished, 3 blocks from beach, ing, leather, CD, tape, etc. Call (925) 933-8706. Galileo, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ext. 4-6873 available July, August, September; $1,600 per month. Call (831) 423-5777 (H) or (831) 277-8476 (C). Miscellaneous Mega Bites Cafeteria N-235, 6 a.m. to Lake Tahoe cabin rental in Agate Bay, North Shore. The Ames Cat Network needs help finding 2 p.m., ext. 4-5969/Catering ext. 4-2161 homes for cats trapped at Moffett. They range 4bd/3ba tri-level, AEK, cable TVs, fireplace, BBQ, deck, sleeps 10. Closest skiing is Northstar, Alpine from feral to abandoned/lost pets. Tested, See daily menu at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov altered and inoculated. Call Iris at ext. 4-5824 and Squaw. Rates are $375 a weekend, $1,000 a week. Call (408) 867-4656. if you or someone you know are interested in Moffett Field Golf Club with ‘Tee minus fostering or adopting a cat. 1’ Grill and Sports Bar. Call (650) 603-8026. Florida west coast vacation in St. Petersburg, beautiful 2bd/2ba condo, fully equipped kitchen and fur- Plastic dog crate with gate. Med. size. $10. Op- Call to reserve a nished, sunset views, 1/4 mile from St. Pete Beach, tional wooden dog house enclosure for outside RV Lots Available space at (650) 603-7100/01. monthly or 2 week minimum rentals only. Call (703) living. Nancy (510) 657-7543. 299-8889 or e-mail: [email protected] Civilian/Contractors, $50/mo; military $25/mo 1933 Philco console radio, model 18L. Good Maui luxury oceanfront resort one-bedroom condo condition. $400 or B/O. E-mail acsullivan@ NASA Lodge (N-19) 603-7100 available one week. Rents for $345/night now, comcast.net $495/night in the summer. We will rent to an Ames Where to stay when you’re too tired to drive home? family for $1,750 for the week. See the condo at What about the lodge?! Two types of rooms: Bldg. http://www.starwoodvo.com/resorts/villafeatures. Nordic Track Classic Pro. The classic cross coun- 19 (43 rooms), rate: $55/night ($5 ea add’l adult); try skier. New condition. Photos available. $300 jsp?resortID=12 Call (650) 572-8877 for availabilty Bldg. 583 (150 rooms), rate: $45/night ($5 ea. add’l and questions. or B/O ($600 new). Sony Trinitron TV. Great adult) condition. 20”. Call for details. $150 or B/O. Monterey Bay vacation rental at Pajaro Dunes, 20 Call (831)419-6043. (N-109) 603-8025 Ames Swim Center miles south of Santa Cruz, 3bd/2ba beach house Carpool The pool is heated year round! The pool is cur- with distinctive architecture. Beautiful ocean and rently available for lap swim, pool parties and valley views, only 150 ft from the beach, first-class To and from San Francisco, near SF State, to tennis courts. $700/wkend, $2,100/wk including Moffett Field, to start by October 2007. Look- special events. POC -Chana Langley, Pool Manager (650) 603-8025. Memberships: single member- cleaning by the maid service when you depart. Call ing to pay gas but not drive (night blindness). ships: $40/yr. Family memberships: $60/yr. After (408) 252-7260. Please contact: Diane K. Martin at dmartin@ purchasing a membership, there is an entrance fee: mail.arc.nasa.gov, ext. 4-0162 or (415)337-7408. daily entrance fee - $3/day or lap pass fee - $40 for South Lake Tahoe large cabin surrounded by 20 uses. Platinum membership - $360/yr. (no daily protected forest, 8 miles from Stateline Sleeps 12 fee). Special events: include military training, swim comfortably, 4 bd/3ba. Hot tub/pool table/65” TV team events, kayak role practice, etc. The cost for Matt (408) 482-5286 special events is $50/hr. South Lake Tahoe cozy home backs up to large open Vacation Opportunities meadow, 1 mile from Heavenly Valley. Sleeps 11, 3 bd/2.5 ba. Large deck with hot tub. Matt (408) Lake Tahoe-Squaw Valley Townhse, 3bd/2ba- 482-5286. equipped, Balcony view, hiking, biking, golf, river rafting, tennis, ice skating, and more. Summer rates. Call (650) 968-4155, [email protected]

Bass Lake vacation rental, 4 mls south of Yosemite. 3bd/1.5 ba, TV, VCR, MW, frplc, BBQ, priv. boat dock. Sleeps 8. $1,050/wk. Call (559) 642-3600 or (650) 390-9668. Astrogram deadlines Big Sur vacation rental, secluded 4bd/2ba house in canyon setting. Fully eqpd kitchen. Access to Please submit articles, calendar and priv. beach. Tub in patio gdn. Halfway between classified advertisements to astro- Carmel and Big Sur. $175/night for 2; $225 for 4 [email protected] no later than and $250 for more, plus $150 cleaning dep. Call the 10th of each month. If this falls on (650) 328-4427. a weekend or holiday, then the follow- Pine Mountain Lake vacation home. Access to golf, ing business day becomes the dead- tennis, lake, swimming, horseback riding, walk line. For Astrogram questions, contact to beach. Three bedrooms/sleeps 10. $100/night. Astrid Olson at the aforementioned Call (408) 799-4052 or (831) 623-4054. e-mail address or ext. 4-3347.

Astrogram 13 July 2007 Human Capital Information Environment (HCIE) coming to Ames On Aug. 13, 2007, the agency will roll out the Human Capital Informa- tion Environment (HCIE) Workforce Services Portal to all employees. What is HCIE? It is an internet portal that provides comprehensive human resource information for employees. All the human capital information, systems and tools previously found on various Web sites, can now be accessed with the HCIE Workforce Services portal using a single point of entry, thanks to the password manager. Once employees have set up their password manager, they will be able to:

Manage Personal Career with: includes: Ames will be holding town-hall • SATERN - System for Administra- - Federal Employees meetings for supervisors and employ- tion, Training and Educational Benefit System (FEBS) ees Aug. 1 and Aug. 2 in the Bldg. Resources at NASA - Emergency Contact N-201 auditorium. Watch for a center- • CMS - Competency Management Information (ECI) wide e-mail for more details. Drop-in System clinics for help in accessing the portal • NASA STARS - NASA Automated View Personal Career and Benefits will be available in August. Effective Staffing and Recruitment System Profiles with: Aug. 13, employees can access the new • NASA Jobs and USAJobs • FEBS - Federal Employees site at: https://hcie.nasa.gov Benefit Statement by Sharon Mathis Manage Personal Benefits with: • NEPS - NASA Employee Profile • Employee Express - which now System

FIRST-CLASS U.S. POSTAGE PAID National Aeronautics and Space PERMIT NO. 85 Administration MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA

Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000

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

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

You can reach the Astrogram Office at: astrogram@ mail.arc.nasa.gov or by phone at (650) 604-3347. Astrogram Web site: http://www.nasa.gov/cen- PLEASE RECYCLE ters/ames/astrogram/2007/07astrograms.html Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with vegetable-based ink.

14 Astrogram July 2007