Thursday, May 21, 2015

Fwd: [nasa-jsc-retirees-list] FW: NASA News and JSC Today - Thursday, May 21, 2015



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Begin forwarded message:

From: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Date: May 21, 2015 at 8:54:50 AM CDT
To: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Subject: [nasa-jsc-retirees-list] FW: NASA News and  JSC Today - Thursday, May 21, 2015
Reply-To: larry.j.moon@nasa.gov

JSC Today - Thursday, May 21, 2015

Happy Flex Friday eve everyone.  More rain likely throughout the day!—be safe!

 

DOD's Space Drone (unmanned Baby Shuttle Orbiter) lifted off again.  

 

LEADING THE NEWS

• Atlas V Launches With X-37B, LightSail.

NASA NEWS

• House Committee Approves NASA Funding.

• Continuing Coverage Of NASA Software Release.

HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS

• Senate Commerce Committee Approves Commercial Launch Bill.

• Wisconsin High School Students Build Device To Stabilize Camera In Microgravity.

• NASA's Huot Calls Claim Of Hacking ISS "Laughable."

• Orion Heat Shield, Weight Reduction Strategies Described.

• Wisconsin Fourth Grader's Design May Be Printed On ISS.

• Destination Imagination Features Buzz Aldrin.

• Continuing Coverage Of Hubble Space Telescope 25th Anniversary.

• Book On Spaceflight Reviewed.

• China Considers Mission To "Dark Side" Of Moon.

• Russian Launch Failures Seen As Threat To Space Program, ISS.

Atlas V Launches With X-37B, LightSail.

Coverage of Wednesday's launch focused on the X-37B, with the LightSail getting secondary coverage. Many of the news sites also included the five-minute video of the launch. The AP (5/20, Dunn) reports that atop the Atlas V rocket, launched from Cape Canaveral, "a mysterious space plane rocketed into orbit" with "no crew but a full load of technology experiments." The X-37B "is shrouded in secrecy." Among the experiments are "a materials-sample experiment on board for NASA," and "an experimental electric-propulsion thruster for the Air Force." The AP says that the Planetary Society's LightSail is "perhaps the most intriguing payload, at least from the public point of view." It describes the satellite as possessing "a large, light, shiny Mylar sail measuring 32 square meters." The Sacramento (CA) Business Journal (5/20, Anderson, Subscription Publication, 43K) reports on Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc., which is responsible for the "space propulsion technology" being tested.

        CBS News (5/20, Harwood, 8.2M) reports that in the launch were "an unpiloted military spaceplane" on "a secret mission," as well as "10 small CubeSat spacecraft," including the LightSail. It describes the X-37B as "a compact delta-wing craft equipped with a payload bay, a solar power boom and sophisticated computer control systems enabling long-duration, autonomous flights." CBS points out that "no details about the X-37B mission were revealed." Regarding the LightSail, it says that "NASA sponsored" it, the Planetary Society funded it, and it is "made up of three CubeSats bolted together."

        ABC News (5/20, Newcomb, 3.69M) reports, "A secretive space plane owned by the United States Air Force" was launched on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

        NBC News (5/20, Boyle, 2.54M) said the launch featured "a hush-hush military space plane and a widely publicized solar-sail experiment." NBC explains that the remaining cube satellites "are funded by the National Reconnaissance Office and will test communication technologies."

        The Washington Post (5/20, Davenport, 5.03M) reports in its "The Switch" blog that the "super secretive X-37B space plane" is "scheduled to stay in orbit for 270 days. Or maybe more." It's mission length and object are "shrouded in mystery." The LightSail is also mentioned and briefly described.

        USA Today (5/20, Dean, 5.01M) carries a report from Florida Today saying "the launch appeared to be off to a good start," but that the "broadcast was blacked out about five minutes into the flight because of the secrecy surrounding the fourth X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle mission."

       

        Blog Coverage. SPACE (5/21, 241K) featured the launch video and noted that the X-37B "will test an innovative Hall effect space thruster," as well as a NASA "space materials experiment."

        SPACE (5/20, 241K) also carried a longer article offering more detail on the Hall thruster, and NASA's Materials Exposure and Technology Innovation in Space experiment. Universe Today (5/20, Kremer, 16K) offered similar coverage, while Flightglobal (5/21, 2K) briefly treated the X-37B mission.

       

House Committee Approves NASA Funding.

The AP (5/20, Taylor) reports the House Appropriations Committee Wednesday "approved a $51 billion measure providing the Justice Department and NASA with modest budget hikes," but may face a veto from President Obama, due to lower-than-requested amounts for "police body cameras and new community policing initiatives." The White House also said that the bill fails to support "next-generation weather satellites" and the census.

        USA Today (5/21, King, 5.01M) reports the committee "voted Wednesday not to fully fund NASA's request for replacing the space shuttle, likely prolonging U.S. reliance" on Russia to reach the International Space Station. While the committee "approved $18.5 billion for NASA," which is "roughly the amount" the Administration requested, it "diverted more money to deep-space exploration and planetary science at the expense of Earth science research and the Commercial Crew program."

        The Daily Mail (UK) (5/20, O'Callaghan, 5.37M) reports that the measure puts "a greater emphasis on the search for life and...a mission to Jupiter's moon Europa in 2022." It also directs NASA "to start a new Ocean Worlds Exploration Programme that would hunt for life in the outer solar system." At the same time, it reduces funds for "the Earth Science and private spaceflight programmes, drawing criticism from both Nasa and the White House." NASA Administrator Charles Bolden is quoted saying that it would "seriously reduce our Earth science programme and threaten to set back generations worth of progress in better understanding our changing climate." He also said that the cut to the Commercial Crew program "would guarantee we will continue to send millions of dollars a year to Moscow instead of investing that money in United States, creating jobs and once again launching Americans from US soil."

        Space News (5/20, Foust, Subscription Publication, 481) reports the bill contains "$18.5 billion for NASA" and was approved "despite criticism from some members" regarding reduced amounts for NASA's "science and commercial crew programs." The total amount is the "same" as the Administration request, but it "shifts funding from Earth science, space technology, and commercial crew to planetary science and the Space Launch System."

        Vox (5/20, Stromberg, 839K) reports that the bill "would mean a big boost for the search for life on other planets and moons — and a substantial cut for the study of our own planet." It quotes Bolden saying that the measure "would seriously reduce our Earth science program and threaten to set back generations worth of progress in better understanding our changing climate, and our ability to prepare for and respond to earthquakes, droughts, and storm events."

        Op-Ed Says US Dependence On Russia Undermines Sanctions. In an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, (5/21, Subscription Publication, 5.68M) chairman and CEO of Arcanum Global, Ron Wahid, writes that the US' dependence on Russian rocket engines for space launches undermine sanctions against Russia while aiding President Vladimir Putin's business partners. Wahid says that several American companies can deliver alternative engines as a solution to Russian reliance which he argues threatens national security.

Continuing Coverage Of NASA Software Release.

Gizmodo (5/20, Smith-Strickland, 1.08M) reports in continuing coverage of NASA's second release of its "online software catalog, which debuted last year." Dan Lockney, program executive for Technology Transfer at NASA, is quoted saying, "This is all stuff from the past four to five years. A lot of it's new." He explained, "You tell us who you are and what you plan to use it for, and we'll let you have it."

Senate Commerce Committee Approves Commercial Launch Bill.

Space News (5/20, Foust, Subscription Publication, 481) reports that the Senate Commerce Committee "swiftly approved a commercial launch bill," S.1297, the US Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act. The article outlines the differences between the Senate bill and the four bills approved by the House Science Committee on May 13, focusing on the Spurring Private Aerospace Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship (SPACE) Act.

Wisconsin High School Students Build Device To Stabilize Camera In Microgravity.

The Dubuque (IA) Telegraph Herald (5/20, Garbe, 88K) reports that students from Platteville High School in Platteville, Wisconsin, "received positive reviews today from NASA officials for a camera-stabilizing device they invented and tested over the past year." Senior Mike Donovan explained, "We designed a device to stabilize a camera, such as a GoPro, in micro gravity because astronauts are always taking videos of themselves and uploading them to YouTube." The students were supported with "$2,000 of NASA funds for the project," under the High Schools Uniting with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program. NASA employee Glenn Johnson said of the submission, "I think that we have a lot of reasons to keep moving on with this project."

NASA's Huot Calls Claim Of Hacking ISS "Laughable."

The Christian Science Monitor (5/20, Uchill, 539K) reports on Chris Roberts' claim to have been "yelled at by NASA" after having hacked the International Space Station, saying that NASA's Dan Huot called the claim "laughable." He said, "It's never happened," adding, "We have a lot of controls in place to prevent it."

Orion Heat Shield, Weight Reduction Strategies Described.

PC Pro Magazine (UK) (5/20, Moldrich, 305K) reports on the development of Orion, designed "to send astronauts on missions to an asteroid, as well as hosting the first human spaceflight to Mars." It will have "the most powerful rocket ever built." It is also designed to be "the safest, most efficient spacecraft yet." The article describes the heat shield as well as successful efforts to reduce the weight of the craft.

Wisconsin Fourth Grader's Design May Be Printed On ISS.

WBAY-TV Green Bay, WI (5/20, Kaley, 44K) reports on Jack Blake, a fourth-grade student at Edison Elementary School in Appleton, Wisconsin, whose "science project will soon be floating in space on the International Space Station." He designed a bed for a person with a broken leg, as well as pillows, and "a handle, so I could move it around." His design "will likely be printed later this spring on the International Space Station."

Destination Imagination Features Buzz Aldrin.

The Knoxville (TN) News Sentinel (5/20, Slaby, 332K) reports on the opening ceremony for Destination Imagination, held in Knoxville's Thompson-Boling Arena and featuring delegations from schools in "48 states and 18 countries." The event featured "an appearance by astronaut Buzz Aldrin," who "told the students the future of space exploration, including a colony on Mars, is up to them." The delegates will "compete and participate in more than 100 skills workshops — from 3-D printing to a workshop led by Aldrin."

Continuing Coverage Of Hubble Space Telescope 25th Anniversary.

AOL (5/20, 6.2M) reports that while the Hubble Space Telescope "is known for its dazzling images of cosmic phenomena," when it began, it was "decidedly less exciting." That was due to a flaw in the primary mirror as well as a lack of calibration and "no post-processing."

        SPACE (5/20, Wall, 241K) also covers the story, as does NPR (5/20, Gleiser, 1.52M).

Book On Spaceflight Reviewed.

The New York Times (5/21, Kakutani, Subscription Publication, 12.24M) reviews Margaret Lazarus Dean's new book "Leaving Orbit," saying that though the book "overstates the end-times nature of NASA's future — skimming lightly over its Mars exploration projects and other plans," it is written "with the passion of a lifelong lover of space exploration and an ability to communicate, with tremendous kinetic power, the glory and danger of its missions." It is described as "a heartfelt paean to, and elegy for, a remarkable collective undertaking." The reviewer says that despite Dean's work, "It's too early to write an epitaph for NASA and its underfunded yet ambitious plans."

China Considers Mission To "Dark Side" Of Moon.

CNN (5/21, Lu, Hunt, 3.17M) reports that China is planning a possible mission to the "dark side" of the moon in 2020. It would be "the first country to do so." The mission would use the Chang'e 4 spacecraft, which would "orbit the moon before sending a rover to the surface," according to Wu Weiren, chief engineer for China's Lunar Exploration Program. The Chang'e 3 successfully landed on the moon in 2013.

        The China Daily (5/20, 18K) reports the story came from Wu speaking to Chinese Central Television, saying that the choice would be for a mission "more difficult to land and more technically challenging."

Russian Launch Failures Seen As Threat To Space Program, ISS.

The AP (5/21, Isachenkov) reports that Russia's recent "back-to-back rocket launch failures," are "one of the heaviest blows to its space industry since the Soviet collapse." They may "erode Russia's leading position in the multibillion global launch market," from its currently "estimated 40 percent share." One result of the failures has been a delay in the next Soyuz launch of astronauts going to the International Space Station from May to July. Problems with Soyuz could threaten the ISS given that it is currently the only vehicle taking astronauts to and from the station.

 

NASA Seeks Concepts For Robotic Spacecraft For Asteroid Redirect Mission.

Federal Computer Week (5/20, Noble, 263K) reports in its "The Spec" blog that "NASA is seeking robotic spacecraft concepts from the private sector," as part of its plan to "land a robotic spacecraft on a near-Earth asteroid, capture a boulder from the asteroid and guide it into orbit around the moon." NASA has set June 29 as the deadline for replies for its Asteroid Redirect Mission.

NASA Awards Contract To Rockwell Collins For Cockpit Display Showing Aircraft's Sonic Boom.

Aviation International News (5/20, Epstein, 1K) reports that NASA has awarded a two-year contract to Rockwell Collins "for a cockpit display that will provide a visual representation of an aircraft's sonic boom over the Earth's surface in an attempt to mitigate its effect on populated areas." It is part of the agency's High Speed Project, "aimed at providing the research and leadership to develop a new generation of supersonic civil transport aircraft."

NASA Engineers Working On UAV That Can Take Off Vertically And Fly Like A Plane.

LiveScience (5/20, Howell, 444K) reports on "a huge, 10-engine drone dubbed 'Greased Lightning'" or GL-10, has "successfully completed a series of flight tests" conducted by "NASA engineers" from Langley Research Center at a nearby military base. In the tests, it "was able to take off and hover like a helicopter," as well as "fly like a conventional airplane." NASA engineers David North and Bill Fredericks are cited in the article saying that they will continue to work at making it "more aerodynamically efficient," and improved in other ways.

 

 

 

 

 

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   Headlines

  1. Joint Leadership Team Web Poll

You reported last week that most of your NASA co-workers are really nice. That's comforting. This week we are cutting the ribbon on our new clinic. It's really awesome. I'm giving you five statements about it in question one, and you have to decide which statement is false. Clerestory windows? Native plants? Managed by a Buckeye? Tom Brady pretty much knew what was happening—according to you. I agree wholeheartedly. He was under a lot of stress … which got me wondering: How you respond to stress? Call in sick? Fake an injury? Eat more chocolate?

Kick your dog on over to get this week's poll.

Joel Walker x30541 http://jlt.jsc.nasa.gov/

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  1. New Contacts to Reserve Teague

If your organization needs to reserve the Building 2S Teague Auditorium and/or lobby, please send an email request to the primary contact, Christina Canales, at x42913. The alternate contact is the JSC Newsroom, which can be reached at x35111.

If there is a problem contacting these action officers, contact the facility manager at 713-501-1719 or 281-244-1336.

Christina Canales x42913 or x35111

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  1. Badging Offices Closed

All badging offices will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Normal working operations will resume Tuesday, May 26, as listed below:

    • Building 110 - 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
    • Building 111 - 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Ellington Field - 7 to 11 a.m.
    • Sonny Carter Training Facility - 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Tifanny Sowell x37447

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   Organizations/Social

  1. ShopNASA Hours Friday, May 22 & Comicpalooza!

The Buildings 3 and 11 ShopNASA Gift Shops will be closed this Flex Friday, May 22. The Gilruth front desk will be open regular hours, from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., where you can purchase Space Center Houston, AMC and Cinemark tickets, as well as a selection of ShopNASA merchandise.

Also, if you're heading to Comicpalooza this weekend, be sure to stop by the ShopNASA booth (booth #612) to check out our merchandise and say hello!

Ansley Browns x47467 http://shopnasa.com

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  1. Don't Hide, Be a Hero at Houston Pride

The Out & Allied Employee Resource Group (ERG) will participate in the 2015 Houston Pride Festival and Parade on June 27. This year's event is moving to downtown Houston.

The theme for Pride Houston 2015 is "Heroes," so the Out & Allied ERG is offering NASA capes and other apparel for anyone who would like to march with us in the parade. All friends, family, co-workers, peers and allies of LGBT individuals are encouraged to join us.

Visit the Google form page below to order your Pride 2015 gear. We have T-shirts, capes, eye masks, beads, flags and ally stickers. The deadline to submit all orders is 6 p.m. on May 27.

Stay tuned for more events during the month of June, and "May the pride be with you!"

Will Davis x32451 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/17TcfgqeHAwrJyZng21IxkSnlHxvZFs_iQNzOw5p...

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  1. RSVPs Due Tomorrow for NMA Luncheon

You have until 3 p.m. tomorrow, May 22, to RSVP for the JSC National Management Association (NMA) chapter luncheon featuring Jim Wetherbee as he speaks about "Controlling Risk - in a Dangerous World." Members get in for free!

RSVP with your meal selection of either:

    • Grilled Breast of Chicken Vera Cruz topped with capers, olives, tomato and onions
    • Lasagna de Carnival (choice of cheese or meat and cheese)
    • Vegetable Napoleon (grilled fresh vegetables stacked over a portabella mushroom)

Dessert: Banana pudding with vanilla wafers

All entrées are served with choice of pre-plated salad, dessert, seasonal accompaniments, fresh rolls, butter, ice water and iced tea.

If you need technical assistance, contact Leslie N. Smith at x46752 or via email.

Event Date: Thursday, May 28, 2015   Event Start Time:11:30 AM   Event End Time:1:00 PM
Event Location: Gilruth - Alamo Ballroom

Add to Calendar

Leslie N. Smith x46752

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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. See more 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. ¡A Bailar! - Free Salsa and Bachata Lesson

The Hispanic Employee Resource Group and the Starport Salsa/Latin dance instructors are bringing you a night of FREE Salsa and Bachata lessons! The class will cover beginner and intermediate-level steps, including some fun turn combinations, so we welcome all levels of experience. Before the class, we will be having dinner at Don Pico's for those of us who would like to stick around after work. See you there!

Friday, May 29

Dinner:

Don Pico's - 2110 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, 77058

5:30 to 7 p.m.

Salsa and Bachata lessons:

Gilruth Center Studio 1

7:30 to 9 p.m.

Cost: FREE!

Event Date: Friday, May 29, 2015   Event Start Time:7:30 PM   Event End Time:9:00 PM
Event Location: JSC Gilruth, Studio 1

Add to Calendar

Lilibeth Mata x36242

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  1. Latin Dance Introduction: June 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

This class is mostly an introduction to Salsa, but it also touches on other popular Latin dances found in social settings: Merengue, Bachata, and even a little bit of Cha-Cha-Cha. Emphasis is on Salsa and then Bachata.

For the first-time student or those who want a refresher course. You will go over basic steps with variations and build them into sequences.

June 5

Discounted Registration:

    • $48 per person (ends May 22)

Regular Registration:

    • $60 per person (May 23 to June 12)

Shericka Phillips x35563 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/recreation-programs/salsalatin...

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  1. Beginners Ballroom Dance: May 26 & May 28

Do you feel like you have two left feet? Well, Starport has the perfect program for you: Beginners Ballroom Dance! This eight-week class introduces you to the various types of ballroom dance. Students will learn the secrets of a good lead and following, as well as the ability to identify the beat of the music. This class is easy, and we have fun as we learn. JSC friends and family are welcome.

Regular Registration:

    • $110 per couple (May 16 to 26)

Two class sessions available:

    • Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. - starting May 26
    • Thursdays from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. - starting May 28

All classes are taught in the Gilruth Center's dance studio (Group Ex studio).

Shericka Phillips x35563 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/recreation-programs/ballroom-d...

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  1. Starport Summer Camp - Filling Up Fast

Starport is offering summer camp for youth at the Gilruth Center all summer long. We have tons of fun planned, and we expect each session to fill up, so get your registrations in early! Weekly themes are listed on our website, as well as information regarding registration.

Ages: 6 to 12

Times: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Dates: June 8 to Aug. 21 in one-week sessions

Fee per session: $140 per child | $125 per sibling

Register for all sessions and receive a discount! Register online or at The Gilruth Center information desk.

Like us on Facebook to receive daily information about camps.

Shericka Phillips x35563 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/familyyouth-programs/youth-day...

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  1. Youth Sports Camps

Starport is now offering youth sports camps. We are offering three different sports camps: baseball, basketball and a soccer camp. All camps are a week long. Sign up early online, as spots are going fast!

Dates:

    • June 22 to 26 (Soccer)
    • July 20 to 24 (Baseball)
    • Aug. 3 to 7 (Basketball)

Fee per session: $200 per child | $50 per week extended care

Register online or at the Gilruth Center information desk.

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

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   Jobs and Training

  1. BALaNCE Program Presents a TED Talk

Amy Cuddy is a professor and researcher at Harvard Business School, where she studies how nonverbal behavior and snap judgments affect people from the classroom to the boardroom. She will be speaking on how body language affects how others see us, but this talk may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Cuddy will show how "power posing"—standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don't feel confident—can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.

Event Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2015   Event Start Time:11:00 AM   Event End Time:12:00 PM
Event Location: Building 20/Conference Room 304

Add to Calendar

Jannette Bolden x45854

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   Community

  1. NASA Seeks Community College STEM Students

Do you know a community college student who dreams of having a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) career? If so, they should be a NASA Community College Aerospace Scholar (NCAS)! The NCAS program consists of a five-week online course that can lead to a selection of a three-day on-site workshop this fall. During the workshop, students will design and build a LEGO NXT Mars rover and compete in design challenges while working alongside NASA mentors. Applications for the fall session are still open. Interested students should visit the NCAS website to learn more.

Hurry, the application window closes June 24!

Debra Derham 281-792-8626 http://ncas.aerospacescholars.org

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  1. Co-ops & Interns Still Needed for HAS

You've landed a great summer internship—now pay it forward by mentoring High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) students. Share your NASA experience, college background and advice with students interested in following your footsteps, and lend a hand as they participate in engineering challenges and plan a mission to Mars. There are six weeks to choose from, and the commitment requires about 20 hours.

Summer Schedule:

    • Week 1: June 15 to 19
    • Week 2: June 22 to 26
    • Week 3: July 6 to 10
    • Week 4: July 13 to 17
    • Week 5: July 20 to 24
    • Week 6: July 27 to 31

If interested, please:

1. Complete the mentor application here.

2. Create a V-CORPs account.

3. Review mentor responsibilities.

4. Apply by June 8.

Brandi Dean x41403 http://has.aerospacescholars.org/mentors

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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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