Thursday, May 14, 2015

Fwd: [nasa-jsc-retirees-list] FW: NASA News and JSC Today - Thursday, May 14, 2015



Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Date: May 14, 2015 at 8:57:50 AM CDT
To: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Subject: [nasa-jsc-retirees-list] FW: NASA News and JSC Today - Thursday, May 14, 2015
Reply-To: larry.j.moon@nasa.gov

JSC Today - Thursday, May 14, 2015

 

What a difference a day makes in weather around the Houston metro area.   Praying for those who lost cars and had flooded homes the past two days.

 

Thanks to Gary Johnson for sharing the below article on the preliminary investigation findings/conclusions  by the Russians on the recent Progress launch failure – although their analyses continues.  

 

Subject: FW: Depressurization of third stage tanks to blame for loss of Progress craft — Roscosmos

ROSCOSMOS: it identifies the main causes of accidents TGK "Progress M-27M"

12/05/2015 18:14

May 12, 2015, the State Commission chaired by the Deputy head of Roscosmos, Alexander Ivanov presented the preliminary findings on the situation of TGK "Progress M-27M", the launch of which was made April 28, 2015 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

 

In general, start-up and separation of THC «Progress M-27M" took place in normal mode until the separation of THC third stage "Soyuz 2.1a." On the second flight was 526.716 unintended separation of the third stage of the launch and the THC, resulting in the ship was in orbit with an apogee of 40 km upstream, and third stage of the launch - in an orbit with an apogee of 20 km below the calculated trajectory excretion.

 

Having studied all the materials, the members of the State Commission came to the preliminary conclusion that objectively confirmed version abnormal division, including two consecutive events associated with depressurization (opening after turning off the main engine third stage rocket) first oxidizer tank, and then - and the fuel tank 3 th stage of the launch.

 

The work of the State Commission continues. For the final classification of the nature of the causes that led to the end of the emergency starter requires in-depth computational and theoretical studies, additional modeling and a number of experimental works that will be done.

 

On 13 May 2015 the committee members begin to work at the enterprises producing rocket and space technology to identify and eliminate all possible causes of the accident.

 

ROSCOSMOS in cooperation with partners in the ISS flight program corrects:

- The beginning of June: the return of the ISS to Earth;

- The beginning of July: launching another cargo ship to the ISS;

- The end of July: the launch of the next manned spacecraft to the ISS.

 

The final conclusions of the State Commission is expected May 22, 2015.

Press Service of the Russian Federal Space Agency

 

 

LEADING THE NEWS

• Brightman Backs Out Of Upcoming ISS Trip For Personal Reasons.

NASA NEWS

• House Committee Would Boost NASA's Budget, But Slightly Cut Science Programs.

• NASA Officials Return To Their Hometown.—Paul Marshall

HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS

• Cristoforetti To Break Record For Female Astronauts Due To Mission Extension.

• Some Astronauts Have Higher Body Temperatures When In Space.

• Stich To Speak About NASA's Plans For Mars.

• Defense Secretary, Head Of DNI Ask For Change To Rules On Russian Engine Purchase.

• Lockheed Rigging Orion Mockup With Wiring, Avionics For 2018 Mission.

• KSC Visitor Complex "Then and Now" Tour Canceled Because Of Increased Threat Level.

• Clifford Sends Out Message To Those With Parkinson's Disease.

• Video Blog Allows Others To Explore NASA.

• High School Algae Experiment Heading To The ISS In June.

• Kurukshetra Girl Represented India In NASA Challenge.

• Students Represent Bangladesh At NASA Competition.

• Wapato Students Work On Space Food For NASA.

Brightman Backs Out Of Upcoming ISS Trip For Personal Reasons.

The AP (5/14) reports that British soprano Sarah Brightman has decided to postpone her mission to the ISS "for personal family reasons," according to Space Adventures, which is helping to organize the trip.

        According to TIME (5/13, Sifferlin, 19.57M), it is "impossible" to determine right now if this is actually a cancellation of the trip. With the reports for sources that Brightman stopped training on April 22, the article questions if Roscosmos and Space Adventures will think it "prudent" to let Brightman go to the ISS.

        Florida Today (5/14, Dean, 168K) notes that the announcement about Brightman's trip came a day after officials delayed the return of ISS astronauts because of the recent Progress launch failure. However, Brightman, in her statement, made no mention of "the failed Progress 59 mission or safety concerns."

        The CBS News (5/13, Harwood, 8.2M) website reports that with Brightman backing out, Japanese entrepreneur Satoshi Takamatsu will "presumably" now make the flight in her place. Takamatsu had been training at the same time as a backup.

        The Telegraph (UK) (5/14, Chilton, 1.15M), meanwhile, notes how Brightman is not going into space ahead of a list of 100 objects that should.

        Russia's ITAR-TASS News Agency (5/14, 5K) reports that according to a Russian space industry source, the Soyuz spacecraft that would have sent Brightman to the ISS will still be launched on September 1. However, the source said that so far, Takamatsu has only paid for pre-flight training.

        Another ITAR-TASS News Agency (5/14, 5K) article reports that a source claimed that a cosmonaut will take Brightman's place on that mission if Space Adventures cannot find a replacement in the next "several days or a week."

       

        Kluger: Brightman's Decision Demonstrates How Hard Spaceflight Is. In an article for TIME (5/13, 19.57M), Jeffrey Kluger writes that Brightman's decision to postpone her trip "illustrate why" many in the public will never fly into space even if they express a desire to. Kluger explains just how hard it is to launch into space, especially aboard a Soyuz spacecraft. He thinks that while Brightman may have had a personal reason, she could have just as easily reconsidered her decision, demonstrating "a particular kind of candor and courage that deserves its own applause." To Kluger, for the time being, the term "space tourism" is still "a deadly oxymoron" because of how hard spaceflight is.

House Committee Would Boost NASA's Budget, But Slightly Cut Science Programs.

The Hill (5/13, Becker, 533K) reports that in the House Appropriations Committee's 2016 spending bill for the Commerce and Justice departments, NASA and those departments would receive "a $1.3 billion increase over fiscal 2015's level," but $661 million less than the Administration's budget proposal. NASA specifically would get "roughly a half-billion dollars over 2015's total," but that would also include "a slight decline in spending on science programs." NASA would also be restricted from interacting with China.

        The Science Magazine's Science Insider (5/13, Malakoff, Mervis, 10K) notes that while NASA's science programs would get a "tiny cut," planetary science would be boosted above the Administration's budget. NASA would be given $140 million for a mission to Europa, whereas the Administration only funded it at $30 million.

NASA Officials Return To Their Hometown.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (5/14, Todd, 621K) reports that NASA chief technologist David Miller was in his hometown this past week, "with a packed schedule of tours of Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh set for Friday." Miller is also a presenting judge at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. According to the article, Miller believes that everyone can assist NASA's efforts by participating in projects like the Asteroid Grand Challenge, "which tasks the public with analyzing data surrounding asteroids and to imagine asteroids as welcome centers for interstellar travelers."

        The Pueblo (CO) Chieftain (5/14, 79K) reports that NASA's Paul Marshall was also in his home town on Tuesday, speaking to East High School students about the agency and the Orion program. Marshall said, "Our goal, our objective as a nation is to explore the solar system, to extend our human influence. ... It's a noble mission and a mission I'm proud to be a part of."

Cristoforetti To Break Record For Female Astronauts Due To Mission Extension.

The WAAY-TV Huntsville, AL (5/13, Barrett, 3K) "Space Alabama" website continues coverage of how astronauts Terry Virts, Samantha Cristoforetti, and Anton Shkaplerov will stay at the ISS longer because of the launch failure of a Progress cargo spacecraft. Because of this extension, Cristoforetti will hold the record for "the single longest duration mission undertaken by a woman astronaut," taking the title from NASA's Suni William.

        According to Headlines & Global News (5/14, Aquilina), the astronauts' tweets indicate that they do not mind the extra time aboard the ISS.

        Russia Said To Be "Thorough" And "Careful" With Launch Situation. Russia's ITAR-TASS News Agency (5/14, 5K) reports that JAXA's Takashi Hamazaki said that by postponing the next crew launch to July because of a failed Progress launch, Russia is taking "a thorough and careful approach" to the situation. Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui is scheduled to be aboard that flight.

        Blog Coverage. Phil Plait at the Slate (5/13, 1.31M) "Bad Astronomy" blog writes how Destin, "the brains behind the fantastic Smarter Every Day video series," went to the Johnson Space Center to speak with astronaut Don Pettit and then "to the wonderful Samantha Cristoforetti," to learn about how the ISS Cupola's shutters open and close. Plait thinks that the video Destin produced is "great."

        Meanwhile, on a separate topic, Jason Rhian at Spaceflight Insider (5/13) writes that Roscosmos, in its new budget plan for 2016-2025, will make a second attempt to send a mission to Phobos to collect samples, a repeat of the failed Fobos-Grunt mission. Rhian notes that the Russian space agency has not had much success recently, with the loss of two Progress resupply spacecraft and six partial to total Proton launch failures.

Some Astronauts Have Higher Body Temperatures When In Space.

Mashable (5/13, Kramer, 2.3M) reports that the ESA revealed that the Thermolab experiment, which was conducted aboard the ISS, has shown that some astronauts' body temperatures are "almost 2 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 1 degree Celsius, higher than average." This increase in temperature occurs in the first month or two in space, and then goes away once the astronaut returns to Earth. According to the article, mission managers may need to adjust logistics, most notably food stores, for long-term missions because of these findings.

Stich To Speak About NASA's Plans For Mars.

The St. Joseph (MO) News-Press (5/13, Newton, 20K) reports that Steve Stich, NASA's director of Exploration Integration and Science, is scheduled to speak tonight about NASA's plans to send people to Mars at the Linda Hall Library. During an interview with the paper, Stich said, "I think humans have wanted to go to Mars for many, many years, since they saw the red planet in the telescope. ... We're starting to build that sustainable program to get us there." Stich also touted the Asteroid Redirect mission, which he is working on. According to Stich, "We've never really moved a piece of the solar system like we're going to do with that mission."

Defense Secretary, Head Of DNI Ask For Change To Rules On Russian Engine Purchase.

Bloomberg News (5/13, Capaccio, 3.81M) reports that both Director of National Intelligence (DNI) James Clapper and Defense Secretary Ashton Carter are calling on Congress "to clarify restrictions on using Russian-made rocket engines to power American military space missions." In a letter to defense and intelligence committee members, Carter and Clapper said that the current arrangement "presents significant challenges" in ensuring the necessary assets are launched, and would like Congress to allow the United Launch Alliance to purchase up to 18 Russian RD-180 engines it has promised to buy. In response to the letter, a representative for Sen. John McCain, who is a staunch opponent of using the Russian engines, said that the officials did not mention that NASA could use rockets with the Russian engines for commercial flights.

        According to Reuters (5/14, Shalal), McCain outright rejected Clapper and Carter's request for a change to the rules. The Washington Times (5/14, Ernst, 641K) also covers the story, citing Reuters.

        Air Force Issues First Launch Competition In A Decade. Reuters (5/14, Shalal) reports that on Wednesday, the Air Force launched its first of nine satellite launch competitions. SpaceX and ULA could both compete for the GPS satellite launch contract, although neither had responded yet as to whether they would. Lieutenant General Sam Greaves, director of Space and Missile Systems Center and the Air Force's program executive officer for space, said, "This is our first competition for EELV launch services in over a decade. ... Our intent is to reintroduce competition while maintaining our focus on mission success in support of national security space launches."

        Spaceflight Now (5/13, Clark, 3K) also covers the story.

        Companies Say They Are Not They Are Not Threatened By SpaceX. Space News (5/14, Subscription Publication, 481) reports that Arianespace Chief Executive Stephane Israel said that "in the open market" and with today's euro/dollar exchange rate, Arianspace can compete and beat SpaceX, as evidenced by the fact that Arianespace has won most of the launch contracts during competitions in the last two years. According to the article, Arianespace believes that SpaceX's plans to develop reusable rockets pose "no real threat" because of a "planned 5-6 percent reduction in Ariane 5 rocket production and launch costs."

        Space News (5/13, de Selding, Subscription Publication, 481), in another article, reports that Boeing Chief Executive James McNerney recently asked Chris Chadwick, head of the Boeing Defense, Space, and Security division, whether Silicon Valley would "destroy your space business." Chadwick, denying the idea, said that Boeing took the "opportunity" presented by SpaceX and Elon Musk to compete "head to head very successfully." Chadwick added that in the past few years, the company has been "rock solid" with wins on the Space launch System and commercial crew program.

Lockheed Rigging Orion Mockup With Wiring, Avionics For 2018 Mission.

Space News (5/13, Leone, Subscription Publication, 481) reports that Lockheed Martin Space Systems is now "rigging a mockup" of the Orion spacecraft "with the wiring, avionics and flight software." Lockheed released a photo of the work, which is in preparation for Orion's uncrewed lunar orbit mission in 2018.

        Spaceflight Insider (5/13, Rhian) also covers the story.

KSC Visitor Complex "Then and Now" Tour Canceled Because Of Increased Threat Level.

The WFTV-TV Orlando, FL (5/13, 176K) website reports that the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's "Then and Now" tour, which traveled "from Kennedy Space Center to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station," has been canceled because of the "increased threat level at military bases." The article notes that there is no indication yet about when the tour will return.

        Spaceflight Insider (5/13, Rhian) also covers the story.

Clifford Sends Out Message To Those With Parkinson's Disease.

The KGW-TV Portland, OR (5/13, Aqui, 107K) website profiles shuttle astronauts Rich Clifford, who suffered with Parkinson's disease and kept it a secret from almost everyone for 15 years. The article posts a video where Clifford explained what happened along with a "message for patients today."

Video Blog Allows Others To Explore NASA.

ThisWeek Community Newspapers (OH) (5/12, Kuhlman, 2K) reports 23-year-old Jennifer Turner of Ohio is taking others with her through her video blog as she becomes a flight controller in Mission Control at NASA's Johnson Space Center. "The Ohio State University and Gahanna Lincoln High School alumna is currently a full-time employee with NASA in Houston, where she's training for the next 24 months to become a flight controller."

High School Algae Experiment Heading To The ISS In June.

The KUSA-TV Denver (5/13, 248K) website reports that Chatfield High School students are developing an experiment "designed to grow algae in space." The experiment, which includes "a marvel of computer programming and hardware," will head to the ISS in June.

Kurukshetra Girl Represented India In NASA Challenge.

The Chandigarh (IND) Tribune (5/14, Sharma) reports India's Jasleen Josan was chosen to be part of the International Space Education Institute Team-Germany, which "secured the second position in university division in NASA's second annual human exploration rover challenge held in April at the US Space and Rocket Centre in Huntsville, Alabama." Also, she was selected last year as a researcher for the Orion 2030 mission at NASA.

Students Represent Bangladesh At NASA Competition.

The Daily Star (BGD) (5/14, Azran, 1K) reports that a team from St. Joseph Higher Secondary School traveled to the Kennedy Space Center in the United States to participate in the Conrad Innovation Summit's Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge last month. The students were selected as semifinalists in the competition and received a tour of the facility.

Wapato Students Work On Space Food For NASA.

KING-TV Seattle (WA) Seattle (5/13, Farley, 298K) reports on its website that students at Wapato High School participated in NASA's Extreme Science Program by figuring out how to keep fruit fresh for astronauts on the ISS. The school is located on the Yakima Indian Reservation, and the partnership is a unique opportunity for Native American students. The article notes that for them, "space is a way up."

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Headlines

  1. Joint Leadership Team Web Poll

Space Center Houston finished with a solid "B" grade in representing JSC as its official visitor center. There are some new improvements underway right now. You are also a little soft on the Astros, and predict they'll eventually slide to second or third in the division. I'm predicting a World Series trip this year. This week I'd like you to vote on how nice your fellow employees are. It makes a big difference in whether you like to come to work. Are they really nice? Mostly OK? Ugh? There aren't a lot of New England Patriots fans around here, especially since they've been accused of cheating again. Do you think Tom Brady was directly involved in deflate-gate? Sort of involved? Knew nothing? Sound off in question two. Sergeant your Schultz on over to get this week's poll.

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

[top]

   Organizations/Social

  1. ConVERG – Memorial Day Event

In memory of the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States of America, ConVERG is hosting a Memorial Day event on Wednesday, May 20, in the Building 3 café. Please join us for cake and a moment of silence as we honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States military. ConVERG will also have a Missing Man table on display and a sign-up sheet for those who are interested in becoming a part of this amazing Employee Resource Group!

Remember—it's not just for veterans. ANYONE can join!

Event Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2015   Event Start Time:12:00 PM   Event End Time:1:00 PM
Event Location: Bldg 3 Cafe

Add to Calendar

Kathryn Taylor x32361

[top]

  1. Starport Summer Camp: Register Now

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

Ages: 6 to 12

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

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

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

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

Like us on Facebook to receive daily information about camps!

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

[top]

  1. Latin Dance Intro: June 12, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

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

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

June 12

Discounted Registration:

    • $48 per person (ends May 29)

Regular Registration:

    • $60 per person (May 30 to June 12)

Salsa Intermediate: 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

This class continues teaching Salsa beyond that taught in the introductory class. You should be comfortable and confident with the material from the introductory class before moving on to the intermediate class. This is a multi-level class where students may be broken up into groups based upon class experience.

Shericka Phillips x35563 https://apm.activecommunities.com/starport/Activity_Search/231

[top]

   Jobs and Training

  1. Human Systems Academy Lecture

Join the Human Systems Academy lecture on "Human Systems Risk Management."

We will learn about how the Health and Medical Technical Authority assesses human spaceflight risks. Presently there are 30 human-system risks (such as bone loss, vision impairment, muscle atrophy and more) that are assessed for six design reference missions (ranging from low-Earth orbit to Mars). Each risk has a summary assessment representing the state of knowledge/evidence of that risk, available risk mitigation, traceability to the health standards and program requirements and future work required.

As space is limited, please register in SATERN.

Event Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2015   Event Start Time:9:00 AM   Event End Time:11:00 AM
Event Location: B2S/Studio B (Rm 180)

Add to Calendar

Ruby Guerra x37108 https://sashare.jsc.nasa.gov/hsa/default.aspx

[top]

  1. SharePoint 2010 Basic Training Class

The Information Resources Directorate (IRD) is providing a SharePoint 2010 Basic Training class from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, in Building 12, Room 138.

This class will teach you how to navigate a team site; add and modify list items; use document libraries; exchange information via discussion boards, blogs and wikis; and how to search for information using SharePoint.

To sign up, visit the Training Schedule Web page.

For additional information, contact IRD Customer Support Center at x46367.

Event Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2015   Event Start Time:2:00 PM   Event End Time:4:00 PM
Event Location: B12 R138

Add to Calendar

IRD Customer Support Center x46367

[top]

  1. APPEL - Managing Virtual Teams

The goal of this course is for participants to learn and practice the techniques required to be an effective distance manager and team member. Participants will learn how to overcome obstacles of geography, isolation and history and to establish trust, motivate and unite people who are separated physically—and often culturally and emotionally.

This course is designed for leaders and managers who have remote teams, project and program managers, sales and other distance managers and remote team members.

This course will be open for registration until Tuesday, May 19, and is open to civil servants and contractors.

Dates: Tuesday through Wednesday, June 16 to 17

Location: Online/virtual

Note: This session will be hosted at AFRC, so class timings will follow the Pacific time zone.

Zeeaa Quadri x39723 https://satern.nasa.gov/learning/user/deeplink_redirect.jsp?linkId=SCHED...

[top]

   Community

  1. Co-ops & Interns Still Needed for HAS

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

Summer Schedule:

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

If interested, please:

1. Complete the mentor application here.

2. Create a V-CORPs account.

3. Review mentor responsibilities.

4. Apply by June 8.

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

[top]

 

 

JSC Today is compiled periodically as a service to JSC employees on an as-submitted basis. Any JSC organization or employee may submit articles.

Disclaimer: Accuracy and content of these notes are the responsibility of the submitters.

 

Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)