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April 2014 - A Quarterly Publication Ames - 75 years of world leadership in science and technology On Aug. 4, 1939, the U.S. Senate passed a bill that included funding for a new National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) research sta- tion, where advanced research facilities would be built to develop future flight technologies. Almost 20 years later, the NACA research laboratory became part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Today, 75 years after its inception, NASA’s at Moffett Field, Mountain View, Calif., continues its world leadership in science and technology. As part of our celebration to commemorate Ames and its glorious past, the Astrogram will publish a series of feature stories depicting past research projects and facilities. To all those who have been an integral part of our past and present, Happy 75th anniversary Ames! See historic Ames photos on page 6 Atmospheric science: NASA Ames’ early contribution to our home (part one)

The prospect of war was the driv- ing force for Ames’ first research authorization, a study to protect airplanes from the hazards of icing while flying. In 1941, Ames researchers flew a Curtiss C-46 (left) as a flying de-icing research laboratory, to study atmospheric conditions. Wom- en are pictured in the photo, one in the cockpit and two standing with tools in hand.

NACA photo

by Ruth Dasso Marlaire In 1941, Ames researchers flew a program. He refused to Atmospheric research and air- Curtiss C-46 as a flying de-icing fund NASA at the level, but he borne science campaigns have been research laboratory to study atmo- did approve the start of NASA’s space strengths of NASA’s Ames Research spheric conditions, including liquid- shuttle program. Center, nearly since its inception as a water content, temperature and In compliance with this executive National Advisory Committee for Aero- drop size. Other historical factors order, NASA Administrator James nautics (NACA) laboratory in 1939. also would change NASA’s course. C. Fletcher announced in 1972 that The prospect of war was the driving For instance, although after a decade in which the was force for Ames’ first research autho- 11, the first moon landing, occurred the primary focus of the U.S. space rization, a study to protect airplanes early in Richard Nixon's presidency, program, NASA now “…would empha- from the hazards of icing while flying. he disapproved of the U.S. human continued on page 7 www..gov Adminstrator addresses Ames employees at all hands

During a visit to Ames on 17, 2014, NASA Adminis- trator Charles Bolden addressed Ames staff at an all-hands and answered questions. At an afternoon media event, Bolden learned about SPHERES free-flying now on the International Space Spation and visited the FutureFlight Central (FFC) for demonstrations of SARDA and ATD-1, components of the NextGen air traffic management system under development at Ames. Bolden is seen here, on the left (photo below) in the FFC with aerospace engineer Ty Hoang, right. Accompanied by Ames Deputy Center Director Lewis Braxton III, the administrator also lunched with Ames staff and met with interns as well as Ted Grabeff, an Ames

NASA photos by Eric James wind tunnel engineer. Grabeff’s recent homemade video response to que- ries about NASA and space from a boy in England attracted British media attention and garnered him a thank-you email from the NASA administrator for his effort. Bolden also addressed local media during a question-and- answer session (above photo).

Students compete in mini- regional botball tournament by James Schwab teams in the past six The 2014 Northern California years. Approximately Regional Botball Tournament, co- 48 percent of all teams sponsored by Ames was held April 12, received some type of 2014, at Independence High School scholarship from NASA, in San Jose, Calif. Sixteen teams including smaller incen- prepared autonomous designs and tive scholarships. competed head-to-head in unrevealed “The Botball tourna- challenges. ment is a great avenue Botball tournament preparation for students to work as a starts in advance with robot- team on solving prob- ics research and design activities. lems through technol- Starting in January, students begin ogy,” said Mark Leon receiving and building their kits during who heads the NASA two-day workshops in various regions Robotics Alliance Proj- of the U.S. In Northern California, the ect at Ames. “What the 2014 development process began in students learn here is early February. how the technology and the solutions California include: East Palo Alto, All participants are invited to at- they have created can be used in real- Fremont, Hayward, Los Altos, Middle- tend a Global Conference on Educa- world situations. The tournament also town, Oakland, Redding, San Fran- tion Robotics in the summer. These expands and deepens their interest in cisco, San Jose and San Mateo. year-round activities take place in 17 math and science, and it’s great that For more information about the regions throughout the world. the students can directly interface with NASA Robotics Alliance Project and NASA scholarships have paid for NASA in these areas,” Leon said. Botball, visit: http://robotics.nasa.gov the registration fees of more than 900 Participating cities in Northern

2 Astrogram April 2014 Ames celebrates its history of planetary entry technology by Ruth Dasso Marlaire the Ballistic Range Complex and the what is an arc jet? It’s a laboratory By the end of World War II, a revo- Arc Jet Complex. where gases are heated and expand- lution in aeronautical research was “We’ve come to appreciate that no ed to very high temperatures and near. Scientists and engineers at the one ground test method fully captures supersonic/hypersonic speeds by a Ames National Advisory Committee on the awesome energies and complex continuous electrical arc between two Aeronautics (NACA) research labora- physics that occur during atmospheric sets of electrodes. The gases (typically tory were about to take a giant leap entry. Through a combination of brute air) pass through a nozzle aimed at a into a new era of transonic and super- power in the arc jet complex, clever test sample in vacuum, and flow over sonic aeronautics, of greatly increased speeds due to jet and engines, and . According to Edwin Hartman’s “Ad- ventures in Research,” Ames broke new ground in all flight regimes early on, from subsonic to hypersonic, by developing sophisticated test facilities that rapidly advanced aeronautical research and methods of theoretical aerodynamics. One of the first facili- ties was a ballistic range designed and built by Ames engineers. Its purpose was to test the supersonic free-flight theories of its researchers. The experi- ment was simple; it used a 220 Swift rifle to launch a test model into still air. The gun produced muzzle velocities of about 4,000 feet per second, one of the fastest built at the time. The estimated ultimate velocity achiev- able from a rifle powered only by gunpowder was less than 10,000 feet per second. As aeronautic research progressed, it was clear that a testing facilities needed to change with the times; researchers knew that the flight NASA photo M-2 lifting body being tested in Ames’ simulator to determine the areas of of ballistic missiles, which reentered most intense heat, April 2000. the at speeds of 20,000 feet per second or more, could not be sub-scale testing in the ballistic range it. Throughout the test process, data simulated by models launched with an complex, and detailed theoretical and is collected on the response of the ordinary gun. computational analysis, we are able thermal protection materials designed This realization shifted the focus of to composite a comprehensive picture to survive the harsh conditions. aeronautic research from aerodynam- of what happens in actual flight,” said The Arc Jet Complex consists of ics to the much more complex field of Dean Kontinos, current chief of the four facilities: the Aerodynamic Heat- aerothermodynamics; the heat from Entry Systems and Technology Divi- ing Facility, Turbulent Flow Duct, Panel high-speed aircraft became a matter sion at Ames. Test Facility and Interaction Heating of paramount importance to design The Ames Ballistic Range started Facility. It produces critical data for engineers. At the time, researchers its development in the 1940s, under developing thermal protection materi- theorized that a traveling 7,000 the leadership of H. J. (Harvey) Allen, als, validating material performance miles per hour could generate air tem- then chief of the Supersonic Free- models, heat shield design and re- peratures behind its bow shock wave Flight Division. Today, the complex is pairs, and ultimately for flight qualifica- as high as 8,000 degrees Fahrenheit, a unique facility that provides critical tion. The large power of the system nearly as hot as the surface of the testing in hypervelocity aerodynamics, along with the versatility provided by sun. They knew this heat could affect impact physics, flow-field structure and the different facilities make the Arc Jet the flight of missiles. The aerothermo- chemistry. It currently consists of three Complex unique in the world. dynamic processes were complex and ranges: the Ames Vertical Gun Range, Finally, these breakthroughs were not readily amenable to theoretical the Hypervelocity Free-Flight Facilities possible because of the exceptionally treatment. Thus, in this period of mas- and the Electric Arc Shock Tube. innovative engineering used at Ames sive effort, experimental test facilities As demand grew for high-speed to develop world-class space explora- were developed to simulate the aero- airplanes, aerothermodynamic re- tion technology. Many researchers thermodynamic properties of hyper- search also grew in importance. To believe that Alvin Seiff, more than velocity flows. Today, these research satisfy this requirement, Ames further any other person, was responsible for laboratories at Ames have grown into developed the arc jet facility. But first, continued on page 5

3 Astrogram April 2014 Take the Plunge LADEE Impact Challenge by Rachel Hoover “Even if we perform all maneuvers Oct. 6, 2013. On Nov. 10, LADEE NASA’s Lunar Atmosphere and perfectly, there’s still a chance LADEE began gathering science data, and on Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) could impact the moon sometime be- Nov. 20, the entered its sci- spacecraft is gradually lowering its fore April 21, which is when we expect ence orbit around the moon’s equator. orbital altitude over the moon. LADEE LADEE’s orbit to naturally decay after LADEE has been in extended mission will continue to make important sci- using all the fuel onboard.” operations following a highly success-

ence observations before its planned Anyone was eligible to enter the ful 100-day prime science phase. impact into the lunar surface April “Take the Plunge: LADEE Impact LADEE’s three science payload 2014. Challenge.” Winners will be an- instruments have been working to NASA asked employees and the nounced after impact and will be unravel the mysteries of the lunar public for their best guesses as to e-mailed a commemorative, person- atmosphere and dust environment, when they think it would impact the alized certificate from the LADEE acquiring to date more than 700,000 lunar surface. program. The submission deadline measurements. In its previous orbit, LADEE mission managers expect was April 11. LADEE’s closest approach to the the spacecraft will impact the moon’s “We want to thank all those that moon’s surface was between 20 and surface on or before April 21, 2014. watched LADEE launch and have fol- 50 km, and its farthest point was On April 11, ground controllers at lowed the mission these past months,” between 75 and 150 km – a unique Ames commanded LADEE to perform said Jim Green, NASA’s director for position that allows the spacecraft to its final orbital maintenance maneuver Planetary Science at NASA Headquar- frequently pass from lunar day to lunar prior to a total lunar on April ters in Washington. “Our moon holds a night, approximately every two hours. 14-15, when Earth’s shadow passed special place in so many cultures, and This vantage provides data about the over the moon. This eclipse, which because of LADEE, we’ll know more full scope of changes and processes lasted approximately four hours, ex- than ever before about our nearest occurring within the moon’s tenuous posed the spacecraft to conditions just neighbor.” atmosphere. on the edge of what it was designed to LADEE’s mission marked several Scientists hope to address a survive. firsts. It was the first demonstration long-standing question: Was lunar This final maneuver ensured that of optical communications from dust, electrically charged by sunlight, LADEE’s trajectory will impact the far space sending data six times faster responsible for the pre-sunrise glow side of the moon, which is not in view than radio and the first deep-space detected during several Apollo mis- of Earth and away from any previ- spacecraft designed and built “in sions above the lunar horizon? LADEE ous lunar mission landings. There are house” at Ames. also is gathering detailed information no plans to target a particular impact It also was the first payload to about the structure and composition of location on the lunar surface, and the launch on a U.S. Air Force Minotaur V the thin lunar atmosphere. exact date and time depends on sev- rocket integrated by Orbital Sciences A thorough understanding of these eral factors. Corp., Va., and was the first deep- characteristics of our nearest celestial “The moon’s gravity field is so space mission to launch from NASA’s neighbor will help researchers under- lumpy, and the terrain is so highly Goddard Space Flight Center’s Wal- stand other bodies in the , variable with crater ridges and valleys lops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, such as large , and that frequent maneuvers are required Va., when millions watched the night the of outer . or the LADEE spacecraft will impact launch on Sept. 6, 2013. the moon’s surface,” said Butler Hine, The vending-machine-size space- LADEE project manager at Ames. craft has been orbiting the moon since

4 Astrogram April 2014 Researchers discover origin of soil on small asteroids in Nice, France, and the paper’s lead be covered by coarse regolith and by Rachel Hoover author. pebbles, and therefore any potential An international team of research- The production of fresh rego- capture mechanism must be able to ers from academic and government lith originating from thermal fatigue cope with loose collections of coarse institutions, including NASA’s Solar fragmentation may be an important rocks. System Exploration Research Virtual process for rejuvenating the surface Managed from Ames, SSERVI is Institute (SSERVI) at Ames has de- of near-Earth asteroids, as well as for a virtual institute that brings research- termined the likely origin for the loose material that covers small asteroids. Researchers found that rock weather- ing and fragmentation due to tem- perature changes caused by sunlight is the main process by which debris is generated on small asteroids. The findings were published in the April 10, 2014 issue of Nature. Space missions and ground-based observations have shown that small asteroids, measuring about half a mile (or one kilometer) wide, are covered by a loose layer of dust and debris called regolith. Traditionally, scientists theorized the regolith on asteroids was the result of micrometeoroid impacts that pulverized large boulders Photos courtesy of Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur in Nice, France or bedrock creating dust that fell back Scientists measure the growth of cracks – or thermal fatigue – in different types of meteorites onto the ’s surface. This is the before and after a series of temperature cycles. same way craters and regolith form on the moon. However, laboratory experi- explaining the observed shortage of ers together in a collaborative virtual ments and impact models now show fragile carbonaceous-type near-Earth setting. The virtual institute model that, unlike the moon, these small asteroids that pass close to the sun. enables cross-team and interdisciplin- asteroids do not have enough gravity “The sun acts like an oven; it heats ary research that bridges science and to keep the debris from escaping into up space rocks producing internal exploration. SSERVI is jointly funded space. Therefore, impact debris can- stresses that, over time, break them by the Science Mission Directorate not be the main source of regolith on apart,” said Simone Marchi SSERVI and Human Exploration and Opera- small asteroids. researcher at the Southwest Research tions Mission Directorate at NASA “This will help us to interpret Institute and co-author of the paper. Headquarters in Washington. astronomical observations of asteroid This model predicts that asteroids For more information about surfaces in terms of the underlying on the order of several yards in size, SSERVI and selected member teams, bedrock, not contaminated by in-falling such as those that may be targets of visit: http://sservi.nasa.gov debris from elsewhere,” said future sample return missions, could Morrison, SSERVI chief scientist at Ames. “In other words, we should expect to see the same materials in Ames planetary entry technology the regolith that make up the larger continued from page 3 boulders and rocks of an asteroid.” developing the concept of using entry many of NASA's Space Transporta- While performing experiments in probes to reconstruct the properties tion and Planetary Programs including: the laboratory, researchers from Ob- of planetary . He proved Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Shuttle, Vi- servatoire de la Côte d’Azur, Hopkins his concept with a series of flight-tests king, Pioneer Venus, Galileo, Cassini, Extreme Materials Institute at Johns in the 1960s, called the Planetary Stardust, Odyssey, Mars Explo- Hopkins University, Institut Supérieur Atmospheric Entry Test (PAET), which ration Rovers, Mars Science Labora- de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace and consisted of dropping fully instrument- tory, International Space Station and Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) ed probes into Earth’s atmosphere National Aerospace Plane. The Arc Jet used an X-ray scanner to measure the from a helicopter, airplane and bal- Complex also supported Mars Path- growth of cracks – or thermal fatigue – loon. He served as principal inves- finder, Stardust, NASP, X-33, X-34, in different types of meteorites before tigator for the atmospheric structure SHARP-B1 and B2 and X-37. and after a series of temperature experiments on the Pioneer Venus In the fields of planetary explora- cycles. and Galileo missions, which explored tion and planetary probe technology, “We find that rocks larger than a the atmospheres of Venus and , Ames researchers have made some few centimeters break up faster by respectively. impressive contributions to America’s thermal fragmentation induced by ex- Ames has a long tradition of space program. Research provided by treme temperature variations between leadership in developing and apply- these facilities have made Ames the day and night, than by micrometeor- ing technologies to enable high-speed agency’s lead center for entry technol- oid impacts,” said Marco Delbo from entry from space. Both facilities have ogy. the Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur provided critical testing in support of 5 Astrogram April 2014 Ames - 75 years of world leadership in science and technology continued from front page

Russell Robinson, assistant director joining the Ames staff in Jan. 1, 1950, is seen here (far right) supervising the first excavation for the Ames Laboratory during the groundbreaking ceremony, Dec. 20, 1939. Robinson was instrumental in establish- ing the Ames site as a liaison of the NACA Special Subcommittee for the Future Research Facilities and was the on-site representative of the construction group.

John F. Parsons (left) and Ferril R. Nickle (right), first mem- bers of the Ames staff, standing in front of a construction building, Jan. 29, 1940.

NASA photos A construction shack (which is now adjacent to Building N203) Jan. 29, 1940.

Aerial shot of Moffett Field and surrounding area, 1938 (Photo: Navy)

6 Astrogram April 2014 Atmospheric science: NASA Ames’ early contribution to our home planet (part one) continued from front page could be obtained, researchers could email to the author. They also were size Earth-orbital programs geared use this data to analyze the quite interested in volcanoes, their to intensive study of our homeland in data. So NASA asked the U.S. Air effect on climate and using volcanoes the cosmos, the planet Earth…” As a Force for its two soon-to-be surplus, to test their understanding of climate. consequence, the government would high-flying U-2 reconnaissance air- When Hansen published a 1978 paper fund the more practical environmental craft. After some negotiations, Ames entitled “Mount Agung Eruption Pro- programs. was given the responsibility of man- vides Test of a Global Climatic Per- One of the first environmental pro- aging and operating these special turbation,” in the journal Science, the grams NASA participated in was the planes. NASA’s successful acquisition NASA administrator read it and told Climatic-Impact Assessment Program of the two U-2 aircraft encouraged the NASA chief scientist that NASA (CIAP). Funded by the Department other scientists to propose other flight should have a program to be ready for of Transportation, it would assess the research plans. LandSat-1 launched the next large eruption, per the paper’s effects of proposed high-flying aircraft in 1972. suggestion. “Jim [Pollack] turned out on the environment. At the time, su- In the early days, 1960s, Jim Pol- to be the beneficiary, as Ames started personic transports (SSTs) and space lack and James E. Hansen, the former a program of aircraft observations,” shuttles were granted permission for director of NASA’s Goddard Institute said Hansen. future flight entry into our open skies. for Space Studies (GISS), were good Later that year, the Ames Climate But no one knew the effects of such friends. Hansen had met Pollack and Office (ACE) was established, which engine emissions on Earth’s atmo- Carl Sagan at planetary meetings. started to design, plan and execute sphere. In support of this program “We both had a strong interest in … future atmospheric research expedi- initiative, planetary scientists at Ames comparative planetology, the contrast- tions. (This is the first part of a two- assumed the role of were they really ing effects of Mars, Earth, Venus, part article. The second part will be studying climate, or just atmospheric and the different magnitudes of their published in the next issue of the conditions in a more immediate time- greenhouse effect,” said Hansen in an Astrogram.) frame to study Earth’s atmosphere. With funding from CIAP and the National Science Foundation, Ames AAAG presents “Invictus,” tribute research scientists James B. Pollack and Brian Toon initiated studies that showed these stratospheric flights should have no significant change on Earth’s climate, providing they oper- ated at projected traffic levels for the next several decades. Their one ca- veat was that the SST’s effects should be reevaluated when in operation. photo by Dominic Hart NASA Studying Earth’s atmosphere soon became a pragmatic concern, and Ames scientists continued to meet the challenge by developing sophisticated computer simulations of aerosols in the stratosphere and their effect on climate. These models were used later to analyze the sulfuric acid clouds of Venus and windblown Saharan dust. By this time, there was a growing demand for flight expeditions, which effectively augmented the fleet of research aircraft at Ames. One such addition was due to the final plan- ning phase of the Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERST) program. ERST-1, or what became known as LandSat-1, was NASA’s first un- manned satellite specifically dedicated On Jan. 15, the African American Advisory Group (AAAG) presented, "Invictus: A Celebration of to multispectral . NASA the Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela" in the Syvertson Auditorium. researchers became concerned that Ames staff, family and friends were invited to attend the performance by TABIA African Ameri- they would have trouble analyzing sat- can Theatre Ensemble in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Tabia is a San Jose-based African American theatre ensemble that presents the contributions and culture ellite data due to atmospheric distor- of African Americans through poetry, storytelling, song and dance with talented local perform- tions. However, if high-altitude photog- ers. From left to right, from TABIA are: Postoria Aguire (portrayed Dr. King); Jeff Jones (recited raphy and remote sensing from above Mandela’s speech); Cheryl Scales (vocalist); and Viera Whye (drummer). the densest part of Earth’s atmosphere 7 Astrogram April 2014 Ames’ exhibits draws crowds at state capitol building The American Institute of Eighteen volunteers from Aeronautics and Astronautics Ames engaged more than 1,000 (AIAA) sponsored the third an- visitors from area schools and the nual California Aerospace in state legislature. Ames highlighted Sacramento, March 24-26, 2014 the center’s work in the environ- featuring panels, exhibits, hearings ment, airborne Earth science, 3-D and discussions, highlighting the manufacturing, small , importance of aerospace. space biosciences, autonomy, NASA photos by Dominic Hart NASA The week began with recogni- robotics and Ames missions. tion on the assembly and senate Exhibits included three NASA floor. Ames Center Director S. Pete Dragon Eye unmanned aerial Worden represented NASA at the Systems, a model of the Lunar At- “Launch California: Leading the mosphere and Dust Environment Nation into Space” hearing in front Explorer (LADEE), 3-D manu- of the Assembly Select Committee facturing demonstration, Kicksat, on Aerospace and Senate Select SporeSat, Synchronized Position Committee on Defense and Aero- Hold, Engage, Reorient, Ex- space. David McBride, Armstrong perimental Satellites (SPHERES), Flight Research Center director, planetary sustainability and edu- gave a presentation entitled “A Vi- cation outreach. sion for the World of Flight.”

Ames exhibit tent in front of the state capitol building in Sacra- mento for California Aerospace Week March 24-25, 2014.

Ames Center Director S. Pete Worden (left) and David McBride director of Ames Deputy Center Director Lewis Braxton III NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research (right) accepts proclamation from Assemblyman Center, visit NASA exhibits at the Cali- RIch Gordon. fornia Aerospace Week in Sacramento, Calif.

Above: Sacramento students load and deploy Chipsats from the Kicksat. The Kicksat is a small satellite the size of a loaf of bread. Each Chipsat is a complete satellite smaller than a dinner cracker. More than 100 Chipsats are deployed from the Kicksat and capture data about magnetic and atmospheric data in low-earth orbit. Right: Students explore the other science exhibits in the NASA tent in front of the state capitol building in Sacramento.

8 Astrogram April 2014 Tom Pierson, founder of the SETI Institute, passes away us to further the important and criti- istrative and other costs associated cal research and work being done for with the project could be kept low, and exploration of our solar system. Just more of the budgeted monies could as the old proverb says for families, it go to science. Finding broad agree- takes a village to nurture and support ment with his idea, Tom completed a successful idea or project at NASA. the paper work in the fall of 1984, at In Tom’s passing, we have lost one of which point the SETI Institute became our village elders. a reality. Tom, who founded the SETI For his extensive contributions to Institute and went on to become its furthering the field of astrobiology, Tom Chief Executive Officer for most of the was recently recognized with NASA’s organization’s first 30 years, died on Distinguished Public Service Award, Feb. 20, 2014. He had been on medi- the highest honor given by the agency cal leave since 2012. to non-government employees. The Growing up in Norman, Okla., Tom citation reads: “For distinguished ser- studied aerospace engineering at the vice to NASA and the scientific com- University of Oklahoma. By the early munity through leadership of the SETI Tom Pierson 1980s, Tom was working as an admin- Institute, supporting basic research istrator at San Francisco State Univer- and education dealing with life in the It is with sadness that we report sity when he learned of the new SETI universe.” the death of our friend and colleague, project headquartered at Ames, an Tom is survived by his wife, Elyse, Tom Pierson. Tom has always been a hour’s drive to the south. Intrigued, he his daughter Elizabeth and son Thom- friend and supporter of the work we do made a proposal to project participants as, and a son by a previous marriage. here at Ames for NASA. He has also Oliver, John Billingham and Jill Read more about Tom’s life at been a friend, mentor and supporter to Tarter, suggesting a more efficient way the SETI website: http://www.seti.org/ many of us here at Ames. There were to organize the NASA efforts. thomas-pierson-1950-2014 numerous times in the past few years Tom laid out the benefits – both when even while not feeling his best, organizational and financial – of set- he supported the many discussions, ting up a non-profit entity, dedicated to meetings and conferences that helped SETI research. In this way, the admin-

“The New Black” depicts civil rights issues The Ames African American riage and examines homophobia in Advisory Group (AAAG) and Lesbian the black community’s institutional Gay Bisexual Transgender Advisory pillar—the black church. Group (LGBTAG) hosted a screening “The New Black” takes viewers of the film “The New Black” in Febru- into the pews and onto the streets as ary in the Syvertson Auditorium. it tells the story of the historic fight to The film is a documentary that win marriage equality in Maryland and

tells the story of how the African charts the evolution of this divisive photos by Dominic Hart NASA American community is grappling issue within the black community. with the gay rights issue in light of A trailer for the film can be viewed the recent gay marriage movement here: http://www.newblackfilm.com/ and the fight over civil rights. trailer/ The film documents activists, families and clergy on both sides of the campaign to legalize gay mar-

Group photo right: At the showing of “The New Black” film at Ames, Thomas Squire (Chair, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Advisory Group); Kevin Jones; Aisha Bowe (Chair, African American Advisory Group), Monica Anderson (founder, Spectrum Queer Media and “The New Black” screening producer) and Ames Center Director S. Pete Worden. Far right photo: Black- berri (actual legal name) introduces the showing of the film.

9 Astrogram April 2014 Kristin Yvonne Rozier wins Women in Aerospace award mitment to professional early in the design stage of NASA's growth, and service as a complex safety-critical systems leads role model or mentor that to dramatic savings in terms of both shows dedication to the debugging time and cost while helping advancement of women in NASA produce exceptionally safe, reli- aerospace. able systems. Her citation for this Rozier frequently volunteers as award reads: “For ex- a public speaker, mentor, technical emplary achievement of recruiter, and judge for activities such formal specification, verifi- as science fair projects and technical cation and validation of a writing. Her accomplishments cited for NextGen air traffic control this WIA award include founding an system candidate and for annual Intelligent Systems science fair dedication as a mentor award, now in its fourth year. and role model.” She was honored at the 28th an- The work referenced nual Women in Aerospace Awards in the award citation was Dinner and Ceremony on Oct. 29, the result of a collabora- 2013, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in tion with Yang Zhao and Arlington, Va. Her acceptance speech NASA’s Airspace Sys- thanked the many people who en- tems Program. Rozier abled her path to an interdisciplinary and her team modeled, career applying theoretical computer specified and rigorously science in the aeronautics domain, photo provided by Ann Patterson-Hine mathematically analyzed focusing on automated techniques for Kristin Yvonne Rozier, winner of Women in Aerospace’s the system-level logic for the formal specification, validation and Inaugural Initiative-Inspiration-Impact Award, at the award’s the Automated Airspace verification of safety critical systems. ceremony in Arlington, VA. Concept (AAC), which Rozier is a research computer ensures safe separation scientist in the Intelligent Systems Women in Aerospace (WIA) between aircraft, the pri- Division at Ames. More information named Kristin Yvonne Rozier the mary consideration in air traffic control. about her awards and coverage winner of its Inaugural Initiative-Inspi- They adapted state-of-the-art design- can be found at: http://ti.arc.nasa.gov/ ration-Impact Award in October 2013. time formal verification techniques to profile/kyrozier/. This prestigious award is presented ensure there are no potentially cata- for an individual in her early career, strophic design flaws remaining in the who consistently surpasses expecta- AAC design before the next stage of tions from a technical, interpersonal production. This method of rigorous and management perspective, com- verification and validation performed Ames premiers “Manya: The Living History of Marie Curie” The Ames Women’s Influence Net- work (WIN) invited Ames employees to the NASA premier of “Manya: The Living History of Marie Curie,” March 25 in the Syvertson Auditorium. This is a one-woman theatrical production Susan Marie portraying the struggles and triumphs Frontczak as of Marie Curie — an academically im- Marie Curie dur- passioned, intensely private, fervently ing her recent Polish scientist, wife, mother and performance at Ames in March. teacher who became the first Euro- pean woman to earn a doctorate in the sciences, first woman to lecture at the University of Paris and first person to win two Nobel Prizes.

As the world’s most preeminent photo by Eric James NASA female scientist, Marie Curie (née Ma- ria Sklodowska) changed the course allure of scientific discovery. It is writ- storysmith.org/manya/vc.html. For of history through her discovery of ten, directed and performed by Susan additional information, see: http://sto- radium and radioactivity. This theatri- Marie Frontczak and produced by Jen rysmith.org/manya/pd.html or https:// cal production explores the tenacity Myronuk and Susan Marie Frontczak. www.facebook.com/MarieCurieLiving- of the human and the enduring A trailer can be viewed at: http://www. History 10 Astrogram April 2014 Yvonne Pendleton receives 2014 Women of Influence Award by Teague Soderman, SSERVI staff Since joining NASA out of college She attended Georgia Institute of Yvonne Pendleton, director of in 1979, she has served in various Technology, under NASA-sponsored NASA’s Solar System Exploration other roles including senior advisor programs, she obtained a master’s Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) at for research and analysis programs degree in aeronautics and astronau- tics from Stanford University (1981) and a Ph.D. in astrophysics from the University of California at Santa Cruz (1987). Other honors and activites includ- ed: Competitively selected for Fed- eral Government Senior Executive Service, 2007-pres- ent; Elected Fellow, California Academy of Sciences; and NASA photo volunteer at Hope’s NASA Ames’ Yvonne Pendleton, director of NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) Kitchen, Mountain at NASA’s Ames received the Silicon Valley Business Journal 2014 Women of Influence Award April 4, 2014. View, Calif.

Ames received the Silicon Valley Busi- for the Science Mission Directorate at ness Journal 2014 Women of Influ- NASA Headquarters. ence Award, April 4, 2014. The award program shines the spotlight on local businesswomen, community leaders and philanthropists Harrison Ford flies Alpha Jet at Ames who are remaking Silicon Valley. Actor Harrison Ford recently visited Ames to interview Pendleton currently directs SSER- scientists and researchers studying the effects of climate VI, a virtual institute focused on solar change on Earth. He’s seen here in the Alpha Jet at system science and exploration with Ames (photos below) which he went along for a flight an operational budget of $13 million in and seen here to the right speaking about Ames with Center Director S. Pete Worden. Ford also viewed per year. It is based on the principle climate data on the NASA Advanced Supercomputer articulated by the late Mike Wargo, facility’s hyperwall-2. Ford is one of the hosts of the chief scientist for human exploration, premiere episode of a Showtime documentary series that “science enables exploration and entitled “Years of Living Dangerously.” exploration enables science.” From 2010-2013, she also served as the director of the NASA Lunar Science Institute, which was based on the successful business model of the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI). From 2007-2008, she oversaw $1.2 billion in research and analysis programs from NASA’s four science divisions (astrophysics, planetary science, helio physics and earth sci- ences) and led a team that managed the nearly $50 million investments in education and public outreach activi- ties, including those from NASA’s sci- ence missions. Pendleton has contributed sig- nificantly to our understanding of the origin and evolution of organic mate- rial in the universe. The International Astronomical Union named Asteroid NASA photos by Eric James 7165 Pendleton after her. 11 Astrogram April 2014 Ombuds Office services available to Ames personnel The Ames Ombuds Office pro- organizational performance or mission vides all civil servants, contractors success. and students at the center with a The Ombuds is accountable for supplemental, confidential and infor- conducting informal inquiries, rais- ing issues of concern to appropriate officials and redirecting matters not under the Ombuds’ realm to the ap- propriate office or organization with an existing administrative system; for example, the Inspector General, the Office of Equal and Diversity, Ames Federal Employees Union, Procurement Ombuds, Chief Counsel and Human Resources. The Ombuds’ power rests on their reputation for confidentiality, fairness, objectivity, tact and respectful con- cern for the welfare of all individuals of the NASA community and for the Jim Arnold, alternate Ames Omsbud well-being of the agency. John (Jack) Boyd continues to ext. 4-5222 or at email: john.w.boyd@ serve as Ames Ombuds. Jim Arnold nasa.gov, and Arnold can be reached serves as the alternate Ames Om- at ext. 4-5265 or james.o.arnold@ buds. They can meet you at a loca- nasa.gov. John (Jack) Boyd, Ames Omsbud tion of your choice. You also can work The Ombuds website is http:// with an Ombuds at another center. insideames.arc.nasa.gov/life-ombud- mal channel of communication to raise The Ombuds office is located in soffice.php significant issues and concerns that Building 200, room 205, Mail Stop they perceive could impact safety, 200-1A. Boyd can be reached at

Italian aerospace industry delegation visits Ames

Visitors from the Turin (Italy) aerospace industry delegation listen to Jon Bader (far left) talk about the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel during a recent visit to the center.

NASA photo by Dominic Hart

12 Astrogram April 2014 Ames ongoing monthly events calendar Exchange Information Information about products, services and oppor- African American Advisory Group (AAAG) Ames Green Team (formerly the Green Ames tunities provided to the employee and contractor Mtg., last Tuesday of each , 12 - 1 p.m., Working Group) meetings are held the first community by the Ames Exchange Council. Visit our web site at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov Bldg. N-255, Rm. 101C. POC: Rose King, ext. Tuesday of each month in Bldg. N-237, Rm. 4-3442. 101, from 10-11 a.m. POC: Roger Ashbaugh, Beyond Galileo Gift Shop N-235 in the Ames Environmental Management Division, cafeteria, 8 a.m.- 2 p.m., ext. 4-6873 ext. 4-5660. Web: Visitor Center Gift Shop (Exploration Moffett Aikido Club, Monday and Wednes- http://environmentalmanagement.arc.nasa. Center), Tues-Fri, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sat. - day evenings, 6:30 p.m., Bldg. 944. Aikido gov/reports/eo-13514.html Sun, 12 - 4 p.m., ext. 4-5412 is a non-competitive, defensive martial art Remember to purchase your baby shower, birthday known as the “Way of Harmony.” POC: Diane and holiday gifts at Ames’ two gift shops! Pereda (650) 575-9070 or Robert Dean (650) The Hispanic Advisory Committee for 787-1007, email: [email protected] Excellence (HACE) Mtg., first Thursday of Mega Bites Cafeteria N-235, 6 a.m. - 2 each month, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Bldg. p.m., ext. 4-5969/Catering ext. 4-2161 N-255, Rm. 101C. POC: Jeanette Zamora, Barcelona Café, Bldg. 3, 6:30 a.m. - 2 Ames Amateur Radio Club, third Thursday [email protected]. p.m., ext. 4-4948/Catering ext. 4-4948 of each month, Noon, N-T28 (across from N-255). POC: George Tucker, at ext. 4-2200. See daily menus at: http://exchange.arc. Ames Jazz Band Club, Bldg. 944, 5:30 nasa.gov/cafe/menu.html p.m. - 7 p.m. POC: Ralph , email: Ames Bluegrass Club, every Tuesday from [email protected] Moffett Field Golf Club with ‘Tee minus 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Bldg. 944. Players of all One’ Grill and Sports Bar. Catering avail- instruments and all levels are welcome, but we able. Call (650) 603-8026. Extended Happy Hour Thursdays, $5 and $6 pitchers of beer are particularly interested in experienced play- Jetstream Toastmasters, Mondays, 12 p.m. starting at 4 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. ers willing to help improve the group’s musical - 1 p.m., Bldg. N-269, Rm.179. POC: Tim skills. POC: Bob Haberle at ext. 4-5494 or Steiger, ext. 4-0195, [email protected]. RV Lots available. Call to reserve a space email: [email protected] Web: http://jetstream.freetoasthost.com at (650) 254-1808. Civilian/Contractors, $50/mo; military $25/mo Ames Bocce Ball Club, Ames’ newest Ex- Ames Nimble Knitters Club, every Tuesday NASA Lodge (Bldg. 19) (650) 603-7100 change-sponsored club is seeking members. at 11:30 a.m., Bldg. N210, Rm. 141. POC: Where to stay when you’re too tired to drive home? POC: Mike Lindsay email: michael.c.lindsay@ Rosalyn Jung, [email protected] or Diane What about the lodge?! Two types of rooms: Bldg. nasa.gov Alexander at ext. 4-3140. Web: http://knit.arc. 19 (43 rooms), rate: $65/night ($5 ea add’l adult); nasa.gov Bldg. 583 A&B (150 rooms), rate: $55/night ($5 ea. add’l adult); B547 rate $60/night (for large groups) Ames Bowling League, Fourth Street Bowl in San Jose. Need regular and substitute bowl- Ames Roller Hockey Club, meets daily Ames Swim Center (N-109) (650) 603-8025 ers. For sign up questions: Michael Hom at from noon to 1 p.m. at rink on north end of The swimming pool is now open. Hours of operation ext. 4-0302 or Mina Cappuccio at ext. 4-1313. the 80-foot-by-120-foot wind tunnel. Players are as follows (lap swim only): should have experience skating and must MWF 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. wear protective equipment. POC: James MWF 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. TTH 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Ames Contractor Council Mtg., first Prunty, [email protected] TTH 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesday of each month, 11 a.m., Bldg. The pool is heated year round. The pool normally N-200, Committee Room. POC: Herb Finger is available for lap swim, pool parties and special at ext. 4-6598. Ames Safety Committee, third Thursday of events. POC: Ryan Storms, pool manager (650) each month, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Bldg. N-237, 603-8025. Memberships: single memberships: Rm. 200. POC: John Livacich, jlivacich@ $60/yr. Family memberships: $80/yr. After purchas- Ames Federal Employees Union (AFEU) mail.arc.nasa.gov, ext. 4-3243. ing a membership, there is an entrance fee: daily Mtg, third Wednesday of each month, noon. entrance fee - $3/day or lap pass fee - $50 for 20 uses. Platinum membership - $380/yr. (no daily Bldg. N-204, Rm. 101. Guests welcome. fee). Special events include military training, swim Check for schedule changes at: http://www. Women’s Influence Network (WIN), first team events, kayak role practice, etc. The cost for afeu.org. POC: Paul K. Davis, ext. 4-5916. Wednesday of each month, Bldg. N-232, Rm. special events is $75/hr, or $50/hr for military. 227, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., POC: Wendy Holforty, [email protected] Exchange basketball gym is now open, Bldg. 2 Ames Golf Club, Members have the opportu- (650) 603-9717 nity to play approximately 13 tournaments per Hours of operation: year at a variety of 18-hole golf courses in the M-F 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Bay and Monterey Area. POC: Barry Sullivan: M-F 4 p.m.-7 p.m. [email protected]. Chase Park reservations, call ext. 4-4948 NACA Park reservations, call ext. 4-4948

Ames Cat Network The Ames Cat Network needs help finding homes for cats trapped at Moffett. They Ames emergency announcements range from feral to abandoned/lost pets. To hear the centerwide status recording, call (650) 604-9999 for information They are tested, altered and inoculated. Call Iris at ext. 4-5824 if you or someone announcements and emergency instructions for Ames employees. You also you know are interested in fostering or may listen to 1700 KHz AM radio for the same information. adopting a cat.

13 Astrogram April 2014 Protective Services monthly activity “Refine Your Pitch” Workshop A statistical summary of activities of the Protective Service Division’s Security/Law Enforcement and Fire Sustainable Silicon Valley hosts “Refine Your Protection Services units for the three-month period Pitch Workshop,” at Microsoft, Sunnyvale, April ending March 2014 is shown below. 30, at 2:00 - 5:30 p.m. Sustainable Silicon Valley and NASA Ames have partnered to seek scalable, game-changing solutions for planetary sustain- ability. On April 30, you can learn how to pitch your solution to managers, venture capitalists and customers at Microsoft, Silicon Valley, from 2:00 - 5:30 p.m. This workshop is free for the contribu- tors to the Call for Solutions Competition. All innovators, whether from a large or small enterprise, are welcome to take advantage of this opportunity. Round two: Call for Solutions is coming in May. The 2014 WEST Summit event, featuring the solutions, will be held in October. Visit: www.sustainablesv.org/ssv2013/index. php or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/refine-your- pitch-workshop-tickets-11089504005

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 Astrogram NP-2014-03-01-ARC

The Ames Astrogram is an official publication of Ames Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Managing Editor...... Donald James Editor, Layout and Design...... Astrid Albaugh Employees can reach the Astrogram Office via email at: [email protected] or by phone at ext. 4-3347. For downloadable pdf copies of each issue, visit the Astrogram website at: http://www.nasa.gov/ames/astrogram PLEASE RECYCLE Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with vegetable-based ink. 14 Astrogram April 2014