Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Fwd: [nasa-jsc-retirees-list] FW: NASA News and JSC Today - Tuesday, May 12, 2015



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Begin forwarded message:

From: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Date: May 12, 2015 at 6:37:08 AM CDT
To: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Subject: [nasa-jsc-retirees-list] FW: NASA News and  JSC Today - Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Reply-To: larry.j.moon@nasa.gov

JSC Today - Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Happy rainy Tuesday to you all.    Please drive safely if you have to venture out today.

 

Please continue to keep Gerald Reuter and Stephanie Olivarez in your thoughts and prayers during this time of loss of their loved ones.   

 

 

NASA NEWS

• NASA Announces First Class Of "Datanauts."

• Impey: News Of NASA's Bad Shape "Exaggerated."

• O'Keefe Credits Tom Cruise For Improving NASA's Website.

HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS

• Cristoforetti Explains How ISS' Toilets Work.

• Virts Films Lightning Storm Over Indonesia.

• SLS Enters Critical Design Review.

• Morin Speaks About Orion's Future At School On Monday.

• Orbiter Access Arm Now On Temporary Display Outside Of Vehicle Assembly Building.

• Zubrin: Recent Radiation Study Invalid For Human Mars Mission.

NASA Announces First Class Of "Datanauts."

FierceGovernmentIT (5/11, Sarkar, 277) reports that last week, NASA announced that it has formed the first class of "datanauts," who will "make sense of the vast amount of data it collects through satellites, telescopes, robots, spacecraft and laboratories, among other means." In a blog post, Ali Llewellyn, community advocate at the Johnson Space Center, wrote that these data scientists are "exploring and answering a variety of questions around data, data trends and data tools. ... Datanauts will share experiences, identifying high value datasets and applications of data that enrich the larger community." Llewellyn added, "Some have a number of degrees, some are self taught, all are highly curious learners with a wide variety of roles in the data science world."

Impey: News Of NASA's Bad Shape "Exaggerated."

NPR's (5/11, 1.52M) "Fresh Air" interviewed astronomer Chris Impey about his new book "Beyond: Our Future In Space." Impey said that the current state of spaceflight would be "quite different" had the US better funded its space program over the years.  (really!)    However, he thought the idea that NASA was "in a bad space" was "a little exaggerated," especially because NASA has continued to work at the ISS and maintain "a heavy entourage of spacecraft" throughout the solar system. Meanwhile, Impey also said that China is growing in space, and not just copying US' technology.

        Burgess: US Space Development Currently Paused. In an article for the Space Review (5/11), Dwayne Day interviews Colin Burgess, author of the recently published "Friendship 7: The Epic Orbital Flight of John H. Glenn, Jr." Discussing his background and his process, Burgess said that the NASA JSC Oral History program was a "valuable resource" for his research. Currently, he thinks that the US is in "something of a pause" in space until "the next big development or initiative in human space exploration." Burgess thought that could come when "a whole new generation of rockets and spacecraft" come online.

O'Keefe Credits Tom Cruise For Improving NASA's Website.

Space News (5/11, Gruss, Subscription Publication, 481) reports that at a panel at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), former NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe credited actor Tom Cruise for improving NASA's website. According to O'Keefe's account, Cruise thought that NASA's website at the time was too inaccessible, so he offered one of the people who designed his trailers to make it more appealing. O'Keefe said that as a result, the website was "inviting, interesting." The article notes that O'Keefe made no mention of NASA's current, "thoroughly redesigned" website.

Cristoforetti Explains How ISS' Toilets Work.

Popular Science (5/11, Grush, 6.78M) reports on a new video where ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti explains how the ISS' toilets work, "the most unglamorous but often asked-about part of living on the International Space Station."

        Forbes (5/11, Szczerba, 6.84M) details "the evolution of the space potty" since the Mercury flights, noting that the process always will "continue to amaze and amuse."

        Also covering the story are Popular Mechanics (5/11, Valinsky, 8.25M), Gizmodo (5/11, Condliffe, 1.08M), TIME (5/11, Linshi, 19.57M), Tech Times (5/11, Lee, 153K), Daily Mirror (UK) (5/11, Hamill, 788K), Register (UK) (5/11, 26K), ZME Science (ROU) (5/11, Andrei, 2K), and Geeks are Sexy (5/11, 15K).

        Blog Coverage. Sherry Valare at AmericaSpace (5/11) writes about what astronauts accomplished last week at the ISS, completing "more biological investigations...performing maintenance," and continuing experiments for the One Year Mission. Valare went into detail on each of these aspects.

Virts Films Lightning Storm Over Indonesia.

The Telegraph (UK) (5/11, 1.15M) website posts a video of a "lightning storm near Indonesia" filmed by ISS commander Terry Virts on May 10. The article also posted "amazing GoPro footage of his spacewalk with fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore."

SLS Enters Critical Design Review.

The WAAY-TV Huntsville, AL (5/11, Barrett, 3K) "Space Alabama" website reports that the Space Launch System (SLS) has now entered the Critical Design Review (CDR), "the last step in the design process before the hardware starts to come together." SLS Program Manager Todd May said, "One of the things I'm really excited about is once we complete the critical design review board, we are now fully in the mode of putting the rocket together, testing the pieces, and getting it ready to ship down to Kennedy Space Center." To celebrate this milestone, the Marshall Space Flight Center held a "CDR kickoff" event yesterday, hosting "hundreds of NASA and space industry experts, many from around the country." May added, "It's a real challenge getting all these folks from around the country and all the pieces put together and working well together, but it's also really exciting to know that we're building a rocket that's going to take humans out beyond low-Earth orbit and out into the solar system in a way that we haven't done in over 40 years. ... That's what really gets us up in the morning." The article notes that the CDR, "a lengthy process," is expected to be completed in July.

Morin Speaks About Orion's Future At School On Monday.

The New Jersey Herald (5/12, Watry, 39K) reports that astronaut Lee Morin visited Reverend George A. Brown Memorial School on Monday to speak with students about his 2002 trip to the ISS and how students can obtain "careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields." Morin also discussed how the Orion spacecraft will take people "(back) to the environment of the moon, and is capable of going out much farther to asteroids and to Mars." The article notes that students made "oohs and ahs" when they saw a video of the Orion being tested.

Orbiter Access Arm Now On Temporary Display Outside Of Vehicle Assembly Building.

collectSPACE (5/11, Pearlman) reports that the orbiter access arm, "a large piece of a space shuttle launch pad," has been moved from the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center to a temporary display outside the building. The article notes that officials had planned to place the arm on display in the future, but had to accelerate the process because of "operational constraints." According to the article, it is not yet known how long the arm will be in its current location or where it will permanently reside.

Zubrin: Recent Radiation Study Invalid For Human Mars Mission.

In an article for the Space Review (5/11), Robert Zubrin, president of the Mars Society, writes that a recent study about the effects of galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) on astronauts' faculties during a long-term space mission is of "no relevance for human Mars exploration." Zubrin argues that the rate at which radiation was given to the rodent subjects was "entirely different" to the slow rate of radiation astronauts will experience, thus invalidating the results. Furthermore, Zubrin notes that data already exists showing that GCR will not be a "showstopper," not to mention that the ISS program already works under "the same level of GCR risk for its crews as would be faced by an ongoing human Mars exploration program." Zubrin criticizes the research team for disseminating "misinformation to promote themselves."

        Ortner: NASA's Mars Plan Too "Fuzzy" To Maintain Interest. In an article for the Space Review (5/12), Blake Ortner, Director of DC Operations for Explore Mars, writes that despite NASA's assertions that it has endorsed "human missions to Mars more than ever," its "fuzzy" plan over too long a period makes it hard for young people especially to stay interested or believe it will actually happen. Without "a formal program or necessary funding," Ortner warns that the US could one day no longer be the leader in space.

 

 

 

 

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   Headlines

  1. 2015 IT Security Training Now Available

Each and every government employee, and those who work with government equipment, must be aware of their security responsibilities to ensure information and information resources are not exposed to undue risks and to understand that all of NASA's information is considered a valuable resource that must be protected.

The required Fiscal Year 2015 Annual Information Security Training course is now available in SATERN and should take approximately one hour to complete. To access SATERN, click here. Employees should access the course via their Learning Plan. Go to "Learning," and then "Learning Plan." You should see the course. If the course is not on your Learning Plan, you can search for it in SATERN. Go to "Catalog" and "Simple Catalog Search." Search for "FY2015 ANNUAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY AND PRIVACY AWARENESS COURSE." Select "Add to Learning Plan." Return to your Learning Plan and launch the course.

JSC-IRD-Outreach x37682 http://ird.jsc.nasa.gov/ITSecurity/default.aspx

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  1. Flight Controllers and Flight Directors Wanted

Test Subject Screening (TSS) seeks flight controllers AND flight directors (including those in training flow) to evaluate a self-guided, multimedia stress management and resilience training computer program called SMART-OP.

Volunteer Expectations:

    • Complete a study consent and eligibility screener (10 minutes).
    • Eligible participants randomized to SMART-OP or waitlist group (WL). WL completes SMART-OP after six weeks of waiting.
    • Complete two to three assessments (90 minutes each) involving questionnaires, neuropsychological tasks, physiological data and stress biomarker samples in Building 4N.
    • Attend six weekly computer-based stress-management training sessions (30 to 60 minutes) in Building 4N.
    • Total time commitment: Up to 10 session contacts, approximately six hours over eight to 16 weeks depending on group assignment.

Volunteers are compensated. (Restrictions apply to NASA civil servants and some contractors. Contact your Human Resources department.)

Interested participants need to be cleared by TSS. Contact Linda Byrd, RN, at x37284, and Rori Yager, RN, at x37240.

Linda Byrd x37284

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  1. June 2015 Pride Month – Nomination Call-out

We would like to highlight one ally employee and one Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT) employee whose achievements, challenges, character and commitment have helped shape them into the people they are today—whose stories serve as an inspiration to others.

Please submit your nomination, or self-nomination, for consideration to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity by Wednesday, May 13. Please include the nominee's name, organization, job title, and why you nominate the individual or yourself in 300 words or less. If selected, the stories will be highlighted on JSC Features.

JSC Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity x30607 http://www.nasa.gov/offices/oeod/

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   Organizations/Social

  1. Today: JSC Asian Cultural Exhibition

In observance of Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month, the JSC ASIA Employee Resource Group (ERG) welcomes the JSC community to the 2015 AAPI Cultural Exhibition. The exhibition features Asian cuisine samples, a martial arts showcase, cultural art exhibits and more. The cultural art exhibits are a joint effort with the Boeing Asian-American Professional Association. We will have a ceremony adding the Japanese flag to the Building 2 Auditorium international flag gallery. Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata will present the Japanese flag to JSC on behalf of the ASIA ERG. JSC team members of AAPI heritage are invited to wear traditional outfits to the event.

Event Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2015   Event Start Time:11:00 AM   Event End Time:1:00 PM
Event Location: B2 Teague Lobby

Add to Calendar

Joreen Lee x36210 https://collaboration.ndc.nasa.gov/iierg/ASIA/

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  1. NSBE Information Display in Building 3 Café

The Houston Space Professionals Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) will provide an information display in the Building 3 café today, May 12. Drop by for a few minutes and learn about the exciting space research and development projects the NSBE is conducting, upcoming conferences and outreach initiatives to inspire the next generation. The NSBE operates six spacecraft engineering projects, three space-related conferences and a space-related student outreach program targeting elementary through graduate student levels. The display will be available between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Event Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2015   Event Start Time:11:00 AM   Event End Time:2:00 PM
Event Location: Building 3 Cafeteria

Add to Calendar

Robert Howard x41007 http://www.nsbe-hsp.org

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  1. What's Cookin' at the Cafés

Tomorrow, May 13, try CulinArt's Mexican chicken torta with black beans, avocado and tomatillo-roja.

Brian Smith x30240

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  1. IEEE GBS Computer Society Meeting

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Galveston Bay Section (GBS) Computer Society will be hosting a presentation on NASA's Trick simulation environment. The Trick simulation environment is a software suite that assists in the complex task of writing simulations by providing simulation framework capabilities and automatically performing tasks common to almost all simulations. Trick has supported all of NASA's crewed vehicle programs since 1991. Alexander Lin of the Software, Robotics and Simulation Division will be presenting in the University of Houston-Clear Lake Delta Building, Room 136, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

David Rutishauser x34097

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  1. Today-Env. Brown Bag Exploration Green Conservancy

Curious about local recreation and conservation green spaces? Come to our Environmental Brown Bag today at noon in Building 45, Room 751. John Cobarruvias will talk about Exploration Green, one of the local green-space projects just west of JSC. The conservancy is working to transition a 200-acre, former golf course into a recreation, conservation and flood-control facility for local communities. Topics will include updates on the conservancy's nonprofit and permitting status, tree nursery, wetlands project and efforts to reclaim the former golf course trails for hiking and biking. Bring your lunch with you and learn more about this local treasure.

Event Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2015   Event Start Time:12:00 PM   Event End Time:1:00 PM
Event Location: B45 Room 751

Add to Calendar

Michelle Fraser-Page x34237 http://www.explorationgreen.org/

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  1. Registration for AIAA-Houston ATS is Open

The date for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)-Houston 2015 Annual Technical Symposium (ATS) has been moved to Friday, June 5, at 8 a.m. at the Gilruth Center (previously May 8)! This annual AIAA event brings together aerospace professionals to present their research and industry hot topics in a professional forum.

    • $15 for AIAA members
    • $20 for non-AIAA member students
    • $25 for non-AIAA members

A lunch buffet is included in the registration cost. A continental breakfast (including coffee) is being provided in the Gilruth Alamo Ballroom during registration. Register here.

Get more info here.

Event Date: Friday, June 5, 2015   Event Start Time:8:00 AM   Event End Time:3:00 PM
Event Location: NASA/JSC Gilruth Center

Add to Calendar

Justine Wiles x41728

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  1. Health & Fitness Week: Enter for a chance to WIN!

The wait is finally over!

Monday kicked off Health and Fitness Week at JSC! You and your fellow co-workers can now participate in the many programs, classes and special events that the Starport Wellness team has planned.

In doing so, you will be entered into a drawing for the "Ultimate Wellness Prize Basket." Stop by the Gilruth Center for your chance to enter and help us celebrate Health and Fitness Week at JSC.

For more information, please visit the website below.

Evan Thoman x42769 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/

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  1. Starport's Prediction Run/Walk 5K

Mark your calendar!

It's not how fast you are … it's how fast you THINK you are! To celebrate Health and Fitness Week, Starport will be holding a Prediction Run/Walk 5K on May 20. For complete race details, please visit the link below.

The objective of this race is not necessarily to be the fastest, but to be the closest to the predicted amount of time you will spend walking, jogging or running. Registration is now open online. Don't miss out on this fun event.

Prizes: All participants will receive a Health and Fitness Week raffle ticket, and the top three performers will receive a NASA medal.

Event Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2015   Event Start Time:7:00 AM   Event End Time:8:00 AM
Event Location: Gilruth Center

Add to Calendar

Evan Thoman x42769 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/fitness/health-and-fitness-week

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  1. LIFT (Ladies in Fitness Training) - Summer

Ladies in Fitness Training (LIFT) is a women-focused, semi-private training program that provides fun and challenging workouts designed specifically to help women LIFT their health and fitness goals to new levels!

The spring series of LIFT brought fantastic results. The ladies got stronger, gained muscle mass and lost body fat. If you are looking for a great way to get in or stay in shape, with the motivation and accountability of a personal trainer and the comradery of a group environment, this class is for YOU!

LIFT Program Details:

    • Gilruth Center Studio 2
    • Tuesdays and Thursdays
    • 6 to 7 p.m.
    • June 2 to Aug. 20 (12 weeks/24 classes)
    • Monthly payment plans available!

Early Registration (ends Sunday, May 17):

- $299/person (just $12.45 per class!)

Regular Registration (Monday, May 18 to Tuesday, June 2)

- $375/person

Sign up through the link below. Class size is limited, so don't delay and register today!

Chrisanna Colletta, Starport Fitness Director x35010 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/recreation-programs/lift

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  1. Starport Wellness: Lunch-and-Learn Presentation

Are you getting enough Vitamin D?

With summer fast approaching, you will need to protect yourself from the sun, but have you considered that you may be putting yourself at risk of serious, chronic diseases if you avoid the sun too much? Vitamin D deficiency affects approximately 75 percent of Americans, and the health effects are serious—yet preventable.

The Starport Wellness Program is pleased to host Dr. Catherine Hansen, M.D., MPH, as she presents her expertise and offers practical information for effectively managing your Vitamin D levels.

Mark your calendar and plan to join us for what is sure to be a very informative wellness presentation.

Event Date: Friday, May 15, 2015   Event Start Time:11:00 AM   Event End Time:12:00 PM
Event Location: Gilruth Center/Discovery Room

Add to Calendar

Evan Thoman x42769 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/

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  1. Starport's Father-Daughter Dance 2015

Make Father's Day weekend a date your daughter will never forget! Enjoy a night of music, dancing, refreshments, finger foods, dessert, photos and more. Plan to get all dressed up and spend a special evening with the special little lady in your life. The dance is open to girls of all ages, and attire is business casual to semi-formal. A photographer will be on hand to capture this special moment with picture packages for you to purchase. One free 5x7 will be provided.

    • June 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Gilruth Center Alamo Ballroom
    • Cost is $45 per couple ($10 per additional child)

Register online or at the Gilruth Center information desk. You must register by June 11, and there will be no tickets sold at the door.

Event Date: Friday, June 19, 2015   Event Start Time:6:30 PM   Event End Time:8:30 PM
Event Location: Gilruth Alamo Ballroom

Add to Calendar

Shericka Phillips x35563 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/special-events/father-daughter...

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  1. Nutrition Lunch-and-Learn Today

Join us today at 11:30 a.m. in the Building 30 Auditorium. Starport's new Registered Dietician, Marla Murphy, will present on carbohydrates, proteins, fruits, vegetables, fats, portion sizes, how to build a better plate and easy meal/snack ideas. Don't miss it!

Event Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2015   Event Start Time:11:30 AM   Event End Time:12:30 PM
Event Location: Building 30 Auditorium

Add to Calendar

Evan Thoman x42769 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/fitness/health-and-fitness-week

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  1. Starport Youth Coed Soccer Camp

Starport and Challenge Soccer Club have teamed up to provide you with a youth coed soccer camp this summer. The ages for the camp are 6 to 12. Challenge Soccer Club will provide basic skills training, as well as incorporate fun games throughout the week. Sign your child up today!

Robert K/ Vaughn II x38049 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/familyyouth-programs/sports-ca...

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   Jobs and Training

  1. Spacesuit Knowledge Capture Presents an Event

Robonaut 2: The First Humanoid Robot in Space and its Technology Spinoffs

Since Robonaut's 1997 inception, it was funded to push the envelope of space robotics. Scott Askew will discuss Robonaut technology and ways engineers have germinated multiple new projects that are enabling future capabilities for humans in space and on Earth.

Location: Building 5S, Room 3102 (corner of Gamma Link/5th Street/third floor), near the guard shack at the entrance of the Buildings 4/4S/5S parking lot. A ramp leads to a door at corner of Building 5S. A public access elevator is located past two sets of doors. Exit the third floor; the lecture room is fourth door on the left (Room 3102).

Register in SATERN. If you have any issues locating the class in SATERN, search using the keyword "robonaut."

Event Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2015   Event Start Time:2:00 PM   Event End Time:3:30 PM
Event Location: Building 5S, Room 3102

Add to Calendar

Vladenka Oliva 281-461-5681

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  1. RLLS Portal Training for May - Via WebEx

The May Monthly RLLS Portal Education Series - via WebEx sessions:

    • May 20 at 2 p.m. CDT, Translation Support Module Training
    • May 21 at 2 p.m. CDT, Interpretation Support Module Training
    • May 27 at 2 p.m. CDT, Telecom Support Training
    • May 28 at 2 p.m. CDT, Flight Arrival Departure Module Training

These 30-minute training sessions are computer-based WebEx sessions, offering individuals the convenience to join from their own workstation. The training will cover the following:

    • System login
    • Locating support modules
    • Locating downloadable instructions
    • Creating support requests
    • Submittal requirements
    • Submitting on behalf of another
    • Adding attachments
    • Selecting special requirements
    • Submitting a request
    • Status of a request

Ending each session will be opportunities for Q&A. Please remember that TTI will no longer accept requests for U.S.-performed services unless they are submitted through the RLLS Portal.

Email or call 281-335-8565 to sign up.

James Welty 281-335-8565 https://www.tti-portal.com

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JSC Today is compiled periodically as a service to JSC employees on an as-submitted basis. Any JSC organization or employee may submit articles.

Disclaimer: Accuracy and content of these notes are the responsibility of the submitters.

 

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