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NASA Ames Astrogram – June 2018

The headshot image of Astrid Albaugh

Astrid Albaugh

Jun 29, 2018
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Contents

June 2018 issus of Ames' newsletter, the Astrogram

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TechEdSat-6 Mission Successful Completion

First Accurate Drag-based De-orbit Using the Exo-Brake Device

by Kimberly Williams Minafra

NASA Ames’ Technology Educational Satellite, or TechEdSat-6, nano-satellite mission concluded on May 14, 2018 with the first, successfully targeted de-orbit and re-entry maneuver using only drag. TechEdSat-6 was the latest in a series of CubeSats developed with student intern and early-career participation with the objectives of developing controlled de-orbit capability, collecting trajectory data to improve atmospheric models used to develop entry systems, and conducting experiments with novel data telemetry systems. TechEdSat-6 targeted the Wallops Flight Facility for overflight during re-entry, which allowed data from the spacecraft to be collected from about 328,000 feet (100km) in altitude. 

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Artist’s concept/simulation of the deployment of the TechEdSat-6 into space.
Credit: NASA

For the first time, the spacecraft’s variable-area “ExoBrake” parachute braking device allowed the drag profile of the TechEdSat-6 to be changed in flight, to control the re-entry path. In the future, this technique will allow for inexpensive, uncomplicated means of de-orbiting and subsequent atmospheric re-entry. Four additional small spacecraft (#7-10) will continue the TechEdSat series to further refine the novel de-orbit technique and provide NASA with a flexible flight platform for rapidly developing nano-satellite sensors and experiments.  Future applications include small, on-demand sample return from low-Earth orbit (LEO) as well as planetary missions with small nano-spacecraft.   TechEdSat-6 was launched to the International Space Station on Orbital ATK’s Cygnus spacecraft from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on Nov. 12, 2017. The Exo-Brake is funded by the Entry Systems Modeling project within the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s Game Changing Development program. Additional funding for the Exo-Brake is provided by NASA Ames and the agency’s Engineering and Safety Center in Hampton, Virginia.   The TechEdSat series is a science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, collaborative activity that involves NASA early-career employees, interns and students from several universities including San Jose State University, California; the University of Idaho in Moscow; the University of California at Riverside; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; the University of Georgia in Athens; and Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Could Electricity-Producing Bacteria Help Power Future Space Missions?

by Abigail Tabor

Humans aren’t the only ones who have harnessed the power of electricity. Some bacteria do this, too, by producing structures that extend from their surface like wires to transfer electrons over distances. Now, scientists at NASA Ames are exploring this phenomenon to see if they can make use of these special microbes to perform essential functions on future space missions — from generating electricity to treating wastewater or producing medicines. With an experiment launching to the International Space Station, researchers will see whether the microbes work the same in space as they do on Earth.

For full story, see: ElectricityProducingBacteria

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This scanning electron microscope image shows Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 bacteria. These bacteria are able to generate electric currents that can be conducted along nanowires extending from their cell membranes. NASA scientists are exploring this phenomenon to see if they can make use of these special microbes to perform essential functions on future space missions.
Credit: NASA

Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management

NASA’s working to make low-flying air traffic safe

by Tiffany Blake

Ever wonder what the skies will look like in the next 5-10 years? Can you imagine stepping onto your balcony on a sunny day, seeing drones buzzing around? They could be delivering food and goods to doorsteps, hovering around backyards for family fun or over highways for traffic monitoring. An estimated 700,000 unmanned aircraft systems, called UAS, but commonly referred to as drones, are expected to be roaming the sky by the year 2020. Many have questions about how such a big change to the airspace will affect our lives and safety.

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Karen Bollinger pilot (left) and Nick Atkins of Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration program (right) fly Ptarmigan quadcopter, one of 11 vehicles in the UTL TCL2 demonstration that flew beyond line of sight of the pilot in command in Nevada test.
Credit: NASA Ames/Dominic Hart

NASA Ames has set out to create a research platform that will help manage drones flying at low altitude along with other airspace users. Known as UAS Traffic Management, the goal is to create a system that can integrate drones safely and efficiently into air traffic that is already flying in low-altitude airspace. That way, package delivery and fun flights won’t interfere with helicopters, nearby airports or even safety drones being flown by first responders helping to save lives.

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NASA Ames hosted a UTM TCL-3 media day event on June 6, 2018, at the center’s Airspace Operations Lab, which coordinates the test sites across the country. Representatives from NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration, industry and test sites explained UTM technologies in front of the UTM master display wall.
Credit: NASA Ames/Dominic Hart

For full story, see: UASTrafficManagement and MediaInvitedDroneTech

State of the Center and Awards Presented at Recent All Hands

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An All Hands Meeting was held in the afternoon of June 19, 2018 whereby Ames Center Director Eugene Tu (top left) shared an update on the Center and employees also had the opportunity to hear from Dr. David Korsmeyer (top right) on his new position as Associate Director for Research and Technology. Dr. Jay Bookbinder, Director for Programs and Projects (bottom right) also spoke about new mission opportunities. In addition, the Ames FEMA DIsaster Support Team (bottom left) received NASA’s Silver Achievement Medal for 2017.
Credit: NASA Ames/Dominic Hart

Icy Dunes on Pluto Reveal a Diverse and Dynamic Dwarf Planet

by Frank Tavares

Newly discovered dunes on Pluto tell us the dwarf planet’s geology and atmosphere is far more dynamic than previously expected, with the winds of its thin and multi-layer atmosphere helping shape the landscape. Found near the mountains that encircle Pluto’s Sputnik Planitia plain, these formations appear to be quite young in geological terms, on the scale of decades or centuries old.

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Evenly spaced ridges on Pluto’s surface seen in imagery from the New Horizon’s 2015 flyby.
Credit: NASA

NASA New Horizons scientists found these evenly spaced ridges on Pluto’s surface using imagery from the 2015 flyby. The ridges appear to have formed out of particles of methane ice as small as grains of sand, arranged into dunes by wind from the nearby mountains.

For full story, see: IcyDunesOnPluto

Ames Employees Celebrate and March at San Francisco Pride 2018

June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, held annually to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots. On beh
June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, held annually to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots. On behalf of NASA Ames’ LGBT Advisory Group, Happy LGBT Pride Month! Two hundred and fifty Ames employees, including friends and family members, participated in the San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade on Sunday, June 24, 2018, making this NASA Ames’ fourth official pride parade. The parade traveled down Market Street for about 1.5 miles. In the past, the parade has drawn up to four million viewers along the parade route and is televised throughout the Bay Area. This year, we also had a booth at the festival on Saturday featuring the latest aero mechanics Mars helicopter project.

WIN Sponsors Q&A Open Forum with Influential Women at Ames

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On May 30, 2018, the Women’s Influence Network (WIN) sponsored a “Q&A Open Forum with Influential Women at NASA Ames.” The forum was held to continue the conversation from the prior “Path to Success” event held at Ames in March. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions of the panel as before (bottom photo). The panel participants were Deputy Director of Science Jaya Bajpayee, Chief of Staff Karen Bradford (also top right photo), NASA Astrobiology Institute Director Penny Boston (panel moderator), NASA Ames Deputy Center Director Carol Carroll and Associate Center Director Deb Feng (also top left photo).
Credit: NASA Ames/Don Richey

NASA’s First Deaf Engineer in Active Crewed Mission Control Role, Johanna Lucht, Speaks at Ames

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On June 19, 2018, the Ames Disability Advocates (ADA) and the Women’s Influence Network (WIN) hosted a special presentation from Johanna Lucht. Lucht spoke about her path to NASA, highlighting how some of the challenges she faced while growing up as a deaf person have prepared her for her role at NASA. She learned the Mission Control role of Systems II Engineer, for a research flight testing the improved flight efficiency through the use of a twisted flap. She was responsible for observing and evaluating data related to the aircraft’s GPS and navigation systems, as well as analyzing inflight data, to monitor how well the aircraft is performing in flight.
Credit: NASA Ames/Don Richey

Nationally Recognized Motivational Speaker, Wil Cason, Discusses Inspiration in the Workplace

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The Ames African American Advisory Group (AAAG) and the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity (ODEO) hosted motivational speaker Wil Cason on June 28, 2018 at Ames, where he presented the talk, “Creating a Culture of Inspiration in the Workplace.” While a student at San Jose State, Cason facilitated national youth leadership conferences such as the National Colleges and Universities Residential Life Conference, South Dakota and the National Peer Educational Conference. He also earned national recognition for founding San Jose State’s first Men’s Support Group, one of only three in the nation. Thanks to his numerous extra-curricular involvements, Cason was awarded the Top 55 Student Leadership Award at San Jose State in 1993. Cason honed his personal and organizational development expertise by offering his planning, and development skills to many organizations, schools and businesses such as the Federal Reserve Bank, Chevron, Seagate Technology, California Department of Corrections, UC Berkeley, California Family Resource Centers, the Santa Clara Social Services Agency, Community Crime Prevention Associates of Oakland, California, the Casey Family Programs and Foundations of Oakland, California, San Jose State University, Applied Materials and others. Through his company, Vision: A Positive Direction, he began to make his mark as a visionary in his field. His main focuses are professional development for adults, leadership seminars and public speaking.
Credit: NASA Ames/Dominic Hart

Human Exploration of the Moon, NEOs, Moons of Mars Discussed at Science Forum

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The Solar System Exploration Research Institute (SSERVI) invited the Ames community to the 5th annual NASA Exploration Science Forum (ESF), held June 26 – 28, 2018 in Bldg. 152, at NASA Ames. This year’s forum featured scientific discussions of human exploration targets of interest (the Moon, near-Earth asteroids and the moons of Mars). Science sessions focused on recent mission results and in-depth analyses of science and exploration studies. Dedicated side-conferences for graduate students and young professionals coincided with the ESF and public engagement discussions were interwoven among science topics as well.
Credit: NASA Ames/Don Richey

Third Annual Innovation Fair Held

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The Innovation Fair, held June 14, 2018, aims to identify new ideas that can solve the problems of tomorrow and the unrecognized problems of today. The event offered a poster session and an opportunity for great in-person dialogue about innovative ideas. This year, Ames will award at least $150K (up to $25K of procurement per award) in total. NASA civil servants had the opportunity to vote on their favorite concepts. A mix of Mission and Mission Support innovations will be awarded and distributed during this fiscal year (FY2018). The NASA Ames Exchange provided a mini picnic with free pizza in conjunction with the event.
Credit: NASA Ames/Dominic Hart

Describing Microbial Life in Earth’s Deep, Dark Places

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On June 19, 2018, Ames’ Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) presented a seminar by Tori Hoehler entitled, “Life in the Deep, Dark Places.” The H. Julian Allen Award recognizes a scientific or engineering paper of outstanding technical merit and significance. It is truly one of Ames’ highest honors. In 2017, Hoehler was awarded the H. Julian Allen Award for the paper “Microbial life under extreme energy limitation,” published in the Nature Reviews Microbiology, 11(2), 83-94, (February 2013). In the seminar, Hoehler described efforts to characterize life in Earth’s own deep, dark places, understand its dependence on energy and explore the implications for the detectability of life beyond Earth. Hoehler came to Ames’ Exobiology Branch in 1998, with a background in chemistry and oceanography. He now studies the interaction of microbial communities with their environment, with an emphasis on the habitability of environments beyond Earth and the detectability of any life that may reside there. He is the founding co-director of Ames’ Center for Life Detection, a Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences and a Kavli Frontiers of Science Fellow and recipient of the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement medal. For more information on the Summer Series, please visit: https://www.nasa.gov/ames/ocs/summerseries/2018. For more information on the H. Julian Allen Award, please visit: https://www.nasa.gov/ames/ocs/hjulianallen
Credit: NASA Ames/Dominic Hart

Approaches to Achieving Relativistic Propulsion Speeds for Deep Space Exploration Discussed

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The colloquium, “STARLIGHT – Directed Energy for Relativistic Propulsion,” was presented by Dr. Philip Lubin on June 13, 2018 at Ames. The baggage you carry with you can limit your progress forward. Current space flight propulsion methods limit our space travel destinations. Disruptive approaches to space exploration propulsion may be the catalyst that is needed to truly allow us to explore the space frontier. In his presentation, Lubin discussed the concept of photonics and directed energy as an approach to achieving relativistic propulsion speeds for deep space exploration. This seminar was presented as part of the Office of the Chief Scientist 2018 NASA Ames Summer Colloquium Series. For more information on the Summer Series, please visit: https://www.nasa.gov/ames/ocs/summerseries/2018
Credit: NASA Ames/Don Richey

Astronaut Steve Smith Receives “Legacy for Children Award”

Former astronaut and local hero Steve Smith was feted by more than 700 guests at Children’s Discovery Museum’s 19th annual Legacy for Children Award on May 18, 2018, at the San Jose Convention Center. Smith was selected as this year’s honoree for inspiring young people to dream with what he calls an ‘explorer’s mindset’ of creative thinking, resilience and persistence. The gala raised $1.5 million in support of the museum’s hands-on exhibits and programs designed to give children the tools to help them grow into the talented, creative and diverse workforce of tomorrow. Funds also support the Museums for All access and inclusion program that ensures all families can visit the museum regardless of ability to pay.  

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The Legacy for Children Award was presented to Astronaut Steve Smith by the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, at the San Jose Convention Center ballroom awards event on May 18, 2018. Left to right, at the awards event, Amaris Arteaga, Astronaut Steve Smith, Cayden Vassigh and Landon Vassigh. These three students were from Sakamoto Elementary School, where Steve inspired students with a school presentation last year.

Each year the Legacy for Children Award honors an individual who has made a tremendous difference in the lives of children. Past recipients include Sonia Manzano, Ruby Bridges, Steve Wozniak, Kristi Yamaguchi, Mister Fred Rogers, Dr. Sally Ride, and Ronnie Lott.   Smith is one of NASA’s most experienced and decorated astronauts. He was selected into the highly competitive program in 1992, making the all-time American and World spacewalk duration lists during his tenure. As a veteran of four space flights covering 16 million miles and seven spacewalks totaling 49 hours and 25 minutes, Smith’s extraordinary experiences of viewing Earth from outer space inspired him to hope that Earth will one day be a place tolerant of all peoples, religions and cultures.

In Memoriam …

Richard “Dick” Bray, Former Aviation Researcher at Ames, Passes Away

courtesy San Jose Mercury News

Richard “Dick” Bray passed away June 6, 2018, at the age of 92. His kind heart and prevailing optimism will be greatly missed. He loved unconditionally and was a profoundly loyal husband, father and friend. Dick was born in Bakersfield, California on July 21, 1925 to Stanley and Margaret Bray. The son of a railroad man, Dick, along with his brother Bob, grew up in various towns across California and Nevada before settling in Stanley and Marge’s native San Francisco.

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RIchard “Dick” Bray

Fascinated with aviation, Dick enrolled at UC Berkeley at the age of 17, to study aeronautical engineering. At 18, he jumped at the chance to join his father, an Army Colonel and his brother, an Air Force bombardier, in the WWII effort. He transferred to USC’s Naval ROTC program and was ultimately deployed on the USS Adams in the Pacific just as the war came to an end. Though he missed active combat, his tour in the Pacific would prove to be one of the most cherished adventures of his life.

On his return, Dick began work as a research scientist at NASA Ames. In his off hours, he could be found traversing the California coastline with his first love, a Cessna 170, or sailing gliders over the East Bay. In 1958, Dick married his true love, Marilyn Martin, and within 10 years had become the beloved father of four. A large but gentle man, Dad was able to effectively manage his brood with a mere clearing of his throat, but preferred the role of parental “good cop” which suited his easy-going demeanor. He enjoyed sharing his many interests with his kids and proved an enthusiastic mentor in classical piano, tennis, skiing, sailing, cooking and anything STEM-related (long before there was an acronym for it.) His favorite family activities included sunset dinners at the beach and summer vacations at Lake Almanor.

Dick loved his work, cheerfully departing for Ames each morning with a mechanical pencil and slide rule tucked into the pocket of his short-sleeved white shirt. He was a brilliant scientist who made significant contributions in the field of flight safety and was recognized for his work in flight simulation and heads-up display during his 45-year tenure at Ames.

Upon retirement, Dick and Marilyn enjoyed international travel, duplicate bridge, The Celebrity Forum, and the San Francisco Symphony in the company of great friends. Dick also was active in the Sons of Retirement and the Owl Feather Society, and sang a booming bass in the church choir for nearly 50 years. As loving grandparents of 11 children, Dick and Marilyn were regulars at grandchildren’s games, recitals and concerts.

Dick was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Marilyn Bray, and is survived by his son Rich (Kathy) of Bellevue, Washington, son Don (Suzanne), and daughters Julie Altinger (Rick), and Maribeth Coyne (Joe) all of Los Altos, along with 11 adoring grandchildren.

Our family is grateful for the skill and dedication of dad’s many caregivers at Sunny View Retirement Community who treated him with compassion and respect throughout his final years.

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Saturday, June 30, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection, 725 Cascade Drive, Sunnyvale, California. Mass will be immediately followed by a reception nearby.