Summer 2011 - A Quarterly Publication

Lift off! Space shuttle Atlantis soars into history Space shuttle Commander Chris Ferguson and his three crewmates went to the International Space Station after launching from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Friday, July 8, 2011 on the final This image, taken mission of NASA's space shuttle program. through the window "With today's final launch of the space of a Shuttle Training shuttle we turn the page on a remarkable Aircraft, shows the final liftoff of space shuttle period in America's history in space, while Atlantis as it ascended beginning the next chapter in our na- from Launch Pad 39A at tion's extraordinary story of exploration," Kennedy Space Center NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. on the STS-135 mission, "Tomorrow's destinations will inspire new Friday, July 8, 2011. This generations of explorers, and the shuttle was the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program, pioneers have made the next chapter of during which the STS- human spaceflight possible." 135 crew delivered the The STS-135 crew consisted of Fer- Raffaello multipurpose guson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Special- logistics module contain- ists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim. ing supplies and spare They delivered the Raffaello multi-purpose parts for the International logistics module filled with more than 8,000 Space Station. pounds of supplies and spare parts to sustain space station operations after the shuttles are retired. "The shuttle's always going to be a re- NASA photo by Dick Clark flection to what a great nation can do when it dares to be bold and commits to follow through," Ferguson said shortly before A personal perspective: Watching the launch liftoff. "We're not ending the journey today, by Cathy Weselby we're completing a chapter of a journey I had the opportunity to see my first an appearance at the STS-135 Tweetup, that will never end." (and the last) space shuttle launch in much to the delight of the space "tweeps." NASA Ames sent a variety of life sci- person at the Kennedy Space Center last Elmo asked NASA astronauts Mike Mas- ence experiments and technology dem- month. The opportunity came up suddenly, simino and Doug Wheelock questions onstrations aboard the final space shuttle but I was delighted to go and support pub- about space travel. The beloved mascot for to better our understanding of how robots lic affairs activities for Ames. the Solar Dynamics Observatory, Camilla can help humans live and work in space On Wednesday, July 6, I drove from SDO, was also seen rubbing shoulders and how spaceflight affects the human Orlando to the Kennedy Space Center, and with Elmo. body, the growth of cells, yeast and plants. any jet lag that I felt from the night before The weather did not look promising Future astronauts on long-term space mis- was immediately replaced with a surge of one day before the launch. A heavy rain sions in low-Earth orbit, to asteroids, other excitement when I saw the "Two Days Until and thunderstorm hit the center around planets and beyond will rely on robots Launch" sign. Television news satellite lunchtime and lightning stuck within a third and need to understand how to prevent trucks were parked everywhere and the of a mile from Launch Pad 39A. Techni- illnesses during space travel. press center was teeming with reporters. cians inspected the area for damage STS-135 was the 135th shuttle flight, We watched Space Shuttle Weather before the Rotating Service Structure could the 33rd flight for Atlantis and the 37th Officer Kathy Winters say during a pre- be rolled back from the shuttle as sched- shuttle mission dedicated to station assem- launch news conference that there was uled. At the end of Thursday, the weather bly and maintenance. only a 30 percent possibility STS-135 forecast was still 30 percent for launch the Space shuttle Atllantis completed its would launch on Friday. I tried to stay next morning, but the forecast for filling the 12-day mission and landed safely on July optimistic. fuel tanks in the middle of the night was an 21, 2011 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Cen- Meanwhile, the center was abuzz with 80 percent "go." ter in Florida. activity. Sesame Street star Elmo made continued on page 5 www.nasa.gov Allmen helped JSC and the CAIB find NASA Ames’ legacy and its contributions to the Return to Flight Ames researchers to solve the puzzles by ack oyd and lenn ugos J B G B ture of its reusable Space Transportation Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation facility identified by the investigation, and also The organizational culture and techni- System. opened in 1985, bringing together all of helped Ames see the whole picture of the cal competence of NASA Ames remain, Perhaps more important than their Ames’ expertise in computational fluid technical puzzles. Indeed, this is a cultural today, strongly influenced by its origins basic work on the aerodynamic shape and dynamics. The NAS very early began remnant of its NACA origins still active at as a laboratory of the National Advisory thermal expectations of a lifting body, Allen modeling the complex aerodynamics of the Ames—an appreciation for honest peer Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). Most and his Ames colleagues—notably Alfred shuttle ascent stack. Ames human factors review, for basic research in supporting simply, that means many people at NASA Eggers and Clarence Syvertson-- pio- specialists modeled cockpit concepts in the technical decisions, for the art of problem Ames focus on fundamental research, neered new experimental tools in aerother- Ames flight simulators, and then built the definition, and innovation in experimental experimental validation, and nurturing modynamics. These brought experimental Vertical Motion Simulator to test their ideas validation. disciplines needed for space exploration. proof to the design of space capsules, and about how such a vehicle could be landed. This NACA influence also manifests helped assure the safe return of astronauts Perhaps the most important and per- NASA Ames Contribution to the Return itself in some notable organizational to Earth. sistent contribution of Ames to the shuttle To Flight tendencies: an active interest in building Beginning in the early 1950s, they cre- program was the development of its reus- The Columbia Accident Investigation partnerships, pride in being able to listen ated a series of ballistic ranges, culminat- able Thermal Protection System (TPS). Report made two observations that shaped and define a problem, a belief in the value ing in the Hypervelocity Free-Flight Facility In the early 1970s, Ames worked with how NASA Ames would participate in of intense peer review, a willingness to that created re-entry speeds and validated Johnson Space Center to develop many the Return To Flight efforts leading to the create standards, a distaste for theorizing damping characteristics. They created candidates of TPS materials—including launch of STS-114. First, the CAIB noted without suggesting proof and, perhaps to a series of higher speed wind tunnels, the baseline LI-900 tile system--and tested that the operation programs had generally its detriment, a lack of experience in large culminating in the 3.5-foot hypersonic wind them to understand how to improve future lost touch with the research work done at space project work. The NACA was at tunnel, that allowed them test larger mod- generations of tiles. the centers, and specifically noted that the heart a way for engineers to reach some els for longer times at speeds up to Mach In 1975, Ames scientists invented the shuttle mission team should have con- certainty that innovation would actually 7. And they created a series of arc jets, black borosilicate glass coating called Re- tacted Ames experts in thermal protection work. culminating in the 60 MW interaction heat- action Cured Glass that now covers two- systems before clearing the Columbia for Likewise, the work Ames people did to ing facility, that allowed them to test large thirds of the orbiter’s surface. They also re-entry. Second, while NASA knew a fair make and keep the STS successful, also samples of thermal protection materials at invented a ceramic cloth to solve a difficult amount about the thermal properties of the has its origins in the NACA, and in the sustained high temperatures. problem by filling the gaps between the shuttle TPS, it knew less about its mechan- legendary engineering genius of H. Julian Well before spacecraft actually ven- tiles. Ames continued to conduct thermal ical properties. “Harvey” Allen. In 1952, well before rock- tured into outer space, Ames had modeled protection research, increasingly to provide Building upon Ames’ long-standing ets had enough thrust to launch a payload the re-entry challenges in Earth-bound fa- data to the shuttle program office. capabilities in computational fluid dynam- into outer space, Allen set about figuring cilities. Ames developed all this theoretical ics, Ames teams developed a model of the out how to return them safely to Earth. The and experimental expertise during its days The Operational Space Shuttle aerodynamics around the full ascent stack that was used to understand then modify problem of re-entry heating then was well as a NACA laboratory, expanded it quickly, In the 1980s and 1990s, Ames’ support A composite photo of STS-135 taken by Ames’ Louise Walker and J.T. Heineck who were anticipated, though each of the Ameri- during NASA’s Apollo era, then extended of the shuttle shifted. As NASA began to fly the external tank. Using a combination of funded by the Space Shuttle Program and prepared this image using fusion software to com- can military services had failed to solve these capabilities to help in the develop- science missions aboard the shuttle, Ames Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and bine six simultaneously captured images they took of STS-135. Five images were taken at a the problem of warhead design by using ment of the space shuttle. life scientists began building experiment wind tunnel tests, Ames quickly generated different exposure setting, with a sixth taken in infrared, then all were composited to balance denser metals in more sharply pointed packages for its cargo bay. Astronauts loads data on the Protuberance Air Loads the brightness of the rocket engine output with the regular daylight levels at which the orbiter can be seen. A video version is also available. cones. Allen made the atmosphere work Start of the Space Shuttle Program continued to train in the Vertical Motion (PAL) Ramp prior to its removal. for him, and advocated a blunt-body con- Following the formal launch of the SImulator, but there was less basic re- Stuart Rogers lead a team that de- of actual re-entry. So that both arc jets created a capability to solve unforeseen cept that has since defined the shape of Space Shuttle Program in 1971, NASA search into cockpit design. More of Ames’ veloped Debris Transport Analysis (DTA) could be used complementarily to improve problems in real time. Ames real-time prob- all re-entry vehicles. Ames people and facilities made many efforts shifted to supporting design of the software and models. Rogers started with TPS materials, or to test scenarios quickly lem resolution capabilities were all at work key contributions the shuttle’s design. Space Station, and technology develop- an “overflow” code developed at Ames and during a shuttle flight, an Ames team led with the second shuttle mission post-Co- Ames Legacy in Hypersonics and Aero- More than half of all wind tunnel testing ment for the shuttle diminished. The Ames applied it to the entire flow field. With this by David Driver developed DPPLR and lumbia (STS-121). The Damage Assess- thermodynamics conducted for the shuttle, totalling 35,000 arc jets remained busy, but there was in- model, they showed that shed foam would Laura codes through which arc jet data ment Team (DAT) used the DPLR code, Allen, and his colleagues in the Ames hours of testing, was done at Ames, using creasingly less basic research into material trim to a high drag configuration, and de- could be correlated. Ames also developed which worked well because Ames CFD High Speed Research Division, then all of Ames’ extraordinary collection of wind design and thermal environments. signed ballistic range tests to prove it. With an optical technique, called laser-induced experts were available to help interpret the expanded his theoretical insights into tunnels. The Columbia accident occured, Ames Ames’ supercomputers on standby follow- florescence. data. Debris impact models were quickly bluntness on ballistic vehicles to bluntness Half of that testing was done in the work took another shift. The Columbia ing the launch of the shuttle, this software As JSC declared interest in new ideas run and resolved, so the Ames team turned on lift-glide vehicles. They calculated the 3.5 foot hypersonic wind tunnel, which Accident Investigation Board used the allowed shuttle engineers to model what on how to repair the TPS in-space, Ames to writing the code needed for a thermal possible trajectories and performance returned important results on shock-shock Investigation Organizer Tool developed sort of impact damage might be done to researchers issued a flood of ideas. James assessment of a gap filler issue. David advantages of lift-glide vehicles. And with interactions within the stack configuration, at Ames to track the massive amounts of the orbiter from debris shed during launch. Reuter of Ames led the effort to create Driver, who had led Ames efforts to refine their growing knowledge of hypersonic the effects of split body flaps, and turbulent data generated. Tina Panontin, who had One contribution driven by Ames was an in-flight repair capability. Ames was the shuttle TPS, documented the thermal aerodynamics and experience with the flows. In the larger wind tunnels, Ames earlier worked on the Shuttle Independent an effort to correlate arc jet data using involved in developing an Orbiter Boom analysis program code and monitored the X-15, they designed the M-2 as a proto- tested the Boeing 747 ferry configuration, Assessment team, advocated use of the CFD and calorimetry. JSC operated its Sensor System (OBSS) to do a final check leading-edge sub-system check before type lifting body. as well as the effectiveness of control sur- tool to determine the cause of the accident. own arc jet, which they used to certify of the leading edge sensor system prior shuttle re-entry. Following successful glide tests of the faces at slower landing speeds. During the months following the TPS materials for use on the shuttle. The after separation from the Space Station, Following the Return to Flight, Ames lifting body prototypes in the mid-1960s, After the first flight of the shuttle, NASA accident, NASA Ames set up a shuttle JSC and Ames arc jets environments but before re-entry to the Earth. kept its supercomputing facilities on alert NASA embarked on a program to use the continued to rely on Ames’ expertise to liaison office, much as it had in the differed, as did their testing methods, and In addition to solving the problems to resolve and problems identified as the lift-glide shape as the key design fea- evaluate and hone the shuttle. NASA’s early 1970s, this time led by John Allmen. both differed from the heat environment identified by the CAIB, Allmen’s group also shuttles were in orbit. 2 3 Astrogram Summer 2011 Astrogram Summer 2011 SOFIA successfully observes challenging Pluto occultation A personal perspective: Watching the shuttle launch NASA's Stratospheric Observa- continued from front page tory for Infrared Astronomy, or SOFIA, demonstrated its unique capabilities On Friday, I was on the road by 4 a.m. high profile journalists such as Geraldo a rock concert. recently as the airborne observatory from Orlando. I wasn't alone. An estimated Rivera of FOX News' "Geraldo-At-Large" The overall mood that morning was chased down a rare opportunity to crowd of one million people converged on and John Oliver of Comedy Central's optimistic despite the grim weather fore- view an occultation of Pluto and a dis- Florida's Space Coast to get a glimpse of "The Daily Show." Astronauts were milling cast. I kept one eye on the NASA televi- tant star. SOFIA was able to fly to the the last space shuttle launch. about and many television journalists were sion broadcast and one eye on the Florida exact location where Pluto's shadow More than a thousand members of interviewing them about space travel. It weather radar. A threatening storm system fell on Earth, allowing scientists the the press were also on site, including was more exciting than being backstage at seemed to hover over the Tampa area to opportunity to learn more about the the east, staying away from Cape Canav- dwarf planet's atmosphere. eral. SOFIA took off from NASA As the hours and minutes counted Dryden's Aircraft Operations Facility, Pilgrims, 2085 Palmdale, Calif., on the night of June down, it looked more and more optimistic 22, 2011, flying 1,800 miles out over by Eve Sutton that the launch would happen. We ran the Pacific Ocean to position itself From Columbus’s first voyage across the Atlantic to the settlement of outside to the area next to the countdown for the occultation. There were some clock and held our breath. At 11:29 a.m. nail-biting moments during the night, the Pilgrims in Massachusetts was 128 years. So I am guessing that in EDT, against the odds, Atlantis soared to however, because the precise position 2085, 128 years after the launch of the first Sputnik, the private settle- the heavens. It was a beautiful sight. of Pluto could not be calculated until a couple of hours before the actual ment of pilgrims all over the solar system will begin. event. -- Freeman Dyson, The Atlantic Monthly, November 1997 Researchers from Lowell Obser- vatory used the telescope at the U.S. We packed everything for a one-way trip. Greenhouse, NASA launches new Naval Observatory in Flagstaff, Ariz., deck of cards, extra socks. Belief, and disbelief. Memories: to take a number of photographs of app for Android Pluto and the occulting star. These Earthrise, gossamer, breathless blue and white. Family by Rachel Hoover data were passed to a group of scien- Optical image of the June 23 Pluto occultation star field taken fromAAS Press Officer Rick photo albums. Our history: relentless, triumphant. NASA has launched the free NASA tists from MIT who calculated precisely Fienberg's home observatory in New Hampshire. App for AndroidTM, a new applica- where the shadow would fall on Earth. Solar engines. Maps, incomplete, in four dimensions. tion designed for mobile devices that The MIT staff then contacted the Some small but affectionate pets. How lucky we are. run the open source Android platform. SOFIA crew in-flight with news that the In addition, a team of German SOFIA project scientist. scientists from the German SOFIA SOFIA is a joint project of NASA The NASA App is available for free on center of the shadow would cross 125 Android MarketTM at: https://market. miles north of the position on which Institute at the University of Stuttgart and the German Aerospace Center were on board to image Pluto using (DLR), and is based and managed at Are we there yet? Confined in all that space. Cameras, diary. android.com/details?id=gov.nasa the airborne observatory's flight plan Wine aging variably in the elastic stretch of time. had been based. After recalculating their newly designed Fast Diagnostic NASA's Dryden Aircraft Operations "The NASA App for iPhone and and filing a revised flight plan, SOFIA's Camera (FDC). On this flight, the FDC Facility in Palmdale, Calif., for NASA's Plastic tubes of dinner. Simulated gravity. Mount Fuji iPad has been a phenomenal success served as a photometer to measure Science Mission Directorate in Wash- flight crew and science team had to in snow, Mount Fuji in summer. Scent of rain-soaked trees. with more than five million downloads wait an anxious 20 minutes before the drop in light as Pluto passed in ington, D.C. NASA's Ames Research so far," said Jerry Colen, NASA App receiving permission from air traffic front of the star. Center in Moffett Field, Calif. man- Radio-wave umbilicus, NASA’s fading reassurances. project managerat at Ames. "Making "We have already shown that ages the SOFIA science and mission control to alter the flight path accord- But oh! The stars unwavering through unatmosphere. a version of the NASA App for Android ingly. SOFIA is a first-rank international facil- operations in cooperation with the ity for infrared astronomy research. Universities Space Research Associa- has been the number one request from Ted Dunham of the Lowell Obser- users. We are delighted to fulfill this re- vatory, also in Flagstaff, Ariz., led the This successful occultation observa- tion headquartered in Columbia, Md., tion adds substantially to SOFIA's and the German SOFIA Institute (DSI) By 2085, if microbes don’t starve us of oxygen, we’ll settle in quest and put NASA's amazing content team of scientists aboard SOFIA dur- into the hands of millions of Android ing the Pluto observations. "Because ability to serve the world's scientific at the University of Stuttgart. a new New World. Awaiting its discovery, we take we were able to maneuver SOFIA so community," said Pamela Marcum, remedies for cabin-fever nerves. Envy the Mayflower’s users around the world." The NASA App for Android show- close to the center of the occultation fresh air, Plymouth’s helpful natives. Discarded we observed an extended, small, but cases a huge collection of NASA distinct brightening near the middle of refuse floats outside our portals, perfectly preserved. content, including images, videos the occultation. This change will allow Ames to host Shuttle Family Reunion The black and silent waking sleeping night. on-demand, live streaming video from us to probe Pluto's atmosphere at NASA Television, mission information, lower altitudes than is usually possible In celebration of all that Ames folks Program’s remarkable 30-year feature stories and breaking news. Us- with stellar occultations." did to boost the shuttle program to history. The moon Io erupting. Bright Jupiter in veils of crystalline ammo- ers also can find sighting opportunities Dunham is the principal inves- such lofty heights, Ames will host a A barbeque sponsored by the nia ice. Comets, dust belts, planets, their natural and adopted for the International Space Station and tigator for the High-Speed Imaging track the current positions of space- Photometer for Occultation (HIPO), Shuttle Family Reunion on Tuesday, Ames Exchange will take place satellites. All beautiful. Celestial real estate is frozen rugged essentially an extremely fast and ac- Aug. 9. The event will begin in the from noon to 2 p.m. in Shenandoah craft currently orbiting Earth. App users curate electronic light meter. He was Syvertson Auditorium (N201) from 10 Plaza. More than 700 students gaseous flaming storm-hidden red as our blood. Praise also easily can share NASA content a member of the group that originally a.m. to 11 a.m., with speeches reflect- interning at Ames will present their the Creator of the Infinite Universe. We know there is someplace with their friends and followers on discovered Pluto's atmosphere by ing what Ames contributed and ac- posters featuring the work they we can call home. Facebook, Twitter or via e-mail. observing a stellar occultation from complished during the Space Shuttle accomplished this summer. For more information about the SOFIA's predecessor, the Kuiper Air- NASA App for Android, visit: http:// borne Observatory, in 1988. Pluto itself First published in Montserrat Review, 2001 www.nasa.gov/nasaapp was discovered at Lowell Observatory in 1930. Broadside Edition in honor of the Space Shuttle Program, 2011 4 5 Astrogram Summer 2011 Astrogram Summer 2011 The force is strong with NASA’s Smartphone-powered satellite NASA unveils real-time to the space station and mission SPHERES to test techniques to advance by Rachel Hoover Auditorium dedicated to Sy Syvertson control." automated dockings, satellite servicing, wonders of moon In 1999, Massachusetts Institute of Nexus S is the first commercial spacecraft assembly and emergency Technology (MIT) professor David Miller smartphone certified by NASA to fly on repairs. So far, all the tests have used pre- to visually impaired showed the movie, "Star Wars" to his stu- the space shuttle and to be cleared for programmed algorithms to achieve specific On July 15, 2011, Ames by Cathy Weselby dents on their first day of class. Following use on the space station. The smartphone flight formations, but now researchers are officially renamed its Main Auditorium (N201) in memory the scene where Luke Skywalker spars includes a four-inch touchscreen display, preparing to control the SPHERES in real- NASA has released a new book for of former Ames Center Director with a floating droid "remote," Miller stood a 1-GHz processor, digital cameras, time from ground control stations on Earth visually impaired people to experience up and pointed: "I want you to build me Clarence “Sy” Syvertson. and from space. Syvertson served as Ames the wonders of the moon.Called "Get- some of those." So they did. With sup- "Mission control can remotely Center Director from 1977 to port from the Department of Defense ting a Feel for Lunar Craters," the 17- operate the smartphone-enhanced 1984 and passed away Sept. page book features Braille and tactile and NASA, Miller's undergraduates 13, 2010. He began his 35-year SPHERES to perform inventory and diagrams of the lunar surface, craters built five volleyball-sized free-flying environmental surveys on the ISS," career at Ames in 1948 and in and peaks. satellites called Synchronized Position said Fong. "That way, astronauts can addition to being Center Direc- tor, he also served as Ames’ Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental spend more time performing science The book was created and funded Director of Astronautics and Satellites (SPHERES); three of which experiments and other work, instead of by NASA's Lunar Science Institute have been on the International Space Deputy Director. routine maintenance. In the long run, Syvertson was instrumen- (NLSI), at Moffett Field. The author is Station since 2006. free-flying robots like SPHERES could tal in remodeling the auditorium David Hurd, a space science professor "I love my job, because I get to use also be used to inspect the exterior of and it is entirely fitting that it be at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania cutting-edge technologies to answer the space station or future deep-space named in his honor. A reception in Edinboro, Pa. questions like: 'How can robots help followed the dedication in the vehicles." "This book is one giant step for hu- humans live and work in space? What According to Fong, robots like the lobby of Building 200. Seen here from left to right mankind, making lunar science visible will happen when humans explore smartphone-enhanced SPHERES and are: Syvertson’s wife JoAnn; through touch and sound," NLSI Direc- other worlds with robots by their side? NASA's Robonaut 2 will provide some Can we make this happen sooner, Ames Center Director S. Pete tor Yvonne Pendleton said. "NASA of the help of another crewmember; Worden; his daughter Lynn, rather than later?'" said Terry Fong, di- SPHERES' cameras can act as another and Jack Boyd, senior advisor is committed to the development of rector of the Intelligent Robotics Group set of eyes, while the Robotnaut 2 liter- to the center director. resources to bring lunar science into at NASA Ames. ally adds another set of hands to act as the world of those who cannot see." To begin answering these ques- an assistant with small and bulky items To obtain a free copy of "Getting tions, NASA is equipping the trio of alike. An added bonus is that robots do SPHERES on the space station with a a Feel for Lunar Craters," visit: http:// not require any additional life support. lunarscience.nasa.gov/tactile Nexus™ S handset made by Samsung As with the Robonaut 2, all tests Electronics and powered by Google’s thus far have occurred in the safety of NASA photo by Dominic Hart Android™ platform. the space station’s interior. However, Each SPHERE Satellite is self- NASA’s Smartphone-powered satellite in the future, upgraded SPHERES may contained with power, propulsion, venture outside the space station as computing and navigation equip- 2011 Systems Engineering Leadership Development class honored well. Twenty systems engineers from areas for development, they embarked witsch to the graduates. “What each ment. When Miller's team first designed gyroscopes, accelerometers, proximity "The space station is just the first the SPHERES, all of their potential uses across NASA graduated from the on a year of learning, developing, and of us do, no matter how small, it does and light sensors, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi step to using remotely controlled robots Systems Engineering Leadership De- practicing the qualities of a systems make a difference. We are driven by couldn’t be imagined up front. So, the networking, as well as 16 gigabytes of in- to support human exploration," said Chris team built an "expansion port" into each velopment Program (SELDP) in June engineering leader: creativity, curiosity, being part of something bigger than ternal memory. And, as with an increasing Moore, program executive in the Explora- 2011. self-confidence, persistence, and an ourselves and the opportunity to make satellite where additional sensors and ap- number of smartphones, Nexus S uses the tion Systems Mission Directorate at NASA pendages, such as cameras and wireless The program’s graduation fea- understanding of human dynamics. a difference.” open-source Android platform. Headquarters in Washington. "Building tured presentations by each SELDP The core of the SELDP experi- SELDP grew out of a need identi- power transfer systems, could be added. "Android is a very important feature on our experience in controlling robots participant to the NASA Engineering ence was a hands-on developmental fied by NASA leadership and the This is how the Nexus S handset – the for our team," said Mark Micire, a software on station, one day we'll be able to apply Management Board, a talk by Orbital assignment at a new center. Partici- Office of the Chief Engineer for an SPHERES' first smartphone upgrade – is engineer in the Intelligent Robotics Group. what we've learned and have humans and Executive President and General pants took on systems engineering Agency-wide leadership development going to be attached. "The availability of the Android source code robots working together everywhere from Manager for Advanced Program, Dr. roles that expanded their experience program that would help identify and "Because the SPHERES were origi- allows us to customize the smartphone to Earth orbit, to the moon, asteroids, and nally designed for a different purpose, they be used as a compact, low-cost, low-power Mars." Antonio Elias, about the Pegasus base and challenged them to incorpo- accelerate the development of high- need some upgrades to become remotely computer, rather than just as a phone. And This smartphone-enhanced rocket systems engineering story, and rate new knowledge and skills in an potential system engineers; with a operated robots," said DW Wheeler, lead because the platform is open-source, we SPHERES experiment is managed by the a visit from NASA Administrator Char- unfamiliar organizational setting. Paul focus on specific leadership behaviors engineer in the Intelligent Robotics Group anticipate that the public will be able to Intelligent Robotics Group at Ames with lie Bolden. De Leon, Ames Aerospace Systems and technical capabilities that are criti- at Ames. "By connecting a smartphone, develop Android software that can be used funding from the Enabling Technology De- The graduation week marked the Engineer, was assigned to Johnson cal to success in the NASA context. we can immediately make SPHERES in our experiments. In the future, you are velopment and Demonstration Program in culmination of a yearlong program that Space Center and served as the Headed by Christine Williams of the more intelligent. With the smartphone, the going see smartphones used for all sorts the Exploration Systems Mission Director- provided participants with knowledge, assistant to the International Space NASA Academy of Program/Project SPHERES will have a built-in camera to of embedded processing applications, from ate. skills, and experiences aimed at pre- Station Chief Engineer. and Engineering Leadership (APPEL), take pictures and video, sensors to help robotics to sensor networks and equipment For more information about paring them for the challenges of sys- “NASA exists to reach new heights SELDP aims to develop and improve conduct inspections, a powerful computing control," Micire said. SPHERES, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mis- tems engineering leadership at NASA. and reveal the unknown, so what we leadership skills and technical capa- unit to make calculations, and a Wi-Fi con- Since 2006, astronauts have con- sion_pages/station/science/experiments/ Once participants completed baseline do and learn will benefit all mankind,” bilities. nection that we will use to transfer data in ducted more than 25 experiments using SPHERES.html assessments to identify strengths and said Chief Engineer Mike Ryschke-

6 7 Astrogram Summer 2011 Astrogram Summer 2011 NASA flies greenhouse gas mission over Nevada salt flat NASA Chief Scientist Waleed Abdalati visits Ames by Ruth Dasso Marlaire Scientists from NASA Ames joined a and flew at altitudes multi-institute team of researchers June of 100-2,500 feet 17-27, 2011, to investigate carbon dioxide above ground. On June 23, 2011, Dr. Waleed Abdalati, NASA’s chief scientist, and methane gas emissions from a dry The SIERRA flew presented an all hands interactive presentation at Ames entitled lake bed and neighboring environment in two measurement "Science to Inspire and Science to Serve: A Dialogue with NASA’s Railroad Valley, Nev. missions: one to Chief Scientist." NASA’s investments in science began with the The Railroad Valley Vicarious Calibra- determine vertical agency’s inception and have evolved into a complex portfolio span- tion Campaign, a collaboration between profiles of carbon di- ning multiple disciplines and centers. Abdalati took a look at NASA’s the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency oxide over the base past, present and future science portfolio in the context of shifting na- (JAXA), and NASA's Jet Propulsion camp on the playa, tional and agency priorities. As the administrator’s primary advisor on Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, Calif., is an and measurements science, and spokesperson for science at NASA, he shares insights international, multi-year effort to calibrate across the playa space-based observations of carbon at low altitudes, and perspective from the vantage point of the agency’s top leaders. dioxide and methane collected by the and the second Japanese Greenhouse Gases Observ- to map sources of ing Satellite (GOSAT), using ground and natural and biogenic airborne data. methane. SIERRA, The campaign is based at Railroad which is operated Valley, on a dry lake bed, or playa, about out of Ames, flew 75 miles southwest of Ely, Nev. It involves from a public airstrip NASA photo by Eric James more than 30 scientists and engineers at Currant Ranch, from JAXA, the University of Wisconsin, Nev. Madison, Colorado State University, Fort The second Collins and JPL. aircraft, an Alpha photo by Google The Ames team supported the effort by Jet, owned and Third Annual Braxton Open Golf Tornament tees off providing ground and airborne measure- operated by H211, NASA Ames scientists investigated carbon dioxide and methane emis- ments of carbon dioxide and methane. LLC, flew to the sions from various sites on a dry lake bed in Railroad Valley, Nev. In addition, for the first time this year, the Railroad Valley site Ames team also investigated local sources from Ames and made a downward spiral surface and at depths of 20 and 30 cm to of halophiles­ organisms that live in evapo- around the base camp site. The spiral had monitor the temperature and moisture of rated ponds where there are extreme a top altitude of approximately 25,000 feet, the soil, the space team collected soil and concentrations of salts. a bottom altitude near 5,000 feet, and an gas samples for further study in the labora- "We are pleased to offer these approximate three mile radius. The vertical tory. In addition, the SIERRA flew over observations to our Japanese and Jet profile took approximately 20 minutes to potential methane sources on June 18 and Propulsion Laboratory colleagues in sup- complete. 21, while the ground-based team collected port of the important task of very precisely Ground observations showed what ap- concurrently carbon dioxide observations measuring greenhouse gases from space. peared to be bursts of carbon dioxide and on the ground June 21. We look forward to continuing to support methane from the soil of the salty lakebed. "Although there is a general under- the GOSAT team and the upcoming NASA Preliminary tests suggest a possible sur- standing of the natural and anthropogenic Orbiting Carbon Observatory -2 (OCO- face, or subsurface, source for these gas sources and sinks of carbon dioxide and 2) mission," said Laura Iraci, an Earth emissions. These findings are important to methane, their fluctuations must be better science researcher from the Atmospheric both Earth and planetary scientists: green- quantified to better forecast and mitigate Science Branch at Ames who planned and house gases contribute to global warm- global climate change. These measure- implemented the Ames effort. ing, and recent scientific findings of Mars¹ ments over the dry, salt flat will help us During the campaign, the Ames surface suggest evidence that there were better measure the spatial distribution and The Third Annual Braxton Open Golf Tournament was held team conducted a series of flights with large bodies of salt water in the past. Both heterogeneity of greenhouse gases," said June 17 at the Moffett Field Golf Course in recognition of the an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), a perspectives emphasize a need to further Bebout. Juneteenth Celebration. It was sponsored by the the Ames modified Alpha Jet and a NASA ER-2 Earth investigate these types of environments for This work also is important to NASA's African American Advisory Group. resources aircraft, outfitted with AVIRIS, past and present life. For example, meth- goals in Astrobiology. Methane has been MASTER, and S-HIS instruments. NASA's ane has been reported in the atmosphere reported on Mars and pinpointing sources ER-2 high-altitude aircraft flew over Rail- of Mars, and is known to be produced by and determining whether or not the meth- road Valley carrying MASTER, AVIRIS and microbial mats that are present in the most ane is biogenic will also be important there. a digital camera system at an altitude of salty environments on Earth. According to Bebout: "We can use 65,000 feet complementing data collected To study the source of gas emissions, Railroad Valley and other Mars analogue by the other two aircraft at lower altitudes. Chris McKay and Brad Bebout, space sci- sites to help interpret methane data to be The UAS, known as the Sensor ence researchers from Ames, led a team returned from upcoming Mars missions, NASA photos by Dominic Hart Integrated Environmental Remote Re- to observe biogenic and non-biogenic including Mars Science Laboratory and the search Aircraft (SIERRA), carried sensors sources of methane in the Railroad Valley 2016 ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter." to measure greenhouse gases and winds area. Using data loggers inserted near the 8 9 Astrogram Summer 2011 Astrogram Summer 2011 NASA provides golden opportunity to Greene Scholars by Ruth Dasso Marlaire Ames honors Nobel Prize Winner Baruch Blumberg “Do you think you’re going to Ames employees celebrated the crash? Let’s see how it plays out,” said life of Dr. Baruch “Barry” Blumberg Christina Thompson, a volunteer par- during a tribute and reception held ent for the Greene Scholars Program. June 21, 2011, in the Ames Exploration Thompson was helping students create Center. Air Traffic Control flight simulations Blumberg was the first director recently at the Exploration Encounter of the NASA Astrobiology Institute, a Center at NASA’s Ames Research Distinguished Scientist of the NASA Center, Moffett Field, Calif. Lunar Science Institute and winner of NASA has an education goal to in- the 1976 Nobel Prize in Medicine for spire and engage students in science, identifying the Hepatitis B virus and technology, engineering and math making “discoveries concerning new (STEM) content. As part of a never- mechanisms for the origin and dissemi- ending pursuit of this goal, NASA offers nation of infectious diseases.” education programs throughout the Blumberg passed away April 5, summer to sustain elementary stu- 2011, while visiting Ames as a featured dents’ interest in STEM. speaker at the International Lunar The Greene Scholars Program Research Park Exploratory Workshop. (GSP) has a similar goal. Focused He was 85. on developing the academic gifts of Ames employees participated in African American students, its primary an afternoon of remembrances and fel- goal is to increase the success rates lowship with Blumberg’s family, friends of their students in STEM course work and colleagues to honor the legacy of a and the number of students choosing great man and our treasured friend. STEM careers. For the first time, the organizations collaborated and NASA NASA photo: by Eric James NASA photo Dominic Hart hosted GSP at its newly renovated NASA hosted the Greene Scholar Program for the first time this summer at the Exploration From left to right, at the Ames tribute to Baruch “Barry” Blumberg, Barry’s son, Noah Blumberg, learning facility this summer. Encounter Center, a supersonic wind tunnel converted into a learning facility. Barry’s wife, Jean, and their daughter, Anne Blumberg. Noah and Anne are two of Barry’s four “We are very pleased to be here at children. Ames. Our program looks for hands-on committees, and also receives guid- Throughout the week, students math, science and technology experi- ance in best practices and strategies explored the various activities at NASA ences for our students,” said Gloria for engaging and motivating their chil- Ames Exploration Encounter Center, Whitaker-Daniels, director of Greene dren. On average, parents volunteer a supersonic wind tunnel that was Scholars Program and a retired 50 hours per year, or about four hours converted into an education facility. Its program engineering manager. “Our per month. Parents are expected to many hand-on activities make math NASA provides golden opportunity to Greene Scholars students program is very successful. All of our perform specific roles in the organiza- and science curriculum come alive for continued from page 10 students who complete this program tion until their scholar graduates from students who experience science in The flight station also teaches vari- many students who used math to solv- ing scientist who was one of the Bay go to college and 28 percent pursue high school. action and see how it relates to their ous science and math fundamentals. ing problems. Area’s first African American venture STEM studies.” “We know our children are capable lives. The principles of flight are illustrated “Now, try to remember what an air capitalists. As a long-term K-12 initia- The GSP is closing the achieve- given the right resources,” said Whita- Within the education facility, STEM using a small, mock-up wind tunnel, traffic controller does,” said Thomp- tive, the Greene Scholars Program is ment gap: Its academic achievement ker-Daniels.”I have three children who subjects are divided into four hands- and the computer program, Air Traffic son. “I can guarantee you would lose designed to provide 21st century lead- results show that all students who have have gone through the program; one on stations: physics, flight, space and Control Smart Skies, allows students your job (as an air traffic controller) ers with strong science/mathematics completed the program pass the Cali- daughter graduated with a degree in Earth. Each station has three physical to become air traffic controllers by using that nautical speed. Look at how backgrounds coupled with innovation, fornia High School Exit Exam (CAH- neuroscience, my second daughter is activities. For example, the physics creating their own scenarios, based on many planes are in the air. What is go- entrepreneurial/leadership and prob- SEE). They also meet the University studying biomedical engineering, and station demonstrates physics con- mathematic principles, and watching ing to happen?” lem solving skills. of California's 'A-G' requirements for my son is a senior in high school.” cepts, one of which is the gyro chair, the simulation play out. Students are The Greene Scholars Program “NASA Ames continues to support college admission, and graduate from In addition to the academic re- where students learn how a gyroscope taught the four forces of an airplane: will celebrate its 10th anniversary in the nation’s education programs and high school. These achievements are quirements, the program seeks works. weight, lift, thrust and drag. January. It was founded in 2002 by educators by providing high quality due in part to the families’ participation opportunities that provide hands-on “I liked the gyro chair the best. “I heard people talk about air traffic Debra Watkins, former president of the programs, resources and facilities in the program. experiences, strengthens problem- It’s cool how you hold a wheel, and control, but I had no idea what that Santa Clara County Alliance of Black that are helping build the workforce of According to Whitaker-Daniels, solving skills, builds self-esteem it makes the chair spin in the same meant. I thought a pilot just got into Educators, to help youth of African tomorrow,” said James Busby, acting after students submit an applica- and stimulates intellectual curiosity. direction. The force of the wheel a plane and flew off. Playing the air ancestry successfully complete higher education director at Ames. tion to attend GSP, their parents are NASA’s commitment to education, makes the chair move,” said Yazmeen traffic control simulation, put things in STEM education and serve as positive For more information about the interviewed to assess their technical with its dedicated STEM education Norwood, a student at John Sinnott perspective. They tell pilots when they role models and contributors to their Greene Scholars Program, see: expertise, including their organizational resource facilities, provides a golden Elementary School, Milpitas, Calif. can take off and land and how high communities. The program is named http://www.greenescholars.org/ or hospitality skills. Once a skill is iden- opportunity for the program to fulfill its to fly,” said Norwood. She was one of after Frank S. Greene Jr., a pioneer- tified, the parent serves on one of 13 charter. continued on page 11

10 11 Astrogram Summer 2011 Astrogram Summer 2011 Ombuds Office services available to Ames personnel Ames Ongoing Monthly Events Calendar By Jack Boyd African American Advisory Group (AAAG) Ames Mac Support Group Mtg., third Tuesday Exchange Information The Ames Ombuds Office pro- Mtg., every last Tuesday of each month, 12 - 1 of each month, 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m., Bldg. p.m., Bldg. N241, Rm 237. POC: Chair - Jim N-262, Rm 180. POC: Tony ext. 4-0340. vides all civil servants, contractors and Information about products, services and opportuni- Busby, ext. 4-2792. ties provided to the employee and contractor com- students at the center with a supple- Ames Model Aircraft Club, flying radio-con- munity by the Ames Exchange Council. Visit the mental, confidential, and informal Ames Amateur Radio Club, third Thurs., of trolled aircraft at the north end of Parsons Ave. web site at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov channel of communication to raise ea. month, 12 noon, N-T28 (across from on weekend mornings. POC: Mark Sumich, N-255). POC: Michael Wright, KG6BFK, at ext. 4-6193. Beyond Galileo Gift Shop N-235 in the significant issues and concerns that ext. 4-6262. cafeteria , 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., ext. 4-6873 they perceive could impact safety, Moffett Aikido Club, Monday and Wednesday organizational performance or mission Ames Ballroom Dance Club, Classes on evenings, 6:30 p.m., Bldg. 944, across from Visitor Center Gift Shop (White Tent success. Tuesdays. Beginning classes meet at 5:15 former McDonalds. Aikido is a non-competi- N-943-A, Tues-Fri, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat. The Ombuds is accountable for p.m. Higher-level class meets at 5:50 p.m. tive, defensive martial art known as the “Way - Sun, 12 - 4 p.m., ext. 4--5412 Held in Bldg. 944, the Rec. Center. POC: of Harmony.” POC: Diane Pereda (650) 575- Remember to purchase your baby shower, birthday, conducting informal inquiries, raising Helen Hwang at [email protected], ext. 9070 or Robert Dean (650) 787-1007, email: holiday gifts at Ames’ two gift shops! issues of concern to appropriate offi- 4-1368. [email protected] Mega Bites Cafeteria N-235, 6 a.m. to cials and redirecting matters not under 2 p.m., ext. 4-5969/Catering ext. 4-2161 the Ombuds’ realm to the appropriate Ames Bicycling Club, every third Wednesday Native American Advisory Committee Mtg., of each month, 12 noon - 1 p.m., Bldg. N-245 office or organization with an existing fourth Tuesday each month, 12 noon - 1 Barcelona Café Bldg. 3, 6:30 a.m. to Auditorium. For information on the club go p.m., Bldg. 19, Rm 1096. POC: Mike Liu, ext. 2 p.m., ext. 4-4948/Catering ext. 4-4948 administrative system, for example, to the website https://ames.clubexpress.com. 4-1132. POC: Julie Nottage at [email protected]. See daily menus at: http://exchange.arc. the Inspector General, the Office of John Boyd, Ames Ombuds James Arnold, Alternate Ames Ombuds Equal Opportunity and Diversity, Ames nasa.gov, ext. 4-3711. Ames Nimble Knitters Club, every Tuesday nasa.gov/cafe/menu.html Federal Employees Union, Procure- at 11:30 a.m., Bldg. N210/Rm 141. POC: Moffett Field Golf Club with ‘Tee minus 1’ Ames Bowling League, Homestead Lanes Rosalyn Jung, [email protected] or Diane ment Ombuds, Chief Counsel and Grill and Sports Bar. Catering available. Thursdays at 6:20 p.m. Need substitute bowl- Alexander at ext. 4-3140. URL: http://knit.arc. Call (650) 603-8026. Extended Happy Hour Human Resources. Scientist honored for excellence ers. Sign up questions: Steve Howard at ext. nasa.gov Thursdays, $5 and $6 pitchers of beer starting The Ombuds’ power rests on their 4-4884. at 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. reputation for confidentiality, fairness, Ames Green Team (formerly the Green Ames in cryogenic research Ames Child Care Center Board of Direc- Working Group) meetings are held the first RV Lots Available Call to reserve a space objectivity, tact and respectful concern at (650) 603-7100/01. Jeffrey R. Feller of Ames recently advance in the cryogenic field.” The tors Mtg., every other Monday, 1 - 2:30 p.m., Thursday of each month in N237, Room for the welfare of all individuals of the Bldg. N-262/Rm 180. POC: Sally Miller, ext. 101, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. For information, Civilian/Contractors, $50/mo; military $25/mo received the Cryogenic Society of nomination letters noted Feller’s sig- 4-5411. NASA community and for the well- call Roger Ashbaugh, Ames Environmental NASA Lodge (N-19) 603-7100 being of the agency. America’s Award for Excellence nificant contributions in the field of ac- Management Division, ext. 4-5602. Where to stay when you’re too tired to drive home? John W. Boyd continues to serve in Cryogenic Research at the tive cooling for cryogenic propellants, Ames Contractor Council Mtg., first Weds. of http://environmentalmanagement.arc.nasa. ea. month, 11 a.m., Bldg. N-200, Committee gov/reports/eo-13514.html What about the lodge?! Two types of rooms: Bldg. as Ames Ombuds. Geoffrey Briggs Cryogenic and his Room. POC: Elisa Taube (408) 541-2838. 19 (43 rooms), rate: $55/night ($5 ea add’l adult); Bldg. 583 (150 rooms), rate: $45/night ($5 ea. add’l is retiring from his position as the Engineering leadership Ames Sailing Club Mtg., second Thursday of adult) alternate Ames Ombuds and will be Conference in the field Ames Federal Employees Union (AFEU) each month (March through November), from replaced by James Arnold. Mtg, third Wednesday ea. month, noon. Bldg. 12 p.m. - 1 p.m., Bldg. N-260, Rm. 113. URL: Ames Swim Center (N-109) 603-8025 in Spokane, of zero boil N-247, Rm. 109.. Guests welcome. Info at: http://sail.arc.nasa.gov/. POC: Clif Horne, ext. Closed for repairs, for updates visit http://amesex- Arnold serves as Ames alternate WA. off storage http://www.afeu.org. POC: Paul K. Davis, ext. 4-4571. change.arc.nasa.gov/swim/index.html Ombuds. His association with NASA The pool is heated year round! The pool is currently Feller of hydrogen 4-5916. spans five decades, split evenly Ames Safety Committee, third Thursday of available for lap swim, pool parties and special (center) in space. The Hispanic Advisory Committee for events. POC: Ryan Storms, Pool Manager (650) between research and management each month, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Bldg. N-237, 603-8025. Memberships: single memberships: roles. His technical experience is in of Ames The Excellence (HACE) Mtg., first Thursday of Rm. 201. POC: John Livacich, jlivacich@ $60/yr. Family memberships: $80/yr. After purchas- is shown award is each month, 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Bldg. mail.arc.nasa.gov, ext. 4-3243 or Terry Reich- ing a membership, there is an entrance fee: daily aerothermodynamics, computational N-255, Rm. 101C. POC: Eric Kristich, ext. ert, [email protected], ext.-4-0375. entrance fee - $3/day or lap pass fee - $50 for 20 chemistry, thermal protection systems, receiving unique, 4-5137 and Mark Leon, ext. 4-6498. uses. Platinum membership - $380/yr. (no daily arcjet testing, advanced life support the CSA since the Jetstream Toastmasters, Mondays, 12 p.m. fee). Special events: include military training, swim team events, kayak role practice, etc. The cost for and nanotechnology. Arnold retired Award for nomination - 1 p.m., Bldg. N-269/Rm.179. POC: Tim Steiger, ext. 4-0195, [email protected]. special events is $75/hr, or $50/hr for military. as Chief of the Space Technology Excellence and requi- Web: http://jetstream.freetoasthost.com Division in 2002, and is currently Reservations for Chase Park call ext. 4-4948 in Cryogenic site two let- Reservations for ARC Park call ext. 4-5969 conducting research for the Entry Research ters of sup- Systems and Technology Division. from Awards port must The Ombuds office is located Committee come from in Building 241, Room 137, Mail Stop 200-1A. John W. Boyd can Chair John individuals Ames Cat Network be reached at (650) 604-5222 or Pfotenhauer outside of (right) and CSA Executive Director the nominee’s institution. Feller’s nom- The Ames Cat Network needs help finding [email protected], and Jim Ames emergency announcements homes for cats trapped at Moffett. They Arnold can be reached at (650) 604- Laurie Huget (left). ination was submitted by the NASA’s range from feral to abandoned/lost pets. 5265 or [email protected] . The award and honorarium are Glenn Research Center and letters of To hear the centerwide status recording, call (650) 604-9999 for information Tested, altered and inoculated. Call Iris at The Ombuds website is http:// presented by the society for “re- support were received from both the announcements and emergency instructions for Ames employees. You can ext. 4-5824 if you or someone you know are interested in fostering or adopting a cat. insideames.arc.nasa.gov/life-ombud- search contributions in a particular NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and also listen to 1700 KHz AM radio for the same information. soffice.php area leading to a major scientific NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.

12 13 Astrogram Summer 2011 Astrogram Summer 2011 Protective Services monthly activity NASA honors A statistical summary of activities of the Protective Services Division’s lunar scientist Security/Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Services units for the month of June 2011 is shown below. for research Security/Law Enforcement Activity contributions by Cathy Weselby G. Jeffrey Taylor received the Shoemaker Distinguished Lunar Sci- entist Award during a ceremony at the Lunar Science Forum on July 19, 2011 at NASA Ames. The award is given annually to a scientist who has signifi- cantly contributed to the field of lunar science. Taylor, a planetary science faculty member at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, specializes in planetary Fire Protection Activity volcanology, igneous processes and extraterrestrial materials. He uses a combination of petrology, geochem- istry, field observations and remote sensing and theory to address prob- lems in planetary science. Taylor was also awarded the Carl Sagan Medal for Excellence in Public Communica- tion in Planetary Science in 2008. He received his PhD in Geology from Rice University. For more information about the NASA Lunar Science Institute, visit: http://lunarscience.nasa.gov/

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