National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA

February 2005

Ames faces great challenges . . . and great opportunities

As NASA undergoes a major trans- To assist this, Ames has established are astrobiology (the study of the origin,
formation and field center budgets get a New Business Office headed by Wendy evolution and distribution of life in the
tighter, Ames faces both “a great chal- Dolci. Hubbard said the New Business universe), integrated next generation
Office will man- computing systems; intelligent/adap-
age all potential tive systems; entry, descent and landing

NASA photo by Tom Trower

new business as systems (with the Jet Propulsion Labo-
though it were a ratory and NASA Langley Research
corporate sales Center); and air traffic management sys-
portfolio, and tems. Four of the five core competencies
will regularly are exclusive to Ames.
track and report Hubbard said that the approval of
on potential new Ames’ core competencies places the cen-
business oppor- ter “in the critical path” for implement-
tunities. In addi- ing the agency’s priorities, particularly
tion, he said that The Vision for Space Exploration. Em-
managers will be phasizing the importance of maintain-
required to visit ing a strong, viable work environment,
key customers at Hubbard said Ames will conduct a
least once a “health assessment” of its core compe-
month, and that tencies by the end of March.
project principal To deal with a substantially reduced
investigators, “core” center budget, Hubbard an-
branch chiefs or nounced a “belt-tightening” action plan
Ames Center Director G. Scott Hubbard “whoever has ac- for Ames to prevent the loss of as many
countability for a as 400 civil servants and 400 contractor
lenge and a great opportunity” as it given product” will also be responsible jobs in a worst-case scenario. He said the
changes the way it conducts business to for sales and the marketing of their work. center’s contractor workforce has already
meet the goals of The Vision for Space Hubbard said the agency’s new been reduced significantly and warned
Exploration. emphasis on “competitive sourcing” that contractor tasks will be “descoped”
“The transformed Ames will be fo- represents a culture change for a signifi- where there are acute budget problems.
cused, responsive, and entrepreneurial cant portion of Ames. While Ames has “However, we will not ‘balance the
in order to be competitive and success- traditionally done well in the past when books’ using only our contractor
ful,” Hubbard told a capacity audience competing for project and program workforce,” Hubbard emphasized. In a
in the main auditorium during an all- funding, the new competitive process is positive vein, Hubbard observed that
hands update for center employees on different. “The clear trend is for more fully one half of Ames’ potentially “un-
Feb. 7 to discuss the implications for and more funding being open to com- covered capacity” for FY06 in the civil
Ames of the president’s FY 2006 budget petition. We have a lot that we can go service workforce is fully aligned with
request for NASA. “We have to change for, but we also face a lot of challenges,” The Vision for Space Exploration and
and be more responsive to the people Hubbard observed. the center’s core competencies, making
who pay the bills,” Hubbard concluded. On a positive note, Hubbard said them excellent candidates to propose for
Hubbard said the agency’s approach that Ames did very well during an new work.
to funding NASA centers has changed agency-wide evaluation of core compe- Hubbard said all overhead, support
from large annual allocations to the field tencies at each of its 10 field centers. and operations will be cut immediately
centers to multiple competitions among “There were only 24 agency core com- by 20 percent, the center’s overhead costs
the centers and non-government orga- petencies approved, and Ames won ap- will be reduced through implementa-
nizations for smaller individual project proval for five of the eight that it pro- tion of a “leaner management structure,”
and program awards. As a result, Ames posed,” Hubbard said. He stated that he and that the center’s operating costs will
must aggressively pursue new business was very proud of the center’s ability to be reduced by vacating and closing build-
-- not only from within NASA, but also make its case with NASA headquarters ings and trailers immediately. He said
from such external sources as other agen- and of the recognition of Ames’ capa- Bldg. 19 would be vacated and 110 em-
cies and the private sector -- Hubbard bilities that was acknowledged by the ployees in codes P and J will be relo-
called upon all employees to support agency. cated. Later, all remaining Ames em-
and pursue such new opportunities. Ames’ approved core competencies continued on page 4

-- NASA searches for answers to questions as old as humanity, and asks new ones
www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/news/astrogram/2005/05astrograms.html
Ames hosts thousands of students for annual JASON event
Pull on a pair of galoshes and be moved to JASON City, situated in NASA help filter and purify fresh water. Many
transported on an exciting adventure Ames' Hangar 211, where the students of the local JASON students and teach-
exploring the mysteries and marvels of participated in more
Louisiana's disappearing wetlands. than 16 enrichment
From Jan. 31 through Feb. 4, the activities ranging
main auditorium at NASA Ames was from art, live dem-

NASA photos by Dominic Hart

onstrations and ers have been studying the south bay

animal exhibits to salt pond restoration project to learn
hands-on science about local ecosystems.
experiments cus- Now in its 16th year, the JASON
tom-designed to project is a multi-disciplinary education
enhance the program designed to spark the imagi-
broadcast content nation of students and enhance the class-
and classroom room experience. Previous JASON ex-
curriculum. peditions have highlighted the Earth's
polar regions, ac-
tive volcanoes,
ocean depths and
dense tropical rain
forests.
NASA is a ma-
jor partner of the
JASON project.
NASA scientists
who work in the
areas of Earth sci-
ence and remote
sensing routinely
participate in live
JASON broadcasts.
For this expedition,
'transformed' into the Mississippi River Marco Giardino,
Delta and Louisiana's Cajun country from NASA
hosting 5,200 Bay Area students and Stennis Space Cen-
teachers who participated in the 2005 ter, located near
JASON Expedition: Disappearing Wet- Bay St. Louis,
lands. The students interacted with Rob- "While we realize that most of the Miss., discussed the wealth of informa-
ert Ballard, a team of scientists and stu- learning happens in the classroom, a tion about the health of the Louisiana
dent and teacher 'argonauts' via 20 live, visit to Ames during the JASON project wetlands and coastline, which is avail-
interactive broadcasts. is inspiring and fun for our students," able from satellite imagery.
"The JASON project is a rare and said Will Shaw, JASON project coordi- NASA Ames has hosted the JASON
exciting experience for the students," nator for NASA Ames. broadcasts and JASON city for the past
said Wendy Holforty, JASON project Wetlands are critical, life-support- 11 years.
manager at NASA Ames. "They have ing ecosystems that provide a habitat For more information about the
the opportunity to interact with scien- for an incredible diversity of plants and 2005 JASON Expedition: Disappearing
tists in the field via the live broadcast animals. These ecosystems are 'nurser- Wetlands, visit the Web at http://
and run experiments of their own in ies' for countless species of fish and shell- www.jasonproject.org/and http://
JASON City." fish. Wetlands also protect the vulner- quest.arc.nasa.gov/projects/jason/
After the broadcast, the students able coastlines from storm surges and BY JOHN BLUCK
Astrogram 2 February 2005
NASA software tool helps prevent air traffic bottlenecks
No one is happy with long lines and tecture," and helped air traffic managers steady but manageable flow of air traf-
delays at our nation's airports. In re- prevent bottlenecks at the Philadelphia fic.
sponse to the growing need to improve International Airport. "Future tests will seek to gradually
the national airspace system, NASA is "The evaluation successfully dem- expand the McTMA operational enve-
onstrated the ad- lope to demonstrate multi-center, time-
vantages of the based metering of departures, arrivals
McTMA depar- and en route flows to multiple destina-
ture metering ca- tions," Davis said.
pability over cur- Earlier versions of the system are
rent techniques," used to schedule arriving aircraft at
said Tom Davis, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Minneapolis, Los An-
the principal in- geles, Denver, Houston, Miami and At-
vestigator for lanta airports. As testing progresses,
McTMA, and McTMA's time-based metering may be
chief of the Ter- applied to departures, arrivals and en
minal Area Air route aircraft across broader airspace
Traffic Manage- regions and air traffic corridors.
ment Research Testing of the newer McTMA sys-
Branch at Ames. tem is scheduled to resume this month
"During several at the same facilities. If fully successful,
periods at Phila- NASA and the FAA will work together
delphia, when to bring the technology into future op-
airborne holding erations to benefit air travelers.
is routinely en- The program is managed by the
NASA photo by Dominic hart countered, no Airspace Systems Division of NASA's
such holding was Aeronautics Research Mission Director-
developing tools to ensure future air observed when McTMA was in use," ate. The software was developed at
travel will be safe and efficient. Davis added. Ames.
NASA, the Federal Aviation Ad- Frequently, adjustments of just a For information about the McTMA
ministration (FAA) and the MITRE few minutes at the point of origin can system and other air traffic manage-
Corp., McLean, Va., have successfully alleviate airborne traffic jams at the des- ment decision support tools, visit http:/
conducted tests of the Multi-center Traf- tination. The result is safer and more /www.ctas.arc.nasa.gov/
fic Management Advisor (McTMA) at efficient operations for airlines and the project_description/mctma.html
air traffic facilities responsible for the flying public as the system produces a
northeastern United States. Initial re- BY JONAS DINO
sults indicate the software's scheduling
capabilities helped air traffic managers
prevent bottlenecks.
At the heart of McTMA is a power-
Museum visitors journey through space
ful 'trajectory synthesis' engine capable exhibit ‘Space Journey,’ an exciting, new and Rocket Center’s Space Laboratories
of converting radar data, flight plans contributions showcasing NASA’s numerous provided ‘Science in Orbit,’ full-scale,
and weather information into accurate flight, both past to aeronautics and space walk-through mock-ups of the Interna-
forecasts of air traffic congestion. featured at the Museum and present, is now tional Space Station and Russian Mir
McTMA uses these forecasts and input Idaho Falls and will continue of Idaho in laboratories. It focuses on the science,
through engineering, physical and cultural chal-
from air traffic personnel to generate a Sept. 10, 2005. ‘Space Journey’ com-
specific advisory, typically a small de- memorates the centennial of powered, lenges of conducting research in space.
lay, for each aircraft predicted to en- controlled flight that began on Dec. 17, NASA Ames contributed an authen-
counter congestion. tic moon rock from the Apollo era, and
"McTMA is an advanced air traffic 1903, with the historic flight by the a model of the Lunar Prospector space-
management system that makes pos- Wright Brothers. It also highlights
NASA’s current and future space mis-
craft that was launched in 1998 and dis-
sible a fundamental shift in air traffic sions. covered water ice at both of the moon’s
control from distance-based to time- polar regions.
based metering of aircraft," said Tom provided Anchored by a variety of displays NASA Headquarters contributed a
Edwards, deputy director of the Aero- ters, the by all of NASA’s 10 field cen-
9,000-square-foot exhibit is
major exhibit entitled ‘Aerospace De-
nautics Directorate at Ames. "Time- NASA’s first sign: The Art of Engineering from
based metering can reduce airborne de- shown in the western major exhibition to be NASA’s Aeronautical Research,’ which
region states of features more than 70 artifacts, some of
lays and improve coordination and plan- Idaho, Montana and Utah.
ning between adjacent air traffic control which date back to NASA’s predeces-
facilities," he added. Among the highlights of the exhibi- sor, the National Advisory Committee
Tests were conducted with manag- tion are a full-scale replica of the Apollo
Command Module that was used in Uni-
for Aeronautics. In addition to the his-
ers at the air route traffic control centers versal Studio’s toric displays, the exhibit features some
in New York, Washington, Boston and scale replica of ‘Apollo 13’ movie; a full-
the Mercury spacecraft;
of the latest research being conducted
Cleveland; the Philadelphia Terminal and an actual first-stage rocket engine by NASA to make future air travel safer
Radar Approach Control and the Na- similar to those that launched America’s and more efficient, including advanced
tional Air Traffic Control System Com- first orbital astronauts. aircraft designed with ‘morphing’ wings,
mand Center in Herndon, Va., self-healing ‘skins’ and biologically in-
The successful tests validated the NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Cen-
McTMA "distributed scheduling archi- ter, Huntsville, Ala., and the U.S. Space continued on page 8

Astrogram 3 February 2005

Ames scientist Daniel Reda receives distinguished AIAA award
Daniel Reda, senior staff scientist ronments. His recent review article for Year Competition.
at Ames, was recently selected to re- the AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and In 2003, scientific peers on the Ames
ceive the American Institute of Aero- Rockets summarizes the state of the art Basic Research Council elected him as
concerning roughness-dominated tran- an Ames Associate Fellow for sustained
sition in reentry applications. He also is innovative and creative contributions to

NASA photo by Roger Brimmer

the world’s leading authority on the use transition research. Only two such
of shear-sensitive liquid crystal coatings awards are given at the Center each
for the visualization and measurement year; in addition to the scientific recog-
of global surface shear stress vector dis- nition, these awards are accompanied
tributions, holding patents on both meth- by personal, travel and research hono-
odologies. raria totaling nearly $25,000.
Reda is widely published in the sci- Reda is a Fellow of AIAA and ASME
entific literature. He has been invited to and has been cited in both Who’s Who in
lecture at the von Karman Institute for Science and Engineering and Who’s Who
Fluid Dynamics, Stanford University, in Engineering. He served as associate
University of California-Berkeley, and technical editor of the ASME Journal of
Columbia University-Geologic Obser- Fluids Engineering and as co-editor of
vatory, among many others. He has the ASME Proceedings ‘Boundary Layer
given international presentations at Stability and Transition to Turbulence.’
ICAS, ICIASF and AGARD conferences. Throughout his career, he has been ac-
Dr. Daniel Reda
He has received many honors and tively involved in the technical aspects
awards for his pioneering research, of both societies and has served on five
nautics and Astronautics (AIAA) among them a prestigious NASA Space technical committees, including the
Thermophysics Award for 2005. This Act Award and selection as a top 10 AIAA Thermophysics TC.
award is presented for an outstanding finalist in the NASA Inventor-of-the-
singular or sustained technical or scien-
tific contribution by an individual in
thermophysics, specifically as related to
the study and application of the proper-
Great challenges and opportunities
continued from front page
ties and mechanisms involved in ther-
ployees in the building will be moved science, space operations, and aeronau-
mal energy transfer and the study of out, both to reduce costs and to enhance tics.
environmental effects on such proper- revenue opportunities. Science projects include Discovery,
ties and mechanisms. The award cita- In addition, Hubbard said prepara- Explorer, New Frontiers, Mars Scouts,
tion reads “For pioneering research on tions are underway for another possible Lunar Robotic, Earth Science Pathfind-
boundary layer transition for hypersonic buyout at Ames, and that some transi- ers, New Millennium and Living with a
flows over ablative thermal-protection- tion employees will be assigned other Star. Exploration systems projects to be
system materials and the advancement tasks that save money or pursue new competed are the Crew Exploration
of ballistic ranges.” The award consists business. He said the center also is ex- Vehicle, Crew Launch Vehicle, Project
of an engraved bronze medal, a certifi- ploring possible reassignments of em- Prometheus, and exploration research
cate of citation and a rosette pin and will ployees to other field centers, possible and technology. Space operations
furloughs of employees and -- as a last projects include launch services to the
be presented to Reda at an awards lun- resort -- a reduction in force (RIF). International Space Station and other
cheon at the AIAA thermophysics con- Although only 34 employees took users, and new breakthrough flight dem-
ference in Toronto, Canada, this June. the buyout offer, Hubbard said he was onstration projects in aeronautics.
Throughout his distinguished and “guardedly optimistic” that Ames could Hubbard concluded his presenta-
productive career, spanning over 35 get through FY 2005 with minimal dis- tion by recalling the famous “To be or
years of combined service in govern- ruption, but warned that FY 2006 prom- not to be” soliloquy from William
ment and private industry, Reda has ises to offer even greater challenges. Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet,’ in which Ham-
made notable and valuable contribu- Hubbard said that the FY 06 budget let asks, “whether ‘tis nobler in the mind
tions toward advancing the state of the guidelines differ from previous years in to suffer the slings and arrows of outra-
art in aerothermodynamics, fluid me- that large amounts of funding are now geous fortune” or to “take arms against
being held at NASA Headquarters pend- a sea of troubles and, by opposing, end
chanics and aerodynamic measurement ing competition. He said that over the them.”
technologies. He is a nationally and in- next five years, Ames and the other “Well, in my mind, for this center
ternationally recognized authority in the NASA field centers, along with indus- there is no debate,” Hubbard said. “We
field of boundary layer transition to tur- try and academia, will have an opportu- will take arms against a sea of troubles”
bulence and he pioneered the use of nity to compete for more than $10 billion and, together, we will overcome them
hypersonic ballistic ranges for the in new projects in exploration systems, and succeed.
study of transition and related
aerothermodynamic phenomena on ab- BY MICHAEL MEWHINNEY
lating reentry materials in real-gas envi-

Astrogram 4 February 2005

 Ames pioneer’s wife presents Ames with commemorative shovel

NASA photo by Jonas Dino

Helen Robinson (above photo), wife of Russell Robinson (right photo,

in right hand corner) who had built the 8-foot wind tunnel at Langley
after graduating from Stanford in 1930. He was a National Advisory
Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) staffer on the Lindbergh committee
and the man who turned the first shovel at Ames in 1939. Helen
Robinson is seen here at the 65th anniversary celebration held at
Ames Dec. 20, presenting Ames Center Director G. Scott Hubbard with
a commemorative shovel.

Navy to conduct
Astronaut Sally ride visits Ames
On Jan. 20, astronaut
tests on Hangar One
Sally Ride presented a In late March, the Department of the
director's colloquium Navy will begin a series of air quality
entitled 'Encouraging and material tests on Hangar One as
Girls and Women in Sci- part of the Navy’s Remedial Investiga-
tion and Feasibility Study. The goal of
ence and Engineering.' this study is to provide additional data
Ride was the first necessary to determine the extent of PCB
woman in space and contamination of the hangar.
founded the ‘Sally Ride Air samples will be taken both up-
Science’ at http:// wind and downwind from Hangar One
www.sallyridescience.com/ and material samples will be extracted
, which provides support from different locations on the hangar.
for girls who are, or may A crane will be used to assist in gather-
become, interested in sci- ing some of the hangar material samples.
ence, math and technol- During the approximately 8-10 weeks of
ogy. sampling, no road closures will be
The organization’s necessary.
mission is to increase the For these tests, the Navy has se-
number of girls who are lected to partner with SulTech, a joint
technically literate and venture between California-based com-
who have the founda- panies Sullivan Consulting Group and
tion they need to go on Tetra Tech, Inc. For further information,
in science, math or engi- please contact Dan Winningham of the
neering. Code QE Environmental Office at
NASA photo by Dominic Hart
[email protected] or call
ext. 4-0927.

Astrogram 5 February 2005

NASA shares exploration vision with Hawaii explorer schools
NASA's Chief Education Officer Dr. part in making the vision a reality. South in Houston and dean of profes-
Adena Williams Loston recently went "This is an exciting time for our sional programs and dean of vocational
to Hawaii to share NASA's excitement nation's students with the impending
and plans for the Vision for Space Ex- return of the space shuttle to flight and
ploration with Hawaii's two NASA Ex- the vision to explore the moon, Mars
and beyond." said Loston. "NASA is
committed to working with the educa-
tional community to engage and inspire
students through the NASA Explorer
Schools Program and other NASA edu-
cational initiatives."
Waimea Middle School and Chiefess
Kamakahelei Middle School were
among the first 50 NASA Explorer
Schools selected in 2003. During their
Tom Gates, aerospace education specialist,
first year as Explorer schools, students gives a student a chance to see what it's like to
and school staff have participated in be an astronaut.
numerous NASA-inspired enrichment
activities, including a downlink from
the International Space Station (ISS), vis- education. In 2002, Loston assumed her
its from NASA aerospace education spe- duties as NASA's top educator and over-
cialists, teacher workshops and NES stu- sees NASA's efforts to organize and en-
dent design challenges. The three-year hance the agency's education programs.
partnership is designed to give students Loston's service has been recognized
the foundation and inspiration to pur- with numerous NASA and educational
sue careers in science, mathematics and awards.
technology using NASA's unique capa- Fincke recently completed 187 days
Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle's Kauai bilities. in orbit onboard the International Space
liason, Laurie Yoshida, reads a "The students and staff of Waimea Station (ISS) as part of the Expedition 9
proclamation in support for the Vision for Middle School are excited to have Dr. crew. Fincke participated in four
Space Exploration from Hawaii . Loston and Michael Fincke visit our spacewalks logging more than 15 hours
school," said Jade Bowman, Waimea NES
plorer Schools (NES). team lead. "It will be an experience that
On Jan. 31, Loston and Expedition 9 will serve to motivate and inspire well
astronaut Michael Fincke visited into the future, while helping us further
Waimea Middle School in Kamuela. our school vision: a place of infinite pos-
On Feb 1, astronaut Richard sibilities."
Linnehan, a veteran of three shuttle mis- "The NES team had a successful first
sions, joined Loston at Chiefess year opening the NASA window for our
students and
staff," said Mel-
issa Speetsjen,
Kamakahelei
NES team lead.
"We are honored
and privileged to
have Dr. Loston
and astronaut Ri-
chard Linnehan
visit our school
and look forward
to strengthening
a partnership
with NASA that
will extend past
the program's Expedition 9 astronaut Michael Fincke speaks at
three years." the Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center.
Richard Lenehan, a veteran of three shuttle missions, visits a Loston is a
classroom at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in Lihue, Hawaii. veteran educator of extravehicular activity (EVA) time.
with more than Linnehan has flown three times as a
Kamakahelei Middle School in Lihue. 30 years of experience in higher educa- mission specialist on STS-78 in 1996, as
With the theme of 'There is a place for tion, holding a master and a doctorate the payload commander on STS-90 in
me at NASA,' Loston and the astronauts degree in philosophy and has served in 1998 and as a member of the four-man
discussed the Vision for Space Explora- various educational positions, includ- EVA crew on STS-109, in 1992. He has
tion and how the students play a large ing president of San Jacinto College
continued on next page

Astrogram 6 February 2005

NASA shares exploration vision with Hawaii explorer schools
continued from previous page

NASA's chief education officer, Dr. Adena Williams Loston, makes a

presentation to Patricia Rice, principal of Waimea Middle School in
Waimea, Hawaii.
Mother and son participate in an aeronautics workshop at the 2005
Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day held at the University of Hawaii, Hilo.

logged over 43 days in space, including For more information about the http://explorerschools.nasa.gov/por-
more than 21 hours of EVA time. NASA Explorer schools program, visit tal/site/nes/
BY JONAS DINO

NASA Shared Services Center to consolidate activities

The NASA Shared Services Center staff, the Ames center transition team, nssc.nasa.gov/. The Web site contains
(NSSC) is being established to consoli- supervisors and employees in impacted background information on the NSSC,
date select transactional and adminis- functional areas, the Ames Federal Em- various presentations, the status of the
trative activities that are currently being ployee Union leadership and future A-76 competitive process, agency and
performed at NASA centers at one loca- NSSC customers. center team members and points of con-
tion. The NSSC will be a separate orga- For more information regarding the tact and other information.
nization from NASA centers, reporting NSSC, visit the Web site at http:// BY RANDY RODRIGUES
to NASA Headquarters and working
collaboratively with centers to meet their
service needs. Potential sites for the
NSSC include Brook Park, Ohio; Hunts-
ville, Ala.; and NASA's Stennis Space
Girl scouts invest in themselves
Center, Miss. The final location of the
NSSC will be determined by the out-
come of the competitive process later
this year.
Functional areas with activities be-
ing consolidated are financial manage-
ment, procurement, human resources
and information technology. The tran-
sition of activities will take place over a
three-year period beginning in October
2005. The Ames NSSC transition team
has been working closely with the agency
transition team and the functional sub-
teams to develop the transition strategy
and approach, as well as impacts to the
Center.
The NASA Shared Services Center
agency transition team began visiting
each of the NASA centers last Septem-
ber. The overall objectives of the center Recently, Girl Scout troop 142
from Mountain View held its investi-
visits are to raise the level of awareness ture ceremony at Ames. Girl Scouts
of NSSC, to provide current status and hold this event yearly to renew their
next steps and to understand the issues, belief in the Girl Scout promise and
concerns and requirements of each cen- law and to reflect upon the meaning
ter. The team will come to Ames to meet of girl scouting in their lives.
with several groups of personnel, in-
cluding the executive council and senior NASA photos by Astrid Terlep

Astrogram 7 February 2005

Ames scientist Dale Cruikshank elected as AGU fellow
Ames’ Dale Cruikshank, a planetary outer regions of the solar system. The Kuiper Belt is a belt of objects be-
scientist, recently was elected as a life- Scientists use spectroscopic instru- yond Neptune that astronomer Gerard
long fellow of the American Geophysi- ments that often include prisms to split Kuiper predicted early in the 1950s.
cal Union (AGU). light samples into spectra - colored, rain- Cruikshank is a scientist on the
bow-like displays in order to study Spitzer Space Telescope mission. This
them. Researchers examine the patterns, telescope - originally called the Space

NASA photo by Dominic Hart

or ‘signatures,’ of the colored light in Infrared Telescope - was launched into
spectra to determine the chemical make- space on Aug. 25, 2003. The telescope
up of substances from which the light detects infrared energy, or heat, that
under study was reflected. objects in space radiate. Much infrared
Cruikshank also has used spectros- radiation is blocked by Earth’s atmo-
copy to link certain kinds of meteorites sphere, but Spitzer is above Earth's air
with specific asteroid types. He currently and so can collect much more infrared
is exploring the spectroscopic signatures data than can Earth-bound telescopes.
of numerous small bodies (asteroids, In addition, Cruikshank is a science
centaurs and Kuiper Belt objects) to team member on the Cassini mission to
search for the presence and identity of the Saturn system and co-investigator
complex organic solids that appear to on the New Horizons mission to the
give the surfaces of these bodies their Kuiper Belt and the Pluto-Charon sys-
very low reflectivity and distinctive color tem. He also teaches an introductory
properties. astronomy course, ‘The Solar System,’
Centaurs are celestial objects that at Santa Clara University.
are much larger than comets, but like
comets, include clouds of dust and gas. BY JOHN BLUCK

Dale Cruikshank

Museum visitors journey through space

Cruikshank specializes in the detec- continued from page 3
tion, identification and study of ices,
minerals and organic solids found on spired sensors to protect the environ- dena, Calif., including NASA’s Project
the solar system's small bodies. He is ment. Prometheus, a project to develop the
only one of three Fellows that the AGU Additional exhibits include a multi- first nuclear reactor-powered spacecraft
selected for planetary science fellow- axis trainer that simulates a space shuttle for deep-space missions; a half-scale rep-
ship this year. His honor was awarded landing, a lunar rover model, a Skylab lica of the Mars Odyssey spacecraft that
in the planetary science category. entered martian orbit on Jan. 11, 2003;
Cruikshank works in Ames’ Astrophys- and a model of the Sojourner rover that
ics Branch, in Code SSA.
“No mere one-hit wonder, Dale’s landed on Mars on July 4, 1997, follow-
scientific contributions have time and ing a seven-month cruise through space.
again over the years set the pace in the The exhibit also includes space suits and
field of planetary science, today making space food, a model of the Wright Flyer,
him an internationally recognized and a meteor display and a display demon-
respected leader in the field,” said Dou- strating how plants are grown in space.
glas M. Hudgins, Astrophysics Branch In addition to NASA, exhibitors in-
chief, describing Cruikshank's work. clude Utah State University and the
“His election as a Fellow of the Ameri- Space Dynamics Laboratory, both in
can Geophysical Union is a richly de- Logan, Utah; the U.S. Space & Rocket
served external acknowledgement of this
legacy of groundbreaking contributions Center, Huntsville, Ala.; the Space Mu-
-- a legacy, which continues today with seum, Titusville, Fla.; the Cosmosphere
his involvement in the exciting Cassini & Space Center, Hutchinson, Kan.; the
mission to the Saturnian system.” Hill Aerospace Museum at Hill Air Force
“One of the few honors that AGU Base, Utah; and the Battelle Energy Alli-
confers, fellowship is awarded to scien- ance, Idaho Falls, Idaho.
tists who have attained acknowledged A full-scale replica of the Apollo command
module that was used in Universal Studio’s The Museum of Idaho is located at
eminence in one or more branches of 200 North Eastern Ave., at the corner of
geophysics,” said AGU President John ‘Apollo 13’ movie is featured at the Museum
of Idaho’s ‘Space Journey’ exhibit. Broadway and Yellowstone Highway,
A. Orcutt. “The number of fellows in Idaho Falls. Additional information
elected each year is limited to no more
than 0.1 percent of the total membership about the exhibit, including exhibit hours
of AGU,” Orcutt added. gyroscope, a nose cone, a space shuttle and ticket prices, is available at the Mu-
Using large telescopes and infrared tile and a $100 million Iridium satellite, seum of Idaho Web site at http://
spectroscopic techniques, Cruikshank one of only two on public display. www.museumofidaho.org
has found and identified ices of Pluto, Also featured will be displays from
Triton, the large moons of Uranus and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasa- BY MICHAEL MEWHINNEY
ices of numerous other bodies in the

Astrogram 8 February 2005

Hot-spring organism proteins are also in blood
Scientists have discovered heat-re- "We got into this study because we ing what exact functions these double-
sistant proteins in the layers surround- were looking for the upper temperature ring proteins play in blood cells," Trent
ing cells and determined that these pro- at which life can exist, and now we have explained.
stumbled on a potential tool that may be That organisms living in near-boil-
important for medical uses such as learn-

NASA photo by Dominic Hart

ing sulfuric acid have a protein, which is
ing how healthy blood is before it's trans- also present in human beings, suggests
fused," said NASA Ames scientist this protein is doing something funda-
Jonathan Trent, principal author of the mentally important in cells, said Chris
National Academy of Sciences paper. Wagner, of LifeCell Corp. Branchburg,
"There is a microbe that lives in near- N.J, the lead author of the Journal of
boiling sulfuric acid. This microbe pro- Biological Chemistry article. In addition
duces a protective protein that we re- to Wagner, Trent's co-investigators in-
cently discovered is also in human clude Chad Paavola, Andrew McMillan
blood," Trent explained. "It was a big and Hiromi Kagawa, who work at NASA
surprise to find that a protein from such Ames.
Ames scientist Jonathan Trent examining a 3-D a weird organism is also in human As part of NASA's astrobiology pro-
glass model of a chaperonin protein complex. blood," he added. gram, scientists are looking for the most
Previously, scientists believed that extreme environments in which life can
teins protect cells from leaks, according these double-ring proteins play a role in exist on Earth. This knowledge gives
to a NASA study. the cell's manufacturing of other pro- NASA clues about where to look for life
Living cells make the special, heat- teins – the building blocks of all living on other planets.
resistant proteins when organisms are things. "For NASA, the double-ring protein
exposed to high temperatures, scientists "We have now learned that these also may prove useful for monitoring
revealed. These proteins form micro- double-ring proteins are not involved in astronaut health during space travel,"
scopic double rings called 'chaperonins' manufacture of other proteins, but are Trent added.
that look like two donuts, one on top of essential in protecting cell membranes Detailed information can be found
the other, according to scientific papers from leaks," said Trent. "We've discov- on the Internet at: http://
recently published in the Proceedings of ered that if a person gets a fever, these bionanex.arc.nasa.gov
the National Academy of Sciences and proteins move to the membranes of hu-
the Journal of Biological Chemistry. man red blood cells. So now we're study- BY JOHN BLUCK

NASA awards contract for Kepler mission photometer

NASA Ames has awarded a new derstanding of planetary systems. portional to the 2/3 root of the planet's
contract to Ball Aerospace and Tech- The photometer will be used to orbital period," the scientists will be able
nologies Corp. (BATC) of Boulder, Colo., measure the very small changes in a to calculate the planet’s orbit. The scien-
to design, fabricate, assemble and test a star’s brightness caused by the repeated, tists then will be able to determine if the
photometer for the Kepler mission. periodic ‘transit’ of a planet in front of its planet is located in the habitable zone,
The not-to-exceed value of this let- star, as viewed from our solar system, where liquid water can exist on the sur-
ter contract is $13.4 million; the esti- similar to the transit of Venus in front of face of the planet.
mated value of the total contract is $75.1 the sun in June 2004. The focal plane of Led by the project’s principle inves-
million, which is part of a five-phased the photometer will be made up of light- tigator William Borucki and the project’s
acquisition. A cost-plus-incentive-fee sensing charge coupled devices (CCDs) deputy principal investigator David
contract is anticipated, with a three-year similar to those in a digital camera, but Koch, both of NASA Ames, the science
period of performance that does not in- much larger, with a total of 100 team is comprised of 27 scientists from
clude any contract options. megapixels. 15 institutions in the United States,
Under the terms of the contract, Ball The photometer will survey a single, Canada and Denmark.
Aerospace is responsible for designing, large patch of sky for the entire four- NASA Ames will manage the pho-
fabricating, integrating, testing and com- year mission, an area equivalent in size tometer contract, while NASA’s Jet Pro-
missioning the scientific instrument to two open hands held together at arms’ pulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena,
called the photometer. Under a separate length. The location in the sky is in the Calif., will manage the spacecraft con-
contract, the corporation also is respon- Cygnus-Lyra regions, between the very tract. JPL is responsible for the project’s
sible for the three-axis stabilized space- bright stars Vega and Deneb. The pho- overall mission development through
craft designed to operate in deep space. tometer will produce light curves, not launch and commissioning. NASA
The Kepler mission is the first space images, for at least 100,000 stars simul- Ames will manage the mission’s opera-
mission specifically designed to detect taneously. It is the equivalent of a tions phase and lead the scientific analy-
Earth-size planets orbiting solar-like 100,000-channel light meter, hence the sis and interpretation of data. Ball Aero-
stars in their habitable zone. The habit- term photometer. space will operate the spacecraft
able zone is that distance from a star By searching for a sequence of ‘tran- throughout the mission for NASA.
where liquid water could exist on the sits’ in the light curves from each star, Scientists expect this mission will
surface of the planet. scientists will determine the planet’s detect numerous Earth-size planets
Scheduled to launch in October 2007 orbital period. From the depth of the around solar-like stars and hundreds to
on a Boeing Delta II expendable launch ‘transit’ and knowing the size, mass and thousands of planets of various sizes, in
vehicle, Kepler is the 10th mission in temperature of the star, the team can various orbits around a wide variety of
NASA’s Discovery program series. calculate the planet’s size and the stars.
Project scientists will survey our ex- planet’s characteristic temperature. Us- Further details about the Kepler
tended solar neighborhood to detect and ing Kepler’s Third Law, which can be mission can be found at: http://
characterize hundreds of terrestrial and paraphrased as "For circular orbits, the Kepler.NASA.gov
larger planets to provide a greater un- distance of a planet from its star is pro- BY MICHAEL MEWHINNEY

Astrogram 9 February 2005

NASA evaluates eight-legged Scorpion robot for future exploration
An eight-legged Scorpion robot pro- Colombano. A human inner ear has a pending upon conditions on the planet
totype is now under evaluation at Ames, cluster of hollow areas that interconnect and the problems scientists wish to solve,
where scientists are analyzing how simi- like a system of tiny caves and helps a according to Colombano.
lar robots someday may explore plan- person to maintain stability and hear. "We would like to make it a lot
ets. Colombano said that Richard Boyle, a smarter," Colombano said. "And the
scientist at Ames, is developing the ability to learn would be nice to include
unique inner ear for the robot. Scorpion in the system." Scientists believe a later

NASA photo by Tom Trower

also has a TV camera and uses ultra- version of the Scorpion robot could act
sound, like a bat uses echoes, to sense as a scout for a larger rover, and explore
distances to objects. areas where a rover should not venture.
If scientists command the Scorpion More advanced robotic exploration
to go straight ahead, its sonar will help possibilities include teams of robots ca-
the robot sense when to stop before hit- pable of supporting each other,
ting an obstacle. "The robot's feet also Colombano said. Robots could even re-
can act as sensors, just like we can feel pair each other, by trading parts and
our terrain below us," Colombano finding other ways to continue work-
added. ing, he added.
"At this point, the only mind that it A Scorpion robot could help people
has is about the size of that of a cock- on Earth, according to scientists. For
roach," Colombano said. "It has a set of instance, researchers have proposed that
patterns for moving, and a set of reflexes the robot might explore a largely inac-
that allows it to go over small rocks. But cessible mine where extremophile life
it doesn't reason about what to do. It forms exist. Extremophiles are forms of
Eight-legged Scorpion robot. doesn't have any higher planning abili- life that live in extreme conditions, such
ties. Those can be put in a different as in very high or low temperatures or in
computer, or they can be programmed very acidic environments. "Maybe this
Scientists say descendants of the on board, and these abilities will be in- robot could also go into rubble in small
dog-sized scorpion robot, able to climb cluded in the next stage of development areas and find survivors of an earth-
over boulders and rappel on cables down for the system," he explained. quake," Colombano said.
cliffs, may help explore Mars. Scorpion's "If you see it move now, it looks like "Legged robotics is very much at the
inventor, Professor Frank Kirchner, is it's ready to go, but in addition to higher beginning. Eventually, there will be a
developing a second prototype at the cognitive levels, we also still have to convergence of robotics with the skills
University of Bremen in Germany. make sure that the particular martian of biological systems. The robots are
"The most interesting scientific sites environment can be coped with in terms always going to be the pioneers, but
on Mars are not on very easy terrains," of dust and temperature and all of the they'll never be able to completely take
said Silvano Colombano, an Ames sci- things that haven't really been taken the place of humans," Colombano said.
entist and the NASA collaborator on the into account yet," Colombano said. "We have to think in terms of develop-
Scorpion robot project. "Very often, the One of the important problems that ing an exploration strategy that will in-
sites that are interesting are on the sides engineers need to overcome to improve clude robots and people, and this col-
of a cliff, for instance, or very rocky the Scorpion is to provide it with enough laboration ultimately will be the way we
areas. So we need the kind of robot that power to complete complex planetary explore the universe."
can go into these areas, look at the geol- missions. "It needs to be connected to a For audio file interview segments
ogy and pick up samples that are diffi- larger robot that can provide it with related to this story, please click on this
cult or impossible for a rover, which is power, or recharge it," explained URL: http://amesnews.arc.nasa.gov/
about the size of a small car, to go into," Colombano. Computer 'brains' for the audio/scorpion/scorp.html
Colombano explained. Scorpion could be both inside it and
"If you want to go over rocks, you inside another robot or spacecraft, de- BY JOHN BLUCK
need large wheels, and you can’t go in
small spots," said Colombano. "With
small wheels, you get stuck in sand.
With legs, you can climb over things
and negotiate a wide variety of terrains." Ask the ‘export expert’
Robots with legs are just at the be-
ginning of their development, accord- Question:
ing to scientists. Engineers who are de- I’m going on foreign travel for For a more complete description
veloping legged robots are turning to NASA. Can I take my laptop with of the process, visit the Web at
biology for inspiration. The Scorpion me? http://jp.arc.nasa.gov/EC/
robot uses a walking pattern inspired by travel.html#hand.
the movement of scorpions coupled with Answer: Do you have a question for the
reflexes that will help the robot to free a Yes, you can, provided the equip- export expert? If so, send it to
stuck leg, among other things. ment is within the export control limi- [email protected]. And, visit
"People at Ames will put a model of tations and the appropriate paper- the Web at http://jp.arc.nasa.gov/
the inner ear in the robot to see if it helps work is completed and filed. EC/EC.html.
the robot maintain its balance," said

Astrogram 10 February 2005

 Lessons learned in project management, systems engineering
The Ames Systems Management the next launch. In an effort to meet operation are still within design limits.
Office (SMO) was established by the this new compressed schedule, an en- a. When changes to a system’s
center director to improve the effec- gineer, who did not understand the baseline are made, ensure they are
tiveness and efficiency of the Center’s purpose of one of the vehicle compo- documented and supported with ap-
projects. Since this time, the SMO has nents, substituted a different type of propriate analysis, testing and train-
interacted with many projects and has rocket motor stage interlock during ing.
documented numerous lessons learned vehicle assembly. The launch was a b. Under these conditions, it is im-
(LL) to share with the rest of the Cen- failure, with the vehicle coming apart portant to maintain the integrity of the
ter. shortly after launch. quality control and configuration man-
The following is a summary of a The lessons learned from this were: agement processes such that changes
lesson learned that can be seen in its 1. Success in one environment or made to the system are traceable and
entirety on the SMO’s Web site http:/ configuration does not guarantee suc- understood.
/smo.arc.nasa.gov/. Look to future cess in another. Furthermore, a nearly c. A system’s track record of previ-
Astrograms for additional lessons optimized system/process, as indi- ous successes should not be used as
learned from the SMO’s archives. cated by its success, should not be al- the sole basis to streamline an activity,
The challenges and pitfalls of tered without implementing a thor- especially those having a low number
adapting a previously successful sys- ough re-optimization effort. of occurrences, since the statistical sig-
tem for an application different than a. Successes that are low in number nificance of these samples is very low.
its original design: (statistically insignificant) can lead to a 2. Project managers should get
The agency needed a launch ve- false sense of security. buy-in from project personnel (includ-
hicle for research payloads and de- 2. Decisions to alter systems and ing system engineers, flight testers, de-
cided to use an existing Air Force ve- processes, especially those already signers, researchers and manufactur-
hicle by adapting it to the payload’s working, need to be reviewed by all ing) prior to adopting a new budget,
launch requirements. The first two appropriate domain experts. schedule or technical approach.
launches were successful, so an accel- The recommended actions to con- a. The risks of adopting the new
erated schedule, despite minor differ- sider include: schedule/budget/scope should be as-
ences in the launch environment, of 1. Each time a system is adapted to sessed and used to determine if the
one-third less time (as determined by a new environment or application, a new risk is acceptable.
management without consulting key full analysis should to be accomplished
launch team members) was used for to ensure all its systems and modes of

Dedicated Ames runners recognized

Congratulations to the 13 dedi- attendance for all 14 fitness center races
cated runners who completed all 14 in 2004 are:
of the fitness-center sponsored races
in 2004. Dennis Jespersen (not in photo)
Award winners were there Doug Smith
through rain or shine. If they were Harold Reimer
out of town, got caught in a meeting, Ron Johnson
or had a baby, they would run or Michael Rogers
walk the race on their own and turn Bob Kufeld
in their time. Rudy Jaklitsch
In 2005, the fitness center plans to Mick McIlmoil
have a 5K run or 2 mile walk/run the Janice Shook
third Tuesday of each month; a Susan White
2-mile fun walk; a run in the spring Douglas Hudgins
and fall; as well as a 10K race in the Charles DeRoshia
spring and fall. Sonia Maiello
Check out the fitness center Nancy Dunagan, the fitness
Web page located at: http:// center coordinator, (front
fitnesscenter.arc.nasa.gov/for more right corner).
race information. All are welcome. NASA photo by Tom Trower
The names of those with perfect

Astrogram 11 February 2005

Moving tribute concludes the AATT Project at Ames
The centerpiece of NASA Ames’ ative application of basic research con-
aeronautical research, the Advanced Air ducted at Ames during the 1970s and

NASA photos by Dominic Hart

Transportation Technologies (AATT) 1980s. At that time, NASA researchers
project, recently celebrated the conclu- had developed the algorithms that even-
sion of nine years of highly successful tually became the foundation for cur-
research, development and technology rent aircraft flight management systems.
transfer to the FAA and aviation indus-

Associate Administrator for the Aeronautics

Research Mission Directorate at NASA
Headquarters Dr. Vic Lebacqz was at Ames in
January for an event to recognize the
members of the AATT Project. He presented
them with certificates in appreciation for their
continous accomplishments on the project.

Over 70 members of the AATT project team attended the recognition event and received certificates
the National Airspace System.”
for their accomplishments during the 9-year project.
There are many other AATT
achievements, including the Collabora-
try. On Jan. 3, Victor Lebacqz, associate These same researchers began work on tive Arrival Planner (CAP), Surface
administrator of the Aeronautics Re- adapting these algorithms into a ground- Movement Advisor (SMA) and System
search Mission Directorate, attended a based system that would provide air Wide Evaluation Tool (SWEPT) that are
ceremony at NASA Ames acknowledg- traffic controllers with better informa- in daily operational use by the FAA and
ing the project’s completion and pre- tion to support their air traffic manage- at airline operations centers. The Sur-
sented certificates of appreciation to ment decisions. face Management System (SMS) Build
some of the nearly 600 individuals who, With the introduction of high-speed 1, scheduled for transfer to the FAA’s
over the years, have worked on this computer workstations and advanced terminal business unit, is already pro-
pioneering project. AATT was sup- graphics displays, NASA was able to viding benefits to Federal Express at
ported by staff from Ames; Glenn Re- package these ideas into what became Memphis International Airport and
search Center in Cleveland, Ohio; Lan- known as the Center TRACON Auto- United Parcel Service at Louisville In-
gley Research Center in Hampton, Va.; mation System (CTAS), which became ternational Airport.
and the IV&V Facility at Fairmont, W.Va. the foundation for a suite of decision- The project also explored some out-
“NASA drew upon its aeronautics support tools for enroute and terminal of-the-box concepts for increasing ca-
roots and engineering expertise to ven- controllers as well as traffic manage- pacity that include giving pilots more
ture into a different aspect of aeronau- ment coordinators. control over route changes and main-
tics research," said Lebacqz. "AATT has During its nine-year history, the taining separation from other aircraft.
established NASA as a technology de- Ames-led project has had numerous The Distributed Air/Ground Traffic
velopment leader for the modernization success stories, starting with the deliv- Management research investigated the
of the National Airspace System," he ery to the Federal Aviation Administra- ramifications of eliminating the restric-
added. tion (FAA) of Traffic Management Ad- tions imposed by the current model
AATT was established in fiscal year visor (TMA). TMA has been applauded of air traffic management. This work
1996 as a focused technology develop- by pilots and controllers alike. Marion culminated in a successful,
ment project within the Advanced Sub- Blakey, FAA administrator, has been groundbreaking, multi-facility simula-
sonic Technology Program. In May of quoted in speeches and in senate hear- tion that involved networking pilots and
1997, it was moved to what is now the ings as saying, “TMA is one of the most controllers in NASA laboratories on dif-
Airspace Systems Program. The major successful technologies to be transferred ferent sides of the country.
focus of the AATT project was to im- to the FAA.” She went on to say, “At “The success of the AATT project is
prove the capacity of civil transport air- each location where TMA is now in use, a direct result of the highly motivated
craft operations at and between major we get a e percent to 5 percent increase and skilled air traffic management and
airports in the national airspace system. in capacity.” human factors researchers and program-
This was accomplished by developing TMA is currently in eight FAA air matic staff dedicated to the project’s ob-
decision-support tools to help air traffic route traffic control centers, with sched- jective of safely improving the efficiency
controllers, airline dispatchers and pi- uled deployments planned for four ad- of the air transportation system,” said
lots improve the air traffic management ditional Ccnters. Airspace Systems Pro- Michael Landis, AATT project manager.
and control process gate-to-gate. gram manager Robert Jacobsen com- Funded at $400 million, with work
In many respects, AATT is a tribute mented, “FAA officials have told us re- spanning four NASA research facilities,
to the original NASA basic research con- peatedly that TMA was the single larg- the AATT project has garnered at least
cept. The project was born from the cre- est successful software modification to continued on next page

Astrogram 12 February 2005

Ames supports National Lt. Governors Association reception
In February, members of the Explo-
ration Technology Directorate's outreach

NASA photo by Nick Veronico

team and Ames Public Affairs Division
demonstrated the Personal Exploration
Rover (PER) to attendees at the National
Lieutenant Governors Association re-
ception at NASA Headquarters. PER, a

NASA photo by Brett Casadonte

Brett Casadonte of Ames' Exploration Technology Directorate outreach walks Lieutenant Governor
Catherine Baker Knoll through a PER rover demonstration.

Nick Veronico of the Ames Public Affairs

Division gives an overview of the PER rover at
the National Lieutenant Governors
Association reception at NASA Headquarters.

collaboration between NASA Ames and

Carnegie Mellon University, was devel-
oped as an educational tool to demon-
strate the principles of autonomy for K-
12 students.
Among the guests taking part in the
PER demonstration were the lieutenant Ames Safety Committee
governor of the Commonwealth of Penn-
sylvania (home of Carnegie Mellon Uni-
versity), the lieutenant governors and/ Employee Driven Making a Difference
or their staff members from California,
Kentucky, Louisiana, North Dakota, Created in July of 2004, the new third Thursday of every month from
American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands Ames Safety Committee was the in- 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Building 218,
and the Territory of Guam. spiration of former Ames Center Room 210. All civil servants and on-
Deputy Director Allen Flynt. site contractor employees are invited
Flynt recognized the need to get to attend. Meeting minutes are posted
AATT project employees more actively involved in on the Code Q, Safety Committee Web
continued from previous page applying safety directly to their work. site, which can be accessed at http://
five Turning Goals Into Reality awards He believed that while recognizing q.arc.nasa.gov.
for technologies developed during its and correcting safety issues is always The Ames Safety Committee sees
years of operation. At the peak of the an individual responsibility, we must its role as advocates for organizations.
project’s execution phase (2001 to 2003), also pursue safety at the Center level. The committee provides a forum in
the direct workforce of NASA and on- He also believed that by working in which to recommend and implement
site contractor personnel numbered well safety committees, we could focus on improvements in Ames’ safety and
over 200 men and women annually. larger safety concerns that affect the health programs.
The project leaves a legacy of world- wider Ames’ community. Flynt’s de- If you would like to become a part
class air traffic management research sire was that the Ames Safety Com- of the Ames Safety Committee and
labs and simulation facilities. One of the mittee be “a driving force for the imple-
most important legacies resulting from participate in safety programs and task
AATT’s success is that Ames has been mentation and improvement of vari- forces that will make the Center a
positioned as a leading developer of ous safety challenges at our Center.” safer place for everyone, contact
software decision support tools for air The work of the Ames Safety Com- Jones at [email protected]. gov
traffic management and NASA is now mittee has only just begun. Fred Jones or contact Livacich at
viewed as the primary innovator for is serving as chair and John Livacich is [email protected]
technologies for national airspace sys- the co-chair. Meetings are held the
tem modernization.
BY LESLYE MOGFORD

Astrogram 13 February 2005

 Events Calendar Ames Diabetics (AAD), 1st & 3rd Weds, 12 noon to
1 p.m., at Ames Mega Bites, Sun room. Support group
a.m., Bldg. 221/Rm 155. URL: http://q.arc.nasa.gov/
qe/events/EHSseries/ POC: Stacy St. Louis at ext. 4-
6810.
discusses news affecting diabetics. POC: Bob Mohlenhoff,
Ames Amateur Radio Club, third Thursday of each ext. 4-2523/e-mail at: [email protected]. The Hispanic Advisory Committee for
month, 12 noon, N-T28 (across from N-255). POC: Ames Federal Employees Union (AFEU) Mtg, third Excellence HACE Mtg, first Thurs of month in N255
Michael Wright, KG6BFK, at ext. 4-6262. Wednesday of ea. month, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Bldg. 221, room 101C from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. POC: Eric
Ames Ballroom Dance Club. Classes on Tuesdays. Rm 104. Guests welcome. Info at: http://www.afeu.org. Kristich at ext. 4-5137 and Mark Leon at ext. 4-6498.
Beginning classes meet at 5:15 p.m. Higher-level class POC: Marianne Mosher, ext. 4-4055. Jetstream Toastmasters, Mondays, 12 p.m. to 1
meets at 5:50 p.m. Held in Bldg. 944, the Rec. Center. Ames Mac Support Group Mtg, third Tuesday of ea. p.m., N-269/Rm.179. POC: Becky Brondos at ext. 4-
POC: Helen Hwang at [email protected], ext. 4- month, 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m., Bldg. N262, Rm 180. POC: 1959, [email protected] or Bob Hilton at
1368. Julie ext. 4-4694 or Tony ext. 4-0340. ext. 4-1500, [email protected].
Ames Bowling League, Palo Alto Bowl on Tuesday Ames Model Aircraft Club, flying radio-controlled Nat'l Association of Retired Federal Employees,
nights. Seeking full-time bowlers and substitutes. aircraft at the north end of Parsons Ave. on weekend (NARFE). Former and current federal employees. Your
Questions to sign up: Mike Liu at ext. 4-1132. mornings. POC: Mark Sumich, ext. 4-6193. only contact with Congress. Join to protect your
Ames Child Care Center Board of Directors Mtg, federal retirement. Chptr #50 will then meet on the
Ames Sailing Club Mtg, second Thursday of ea. first Fri. of each month at HomeTown Buffet, 2670 El
every other Thursday (check Web site for meeting dates: month (Feb through Nov), from 11.30 a.m. -1 p.m. in the
http://accc.arc.nasa.gov), 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., N-210, Camino (at Kiely), S. Clara, 11 a.m. lunch. POC Earl
special events room in the Ames Visitor Center in N-223. Keener (408) 241-4459 or NARFE 1-800-627-3394.
Rm. 205. POC: Cheryl Quinn, ext 4-5793. All are welcome. POC: Jeff Smith, ext. 4-2586.
Ames Contractor Council Mtg, first Wednesday each Native American Advisory Committee Mtg,
Environmental, Health and Safety Information fourth Tues each month, 12 noon to 1 p.m., Bldg. 19,
month, 11 a.m., N-200, Comm. Rm. POC: Linda Forum, first Thursday of each month, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30
McCahon, ext. 4-1891. Rm 1096. POC: Mike Liu at ext. 4-1132.

Ames staff, public invited to NRP exploration lecture

Ames staff and the public are in- The free event, part of the NRP Ex- to the moon and Mars and the chal-
vited to a NASA Research Park (NRP) ploration Lecture Series, will be held lenges that lie ahead from space radia-
evening lecture on March 15 at NASA from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Bldg. 943, in the tion, micro-meteorites and other envi-
Ames entitled ‘Extreme Exploration/ Eagle Room. ronmental hazards.
The Moon, Mars and Beyond: The Sci- Author and explorer John F. Ross For more information, visit the Web
ence of Risk.’ will discuss NASA's upcoming missions at http://researchpark.arc.nasa.gov.

Astrogram 14 February 2005

Ames Classifieds Exchange Information
Vacation rental, Bass Lake, 4 mls south of
Yosemite. 3bd/1.5 ba, TV, VCR, MW, frplc, BBQ, priv.
Ads for the next issue should be sent to boat dock. Sleeps 8. $1,050/wk. Call (559) 642-3600
Information about products, services and or (650) 390-9668.
[email protected] and must be resubmitted for
opportunities provided to the employee and contractor
each issue. Ads must involve personal needs or items; (no Big Sur vacation rental, secluded 4bd/2ba house
community by the Ames Exchange Council. Visit the
commercial/third-party ads) and will run on a space- in canyon setting. Fully eqpd kitchen. Access to priv.
web site at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov
available basis only. First-time ads are given priority. Ads beach. Tub in patio gdn. Halfway between Carmel
must include home phone numbers; Ames extensions and
email addresses will be accepted for carpool and lost and
Beyond Galileo N-235 (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Big Sur. $175/night for 2; $225 for 4 and $250
ext. 4-6873 for more, plus $150 cleaning dep. Call (650) 328-
found ads only. Due to the volume of material received, 4427.
we are unable to verify the accuracy of the statements Ask about NASA customized gifts for special
made in the ads. Caveat emptor! Tahoe Donner vacation home, 2 bd/2ba. trees,
occasions.
deck. Access to pools, spa, golf, horseback riding,
Housing Mega Bites N-235 (6 a.m. to 2 p.m.) $280 wkend, $650 week. Call (408) 739-9134.
ext. 4-5969 Pine Mountain Lake vacation home. Access to
Looking for 3 bdrm house to rent in April. Must have golf, tennis, lake, swimming, horseback riding, walk to
fenced yard and garage, in a safe area for two children. See daily menu at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov
beach. Three bedrooms/sleeps 10. $100/night. Call
$1,700 per month. E-mail [email protected]
Visitor Center Gift Shop N-943 (408) 799-4052 or (831) 623-4054.

(10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) ext. 4-5412 Incline Village: Forest Pines, Lake Tahoe condo, 3
Miscellaneous NASA logo merchandise, souvenirs, toys, gifts and
bd/2ba, sleeps 8. Fireplace, TV/VCR/DVD, MW, W/D,
jacuzzi, sauna, pool. Walk to Lake, close to ski areas.
educational items. Visit Web page for pictures: http://
The Ames Cat Network needs help finding homes for
www.ACruiseStore.com. $120/night low season,
cats trapped at Moffett. They range from feral to
abandoned/lost pets. Tested, altered and inoculated. Call
Tickets, etc...(N-235, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) $155/night high season (holidays higher) plus $156
Iris at ext. 4-5824 if you or someone you know are ext. 4-6873 cleaning fee and 12% Nevada room tax. Charlie (650)
interested in fostering or adopting a cat. 366-1873.
Check web site for discounts to local attractions,
Beautiful, sleeveless wedding dress, satin, lace, pearls, http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov and click on tickets. Disneyland area vacation rental home, 2 bd/1ba.
size 8, $75. Call (408) 234-0025. Nearing completion completely remodeled w/new
furniture. Sleeps 6 (queen bed, bunk beds, sleeper
Starter PC: 333MHz CPU, 164MRAM, 15GB HD, 52x NASA Lodge (N-19) 603-7100 sofa). Air hockey and football tables. Introductory
CD-ROM, Windows2000, USB, keyboard, mouse and rate $600/wk, once completed rate will be $1000/wk.
Open 7 days a week, 7:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. Rates
speakers (no monitor). Perfect for child's first computer. Security deposit and $100 cleaning fee required. Call
from $40 - $50.
$95. Call (408) 295-2160. (925) 846-2781.
Heathkit HM-102 RF power meter, $45. Hewlett-
Packard HP-200AB signal generator, $45. The pair for $60. Vacation Opportunities Ski Park City Utah, NASA Ski Week XIV, Feb 5 - 12,
2005. Space limited. E-mail Steve at e-mail
Call (650) 851-5290. Lake Tahoe-Squaw Valley Townhse, 3bd/2ba, View [email protected] or call (408) 432-0135.
1914 Vintage pocket watch. Waltham, 15 jewels, of slopes, close to lifts. Per night: $250, two night New York, 5th Ave. One fully furnished bedroom
engraved 14K gold filled case, running and keeps good minimum. Includes linens, cleaning, propane fireplace, in 24 hour security bldg. overlooking Washington
time. $145. Call (650) 851-5290. fully equipped. Call (650) 968-4155, Square Park, $1,000/wk or $3,000/mo. negotiable.
[email protected] Call (650) 349-0238.
Three hand-carved, hand-painted mahogany airplanes,
each with a removable desk stand: Blue Angles F/A-18, SR- South Lake Tahoe cottage w/wood fireplace, hot Paris/France: Fully furnished studio, 5th Arr, Latin
71Blackbird, Navy P-3 Orion. $110 each. E-mail tub. Rates $50 to $130 per night. Call (650) 967-7659 Quarter, Notre Dame and Ile-St. Louis., $1,400/wk.
[email protected] or (650) 704-7732. negotiable. Call (650) 349-0238.

Astrogram deadlines
Deadline: Publication:
Ames emergency
Mar. 7
Apr 5
Mar. 2005
Apr. 2005
announcements Safety Data
All Ames employees are invited to submit To hear the centerwide status
articles relating to Ames projects and activities recording, call (650) 604-9999 for in- NASA-Ames Occupational Illness-
for publication in the Astrogram. When submit- formation announcements and emer- Injury Data for Calendar Year 2005
ting stories or ads for publication, submit your
material, along with any questions, in MS word
gency instructions for Ames employ- Jan. 1, 2005 – Jan. 31, 2005
by e-mail to: [email protected] on
ees. You can also listen to 1700 KHz Civil Contractors
or before the deadline. AM radio for the same information. Servants
Not recordable,
first aid cases 2 1

Recordable no
Protective Services monthly activity lost-time cases 0 3
A statistical summary of activi- ment and Fire Protection Services units
ties of the Protective Services for the month of January 2005 is shown Recordable
Division's Security/Law Enforce- below. LOST-TIME cases 0 0

Lost workdays 0 0
Security/Law Enforcement Activity Fire Protection Activity
Restricted duty days 0 3

Data above is as of 2/10/05. May

be subject to slight adjustment in the
event of a new case or new inform-
ation regarding an existing case.

Astrogram 15 February 2005

National Disability Employment Awareness Month observed
To increase the public's awareness program initiatives to demonstrate lead-
of the contributions of American work- ership and commitment to diversity pro-
ers with disabilities, NASA Ames com- grams."
memorated National Disability Employ- Participants toured the NASA Ex-
ment Awareness Month. On Feb.23, the ploration Center and met with Ames
Ames Office of Equal Opportunity Pro- Equal Opportunity Programs Director
grams invited seven Bay Area residents Adriana Cardenas and Robert Zier,
manager for TransAccess' School-To-
Career program. They also met with
Ames scientists to discuss their research
and career opportunities for people with
NASA photos by Dominic Hart disabilities. BY VICTORIA STEINER

Explore space at NASA Research Park

The NASA Research Park Divi-
with disabilities to get a glimpse of the sion is hosting an open house on
center's 'everyday science'. March 22, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the
lobby of Bldg. 19 to show available
The event was organized in collabo- lease space to potential university
ration with TransAccess, a San Jose- and industry R & D partners with
based nonprofit organization that pro- research goals that align with NASA's
vides training and competitive employ- new exploration mission. Refresh-
ment for people with disabilities. ments will be served.
"This event promotes career devel- or universities to align with
opment for college students and indi- * 200 to 5,000 sq. ft. lease NASA's mission
viduals with disabilities through career space available
exploration and job shadowing partici- * Historic District Shenandoah For more information, call (650)
pation," said coordinator of the event, Plaza - Bldg. 19 604-2NRP or visit http://
* seeking R & D companies researchpark.arc.nasa.gov.
Barbara Miller of Ames. "The activity
supports Ames' and NASA Headquar-
ters’ diversity and equal opportunity

FIRST CLASS MAIL

POSTAGE & FEES PAID
NASA
National Aeronautics and Space Permit No. G-27
Administration

Ames Research Center

Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000

Official Business
Penalty for Private Use

The Ames Astrogram is an official publication of

Ames Research Center, National Aeronautics and
Space Administration.

Editor-in-Chief..............................David Morse
Managing Editor..........................Ann Sullivan
Editor, Layout and Design...........Astrid Terlep

You can reach the Astrogram Office at:

[email protected] or by phone at
PLEASE RECYCLE (650) 604-3347.
Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with vegetable-based ink.

Astrogram 16 February 2005