2016年8月31日 星期三

Annular Solar Eclipse over New Mexico


What is this person doing? In 2012 an annular eclipse of the Sun was visible over a narrow path that crossed the northern Pacific Ocean and several western US states. In an annular solar eclipse, the Moon is too far from the Earth to block out the entire Sun, leaving the Sun peeking out over the Moon's disk in a ring of fire. To capture this unusual solar event, an industrious photographer drove from Arizona to New Mexico to find just the right vista. After setting up and just as the eclipsed Sun was setting over a ridge about 0.5 kilometers away, a person unknowingly walked right into the shot. Although grateful for the unexpected human element, the photographer never learned the identity of the silhouetted interloper. It appears likely, though, that the person is holding a circular device that would enable them to get their own view of the eclipse. The shot was taken at sunset on 2012 May 20 at 7:36 pm local time from a park near Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Tomorrow another annular solar eclipse will become visible, this time along a path crossing Africa and Madagascar. via NASA http://ift.tt/2bC06Ln

Planetary Society Continues To Promote Bill Nye's Career

Keith's note: I wondering why a non-profit organization like the Planetary Society overtly promotes the for-profit Netflix activities of its paid CEO Bill Nye.



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Watch Live as NASA Astronaut, Two Crewmates Return to Earth

Three International Space Station crew members are scheduled to return to Earth on Tuesday, Sept. 6. NASA Television will provide coverage of their departure from the orbital outpost and return home, beginning at 9 a.m. EDT Tuesday, Sept. 6.

August 31, 2016
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NASA Extends Contract for Hubble Space Telescope Mission Operations

NASA has awarded a contract extension to Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corporation (LMSSC) of Greenbelt, Maryland, to continue maintaining the health and safety of the agency’s Hubble Space Telescope observatory through the next phase of its science mission.

August 31, 2016
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What's up in the solar system, September 2016 edition: OSIRIS-REx launches, Rosetta ends

The month of September begins with an annular solar eclipse visible from much of Africa on September 1. On or after September 8, we'll see OSIRIS-REx launch into a two-year cruise toward a rendezvous with asteroid Bennu. But September will close, sadly, with the end of the wonderful Rosetta mission.

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Hurricanes Madeline and Lester


The island of Hawaii rarely takes a direct hit from a hurricane. This week, two Pacific storms are lining up to change that. This natural-color image of Hurricane Madeline and Hurricane Lester is a composite built from two overpasses by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite on the Suomi NPP satellite on August 29, 2016. via NASA http://ift.tt/2c0w2dn

No, We Almost Certainly Did Not Detect an Alien Signal

ISS Daily Summary Report – 08/30/2016

Cardio Ox Ultrasound Operations: With remote guidance from the Cardio Ox ground teams, the crew conducted an ultrasound scan after they configured the VOX, attached the ECG Electrodes, and marked the arteries; followed by blood pressure measurements using the Cardiolab Holter Arterial Blood Pressure Unit. The goal of the Cardio Ox investigation is to determine whether biological markers of oxidative and inflammatory stress are elevated during and after space flight and whether this results in an increased, long-term risk of atherosclerosis risk in astronauts. Twelve crewmembers provide blood and urine samples to assess biomarkers before launch, 15 and 60 days after launch, 15 days before returning to Earth, and within days after landing. Ultrasound scans of the carotid and brachial arteries are obtained at the same time points, as well as through 5 years after landing, as an indicator of cardiovascular health. Dose Tracker: The crew completed entries for medication tracking on an iPad today. This investigation documents the medication usage of crewmembers before and during their missions by capturing data regarding medication use during spaceflight, including side effect qualities, frequencies and severities. The data is expected to either support or counter anecdotal evidence of medication ineffectiveness during flight and unusual side effects experienced during flight. It is also expected that specific, near-real-time questioning about symptom relief and side effects will provide the data required to establish whether spaceflight-associated alterations in pharmacokinetics (PK) or pharmacodynamics (PD) is occurring during missions.  Fine Motor Skills: A series of interactive tasks were completed for the Fine Motor Skills investigation. This investigation is critical during long-duration space missions, particularly those skills needed to interact with technologies required in next-generation space vehicles, spacesuits, and habitats. The crewmember’s fine motor skills are also necessary for performing tasks in transit or on a planetary surface, such as information access, just-in-time training, subsystem maintenance, and medical treatment.  Habitability Human Factors Directed Observations: The crew recorded and submitted a walk-through video documenting observations of life onboard ISS, providing insight related to human factors and habitability. The Habitability investigation collects observations about the relationship between crew members and their environment on the ISS. Observations can help spacecraft designers understand how much habitable volume is required, and whether a mission’s duration impacts how much space crew members need. Trailing Thermal Control Radiator (TTCR) Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations: The EV crew continued the EVA tool configuration in preparation for the TTCR EVA on Thursday. The IV crew accessed the Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics (DOUG) software and completed additional robotics reviews of Space Station Remote Manipulator System support plan for the EVA. External Television Camera Group (ETVCG) Troubleshooting:  The crew performed a procedure to verify that the heaters on the spare ETVCG Light are functional. They utilized the two jumpers that were built from pin kit materials and tested the ETVCG light and heaters. After the troubleshooting, the crew confirmed a functional camera light and heater circuit on the ETVCG. This light will be used to replace the degraded light at the P1 Lower Outboard location during Thursday’s TTCR EVA.  Today’s Planned Activities All activities completed unless otherwise noted. NEUROIMMUNITET. Saliva Sample Collection NEUROIMMUNITET. Closeout Ops KORRECTSIYA. NEUROIMMUNITET. Blood Collection KORRECTSIYA. NEUROIMMUNITET. Venous blood samples processing using Plasma-03 centrifuge NEUROIMMUNITET. Venous blood samples processing (smear) Russian Experiments (RUEXP) FE-2 Blood Sample Handover for MELFI Insertion (KORRECTSIYA, Neuroimmunitet) KORRECTSIYA. NEUROIMMUNITET. Handover to USOS for MELFI Insertion KORRECTSIYA. NEUROIMMUNITET. Closeout Ops KORRECTSIYA. Logging Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake Fine Motor Skills (FINEMOTR) Test Respiratory Support Pack Checkout USND2 Activation of Ultrasound Equipment CARDOX Ultrasound Equipment Setup Multi-Purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Hardware Setup and Activation OTKLIK. Hardware Monitoring CARDOX Ultrasound Scan Operations NEUROIMMUNITET. Psychological Test On-orbit hearing assessment using EARQ Soyuz 720 Stowage Ops NEUROIMMUNITET. Hair Sample Collection UDOD. Experiment Ops with DYKNANIYE-1 and SPRUT-2 Sets CARDOX Battery Installation CARDOX  Blood Pressure Operations Multi Omics. Item gathering CARDOX Post-ops hardware stowage Removal of one of two [АСН-К] Navigation Modules from Progress 432 PAO Event EVA Tool Config Water Recovery System (WRS) Drain Waste Water Tank CEVIS Isolator Checkout Multi-Purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Payload Closeout Ops KORRECTSIYA. Logging Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake Soyuz 731 Kazbek Fit Check Soyuz 720 Descent Drill and Return Equipment List & Stowage Consultation Flushing Multi-Filtration Unit (БКО) Prior to its installation in СРВ-К2М US EVA Tool Preparation EVA Tool Config HABIT Questionnaire Completion External TV Camera Group (ETVCG) Troubleshooting part 2 Crew Departure Prep On-board Training (OBT) Robotics Onboard Trainer (ROBoT) IMS Delta File Prep SPLANH. Preparation for Experiment KORRECTSIYA. NEUROIMMUNITET. Experiment setup DOUG Software Review EVA Procedure Conference DOSETRK Questionnaire Completion NEUROIMMUNITET. Saliva Sample Collection. Psychological test (evening) NEUROIMMUNITET. End of ECG Recording. Closeout Ops, Data Downlink KORRECTSIYA. Logging Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake NEUROIMMUNITET. Saliva Sample Collection NEUROIMMUNITET. Starting 24-hr ECG Recording. BP measurement Completed Task List Items None Ground Activities All activities completed unless otherwise noted. ЦВМ Restart DOUG review Lab CDRA Activation Nominal ground commanding Three-Day Look Ahead: Wednesday, 08/31: CBEF reconfig, EVA preparations Thursday, 09/01: TTCR EVA Friday, 09/02:  EVA Debrief, EMU H2O Recharge, Post EVA PHS, Soyuz Descent Training QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:                               Component Status Elektron On Vozdukh Manual [СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) On [СКВ] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) Off Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab Operate Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 Standby Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Process Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Norm Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab Off Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Full Up  

August 31, 2016 at 12:00AM
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2016年8月30日 星期二

Aurora over Icelandic Fault


Admire the beauty but fear the beast. The beauty is the aurora overhead, here taking the form of great green spiral, seen between picturesque clouds with the bright Moon to the side and stars in the background. The beast is the wave of charged particles that creates the aurora but might, one day, impair civilization. Exactly this week in 1859, following notable auroras seen all across the globe, a pulse of charged particles from a coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with a solar flare impacted Earth's magnetosphere so forcefully that they created the Carrington Event. A relatively direct path between the Sun and the Earth might have been cleared by a preceding CME. What is sure is that the Carrington Event compressed the Earth's magnetic field so violently that currents were created in telegraph wires so great that many wires sparked and gave telegraph operators shocks. Were a Carrington-class event to impact the Earth today, speculation holds that damage might occur to global power grids and electronics on a scale never yet experienced. The featured aurora was imaged last week over Thingvallavatn Lake in Iceland, a lake that partly fills a fault that divides Earth's large Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. via NASA http://ift.tt/2byz7QQ

What's Going On With HD 164595?

- Monitoring in a continuum with the RATAN-600 astronomical candidate objects SETI, SAO

- Breakthrough Listen Follow-up of a Transient Signal from the RATAN-600

"In this memo, we briefly report on our own follow-up observations, undertaken using the new Breakthrough Listen back-end instrument at the Green Bank Telescope (GBT). This preliminary analysis will be followed up in time with a more formal refereed publication of the initial scientific results from Breakthrough Listen."



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Let’s be careful about this “SETI” signal

Several readers have contacted me recently about reports that a group of international astronomers have detected a strong signal coming from a distant star that could be a sign of a high-technology civilization. Here’s my reaction: it’s interesting, but it’s definitely not the sign of an alien civilization—at least not yet.

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Using A Tricorder To Sequence DNA In Space

First DNA Sequencing Conducted in Space, NASA

"For the first time ever, DNA was successfully sequenced in microgravity as part of the Biomolecule Sequencer experiment performed by NASA astronaut Kate Rubins this weekend aboard the International Space Station. The ability to sequence the DNA of living organisms in space opens a whole new world of scientific and medical possibilities. Scientists consider it a game changer."

In Depth Look: Sequencing DNA in Space, SpaceRef

"NASA is not often known for making the best use of existing COTS (commercial off the shelf technology) aboard the ISS. Then again, sometimes they are. This is an example of when the agency really grabs cutting edge biotech and sends it into space. There's usually quite a lag time. The reasons range from slogging through the often cumbersome payload safety and integration process to people at NASA who are simply not up to date with what the ral world is doing in their field. In this instance a rather remarkable gizmo is being flown in space that truly puts genetic sequencing in the palm of your hand. Indeed, its almost as if NASA was flying part of a version 1.0 Tricorder in space. This is cutting edge technology folks."



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Will Juno’s Instruments Observe the Moons of Jupiter?

It is not easy to observe Jupiter’s moons as more than points of light with Juno, because Juno will never get very close to any of the moons, but as its orbit shifts there will be opportunities to collect data on some of the moons.

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Good Morning From the International Space Station


Expedition 48 Commander Jeff Williams of NASA shared this sunrise panorama taken from his vantage point aboard the International Space Station, writing, "Morning over the Atlantic…this one will hang on my wall." via NASA http://ift.tt/2c5sWSy

Good Morning From the International Space Station


Expedition 48 Commander Jeff Williams of NASA shared this sunrise panorama taken from his vantage point aboard the International Space Station, writing, "Morning over the Atlantic…this one will hang on my wall." via NASA http://ift.tt/2c5sWSy

SES Just Bought A Used Rocket Ride

SES-10 Launching to Orbit on SpaceX's Flight-Proven Falcon 9 Rocket

"SES and SpaceX announced today they have reached an agreement to launch SES-10 on a flight-proven Falcon 9 orbital rocket booster. The satellite, which will be in a geostationary orbit and expand SES's capabilities across Latin America, is scheduled for launch in Q4 2016. SES-10 will be the first-ever satellite to launch on a SpaceX flight-proven rocket booster."



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Astronomers Find Three Exploded Stars Nested Like Russian Dolls

ISS Daily Summary Report – 08/29/2016

Biomolecule Sequencer WIFI Reconnection and Sample Sequence Completion: Over the weekend the crew completed the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing process that began last week and transferred the screenshots to the Surface Pro 3 tablet for downlink. The Biomolecule Sequencer investigation seeks to demonstrate for the first time that DNA sequencing is feasible in an orbiting spacecraft. A space-based DNA sequencer could identify microbes, diagnose diseases and understand crew member health, and potentially help detect DNA-based life elsewhere in the solar system. Marrow Blood, Breath, and Ambient Air Sample Collection: Over the weekend the crew set up the Marrow air sample collection hardware in the crew quarters and today upon waking the crew took breath and ambient air samples to measure carbon monoxide concentration for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Marrow experiment. Marrow investigates the effect of microgravity on human bone marrow. It is believed that microgravity, like long-duration bed rest on Earth, has a negative effect on bone marrow and the blood cells that are produced in the marrow. The extent of this effect and its recovery are of interest to space research and healthcare providers on Earth.  Human Research Program (HRP) Generic Urine and Frozen Blood Collection Double Spin: The crew continued HRP operations that began over the weekend by collecting saliva and urine samples for 24-hours and processing a set of blood samples for double spin operations using the Refrigerated Centrifuge. The samples were stowed in the Minus Eighty-degree Freezer for ISS MELFI.  Mouse Epigenetics Closeout and Reconfiguration Operations: The crew performed Mouse Epigenetics closeout and reconfiguration activities to clean up and disassemble the Glove Box before removing the Mouse Habitat Cage Unit from the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF). The crew also changed the CBEF video output cable configuration from multiple channel cable to single channel cable and disconnect the CBEF Multiple Video Cable between CBEF and Image Processing Unit (IPU) as well as the CBEF and Video compression and Recording Unit 2 (VRU2) on Multi-purpose Small PayloadRack2 (MSPR2).  Thermolab Instrumentation for Circadian Rhythms: The crew began the first of a three-day European Space Agency (ESA) Circadian Rhythms experiment by performing instrumentation with the Thermolab Double sensors, mounting the Thermolab Unit in the belt, connecting and powering on the Thermolab Unit before beginning a 36 hour continuous measurement. After the measurement was completed, the data was transferred and hardware stowed. The objective of the experiment is to get a better understanding of alterations in circadian rhythms in humans during long-term space flights. Such knowledge will not only provide important insights into the adaptations of the human autonomic nervous system in space over time, but also has significant practical implications by helping to improve physical exercise, rest and work shifts as well as fostering adequate workplace illumination in the sense of occupational healthcare in future space missions. Multi-Omics Operations: Today the crew supported the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Multi-Omics investigation by collecting body samples and inserting them into a Box Module in the Minus Eighty-degree Freezer for ISS (MELFI). The investigation evaluates the impacts of space environment and prebiotics on astronauts’ immune function by combining the data obtained from the measurements of changes in the microbiological composition, metabolites profiles, and the immune system.  Habitability Human Factors Directed Observations: The crew will recorded and submited a walk-through video documenting observations of life onboard ISS, providing insight related to human factors and habitability. The Habitability investigation collects observations about the relationship between crew members and their environment on the ISS. Observations can help spacecraft designers understand how much habitable volume is required and whether a mission’s duration impacts how much space crew members need.  Trailing Thermal Control Radiator (TTCR) Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations: The Extravehicular (EV) crew conducted a review of procedures that cover the suit donning plan, pre-breathe protocol, Equipment Lock activities, egress  and detailed EVA timeline. Following the review they participated in a conference with ground teams. The Intravehicular (IV) crew accessed the Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics (DOUG) software and completed a robotics review of Space Station Remote Manipulator System support plan for US EVA #37 this Thursday. External Television Camera Group (ETVCG) Troubleshooting Test Lead Build:  The crew performed part 1 of a procedure to verify the heaters on the spare ETVCG Light are functional. They built two jumpers from pin kit materials for use in tomorrow’s task.  Remote Power Control Module (RPCM) Remove & Replace (R&R):  Over the weekend, Robotics Ground Controllers unstowed the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) from Mobile Base System (MBS) Power Data Grapple Fixture (PDGF)2.  At the end of re-rigidizing the SPDM Latching End Effector (LEE) for SPDM unstow, the SPDM safed, which has been observed previously. Controllers performed the necessary recovery steps and released the SPDM LEE from MBS PDGF2. Once the SPDM had been unstowed, controllers maneuvered the SSRMS and SPDM to position SPDM Arm2 to use Robot Micro Conical Tool #2 (RMCT2) to demate and remove RPCM P12B_A from its slot which was previously attempted on June 14, 2016 without success.  Today, after numerous pull and wiggle attempts, the RPCM came out of its slot.  Both the RPCM and its slot were inspected and nothing was seen that would preclude pressing with stowing the RPCM in a spare slot and installing another RPCM in Slot P12B_A.  This RPCM was then stowed in Spare Slot P13A_H.  Controllers commanded the SPDM Arm 2 On-Orbit Replaceable Unit (ORU) Tool Change-out Mechanism (OTCM) handling the RMCT2 to release the Failed RPCM (removed from P12B_A slot) in the P13A_H  slot.  They then maneuvered the SSRMS and SPDM to position SPDM Arm2 to align RMCT2 with the spare RPCM located in P11A_D to demate and remove it from its slot.  This RPCM was then moved to the P12B_A slot. It was successfully inserted and bolted to P12B_A worksite after being pushed with the maximum force allowed of 200 N.  SPDM Arm 2 released the spare RPCM in P12B_A and ground teams confirmed it was functioning nominally.   46 Soyuz Survey:  Following the RPCM R&R, […]

August 30, 2016 at 12:00AM
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2016年8月29日 星期一

Young Suns of NGC 7129


Young suns still lie within dusty NGC 7129, some 3,000 light-years away toward the royal constellation Cepheus. While these stars are at a relatively tender age, only a few million years old, it is likely that our own Sun formed in a similar stellar nursery some five billion years ago. Most noticeable in the sharp image are the lovely bluish dust clouds that reflect the youthful starlight. But the compact, deep red crescent shapes are also markers of energetic, young stellar objects. Known as Herbig-Haro objects, their shape and color is characteristic of glowing hydrogen gas shocked by jets streaming away from newborn stars. Paler, extended filaments of reddish emission mingling with the bluish clouds are caused by dust grains effectively converting the invisible ultraviolet starlight to visible red light through photoluminesence. Ultimately the natal gas and dust in the region will be dispersed, the stars drifting apart as the loose cluster orbits the center of the Galaxy. The processing of this remarkable composite image has revealed the faint red strands of emission at the upper right. They are recently recognized as a likely supernova remnant and are currently being analyzed by Bo Reipurth (Univ. Hawaii) who obtained the image data at the Subaru telescope. At the estimated distance of NGC 7129, this telescopic view spans over 40 light-years. via NASA http://ift.tt/2buaoQC

NASA Holds Final Sample Return Robot Competition

After five years of competition by more than 40 different teams from around the globe, NASA’s Sample Return Robot Challenge has reached its final stage. The top seven teams will compete for the $1.36 million prize purse on the campus of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, Massachusetts, Sept. 4-6.

August 29, 2016
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An Age-defying Star


An age-defying star designated as IRAS 19312+1950 (arrow) exhibits features characteristic of a very young star and a very old star. The object stands out as extremely bright inside a large, chemically rich cloud of material, as shown in this image from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope. via NASA http://ift.tt/2bMlE8G

Kentucky Students Talk Live with NASA Astronauts on Space Station

Students in Hyden, Kentucky, will have the opportunity to speak with two NASA astronauts currently living and working aboard the International Space Station at 1:10 p.m. EDT Wednesday, Aug. 31. The 20-minute, Earth-to-space call will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.

August 29, 2016
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NASA to Hold Asteroid Mission Briefings, Launch

NASA is gearing up to launch the United States’ first mission to sample an asteroid, with activities at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida beginning Tuesday, Sept. 6, and culminating with the spacecraft launch Thursday, Sept. 8. Various activities are open to media and will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.

August 29, 2016
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Selecting the Next New Frontiers Mission

NASA’s managers have begun the process for a competition to select a new planetary mission to launch in the mid-2020s that will address one of the most important questions in planetary science.

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Grasping Climate Change

2016年8月28日 星期日

Cutting Corners At Spaceport America

Transparency lacking in spaceport search, editorial, Las Cruces Sun News

"There may be no more important hire in southern New Mexico this year than the next person who is selected to lead Spaceport America. Sadly, we have lost all faith that the process will be comprehensive or transparent. It was decided early on that, instead of hiring a search firm to lead the effort, the Spaceport Authority would rely on social media to get the word out. A subcommittee of four members of the Spaceport Authority board of directors was selected to review applications with former CEO Christine Anderson and send the best ones to Santa Fe for Gov. Susana Martinez. But before that subcommittee could hold its first meeting, the decision was made to call off the search and ship the applications to the governor's office. The Sun-News filed an open records request on Aug. 16 seeking copies of the applications being turned over to the governor's office. The response from the Spaceport Authority was that they would be unable to comply with the requirement that documents be produced within three business days, and would need until the end of the month instead. That's troubling, given that Spaceport Authority board Chairman Rick Holdridge has said that it is his intention to have a new CEO named well before then if possible."



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2016年8月27日 星期六

Lunar Orbiter Earthset


August 10th was the 50th anniversary of the launch of Lunar Orbiter 1. It was the first of five Lunar Orbiters intended to photograph the Moon's surface to aid in the selection of future landing sites. That spacecraft's camera captured the data used in this restored, high-resolution version of its historic first image of Earth from the Moon on August 23, 1966 while on its 16th lunar orbit. Hanging almost stationary in the sky when viewed from the lunar surface, Earth appears to be setting beyond the rugged lunar horizon from the perspective of the orbiting spacecraft. Two years later, the Apollo 8 crew would record a more famous scene in color: Earthrise from lunar orbit. via NASA http://ift.tt/2chQLuW

Juno's first Jupiter close approach successful; best JunoCam images yet to come

NASA announced this afternoon that Juno passed through its first perijove since entering orbit successfully, with science instruments operating all the way. This is a huge relief, given all the unknowns about the effects of Jupiter's nasty radiation environment on its brand-new orbiter.

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Speeding Towards Jupiter's Pole


Jupiter's north polar region is coming into view as NASA's Juno spacecraft approaches the giant planet. This view of Jupiter was taken on August 27, when Juno was 437,000 miles (703,000 kilometers) away. The Juno mission successfully executed its first of 36 orbital flybys of Jupiter. via NASA http://ift.tt/2bIW01K

Goaturday

2016年8月26日 星期五

The Milky Way Sets


Under dark skies the setting of the Milky Way can be a dramatic sight. Stretching nearly parallel to the horizon, this rich, edge-on vista of our galaxy above the dusty Namibian desert stretches from bright, southern Centaurus (left) to Cepheus in the north (right). From early August, the digitally stitched, panoramic night skyscape captures the Milky Way's congeries of stars and rivers of cosmic dust, along with colors of nebulae not readily seen with the eye. Mars, Saturn, and Antares, visible even in more luminous night skies, form the the bright celestial triangle just touching the trees below the galaxy's central bulge. Of course, our own galaxy is not the only galaxy in the scene. Two other major members of our local group, the Andromeda Galaxy and the Triangulum Galaxy, lie near the right edge of the frame, beyond the arc of the setting Milky Way. via NASA http://ift.tt/2bumCEz

Trump Campaign CEO Bannon Once Ran Biosphere II Project

Trump's Campaign CEO Ran a Secretive Sci-Fi Project in the Arizona Desert, Mother Jones

"Long before Stephen Bannon was CEO of Donald Trump's presidential campaign, he held a much different job - as the acting director of Biosphere 2, a $200 million scientific research facility in the mountains outside Tucson, Arizona. ... Bannon left Biosphere 2 after two years, and the project was taken over by Columbia University. (It is currently part of the University of Arizona.) But his departure was marred, as the Tucson Citizen reported at the time, by a civil lawsuit filed against Space Biosphere Ventures by the former crew members who had broken in."

Before Breitbart, before Trump, Bannon bullied people in Biosphere 2, Boing Boing

"Archival reports from 1993 found in the Star-Telegram archives show that Bannon was hired to take over the project at a point where it losing $12-15 million a year. Bannon was a former Goldman Sachs investment banker who ran a firm based in Los Angeles and New York that specialized in media and entertainment investments. .. Bannon's actions soon ended up as part of a civil suit filed by some of the original Biospherians against the new guard. In court, he admitted speaking angry words that echo some more recent accusations against him."

Biosphere 2, wikipedia

"Biosphere 2 was only used twice for its original intended purposes as a closed-system experiment: once from 1991 to 1993, and the second time from March to September 1994. Both attempts, though heavily publicized, ran into problems including low amounts of food and oxygen, die-offs of many animal and plant species, squabbling among the resident scientists and management issues."



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Katherine Johnson at NASA Langley Research Center


NASA research mathematician Katherine Johnson is photographed at her desk at Langley Research Center. Born on Aug. 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, WV, Johnson worked at Langley from 1953 until her retirement in 1986, making critical technical contributions which included calculating the trajectory of Alan Shepard's historic 1961 flight. via NASA http://ift.tt/2bThBp5

Another Dragon Returns From Space

SpaceX Dragon Splashes Down with Crucial NASA Research Samples, NASA

"SpaceX's Dragon cargo spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 11:47 a.m. EDT Friday, Aug. 26, southwest of Baja California with more than 3,000 pounds of NASA cargo, science and technology demonstration samples from the International Space Station. The Dragon spacecraft will be taken by ship to a port near Los Angeles, where some cargo will be removed and returned to NASA immediately. Dragon then will be prepared for a return trip to SpaceX's test facility in McGregor, Texas, for processing."



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SpaceX Dragon Splashes Down with Crucial NASA Research Samples

SpaceX's Dragon cargo spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 11:47 a.m. EDT Friday, Aug. 26, southwest of Baja California with more than 3,000 pounds of NASA cargo, science and technology demonstration samples from the International Space Station.

August 26, 2016
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NASA Future In-Space Operations: What does the future hold for the Deep Space Network

NASA FISO Presentation: The Deep Space Network - The Next 50 Years

"Dr. Leslie J. Deutsch is the Deputy Director of the Interplanetary Network Directorate at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This Directorate provides information services to spacecraft exploring the solar system and beyond. The Directorate's facilities include NASA's Deep Space Network, the giant antennas used to communicate with these spacecraft."

Note: The audio file and presentation are available online and to download.



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Venus and Jupiter Kiss This Weekend

ISS Daily Summary Report – 08/25/2016

SpaceX (SpX)-9 Unberth: The crew packed critical items and egressed the vehicle in preparation for Dragon departure.  Dragon was unberthed from the ISS via ground commanding at 4 PM CDT today. The vehicle will be maneuvered via ground commanding to an overnight park position in preparation for release tomorrow at 5:11 AM CDT with splashdown approximately 5 hours later. Polar 1 ISS to Dragon Transfer: Polar 1 was powered down, de-cabled, and removed from the EXPRESS Rack and transferred to the starboard powered payload location of SpX-9. A second crew member concurrently installed and powered the Polar and Transportation Cage Unit of the Mouse Epigenetics investigation into the Dragon. Double Coldbag Pack: The crew transferred cold samples and required Ice Bricks from MELFI-2, MELFI-3, Glacier 2, MERLIN 5, and SABL S/N 2 into Double Coldbags in preparation for Dragon descent. Biological Rhythms 48 Multi Media Card Exchange: The crew stopped the 24-hour recording that began yesterday, changed out the Multi Media Card and battery of the Digital Walk Holter ECG, and began the second 24-hour recording. The objective of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Biological Rhythms 48 is to study the effects of long-term microgravity exposure on heart function by analyzing an astronaut’s electrocardiogram for 48 hours.  Mouse Epigenetics Transfer and Closeout Operations: The crew prepared all twelve of theTransportation Cage Units (TCU) before removing the Mouse Habitat Cage Units from the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) and transferring the mice into the TCUs in the Glove Box for return. The crew also transferred the food cartridges and disconnected the supporting Glove Box hardware. LS-1 Server Issues: Last night the LS-1 server had to be rebooted multiple times and continued to experience issues this morning. There are no major impacts at this time. The server will be rebooted as necessary. The server will be reconfigured to set up for the possibility of rebuilding a new server overnight to protect tomorrow’s SpX-9 departure. Robotics Operations: Last night Robotics Ground Controllers actuated the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) to unstow Robot Micro Conical Tool #2 (RMCT2) from the SPDM Tool Holster Assembly (THA) in preparation for the Remote Power Control Module (RPCM) P12B_A change out operations this Friday and Saturday. Today’s Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. SPLANH. Preparation and Initiate EGEG Recording r/g 3191 MORZE. Evaluation using SPRUT-2 Morning Inspection, Laptop RS1(2) Reboot SM ПСС (Caution & Warning Panel) Test Morning Inspection, Laptop RSS1,2 Reboot BLR48 starting measurement Double Cold Bag (DCB) Packing Equipment Mouse Epigenetics. Transportation Cage Unit Preparation Part 3 Double Cold Bag (DCB) Packing SSIPC Management / ISS Crew Tagup MORZE. Logging Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake / r/g 3187 Work Prep Equipment search and procedure review prior to ЦВМ1 (R-107) firmware upgrade r/g 3200 Environmental Health System (EHS), Relocation of Intravehicular Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter IDENTIFICATION. Copy ИМУ-Ц micro-accelerometer data to laptop / r/g 1589 MORZE. Psycho-physiological Evaluation: Tsentrovka, SENSOR Tests Soyuz 731 Samsung Tablet Recharge, initiate XF305 Camcorder Settings Adjustment MOUSE Post-experiment Animal Transfer On MCC GO Sampling condensate water (KAV) before СРВ-К2М Gas-liquid mixture filter (ФГС) to drink bags, end / r/g 3195 Collecting condensate water samples [КАВ] up to СРВ-К2М БКО, equipment setup, sampler installation / r/g 3195 DRAGON. Transfers Connecting SM Kurs-P Antenna Feeder (АФУ) from DC1 АФУ to MRM2 АФУ assembly and photography of connection site /  r/g 8049 Crew Departure Prep SPLANH. Termination EGEG Recording and Closeout Ops r/g 3192 SPLANH. Photography of the Experiment Ops / r/g 3188 Collecting condensate water samples [КАВ] up to СРВ-К2М БКО, sampler replacement / r/g 3195 DAN. Experiment Operator Assistance / r/g 2780 DAN. Experiment Tagup with specialists / r/g 2780 DAN. Photography During the Experiment / r/g 3185 MOUSE Transportation Cage Unit handover to the crew for transfer in Dragon 9 DRAGON. Transfers POLAR1 Transfer to Dragon MOUSE Item Consolidation GLOVE BOX. Glove Box Closeout Ops Environmental Health System (EHS), Microbial Capture Device (MCD) and Coliform Detection Bag Ops Dragon Center Stack Transfers Н1 Pump R&R in КОБ2 Thermal Loop 4СПН2 Pump Panel r/g 3201 MORZE. Psycho-physiological Evaluation: Strelau Test MORZE. Logging Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake / r/g 3187 Soyuz 731 Samsung Tablet Recharge, terminate БРП-М water sampling to drink bags / r/g 3195 USOS Window Shutter Close Dragon Cargo Operations Conference Dragon Egress in Preparation for Departure MORZE. Psycho-physiological Evaluation: Cattell’s Test СВО-ЗВ water sampling to Russian drink bags / r/g 3195 Sampling condensate water [КАВ] upstream of СРВК-2М БКО, removing sampler, equipment disassembly / r/g 3195 Installation of Node 2 Nadir Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) Controller Panel Assembly (CPA) OTKLIK. Hardware Monitoring / r/g 1588 MORZE. Closeout Ops MORZE. Psycho-physiological Evaluation: SUPOS Test Pre-pack cargo items for return or disposal on Soyuz 720 / r/g 3099, 3098 MORZE. Experiment setup / r/g 3190 Dragon Vestibule Configuration for Demate IMS Delta File Prep Pre-pack PK-4 Hard Drives for return stowage on Soyuz 720 r/g 3099 Pre-pack cargo items for return or disposal on Soyuz 720 / r/g 3099, 3098 Dragon/Node 2 Vestibule Depress MORZE. Logging Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake / r/g 3187 Completed Task List Items None Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Dragon unberth Nominal ground commanding Three-Day Look Ahead: Friday, 08/26: Dragon release, Biomolecule Sequencer ops, Biological Rhythms 48, Fine Motor Skills, HMS Fundoscope exam, crew departure prep Saturday, 08/27: Crew off duty Sunday, 08/28: Crew off duty QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:                               Component Status Elektron On Vozdukh Manual [СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) On [СКВ] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) Off Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab Standby Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Process Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Standby Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab Off Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Full Up  

August 26, 2016 at 12:00AM
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2016年8月25日 星期四

A Tough Act To Follow

Van Hollen Vows To Continue Mikulski's Passion for Space, SpacePolicyOnline

"Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) vowed to continue the strong support for NASA and NOAA evidenced by Sen. Barbara Mikulski if he is elected as her successor in November. Mikulski is retiring and Van Hollen is widely considered to be the front runner to replace her. Overall, Van Hollen's message today at a luncheon sponsored by the Maryland Space Business Roundtable (MSBR) was one of reassurance. Mikulski's advocacy for NASA and NOAA, especially, but not only, earth science missions, is legendary. Many in the space community are apprehensive about what her departure will mean for NASA and NOAA space programs and budgets. Van Hollen is a relative unknown in space circles and today he clearly wanted to convey his enthusiasm and dedication to continue the fight."



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NASA Awards Launch Services Contract for Mars 2020 Rover Mission

NASA has selected United Launch Services LLC of Centennial, Colorado, to provide launch services for a mission that will address high-priority science goals for the agency’s Journey to Mars.

August 25, 2016
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Woody Bethay

Joseph Arwood Bethay

"He entered the US Army Ordnance Corp in 1957 and was assigned to the Army Guided Missile Agency at Redstone Arsenal where he managed development of ground support equipment for the Corporal Missile System and warhead development for the Sergeant Missile System. Woody joined Marshal Space Flight Center in 1960. In his 35 years at MSFC he worked on research and development programs including the Saturn, Skylab, High Energy Astronomy Observatories, Space Shuttle, Spacelab, Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra. He retired from NASA in 1995 as the Associate Director of MSFC."



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Space Station View of Grand Canyon National Park


To celebrate the centennial of the U.S National Park Service, Expedition 48 Commander Jeff Williams of NASA has taken hundreds of images of national parks from his vantage point in low Earth orbit, aboard the International Space Station. Here, a series of Williams' photographs are assembled into this composite image of the Grand Canyon. via NASA http://ift.tt/2bA2l1U

Follow-Up: Just How Hot Was July 2016?

ISS Daily Summary Report – 08/24/2016

ISS Reboost: This morning, an ISS reboost was performed using 63P R&D thrusters. This reboost was to set up for 46S landing. Biological Rhythms 48 Holter Start: The crew began the operations phase of the Biological Rhythms experiment by attaching the Digital Walk Holter Electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrodes and initiating the first of two 24-hour measurements. The objective of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Biological Rhythms 48 is to study the effects of long-term microgravity exposure on heart function by analyzing an astronaut’s electrocardiogram for 48 hours. Mouse Epigenetics Transfer and Reconfiguration Operations: Crewmembers detached the Mouse Habitat Cage Unit from the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) Incubator Unit (IU) Micro-G and 1G and transferred mice from Mouse Habitat Cage Unit to Transportation Cage Unit. The crew also reconfigured the CBEF video cables for the Image Processing Unit (IPU) and the Video Compression and Recording Unit 2 (VRU2). NanoRack Module 9: The crew completed the last of the 5 NanoRack Module 9 experiment sessions by activating, deactivating, and shaking the mixture tubes to facilitate the experiment. Module-9 is a collection of student research projects utilizing the NanoRacks Mixsticks. Student teams from across the United States design their own experiments using flight approved fluids and materials. The investigation consists of several science experiments flown in a NanoRacks Module on board the ISS. Plant Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) Regulation Preparation: To prepare for the Plant RNA Regulation investigation run that begins next month, the experiment containers on the European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS) Rotors A and B were replaced with new experiment containers. Plant RNA Regulation studies the first steps of gene expression involved in development of roots and shoots. Scientists expect to find new molecules that play a role in how plants adapt and respond to the microgravity environment of space, providing new insight into growing plants for food and oxygen supplies on long-duration missions.  Microgravity Experiment Research Locker Incubator (MERLIN)1: Last week MERLIN 1 was automatically safed after a false Payload Potential Fire warning annunciated due to out of limit temperature sensors. Today MERLIN 1 was repowered for troubleshooting. The temperature sensors are now in the expected range and will be monitored for 24 hours. Assuming no anomalous signatures during the monitoring period, the unit will be configured to an operational state tomorrow.  Dragon Packing: Polars 2 & 4 ISS to Dragon Transfer: The crew uninstalled and transferred Polars 2 and 4 from the EXPRESS Rack and install into Dragon. Payload Card Multilab Card Cube Removal: The crew removed the Multilab card(s) from the Payload Card Multilab facility for return. Lithium HydrOxide (LiOH) R&R:  The crew replaced LiOH bags on Dragon in preparation for life support operations after ISS departure. Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations: In preparation for the Trailing Thermal Control Radiator (TTCR) EVA planned for September 1, the CDR and FE-6 completed a procedures review. Following the review, the crew participated in a conference with ground teams.  Today’s Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. MORZE. Evaluation Using SPRUT-2 MORZE. Logging Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake / r/g 3186 ISS Crew/SSIPC (Space Station Integration And Promotion Center) Conference EMCS Valve Open NANO Mixture tubes activation and shaking CBEF Cable Reconfiguration СОЖ Maintenance MORZE. Psycho-physiological Evaluation: Tsentrovka, SENSOR Tests On MCC Go Collecting condensate water samples from СРВ-К2М before Gas-Liquid Mixture Filter (ФГС) into Russian Samplers, start / r/g 3195 BLR48 Starting Measurement MOUSE Equipment Transfer Review KULONOVSKIY KRISTALL r/g 3181 Relocate Double Coldbags for access to Dragon Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH) Enclosure Evaluation of Orthostatic Stability with LBNP (without display and control panel) DRAGON. Transfers Dragon Lithium Hydroxide Filter Bag Remove and Replace KULONOVSKIY KRISTALL. Copy and Downlink Data / r/g 3181 Countermeasures System (CMS), Sprint Exercise, Optional MOUSE Epigenetics Item Gathering for the upcoming mouse ops KULONOVSKIY KRISTALL. Hardware Teardown / r/g 3181 Evaluation of Orthostatic Stability with LBNP (without display and control panel) DRAGON. Transfers WRS Water Sample Analysis Soyuz 720 Samsung Tablet Recharge, initiate VCA1 Camera Adjustment Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS) Tank Drain Plant RNA Regulation (PRR) Replacement of Experiment Container (EC) European Modular Cultivation System Experiment Container (ЕМCS) DOSETRK Questionnaire Completion ALGOMETRIA. Experiment Ops / r/g 3182 Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain Part 2 Dragon Cargo Operations Conference Terminate BSA Battery Stowage Assembly Maintenance Cycle EMU Rechargeable EVA Battery Assembly (REBA) Removal MORZE. Logging Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake / r/g 3186 Installation of REBA batteries PAO hardware setup in LAB Diagnostics of FGB Power Supply System БФ-2 Filter Unit and БСШ-2 Main Bus Assembly r/g 3168 REBA powered equipment test MORZE. Psycho-physiological Evaluation: Strelau Test Crew Prep for PAO / r/g 3193 CBEF Cable Reconfig TV Conference with Teatral Magazine Editor  r/g 3193 EVA Procedure Review CALCIUM. Experiment Session 11 / r/g 3183 Terminate EMU LIB Battery Charge Operations MORZE. Psycho-physiological Evaluation: Cattell’s Test EMU Metal Oxide (METOX) Canister Installation EVA Procedure Conference Polar 2 Transfer to Dragon MORZE. Closeout Ops WRS Recycle Tank Fill from EDV Crew Departure Prep Polar 4 Transfer to Dragon SPLANH. Preparation for Experiment / r/g 3191 EMCS Valve Closure TOCA Data Recording OBT Dragon Departure Review CONTENT. Experiment Ops / r/g 3184 WRS Recycle Tank Fill from EDV CMS ARED Quarterly Maintenance MORZE. Psycho-physiological Evaluation: SUPOS Test IMS Delta File Prep OBT, ROBoT onboard simulator, Release POLAR Transfer Review Evening Work Prep CONTENT. Experiment Ops / r/g 3189 WRS Recycle Tank Fill from EDV PAYLOAD CARD MULTILAB CARD (PCML) Card Removal MORZE. Experiment setup / r/g 3172 Soyuz 720 Samsung tablet recharge, terminate Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Fill Part 3 POLAR Transfer Review Health Maintenance System (HMS) Profile of Mood States (POMS) Questionnaire CUCU Check WRS Recycle Tank Fill from EDV MORZE. Logging Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake / r/g 3186  Completed Task List Items None  Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Dragon departure OBT Nominal ground commanding Three-Day Look Ahead: Thursday, 08/25: Biological Rhythms 48, Double Cold Bag packing, Mouse Habitat Unit […]

August 25, 2016 at 12:00AM
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2016年8月24日 星期三

Curiosity at Murray Buttes on Mars


What are these unusual lumps on Mars? As NASA's robotic Curiosity rover continues rolling across Mars, it is now approaching Murray Buttes. Several of the 15-meter high buttes are visible ahead in this horizontally compressed 360-degree across image taken inside Gale Crater earlier this month. The buttes are thought similar to Earth buttes in that they are capped with dense rock that is relatively resistant to erosion. In the image center is Curiosity's "arm" and "hand" used to examine rocks up close, drill into rocks, and collect samples. Curiosity has reached its four year anniversary on Mars and has been cleared to spend the next two years further exploring the slopes of Mount Sharp, the peak of which is the distant light-colored structure visible on the far left. via NASA http://ift.tt/2bglGC5

NIAC Has An ITAR Problem

NASA advanced technology reports taken offline after export control issue, Space News

"NASA has taken offline technical reports associated with a cutting-edge technology program out of concerns of a possible export control breach, an agency official said Aug. 24. Speaking at annual symposium of the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program in Raleigh, North Carolina, Jason Derleth, the NIAC program executive at NASA Headquarters, said the final reports associated with various NIAC research projects have been removed from the agency's website after one of them appeared to contain information that ran afoul of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) export control rules."



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NASA Astronaut Shane Kimbrough Available for Interviews Before Space Station Mission

NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough, who is making final preparations for a September launch to the International Space Station, is available for live satellite interviews from 7 to 8 a.m. EDT Tuesday, Sept. 6. The interviews will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.

August 24, 2016
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NASA Awards Information Technology Services Contract

NASA has awarded an information technology services contract to All Points Logistics, LLC of Merritt Island, Florida, to perform a wide range of support services at the agency’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and its Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.

August 24, 2016
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Earth-Mass Planet Orbits Proxima Centauri

Earth-mass Planet Found In The Habitable Zone Of Proxima Centauri, ESO

"Astronomers using ESO telescopes and other facilities have found clear evidence of a planet orbiting the closest star to Earth, Proxima Centauri. The long-sought world, designated Proxima b, orbits its cool red parent star every 11 days and has a temperature suitable for liquid water to exist on its surface. This rocky world is a little more massive than the Earth and is the closest exoplanet to us -- and it may also be the closest possible abode for life outside the solar system. A paper describing this milestone finding will be published in the journal Nature on 25 August 2016."



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Astronomers Discover a New Planet Orbiting the Closest Star to the Sun!

Proxima Centauri b: Have we just found Earth’s cousin right on our doorstep?

What began as a tantalizing rumor has just become an astonishing fact. Today a group of thirty-one scientists announced the discovery of a terrestrial exoplanet orbiting Proxima Centauri. The discovery of this planet, Proxima Centauri b, is a huge breakthrough not just for astronomers but for all of us. Here’s why.

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NASA Flies to Africa to Study Climate Effects of Smoke on Clouds

NASA scientists and two research aircraft are on their way to a unique natural laboratory off the Atlantic coast of southwest Africa to study a major unknown in future climate prediction.

August 24, 2016
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Don Curry

Don Curry, Clayton Funeral Homes

"He loved his work at NASA and was involved with every program, from Mercury through the Space Shuttle, before retiring after 45 years. He became one of the world's leading experts on thermal protection systems, receiving much recognition for his work. Don was respected and beloved by his colleagues who referred to him as "The Legend."

Donald M. Curry, NASA Johnson Space Center Oral History Project Edited Oral History Transcript

"I think most people that worked on the Apollo program out here worked for no extra pay because we were too interested in it. It was too much of a challenge because there wasn't anything known. When [President John F.] Kennedy said, "We're going to the Moon," well, we didn't even have the material. We didn't have the guidance schemes. We'd never done some of these things. We'd only flown one Mercury flight, in fact."



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New NASA Record Holder For Cumulative Days in Space


On Aug. 24, 2016, Station Commander Jeff Williams passed astronaut Scott Kelly, also a former station commander, for most cumulative days living and working in space by a NASA astronaut (520 days and counting). Williams is scheduled to land Sept. 6, 2016, for a record total of 534 days in space. via NASA http://ift.tt/2bnkEWE

NASA Opens Media Accreditation for NOAA’s GOES-R November Launch

Media accreditation now is open for the launch of NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R (GOES-R) weather and environmental satellite, currently planned for Nov. 4.

August 24, 2016
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ISS Daily Summary Report – 08/23/2016

SpaceX-9 Dragon Pack: In preparation for SpX-9 return this Friday the crew completed the following: Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI) to Polar Sample Transfer: Samples were transferred from the MELFI to the Polars. Space Automated Bioproduct Lab (SABL) CO2 Controller Removal: SABL-1’s CO2 Incubator Controller was removed for return on SpaceX-9. SPHERES Blue Satellite: The CO2 tank in the SPHERES blue satellite was removed, vented, and packed. Meteor Hard Drive Retrieval: The Meteor Laptop hard drive was retrieved. Mouse Epigenetics Habitat Cage Unit Maintenance:  The Mouse Cage Units containing the mice were transferred from the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) to the glove box to conduct food cartridge exchanges and cleaning activities. The crew also performed troubleshooting activities on the Transportation Cage Units (TCU) by performing individual cover replacements, cage block replacements, and TCU exchanges to prepare for return on SpX-9. The Mouse Cage Units were then returned to CBEF.  The Mouse Epigenetics investigation studies altered gene expression patterns in the organs of male mice that spend one month in space, and also examines changes in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of their offspring. Results from the investigation identify genetic alterations that happen after exposure to the microgravity environment of space.  Biomolecule Sequencer Surface Pro 3 Hardware Checkout: The crew set up and connected Surface Pro 3 tablets to the wireless network before completing checkout activities to support upcoming Biomolecule Sequencer operations later this week. The Biomolecule Sequencer investigation seeks to demonstrate for the first time that DNA sequencing is feasible in an orbiting spacecraft. A space-based DNA sequencer could identify microbes, diagnose diseases and understand crew member health and potentially help detect DNA-based life elsewhere in the solar system. Fine Motor Skills: A series of interactive tasks on a touchscreen tablet was completed for the Fine Motor Skills investigation. This investigation is critical during long-duration space missions, particularly those skills needed to interact with technologies required in next-generation space vehicles, spacesuits, and habitats. The crewmember’s fine motor skills are also necessary for performing tasks in transit or on a planetary surface, such as information access, just-in-time training, subsystem maintenance, and medical treatment.  Habitability Human Factors Directed Observations: The crew recorded and submitted a walk-through video documenting observations of life onboard ISS, providing insight related to human factors and habitability. The Habitability investigation collects observations about the relationship between crew members and their environment on the ISS. Observations can help spacecraft designers understand how much habitable volume is required, and whether a mission’s duration impacts how much space crew members need.  Dose Tracker: The crew completed entries for medication tracking on an iPad today. This investigation documents the medication usage of crewmembers before and during their missions by capturing data regarding medication use during spaceflight, including side effect qualities, frequencies and severities. The data is expected to either support or counter anecdotal evidence of medication ineffectiveness during flight and unusual side effects experienced during flight. It is also expected that specific, near-real-time questioning about symptom relief and side effects will provide the data required to establish whether spaceflight-associated alterations in pharmacokinetics (PK) or pharmacodynamics (PD) is occurring during missions. Columbus Payload Power Switching Box (PPSB) – SDX Switch 1 Reconfiguration: The crew reconfigured the SDX 1 switch on the PPSB1 for RapidScat in Columbus in preparation for tomorrow’s 63P reboost. Columbus Power Distribution Unit 1 (PDU-1) Troubleshooting: On Monday, ground teams were unable to repower the COL’s PDU-1  Outlet 3 which provides operational power to RapidScat and Solar Monitoring Observatory (SOLAR) payloads.  Today, ground teams successfully repowered SOLAR from Outlet 3 by turning OFF the Columbus Payload Power Switching Box (PPSB) – SDX switch 1 to isolate RapidScat from the power feed.  RapidScat has active heater power and can remain deactivated with no impact to hardware.  Ground teams continue to investigate the anomaly. Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations: Last night Robotics Ground Controllers stowed the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) on Mobile Base System (MBS) Power Data Grapple Fixture #2 (PDGF2). At the end of rigidizing its Latching End Effector (LEE) on MBS PDGF2, the SPDM safed, which has been observed previously. Controllers performed the necessary recovery steps and latched and mated the SPDM LEE to the PDGF. The SSRMS was then maneuvered to grapple the SpX-9 Flight Releasable Grapple Fixture (FRGF) in preparation of the SpX-9 release on Friday. Today’s Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. MO-8 Body mass measurement Configuration Setup Body Mass Measurement  r/g 3165 МО-8. Closeout Ops MORZE. Logging Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake / r/g 3167 Virus Definition File Update on Auxiliary Computer System (ВКС) Laptops Conference of Search and Rescue (ГПСК) specialists with returning crew DRAGON. Transfers WRS Sample Collection Fine Motor Skills (FINEMOTR) Experiment Ops Measuring top and bottom plate connection in SM (panels 225, 226) r/g 3171 PILOT-T. Preparation for the experiment r/g 3159 DRAGON. Transfers PILOT-T. Experiment Ops r/g 3159 Photo/TV, Camcorder Activation Check Filling (separation) of ЕДВ-СВ. for Elektron or ЕДВ-СВ TOCA Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) Sample Analysis DUBRAVA. Observation and photography using VSS / r/g 3176 WRS Recycle Tank Fill from EDV Water Processing using MCD СОЖ Maintenance Procedure review for sample transfer from MELFI to POLAR ARED Cylinder Flywheel Evacuation Sample Transfer from MELFI to POLAR Photo/TV, Camcorder Activation Check PILOT-T. Experiment Ops r/g 3163 Relocate Double Coldbags for access to Dragon Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH) Enclosure HABIT Preparing for the experiment Dragon Lithium Hydroxide Filter Bag Remove and Replace SP3 Hardware Checkout PILOT-T. Photography of the Experiment Ops / r/g 3161 Photo/TV, Camcorder Activation Check Software Update installation on RSS1 Laptop for BRI Diagnostics r/g 3169 PILOT-T. Closeout Ops r/g 3163 SPHERES Battery Replacement MOUSE Hardware Setup PAO Hardware Setup MORZE. Logging Liquid and Food (Medicine) Intake / r/g 3167 On MCC Go Transfer of urine from RS ЕДВ-У U and USOS brine to Progress 433 (DC1) r/g 3164 MORZE. Psycho-physiological Evaluation: SUPOS Test Preparation for diagnostics of FGB Power Supply System Devices r/g 3168 Crew Prep for PAO XF305 Camcorder […]

August 24, 2016 at 12:00AM
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2016年8月23日 星期二

How big is that butte?

Whenever I share images from Curiosity, among the most common questions I’m asked is “what is the scale of this image?” With help from imaging enthusiast Seán Doran, I can answer that question for some of the Murray buttes.

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Media Invited to Interview Future Space Station Crew, Attend Televised NASA Briefing

NASA is inviting media to attend a news conference and conduct one-on-one interviews Tuesday, Aug. 30, at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, with three crewmembers currently preparing for a November launch to the International Space Station. The 2 p.m. EDT news conference will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.

August 23, 2016
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Spacewalkers Successfully Install New Docking Adapter for Commercial Crew Flights


Expedition 48 Commander Jeff Williams (shown here) and Flight Engineer Kate Rubins of NASA successfully installed the first of two international docking adapters Friday Aug. 19, 2016, during a five hour and 58-minute spacewalk. On Sept. 1, the two astronauts will spacewalk outside the space station for the second time in less than two weeks. via NASA http://ift.tt/2bcild3

Super Slow Motion Beauty of SpaceX Rockets

ISS Daily Summary Report – 08/22/2016

Command and Control (C&C) Multiplexer Demultiplexer (MDM) Transition : The ground executed a planned C&C MDM transition today.  C&C 2 MDM was transitioned to primary with C&C 3 MDM in backup and C&C 1 MDM in standby.  The transition supports the desired configuration for OA-5, ensuring that the primary Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C) MDM and the primary C&C MDM are not on the same power channels. Columbus Power Distribution Unit 1 (PDU-1) Repower: Last Friday the Columbus Module experienced a power anomaly with Power Distribution Unit 1 (PDU-1), and a subset of the loads on PDU-1 lost power.  Systems were automatically safed.  All downstream loads have since been repowered with the exception of RapidScat.  During an attempt to reactivate RapidScat, outlet 3 on PDU-1 tripped.  The only two items downstream of this outlet are RapidScat and Solar Monitoring Observatory (SOLAR), which was deactivated at the time of the trip.  RapidScat has active heater power and is able to stay deactivated indefinitely without hardware impact.  Ground teams are investigating the cause of the outlet 3 trip.  Payload Activities Completed Over the Weekend: Mouse Epigenetics Habitat Cage Unit Maintenance:  The crew completed standard maintenance activities by exchanging the food cartridges and refilling the water of Mouse Habitat Cage Units which is located in the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF). Heart Cells Media Change Operations: The crew changed the media in the Multiwell BioCell for Heart Cells and repaired one of the Multiwell BioCells within the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) work volume to provide nutrients to the Heart Cells. Biological Rhythms 48 Hours Actiwatch Preparation: In preparation for upcoming Biological Rhythms activities this week, the crew configured of the Actiwatch using the Actiware Software and Medical Laptop. NanoRack Module 9: Session 4 of 5 for the NanoRack Module 9 experiment was completed when the crew activated, deactivated, and shook the mixture tubes to facilitate the experiment. Fine Motor Skills: A series of interactive tasks on a touchscreen tablet were completed for the Fine Motor Skills investigation. Space Headaches: The crew completed the European Space Agency (ESA) Space Headaches questionnaire. Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) Hard Drive Change: The crew swapped the AMS hard drives in the UltraBay Adapter in the AMS laptop, which is completed every six months.

August 23, 2016 at 12:00AM
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2016年8月22日 星期一

Tutulemma: Solar Eclipse Analemma


If you went outside at exactly the same time every day and took a picture that included the Sun, how would the Sun's position change? With great planning and effort, such a series of images can be taken. The figure-8 path the Sun follows over the course of a year is called an analemma. At the Winter Solstice in Earth's northern hemisphere, the Sun appears at the bottom of the analemma. Analemmas created from different latitudes appear at least slightly different, as well as analemmas created at a different time each day. With even greater planning and effort, the series can include a total eclipse of the Sun as one of the images. Pictured is such a total solar eclipse analemma or Tutulemma - a term coined by the photographers based on the Turkish word for eclipse. The featured composite image sequence was recorded from Turkey starting in 2005. The base image for the sequence is from the total phase of a solar eclipse as viewed from Side, Turkey on 2006 March 29. Venus was also visible during totality, toward the lower right. If you want to create your own USA-based tutulemma ending at next August's total solar eclipse, now would be good time to start. via NASA http://ift.tt/2bwzRrA

NASA CIO Drops The Ball On ACES Authorization

NASA's 'act of desperation' demonstrates continued cyber deficiencies, Federal News Radio

"One of NASA's main networks used by almost every employee and contractor and managed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise is in such bad shape, the agency's chief information officer could no longer accept the risk and let the cybersecurity authorization expire. Renee Wynn, NASA's new CIO, didn't sign off on the authority to operate (ATO) for systems and tools under the $2.5 billion Agency Consolidated End-user Services (ACES) contract, which HPE won in 2010. Under the 10-year contract, HPE provides and manages most of NASA's personal computing hardware, agency-standard software, mobile information technology services, peripherals and accessories, associated end-user services and supporting infrastructure. A NASA spokeswoman confirmed the ATO expired on July 24. She said Wynn signed a "conditional" ATO for the systems under ACES, but internal NASA sources said the authorization is just for the management tools and not for the desktops, laptops and other end user devices. Letting an ATO expire on a major agency network is unheard of in government. Multiple federal cyber experts said agencies know at least a year in advance when an authorization and accreditation needs to be renewed."

NASA Totally Flunks FITARA Scorecard 2 Years In A Row, earlier post

"I need to thank NASA's AA for Legislative Affairs, Seth Statler, for pointing out the hearing - and NASA's 'F' grade. NASA has the distinction in 2016 for being the only agency to get an overall 'F', so congratulations are in order. Of course, in telling everyone about FITARA, it is quite obvious that Statler was doing a little blame shifting as he spoke for NASA CIO Renee Wynn - while throwing her under the bus."

- Earlier posts



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House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Has Been Hijacked



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JunoCam "Marble Movie" data available

Since a few days after entering orbit, JunoCam has been taking photos of Jupiter every fifteen minutes, accumulating a trove of data that can be assembled into a movie of the planet.

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NASA TV Coverage Set for U.S. Cargo Ship Departure from International Space Station

After delivering almost 5,000 pounds of supplies, experiments and equipment – including a docking adapter for future American commercial crew spacecraft – a SpaceX Dragon cargo craft is set to leave the International Space Station Friday, Aug. 26. NASA Television will provide coverage of Dragon’s departure beginning at 5:45 a.m. EDT.

August 22, 2016
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NASA TV to Air US Spacewalk, Briefing

On Sept. 1, two NASA astronauts will spacewalk outside the International Space Station for the second time in less than two weeks.

August 22, 2016
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A Moon's Contrasts


Dione reveals its past via contrasts in this view from NASA's Cassini spacecraft. via NASA http://ift.tt/2bpUFzx

Global Warming Has Now Made the Northwest Passage a Thing

Space in transition: How Obama's White House charted a new course for NASA

Our Horizon Goal series on NASA's human spaceflight program continues with part 3, in which newly elected President Barack Obama and his transition team search for a NASA administrator, commission a review of the Constellation program and decide whether to extend the life of the ISS.

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2016年8月21日 星期日

Mars On Earth

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Full-Circle Vista from NASA Mars Rover Curiosity Shows 'Murray Buttes'

"Eroded mesas and buttes reminiscent of the U.S. Southwest shape part of the horizon in the latest 360-degree color panorama from NASA's Curiosity Mars rover."

Keith's note: This is why we call Devon Island "Mars On Earth". Top: Mars 2016 Bottom: me on Devon Island 2002. I have been to Devon Island 3 times - twice for a month. Without exception, a day did not go by when my eyes were telling me that I was on Mars every hour or so. Oh yes: there is a giant impact crater just over the hill behind me. Oh yes: Several times during my 2002 stay someone drained my blood for science. "Interestingly, one of the 10 HMP study participants was EBV sero-negative during pre-mission testing and appeared to remain seronegative through the mid-mission assessment." That's me. Science.



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Russia Begins To Reduce ISS Participation

Roscosmos plans to reduce Russian ISS crew to two, TASS

"Russia's state space corporation Roscosmos plans to reduce Russia's crew at the International Space Station (ISS) from three to two cosmonauts, the Izvestia newspaper writes on Thursday, citing Roscosmos manned programs director Sergei Krikalev. "Plans to reduce the crew stem from the fact that less cargo ships are sent to the ISS and from the necessity to boost the efficiency of the program," the newspaper quotes Krikalev. Apart from that, it will make it possible to lower expenses on the space station's maintenance."

Space station crew may drop to five because of Russia, Ars Technica

"In a statement on Monday, NASA confirmed that Russia is considering dropping back to two crew members. However, the agency did not provide any additional information. According to NASA: "Any questions about the near-term Russian Space budget or Russian ISS expedition size should be directed to the Roscosmos press office. Roscosmos has joined NASA and other International Space Station partners in extending support for the orbiting laboratory to at least 2024, and the current level of research of both NASA and the international partners on ISS is at an all-time high."



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Presidential Space Politics Are Popping Up in Florida's Senate Race

Marco Rubio declares support for NASA plan, calls on presidential nominees to do same, Florida Politics

"Saying NASA needs long-range political assurances, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio declared broad backing for the space agency's agenda Friday and called on Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton to do the same. Rubio met Friday with space industry representatives and others in a roundtable discussion organized by the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast and Space Florida, the state's space industry development corporation. They heard from him what they wanted: that Florida's junior senator, seeking re-election, is behind NASA's most ambitious programs, to turn over as much lower-Earth orbit activity as possible to private companies, and focus the nation's manned space flight efforts on getting to Mars."



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NASA Still Has No Idea What a SLS Launch Will Cost

How much will SLS and Orion cost to fly? Finally some answers, Ars Technica

"My top number for Orion, SLS, and the ground systems that support it is $2 billion or less," [NASA deputy associate administrator for exploration systems development Bill] Hill told Ars. "I mean that's my real ultimate goal. We were running at about three-plus, 3.6 billion [dollars] during the latter days of space shuttle. Of course, there again, we were flying six or seven missions. I think we're actually going to have to get to less than that." Ars has learned that the agency's ultimate goal for annual production and operations costs is about $1.5 billion. ... Production and operations costs - P&O in NASA's acronym laden jargon - of $2 billion or less would leave a significant amount of money within NASA's budget for human missions to the vicinity of the Moon, to its surface, or eventually crewed missions to Mars. In fiscal year 2016, NASA received $3.7 billion for exploration systems development, essentially the SLS, Orion, and ground systems budget. The number is likely to grow to $4 billion before the decade's end. If it could eventually spend half of that on deep space habitats, landers, surface living quarters, and myriad other systems, the agency could have the beginnings of a viable program in deep space."

Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel Annual Report 2015, earlier post

"In October 2015, NASA published what it called "a detailed outline" of its next steps in getting to the Red Planet. Unfortunately, the level of detail in the report, NASA's Journey to Mars: Pioneering the Next Steps in Space Exploration, does not really validate whether NASA would be capable of achieving such an ambitious objective in a reasonable time period, with realistically attainable technologies, and with budgetary requirements that are consistent with the current economic environment."

Double GAO Reports: SLS and Orion Cost and Risk Estimates Are Still Unreliable

"... the SLS program has not positioned itself well to provide accurate assessments of core stage progress - including forecasting impending schedule delays, cost overruns, and anticipated costs at completion - because at the time of our review it did not anticipate having the baseline to support full reporting on the core stage contract until summer 2016 - some 4.5 years after NASA awarded the contract."

- GAO Finds NASA SLS Costs Not Credible, earlier post
- NASA Employs Faith-Based Funding Approach For SLS, earlier post
- NASA Has Three Different Launch Dates for Humans on SLS, earlier post
- Earlier SLS/Orion posts



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2016年8月20日 星期六

Do NASA and Space Commerce Need Each Other?

The inside story of how billionaires are racing to take you to outer space, Washington Post

"For years, many have been waiting for the commercial space industry to become a real market, one where companies actually make money and prosper. William Gerstenmaier, the head of NASA's human spaceflight division, said he thinks that the industry "is on the crest of another wave." "There's a lot of hype," he said at a Federal Aviation Administration space conference this year, citing other times when industry felt it was on the cusp of revolutionary change. "But will we be able to generate enough demand?" he said. "It can't just be solely government demand. It has to be augmented by the private sector. . . . Will that be enough to push us over or to reach that tipping point that actually enables this industry to become more self-sufficient than it was in the past?"

Dazed and Confused About Space Commerce At NASA, earlier post

"The substance that the companies behind SLS and Orion use to keep people employed is identical to what they would theoretically use to operate ISS and routine crew and cargo transport: money. The money either comes from NASA or it doesn't but the financial health of these companies is all running on the same fuel. And whatever money NASA does not have to spend on one thing, it supposedly can spend on another. But this is an ecosystem - one that seems to want to expand off-world - where government money, money earned from government recycled back into other areas, and money from outside the NASA/contractor honey pot all gets mixed together. If one thing can feed another and spur interest amongst investors while others derive profit for the risks they took with their own money, well, that's how actual commerce establishes itself."



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The Day a Cloud Wore a Cheery Hat

2016年8月19日 星期五

Perseid Fireball at Sunset Crater


On the night of August 12, this bright Perseid meteor flashed above volcanic Sunset Crater National Monument, Arizona, USA, planet Earth. Streaking along the summer Milky Way, its initial color is likely due to the shower meteor's characteristically high speed. Entering at 60 kilometers per second, Perseid meteors are capable of exciting green emission from oxygen atoms while passing through the tenuous atmosphere at high altitudes. Also characteristic of bright meteors, this Perseid left a visibly glowing persistent train. Its evolution is seen over a three minute sequence (left to right) spanning the bottom of the frame. The camera ultimately captured a dramatic timelapse video of the twisting, drifting train. via NASA http://ift.tt/2byQIpz

Fuselage of NASA's Future X-57 Maxwell All-Electric Aircraft


As NASA celebrates National Aviation Day, the agency's innovators are working to transform air transportation to meet the future needs of the global aviation community. The agency is embarking on a 10-year plan, New Aviation Horizons, that will see NASA field a number of experimental aircraft to demonstrate 21st century ideas for flight. via NASA http://ift.tt/2bjfrkf

NASA Future In-Space Operations: Design Space for Space Design

NASA FISO Presentation: Design Space for Space Design - Cybernetics, Human-Centered Design

"Tibor Balint is a researcher at the Royal College of Art, School of Design, finalizing his second PhD in Innovation Design Engineering. He spent 4 years at NASA-HQ as the Senior Technical Advisor; the Program Executive for GCD at STMD; and a Senior Technologist at OCT. At JPL he worked for 8 years as a mission architect and technologist."

Note: The audio file and presentation are available online and to download.



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A Cosmic Flower Blooms and Sends Its Seeds Into the Void

ISS Daily Summary Report – 08/18/2016

Mouse Epigenetics Cage Unit Maintenance: The crew completed standard maintenance activities for the Mouse Epigenetics experiment by refilling the Transportation Cage Units with water and checking the water nozzles of the individual cages. The Mouse Epigenetics investigation studies altered gene expression patterns in the organs of male mice that spend one month in space, and also examines changes in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of their offspring. Results from the investigation identify genetic alterations that happen after exposure to the microgravity environment of space. Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations: The crew spent most of the day preparing for tomorrow’s EVA,  completing the following: Configured/audited tools and prepared the Equipment Lock (EL), Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs) and ancillary hardware. Removed/relocated stowage from the Node 2 forward port endcone to access the forward International Docking Adapter (IDA) control panel. Set up the IDA control panel and 2 multimeters for the Modified Androgynous Peripheral Attachment System (MAPAS) installation. Copied EMU/Airlock contingency procedures to their iPads in the event the Station Support Computer (SSC) goes down. Pre-EVA health check. Pre-EVA conference with ground teams. International Docking Adapter (IDA): Ground controllers used the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to inspect the sealing surface of IDA2, and then successfully extracted the IDA from the Dragon trunk overnight.   There was a delay in the removal when a tethered pyro bolt from the Latch B Flight Support Equipment (FSE) floated very close to the IDA handrail.  A video inspection of the handrail confirmed that the tether was not looped around or through the handrail.  The ground team continued with the IDA extraction but the FSE bolt interfered with the bottom of the handrail and the IDA structure.   The FSE bolt was freed after a sequence of adjustments with the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) robotic arm.  The adjustments were very minor and positive margin between the IDA and Dragon were verified prior to each adjustments.  The IDA was maneuvered to position for the installation on Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA) 2 during the spacewalk tomorrow morning.  MERLIN-1 False Fire Indication:  MERLIN-1 was unpowered following a false fire indication.  Crew members took Compound Specific Analyzer- Combustion Products (CSA-CP) readings which were all zero.  Ground teams are investigating the cause.  No loss of science was incurred, as MERLIN-1 is located in the Node 1 Galley area and is used primarily for crew preference items. Today’s Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. ISS crew and ГОГУ (RSA Flight Control Management Team) weekly conference r/g 3090 FAGEN. Photography during fixation of samples / r/g 3118 FAGEN. Fixation of samples from MCK No.4 and setup in SM r/g 3117 CARDIOVECTOR. Experiment Ops r/g 3115 MOUSE Hardware Setup ABOUT GAGARIN FROM SPACE. HAM Radio Session Leaders Club / r/g 3114 Pre-EVA Crew Health Status – Prep Pre-EVA Crew Health Status – CMO Pre-EVA Crew Health Status – Subject Pille Sensors setup for USOS EVA / r/g 3120 CARDIOVECTOR. Photography of the Experiment Ops / r/g 3116 UDOD. Experiment Ops with DYKNANIYE-1 and SPRUT-2 Sets r/g 3119 Collecting surface samples from SM equipment and structures / r/g 3084 PHS hardware stow (Periodic Health Status) ABOUT GAGARIN FROM SPACE. HAM Radio Session Leaders Club / r/g 3114 XF305 Camcorder Settings Adjustment Mouse Epigenetics, Transportation Cage Unit, Troubleshooting, Part 1 Kulonovskiy Kristall Experiment Run. Tagup with specialists / r/g 3123 EVA Tool Config KULONOVSKIY KRISTALL. Copy and Downlink Data / r/g 3123 EVA Procedure Review On MCC Go Installation of a new upgraded СЗУ-ЦУ8 device at FGB БР-9ЦУ-8 system ЗУ1А operation site r/g 3095 Equipment Lock Preparation USOS EVA Tool Audit Final printout of EVA procedures EVA Procedure Conference On MCC Go: Replacement of ЗУ1Б ЭА025М device with the upgraded FGB БР-9ЦУ-8 device r/g 3095 Collecting surface samples from SM equipment and structures / r/g 3084 US EVA, NODE2 Ops in Preparation for International Docking Adapter (IDA) Installation OTKLIK. Hardware Monitoring / r/g 1588 СОЖ Maintenance Private medical conference before EVA from USOS Replacement of CO2 Filter Unit ИК0501 ISS-HAM Radio Session On-orbit hearing assessment using EARQ Progress 432 [OA] Stowage Ops with IMS Support / r/g 3122 CUCU EVA Inhibits Countermeasures System (CMS), Sprint Exercise, Optional Multimeter and Camcorder Setup in N2 in preparation for IDA Installation Physical Fitness Evaluation (on the treadmill) r/g 3100 IDENTIFICATION. Copy ИМУ-Ц micro-accelerometer data to laptop / r/g 1589 INTERACTION-2. Experiment Ops / r/g 3113 ISS HAM RADIO Power Down Private medical conference before EVA from USOS On-orbit hearing assessment using EARQ  Completed Task List Items None  Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. EVA procedures review IDA multimeter startup Nominal ground commanding Three-Day Look Ahead: Friday, 08/19: IDA2 EVA Saturday, 08/20: Post EVA cleanup activities, EVA debrief, Heart Cells media change, Mouse cage maintenance, CMO OBT Sunday, 08/21: Crew off duty QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:                               Component Status Elektron On Vozdukh Manual [СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) On [СКВ] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) Off Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab Operate Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Process Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Standby Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab Off Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Full Up

August 19, 2016 at 12:00AM
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2016年8月18日 星期四

Perseid Night at Yosemite


The 2016 Perseid meteor shower performed well on the night of August 11/12. The sky on that memorable evening was recorded from a perch overlooking Yosemite Valley, planet Earth, in this scene composed of 25 separate images selected from an all-night set of sequential exposures. Each image contains a single meteor and was placed in alignment using the background stars. The digital manipulation accounts for the Earth's rotation throughout the night and allows the explosion of colorful trails to be viewed in perspective toward the shower's radiant in the constellation Perseus. The fading alpenglow gently lights the west face of El Capitan just after sunset. Just before sunrise, a faint band zodiacal light, or the false dawn, shines upward from the east, left of Half Dome at the valley's far horizon. Car lights illuminate the valley road. Of course, the image is filled with other celestial sights from that Perseid night, including the Milky Way and the Pleiades star cluster. via NASA http://ift.tt/2bE9HTf

Today's Version Of NASA's Future Plans For ISS

NASA hopes to hand the International Space Station to a commercial owner by mid 2020s, TechCrunch

"NASA's trying to develop economic development in low-earth orbit," [NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Development Bill] Hill said, speaking on a panel of NASA staff assembled to discuss the upcoming Mars mission. "Ultimately, our desire is to hand the space station over to either a commercial entity or some other commercial capability so that research can continue in low-earth orbit, so that research can continue in low-earth orbit. ... NASA didn't specify any potential buyer, but two commercial entities are about to add significant real estate to the ISS: a new docking adapter is being put in place to support crew shuttle missions from Boeing and SpaceX, both of which are set to start shuttling personnel to the station in 2017."

Keith's note: Every time someone from NASA talks about the future of ISS and the #JourneyToMars thing they contradict themselves and further muddy the issue.

1. CASIS is supposed to be doing this commercial stuff already with the U.S. portion of the ISS - NASA doesn't mention that very often.
2. The ISS is owned by more countries/agencies than just NASA. So how can NASA hand the ISS over to anyone?
3. "Buyer"? NASA is going to sell the ISS? (see #2)
4. Boeing and SpaceX own their visiting spacecraft - "real estate" that comes and goes.

NASA's Plan For Commercializing Low Earth Orbit Is Still A Mystery, earlier post
NASA: We're on a #JourneyToMars - But Don't Ask Us How, earlier post
Dazed and Confused About Space Commerce At NASA, earlier post
A Closer Look At The CASIS "Space Is In It" Endorsement, earlier post



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Plugging Away Inside Massive SLS Fuel Tank: Welders Complete Final Plug Fusion Welds on SLS Liquid Hydrogen Tank


Welders inside a large liquid hydrogen tank for NASA's Space Launch System at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans are plugging holes left after the tank was assembled. via NASA http://ift.tt/2b3ycaU

So What Exactly Is an “Alien Megastructure”?

ISS Daily Summary Report – 08/17/2016

Fluid Shifts Operations In the Service Module: With ground team assistance, crewmembers performed Fluid Shifts Imaging exams by configuring the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and the Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE) hardware, before completing a DPOAE test, OCT exam, and a Tonometry exam. The purpose of this investigation is to characterize the space flight-induced fluid shift, including intra- and extravascular shifts, intra- and extracellular shifts, changes in total body water and lower vs. upper body shifts. Results from this investigation are expected to help define the causes of the ocular structure and vision changes associated with long duration space flight, and assist in the development of countermeasures.  Biological Research in Canisters Natural Products (BRIC-NP) Cold Stowage Preparation: The crew retrieved the BRIC-NP canisters from EXPRESS Rack 2 and inserted them in the Glacier for return on SpX-9. The BRIC-NP investigation, radiation-tolerant fungal strains isolated from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant are exposed to spaceflight conditions on board the ISS, then screened for the biological production of beneficial medical or agricultural substances.  eValuatIon And monitoring of microBiofiLms insidE the ISS (ViABLE) Payload Return:  The crew photographed all four ViABLE Bags inside the Functional Cargo Block (FGB) locker before removing and inserting each one into separate ViABLE Return Bags and placing them into Ziploc bags for return on SpX-9. ViABLE involves the evaluation of microbial biofilm development on metallic and textile space materials located inside and on the cover of Nomex pouches. Microbial biofilms are known for causing damage and contamination on the Mir space station and the ISS.  The potential application of novel methodologies and products to treat space materials may lead to improvements in the environmental quality of confined human habitats in space and on earth. Habitability Human Factors Directed Observations: The crew recorded and submitted a walk-through video documenting observations of life onboard ISS, providing insight related to human factors and habitability. The Habitability investigation collects observations about the relationship between crew members and their environment on the ISS. Observations can help spacecraft designers understand how much habitable volume is required, and whether a mission’s duration impacts how much space crew members need. Dose Tracker: The Dose Tracker app was configured and the crew completed entries for medication tracking on an iPad. This investigation documents the medication usage of crewmembers before and during their missions by capturing data regarding medication use during spaceflight, including side effect qualities, frequencies and severities. The data is expected to either support or counter anecdotal evidence of medication ineffectiveness during flight and unusual side effects experienced during flight. It is also expected that specific, near-real-time questioning about symptom relief and side effects will provide the data required to establish whether spaceflight-associated alterations in pharmacokinetics (PK) or pharmacodynamics (PD) is occurring during missions.  Oxygen Generation System (OGS) Hydrogen (H2) Sensor Remove & Replace (R&R): The crew completed OGS H2 sensor Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) purge adapter operations, R&R of the H2 sensor ORU and AAA cleaning with inlet inspection and cleaning. This activity was scheduled due to ORU end-of-life.  Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Sample Collection: The UPA Distillate Filter and Purge Filter were removed and replaced for return samples in support of the UPA elevated conductivity investigation.  The preceding UPA process cycle had elevated conductivity levels and the samples will help ground teams understand the difference in conductivity with the purge line reconnected.  Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Check Separator Light: To isolate the cause of Check Separator Light illumination, the crew performed an inspection of the hoses and electrical connections on the Urine Receptacle. They reported that the electrical cable on the Urine Receptacle was coiled tightly and may be kinked. They removed the zip tie that was holding the cable together to allow more slack and demated/remated the XT2 connector. Additional troubleshooting steps are in work for the crew to perform as a result of yesterday’s Flight Investigation Team (FIT) recommendations. Extravehicular Robotics Operations: Yesterday afternoon, Robotics Ground Controllers maneuvered the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to unstow the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM).  Following SPDM unstow, they maneuvered the SSRMS to position it over the SpX-9 Dragon Trunk and configured the SPDM to extract the International Docking Adapter 2 (IDA2) from the trunk later today. SPDM checkouts were also completed in preparation for the IDA2 Extravehicular Activity (EVA) this Friday. Today’s Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Calf Volume Measurement / r/g 3080 FLUID SHIFTS. Comm configuration for the experiment /  r/g 9995 FLUID SHIFTS. Gathering and Connecting Equipment for TV coverage Soyuz 731 Samsung Tablet Recharge, initiate Biological Research in Canisters Natural Products Stowage Preparation Study of veins in lower extremities / r/g 3081 Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) Video file transfer to flash drive BRICNP. Sample Insertion into Glacier OGA Hydrogen Sensor R&R Collecting surface samples from FGB equipment and structures / r/g 3083 Oxygen Generation System (OGS) Hydrogen Sensor ORU Purge Adapter (HOPA) Operations FLUID SHIFTS. OCT Hardware Setup in SM FLUID SHIFTS. Connecting [OCT] Laptop to BRI r/g 3104 DOSETRK iPad data entry DRAGON. Transfers RSS2 Laptop SW Upgrade for Auto Data Downlink via RSPI r/g 3105 FLUID SHIFTS. OCT Power up in SM Printing Housekeeping Procedure DOSETRK Questionnaire Completion Soyuz 720 Samsung Tablet Recharge, Initiate Soyuz 731 Samsung Tablet Recharge, – Terminate FLUID SHIFTS. DPOAE Setup in SM FLUID SHIFTS. Operator Assistance with Chibis and Gamma-1 r/g 3103 FLUID SHIFTS. Chibis Setup / r/g 3103 FLUID SHIFTS. TONO Hardware setup in SM OGA Hydrogen Sensor R&R, Part 2 FLUID SHIFTS. Data Gathering in the SM, Subject FLUID SHIFTS. Gathering Data in SM, Operator Installation of ЗУ1А and Replacement of ЗУ1Б БР-9ЦУ-8 in FGB, Prep for Work, Clearing FGB panels r/g 3095 Fluid Shifts DPOAE Data Recovery FLUID SHIFTS. Chibis Closeout Ops / r/g 3103 Water Recovery System Waste Water Tank Drain, Initiate IMS Delta File Prep IFM IMV Cleaning FLUID SHIFTS. TONO SM Stowage FLUID SHIFTS. OCT Power off in SM OGA Hydrogen Sensor Cleaning FLUID SHIFTS. Disconnecting OCT Laptop r/g 3106 DRAGON. Cargo Transfer Tagup […]

August 18, 2016 at 12:00AM
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