Release No. 95-080

NASA Langley Story Opportunities- September

ROBO-CLEANUP. A heavy duty robot arm is being developed at Langley for the federal Department of Energy for use in the cleanup of hazardous materials, such as radioactive contamination, at sites around the country. The robot arm is being built and is due to be demonstrated in September at Langley. When completed, the robot arm will be operated remotely, with cameras sending visual images back to the operator.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT: Michael Finneran (757) 864-8150.

STUDYING EFFECTS OF SMOKE ON ATMOSPHERE. Scientists from NASA Langley are spending six weeks in central Brazil studying the atmospheric effects of biomass burning. The field experiment began Aug. 16 and involves coordinated aircraft, surface, and satellite measurements of smoke characteristics and the interaction of the smoke with clouds. More than 80 researchers from 4 NASA centers, 2 U.S. agencies, 5 U.S. universities, 12 Brazilian agencies and 6 Brazilian universities will participate. Phone interviews, photos and B-roll video are available.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT: Catherine E. Watson (757) 864-6122

THERMOPLASTIC NAMED 1 OF 100 BEST. Research and Development Magazine have recognized a Langley researcher and his team for the creation of a multi-purpose thermoplastic material. This innovation was judged one of the 100 most significant new technical products of 1994. Possible applications for this product include a resin for mechanical parts such as gears, bearing and valves; and advanced composites like carbon fiber and high strength adhesives. The winners will be honored at an awards ceremony to be held at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago on Sept. 21.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT: Keith Henry (757) 864-6120

FLIGHT TESTING BEGINS FOR NOVEL CONCEPT. Flight testing has begun on a NASA Langley device that promises to give fighter pilots of the future increased agility in air combat. The tests, being conducted at NASA Dryden from August through December, are the culmination of a several year effort. The device is a deployable wing-like surface installed on the nose of a modified F-18 research aircraft. When deployed in wind tunnel tests, the surfaces improved the aerodynamic flowfield about the aircraft forebody. The device is called ANSER, short for Actuated Nose Strakes for Enhancement Rolling.
DRYDEN PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT: John Childress (805) 258-2664
LANGLEY PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT: Keith Henry (757) 864-6120

SPACE-AGE STUDENTS DESIGN SHUTTLE EXPERIMENT. The Joint Dynamics Experiment (JDX), a cooperative effort between NASA Langley and Utah State University, will be flown aboard Endeavour (STS-69) in September. The experiment is designed to study how well the joints on structures in space are able to dissipate vibrations. This data is important to engineers building the International Space Station. Interviews and photos available.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT: Catherine E. Watson (757) 864-6122

HISTORIC TUNNEL TO BE CLOSED. NASA's oldest operating wind tunnel, will be closed Sept. 29. This historic facility, originally known as the Full-Scale Tunnel (FST), has served in many capacities- military, commercial and general aviation. Throughout its history the 30- by 60-Foot Tunnel has been used for innumerable vehicle configurations, such as WWII aircraft and the first space capsule.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT: Keith Henry (757) 864-6120

AIRBORNE TESTS FOR NEW WATER VAPOR INSTRUMENT. A comprehensive validation of the Lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment (LASE) laser system is planned for September at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility. Validation measurements include three laser systems (two aircraft- and one ground-based) and instrumented balloons. Upon completion of the validation experiment, the LASE system will be used for atmospheric investigations involving water vapor, aerosols and clouds, and for developing and testing advanced laser technology and techniques needed for future spaceborne laser water vapor investigations. Interviews and photos available.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT: Catherine E. Watson (757) 864-6122

NASA LANGLEY GOES TO VIRGINIA STATE FAIR. NASA Langley will participate in the Virginia State Fair, from Sept. 21 to Oct. 1, in Richmond. Langley will be presenting a series of interactive exhibits to foster interaction between volunteers and visitors, and to inform the public of the programs at Langley. The theme for the Commonwealth Technology building, the primary NASA exhibit hall, is the Information Superhighway. Exhibits vary dramatically in topics from electronics, wind tunnels and noise reduction technology to research and information available over the World Wide Web.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT: Keith Henry (757) 864-6120

SURFING THE NET: LANGLEY HOSTS INTERNET FAIR II. NASA Langley will host Internet Fair II in the Reid Conference Center from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 23-24. The mission of Internet Fair II is to exchange NASA and Hampton Roads information technology while emphasizing challenges and solution for the future. The fair, which is open to the public, will include exhibits from NASA Langley, local businesses and universities. Exhibits will demonstrate available tools and products applicable to social and business needs as well as highlight the cost benefits of information technology.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT: Michael Finneran (757) 864-8150.

REMOVING DANGEROUS CARBON MONOXIDE. Someday soon a device that removes carbon monoxide – the cause of many deaths every winter – may be in homes across the nation. Researchers at NASA Langley have developed a catalyst that changes carbon monoxide into less-harmful carbon dioxide. The catalyst originally was developed for use in space-based lasers. But researchers discovered its earthly applications, and since then have signed agreements with several companies that plan to use the product. Photo of carbon monoxide filter.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT: Michael Finneran (757) 864-8150.

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