NASA Showcases Spaceflight, Robotics and Autonomous Systems Tech at CES 2017

by Kimberly Williams

Joining industry technology leaders, NASA hosted a booth at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Jan. 5-9, 2017, to display and discuss its advanced technologies for human and robotic space exploration and to showcase technology transfer to self-driving cars.

For the second time, NASA exhibited mockups of the Space Launch System (SLS), which will carry the Orion crew exploration spacecraft, as well as interactive virtual tours of the SLS and the Orion command module. Former NASA astronaut Don Thomas made a special appearance to sign autographs and pose in pictures with guests at this year’s event, which drew more than 190,000 industry professionals.

Experts discussed how NASA’s future exploration missions would use interactive software to support human-robot teaming. The software, “Visual Environment for Remote and Virtual Exploration” or VERVE, is a 3-D graphical user interface for visualizing robot data and remote environments in real-time. VERVE has been used to remotely operate and manage NASA’s K10 planetary rover in the Canadian Arctic and the Arizona desert, the Smart SPHERES free-flying robot on the International Space Station, and a lunar rover prototype for the Resource Prospector mission concept.

In partnership with NASA Ames, automaker Nissan unveiled, during a keynote address live streamed on the internet, the development of intelligent mobility technologies that will enable autonomous and driverless cars to co-exist with human drivers in the near future.

For entire article, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/ames/feature/nasa-showcases-spaceflight-robotics-and-autonomous-systems-technology-at-2017-consumer

Unique Tiltrotor Test Rig to Begin Operational Runs at NASA Ames

by Abigail Tabor

Someday, we may be able to commute to our jobs in aircraft that can take off and land like a helicopter, but fly like a plane. Developing these advanced tiltrotors is no simple task, so NASA is installing a new rig that will let experts test them at an unprecedented scale in wind tunnels, where pilots’ lives won’t be on the line.

The new Tiltrotor Test Rig (TTR) will get its first functional trial next month at NASA Ames. The testing will take place in the biggest wind tunnel in the world – the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC).

“This first test is a functional checkout,” Gorton said. “Because TTR is so large, we’ve never been able to spin it with the rotor blades installed. This will be the first time that the system will be completely assembled and operated. If we find any anomalies, we’ll circle back to fix those. Our goal is to have our system completely checked out, so we can have confidence in it.”

For entire article, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/ames/feature/unique-tiltrotor-test-rig-to-begin-operational-runs-at-nasa-ames

“Where Do We Go From Here, Chaos or Community,” by Ames CIO Jerry Davis

Jerry Davis, Chief Information Officer (CIO) at NASA Ames, conducted a speech on Jan. 18, 2017, at NASA Ames entitled, “Where Do We Go From Here?” in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Dr. King progressed society and deeply influenced the world through his words and actions that catalyzed an increase of civil rights, equality, justice and compassion for all individuals. Dr. King was a leader who brought a voice of reason, striving to create a peaceful environment that allows individuals of any race to achieve their dreams. Our nation has grown immensely from his contributions and the contributions from countless others he inspired. As CIO, Davis provides innovative strategic information technology services in support of Ames’ missions in the areas of landing, descent and entry vehicles, next generation air traffic control, Quantum Computing, High End Computing (HEC/Super Computer), high speed networks, business applications, telecommunications and radio frequency (RF) spectrum management. He holds a master’s degree in network security from Capitol Technical University, and has done doctoral work in the Information Systems field. He also holds a bachelor of science degree in business, with concentration in IT security. His awards and recognition include Federal Government Chief of the Year–Information Security category (Government Executive magazine), the Cyber Visionary Trailblazer award from Turner Broadcasting Systems (TBS), North America Information Security Executive of the Year, and one of the 50 Most Important African Americans in Technology (2009, 2011 and again in 2015). This talk was hosted by the African American Advisory Group and the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity.

Individuals Recognized at the 2016 NASA Ames Technology Transfer Awards Ceremony

The 2016 NASA Ames Technology Transfer Awards Ceremony and luncheon was held on Jan. 19, 2017.  The event honored recipients of the following awards:

2016 Patents

2016 NASA Inventions and Contributions Board Awards: NASA Software of the Year

    Co-Winners and Honorable Mentions in NASA Invention of the Year Award Competition

2016 Federal Laboratory Consortium Far West Region Outstanding Technology

    Development Award

2016 Patent Application and Software Release Awards

Moment of Silence Observed at Ames on NASA’s Day of Remembrance

On Jan. 31, 2017, Ames employees gathered at Bush Circle to observe a moment of silence led by Ames Center Director Eugene Tu, right, and to reflect upon and celebrate the lives of the brave women and men who gave their lives for the cause of space exploration and in service to our country. The agency has special online content that pays tribute to its fallen astronauts. It can be viewed here: https://www.nasa.gov/dor2017 .

Ombuds Offices Services Available to Ames Employees

The Ames Ombuds Office provides all civil servants, contractors and students at the center with a supplemental, confidential and informal channel of communication to raise significant issues and concerns that they perceive could impact safety, organizational performance or mission success.

The Ombuds is accountable for conducting informal inquiries, raising issues of concern to appropriate officials and can redirect matters not under the Ombuds’ realm to the appropriate office or organization with an existing administrative system should an individual so desire; for example, the Inspector General, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, Ames Federal Employees Union, Procurement Ombuds, Chief Counsel and Human Resources.

The Ombuds’ power rests on their reputation for confidentiality, fairness, objectivity, tact and respectful concern for the welfare of all individuals of the NASA community and for the well-being of the agency.   John (Jack) Boyd, Lisa Lockyer and Jim Arnold all serve as Ames’ Ombuds. They can meet you at a location of your choice. You also can work with an Ombuds at another center.   The Ombuds office is located in Building 200, room 205, Mail Stop 200-1A. Boyd can be reached at ext. 4-5222 or at email: john.w.boyd@nasa.gov, and Lockyer can be reached at ext. 4-3009 or at email: lisa.l.lockyer@nasa.gov. Arnold can be reached at ext. 4-5265 or at email: james.o.arnold@nasa.gov  The Ombuds website is: http://insideames.arc.nasa.gov/life-ombudsoffice.php

Ames Aerospace Engineer Anita Abrego Dies

Anita Abrego, a member of the NASA Ames community for more than 25 years, passed away on Dec. 27, 2016, at the age of 46.  Throughout her career at Ames, Anita pursued experimental and analytical rotorcraft research with a focus on advanced testing techniques, novel vertical lift design configurations and support of Department of Defense rotorcraft developments, while being very active in the Ames Advisory Council.

Anita’s career at NASA began in 1991, with an internship opportunity during her sophomore year at the University of Washington majoring in aeronautical/astronautical engineering. After her first summer, she transferred to the NASA co-op program, allowing her to return to Ames each summer throughout her undergraduate and graduate education. In 1996, she graduated from the University of Colorado with an M.S. degree in aerospace engineering. Anita was hired as a full-time employee and worked in the Aeromechanics Branch her entire NASA career.

Anita’s research encompassed both flight and wind tunnel testing of rotorcraft. Research topics included vibration testing of the XV-15 Tilt Rotor Research Aircraft, the aerodynamic performance of ducted fans, descending and formation flight of tiltrotor aircraft and aero-elastic stability testing of rotor blades. From 1998 to 2005, she served as the research manager of the Ames 7-foot-by-10-foot wind tunnel operated by the U.S. Army Aeroflight Dynamics Directorate. Her work in tiltrotor descent aerodynamics testing in the tunnel was in direct support of the U.S. Navy V-22 Osprey aircraft development program.

In 2003, Anita assisted the Space Shuttle Columbia Accident Investigation Board, and in 2005, was deployed on a 30-day field assignment to assist FEMA with the Hurricane Katrina and Wilma response and relief efforts.

Anita’s most recent research was on the analysis of rotor blade displacement measurements that she and her team acquired during the 2010 full-scale UH-60A Airloads rotor wind tunnel test that was conducted in the National Full-Scale Aerodynamic Complex 40-foot-by-80-foot wind tunnel. She worked very closely with NASA Langley researchers and demonstrated how inter-Center NASA teams could achieve outstanding research accomplishments.

Anita was born in Houston, Texas and was the youngest of seven children. While in high school, she moved to the Lummi Reservation, located just outside of Ferndale, Washington. Anita enjoyed playing basketball and softball. Her softball accomplishments at Chase Park did, over the years, become the stuff of legends. She attended as many powwows as possible and was a fancy shawl dancer. For the last decade, Anita was actively involved in canine flyball competitions throughout Northern California with her miniature Schnauzer dogs and almost family members – Benny D, Reese, and just recently, Sprite. Anita and her dogs traveled the west coast in style in the new RV she recently acquired.

She was an active member in two advisory committees at Ames, the Native American Advisory Committee and the Hispanic Advisory Committee for Employees. She was a professional member of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), often participating at AISES national conferences as a NASA panelist and representative. Her educational outreach work with the Native American community and with minority high schools, including Eastside College Preparatory School in East Palo Alto through the American Helicopter Society (AHS), resulted in her being awarded the NASA Equal Employment Opportunity Medal in 2013. Anita also was the recipient of numerous NASA Group Achievement Awards and several AHS awards.

To honor her memory, two classmates from UWAA ‘93 have started a memorial student endowment fund at the University of Washington. It will target women pursuing engineering degrees, and it will be weighted toward awarding women of Native American and/or Latina descent. Donations may be made to the Anita Abrego Endowed Student Support Fund at:

https://www.washington.edu/giving/make-a-gift/?page=funds&source_typ=2&source=EDP

Statistical summary of activities of the Protective Service Division’s Security/Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Services units for period ending December 2016:

Ames Ongoing Clubs/Monthly Events

NASA Ames Exchange Information

Information about products, services and opportunities provided to the employee and contractor community by the Ames Exchange Council. Visit our web site at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov

Beyond Galileo Gift Shop N-235 in the cafeteria, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., ext. 4-6873

Visitor Center Gift Shop (Exploration Center), Tues-Fri, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Sat. – Sun, noon – 4:00 p.m., ext. 4-5412 Remember to purchase your baby shower, birthday and holiday gifts at Ames’ two gift shops!

Mega Bites Cafeteria N-235, Manager Jason Hamed, ext. 4-5969, Mon – Fri, 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., ext. 4-5969/Catering contact Karen Mcintyre, 650 444-2241

The SpaceBar: Subs & Burgers, Bldg. 3, Hours are: Mon – Fri, from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. See: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov/cafe/menu.html for menu items.

NASA Lodge (Bldg. 19) (650) 603-7100 Where to stay when you’re too tired to drive home?  What about the lodge?!  Current Rates: Bldg. 19 (43 rooms), rate: $65/night ($5 each additional adult); Bldg. 583 A&B (150 rooms), rate: $55/night ($5 each additional adult); B547 rate $60/night (for large groups)

Ames Swim Center (N-109) (650) 603-8025 The swimming pool is now open. Hours of operation are as follows (lap swim only): Mon – Fri, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and M-F 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The pool is heated year round. POC: Ryan Storms, pool manager (650) 603-8025. Memberships: Yearly access $350, 3 Month $100, Single day use $5

Exchange Basketball Gym, Building 2, POC: Manager Bryan Henshaw, (650) 603-9717, Hours of operation: Mon – Fri, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and M-F 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The basketball gym is a full NBA regulation size court and is free to use.

RV lots available. Call to reserve a space at (650) 604-0698. Civil Servants and Active Military $50/month. Contractors and Retired Personnel $100/month

Chase Park reservations, call ext. 4-4948NACA Park reservations, call ext. 4-4948

Ames Emergency Announcements

To hear the centerwide status recording, call (650) 604-9999 for information announcements and emergency instructions for Ames employees. You also may listen to 1700 KHz AM radio for the same information.

Ames Cat Network

The Ames Cat Network needs help finding homes for cats trapped at Moffett.  They range from feral to abandoned/lost pets.  They are tested, altered and inoculated.  Call Iris at ext. 4-5824 if you or someone you know are interested in fostering or adopting a cat.

National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationAmes Research Center Moffett Field, CA  94035-1000

The Ames Astrogram is an official publication of Ames Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Managing Editor………………….Matthew Buffington Editor, Layout and Design……………Astrid Albaugh Employees can reach the Astrogram Office via email at: astrogram@mail.arc.nasa.gov or by phone at ext. 4-3347.