Where to See the American Eclipse

Are you planning to see the American Eclipse on August 21? A few hours after sunrise, a rare total eclipse of the Sun will be visible along a narrow path across the USA. Those only near the path will see a partial eclipse. Although some Americans live right in path of totality, surely many more will be able to get there after a well-planned drive. One problem with eclipses, though, is that clouds sometimes get in the way. To increase your clear-viewing odds, you might consult the featured map and find a convenient destination with a historically low chance (more blue) of thick clouds overhead during totality. Given the large fraction of Americans carrying camera-equipped smartphones, this American Eclipse may turn out to be the most photographed event in the history of the world. via NASA http://ift.tt/2jR3xiW

NASA Day of Remembrance

Martha Chaffee, widow of Roger Chaffee, Sheryl Chaffee, daughter, and Roger Purvenas, son of Sheryl Chaffee, left, along with acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, right, place wreaths at the graves of Apollo 1 crewmembers Virgil "Gus" Grissom and Roger Chaffee as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017. via NASA http://ift.tt/2jrXp4C

ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/30/2017

Fine Motor Skills (FMS): The crew performed their Flight Day 75 (FD75) FMS sessions this morning. Currently the crew is performing the test at a frequency of every 5 days for the first three months that they are onboard the ISS.  After FD90 the crew will transition to a frequency of FMS sessions every 14 days.  The FMS experiment is executed on a touchscreen tablet, where the crew performs a series of interactive tasks. The investigation studies how fine motor skills are effected by long-term microgravity exposure, different phases of microgravity adaptation, and sensorimotor recovery after returning to Earth gravity. The goal of FMS is to answer how fine motor performance in microgravity trend/vary over the duration of a six-month and year-long space mission; how fine motor performance on orbit compare with that of a closely matched participant on Earth; and how performance trend/vary before and after gravitational transitions, including the periods of early flight adaptation, and very early/near immediate post-flight periods. Story Time From Space – Light Demo: The crew recorded an educational video based on three children’s books (Max Goes to Mars, The Wizard Who Saved the World, Max Goes to Jupiter). The video highlights the visible light spectrum and the attenuation of the intensity of the Sun’s light as it is viewed through the atmosphere.  Story Time From Space combines science literacy outreach with simple demonstrations recorded aboard the ISS. Crew members read five science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related children’s books in orbit, and complete simple science concept experiments. Crew members videotape themselves reading the books and completing demonstrations. Video and data collected during the demonstrations are downlinked to the ground and posted in a video library with accompanying educational materials. Meteor Hard Drive Swap: The crew performed a regular changeout of the Meteor hard drive located in the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF). The Meteor payload is a visible spectroscopy instrument with the primary purpose of observing meteors in Earth orbit. Meteor uses image analysis to provide information on the physical and chemical properties of the meteoroid dust, such as size, density, and chemical composition. Since the parent comets or asteroids for most of the meteor showers are identified, the study of the meteoroid dust on orbit provides information about the parent comets and asteroids. Lighting Effects Sleep Study: The Lighting Effects subject has initiated a two week sleep logging data collection in support of the Lighting Effects investigation.  Using an Actiwatch and Sleep Logs the crewmember will track their sleep patterns and wakefulness.  Later this week the crewmember will perform a cognition test and over the weekend perform a 48-hour urine collection, with the samples placed in the Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI) for a future return and ground analysis.  The Testing Solid State Lighting Countermeasures to Improve Circadian Adaptation, Sleep, and Performance During High Fidelity Analog and Flight Studies for the International Space Station (Lighting Effects) investigation studies the impact of the change from fluorescent light bulbs to solid-state light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with adjustable intensity and color and aims to determine if the new lights can improve crew circadian rhythms, sleep, and cognitive performance. Pressurized Mating Adaptor (PMA) 2 Ingress:  The crew completed a review of the planned PMA2 ingress activities.  After gathering hardware, the crew removed stowage from the Node 2 endcone and ingressed PMA2.  They removed the Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) Controller Panel Assemblies (CPAs) that will be installed in the Node 3 Port/PMA 3 vestibule later in the increment in preparation for PMA 3 relocate along with some additional hardware.  They installed an IMV Duct that will be used for future docked vehicles.  The crew then inspected the PMA for evidence of microbial growth and condensation and evaluated whether a newly designed Hatch Depress Indicator is compatible with the PMA bulkhead.  The crew also returned the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) Transfer Interface (JOTI) hardware back into the PMA2, which was used during the Robotics External Leak Locator (RELL) demonstration last year, as well as some additional hardware that is not needed in the near term.  Finally, they egressed PMA2 and returned the stowage to the Node 2 endcone. Cupola Audio Terminal Unit (ATU) Modification Kit Installation:  The crew removed the existing Cupola ATU coldplate hardware and installed modified hardware.  The new hardware protrudes less into the Cupola work volume and better protects the ATU flex lines from inadvertent damage. Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations:  Last year, the Columbus Module experienced a power anomaly when a subset of Power Distribution Unit -1 (PDU-1) outlets went unexpectedly to OFF.  Among the equipment that suddenly lost power was the RapidScat Feeder#1.  The RapidScat power up troubleshooting attempts were not successful.  The new ESA payload Atmosphere Space Interaction Monitor (ASIM), arriving on SpX-13, is currently planned for installation at the RapidScat site, therefore the electrical components of the payload site need to be tested to ensure that this location is fully operational. Today ground controllers removed RapidScat from the Columbus External Platform and then demated the electrical connector on the adapter plate to allow for troubleshooting of the interface. Based on the troubleshooting, the payload site on Columbus has been cleared, and the fault is isolated to RapidScat. Once the troubleshooting was completed, the ground controller mated the adapter plate connector and re-installed RapidScat.  Today’s Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Lighting Effects Sleep Log Entry – Subject Fine Motor Skills Experiment Test – Subject Fine Motor Skills Historical Documentation Photography Recharge Air Conditioner [СКВ1] with Freon from bottles, preparation. KORREKTSIA. Logging Liquid and Food Intake (Medicine) Columbus Video Camera Assembly 2 Adjustment Pressurized Mating Adapter 2 (PMA 2) Big Picture Word Review Columbus Payload Power Switching Box (PPSB) – Switch reconfiguration Protein Crystallization Research Facility (PCRF) Cable R&R Part1 Air Conditioner [СКВ1] refill with Freon from tanks. Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA) 2 Hardware Gather Treadmill 2 (T2) Exercise Video Equipment Setup Acoustic Dosimeter Setup Day 1 Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Cylinder […]

January 31, 2017 at 12:00AM
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All Good Things

Thinking Back - Looking Ahead

Scott Parazynski: Still on Cloud 10 on the summit of Mt. Everest, SpaceRef

"I tied off a pair of flags I'd made to honor astronauts and cosmonauts who had perished in the line of duty (Apollo 1, Challenger, Columbia, Soyuz 1 and Soyuz 11), as I could think of no finer place on Earth to hang them. In the coming days, weeks, months and years, like their Tibetan prayer flag counterparts, they will weather under the wind, sun and snow, and slowly lift back up into the heavens."

Arctic Memorials and Starship Yearnings, SpaceRef

"Given the sheer mass of the structure, and the slow manner with which things change here, this inukshuk may well be standing 500 years from now. That should be long enough. Maybe someone serving on a starship will think to visit it."

Ancient Memorials for Modern Space Explorers, SpaceRef

"A week prior to my departure I got a call from June Scobee Rodgers, the widow of Challenger's commander Dick Scobee. She was thrilled with what we were doing and asked if we'd like to place a few mementos in the inukshuk. She then described what she was sending. A day or so later a package arrived. As I opened it I told my wife, with a bit of a tear in my eye, "this is history". I had been sent one of the few items Dick Scobee had left in his briefcase when he took off for his last mission: a business card and a mission lapel pin. I am certain that his family has so little in the way of such items. As such I was really honored that the family had chosen this inukshuk we planned to build on Devon Island, as the place where such precious items would rest."

Columbia: Thinking Back - Looking Ahead, Excerpt from "New Moon Rising", by Frank Sietzen, Jr. and Keith Cowing

"At the end of the event, Rona Ramon, Ilan's widow, spoke last. Steeling her emotions with grace and clarity, she spoke elegantly and briefly. She thanked all for coming. And then she talked of her husband, and the flight of the lost shuttle. "Our mission in space is not over" she told the hushed audience. "He was the first Israeli in space -- that means there will be more."

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NASA Hosts Media Day for Colorado Study of Snow-bound Water Resources

NASA will host a media day at 9:30 a.m. MST on Feb. 13 to highlight a field campaign designed to advance new remote-sensing techniques to measure the amount of water held in snow, a key factor in calculating water supplies in many parts of the world.

January 30, 2017
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NASA OIG Reports Mars 2020 Rover Sampling System as Largest Risk

NASA OIG: Audit of the Mars 2020 Rover Project

"The largest risk to the Mars 2020 schedule is the Project's Sample and Caching Subsystem (Sampling System), which will collect core samples of Martian rocks and soil and place them on the planet's surface for retrieval by a future robotic or human mission. At Preliminary Design Review (PDR), three of the Sampling System's critical technologies were below technology readiness level (TRL) 6, meaning the prototype had not yet demonstrated the capability to perform all the functions required. Projects are evaluated during PDR to ensure they meet all system requirements with acceptable risk and within cost and schedule constraints. The immaturity of the critical technologies related to the Sampling System is concerning because, according to Mars 2020 Project managers, the Sampling System is the rover's most complex new development component with delays likely to eat into the Project's schedule reserve and, in the worst case scenario, could delay launch. As of December 2016, the Project was tracking the risk that the Sampling System may not be ready for integration and testing - the period when a spacecraft is built, undergoes final testing, and is prepared for launch - in May 2019, as planned."

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Next SpaceX Mission is Now the ISS Cargo Resupply CRS-10

Station cargo flight leapfrogs commercial satellite launch on SpaceX manifest, SpaceNews

"SpaceX said Sunday that the first Falcon 9 rocket launch from pad 39A, a former shuttle-era complex at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is scheduled to send a Dragon supply ship to the International Space Station in mid-February, deferring a mission with an EchoStar communications satellite that was set to take off this month."

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Coy Dione

Dione's lit hemisphere faces away from Cassini's camera, yet the moon's darkened surface features are dimly illuminated in this image, due to Saturnshine. via NASA http://ift.tt/2jKX6jK

Shaking the Fabric of Reality

Red Aurora Over Australia

Why would the sky glow red? Aurora. A solar storm in 2012, emanating mostly from active sunspot region 1402, showered particles on the Earth that excited oxygen atoms high in the Earth's atmosphere. As the excited element's electrons fell back to their ground state, they emitted a red glow. Were oxygen atoms lower in Earth's atmosphere excited, the glow would be predominantly green. Pictured here, this high red aurora is visible just above the horizon last week near Flinders, Victoria, Australia. The sky that night, however, also glowed with more familiar but more distant objects, including the central disk of our Milky Way Galaxy on the left, and the neighboring Large and Small Magellanic Cloud galaxies on the right. A time-lapse video highlighting auroras visible that night puts the picturesque scene in context. Why the sky did not also glow green remains unknown. via NASA http://ift.tt/2js1m49

Challenger

Remembering the Challenger Crew, Challenger Center for Space Science Education

"On this day 31 years ago, Space Shuttle Challenger and its seven-member crew were tragically lost. The crew members - Dick Scobee, Gregory Jarvis, Christa McAuliffe, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, and Michael J. Smith - were part of the first Teacher in Space Project. Challenger Center, formed by the families of the crew, is dedicated to the educational spirit of their mission. Every year, together with our 43 Challenger Learning Centers, we provide more than 250,000 students with the opportunity to become scientists, engineers, and innovators through unique education experiences."

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Firm Commercial Crew Flight Dates Remain Elusive

Technical troubles likely to delay commercial crew flights until 2019, Ars Technica

"Boeing has set a "no earlier than" date of August 2018 for its first crewed test flight, and SpaceX has targeted May 2018. But those dates seem optimistic. Ars spoke to a handful of sources familiar with the commercial crew program this week, and all expressed pessimism about the public timelines the companies have for reaching the launch pad. According to this unofficial analysis, even a single crewed test flight in 2018 by either company now appears unlikely, as teams from both Boeing and SpaceX continue to work through significant technical issues."

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Update: NASA Is Still Telling Everyone What It Does For Them

Daily reminder: According to @NASA HQ there has been no change in #NASA policy/practice WRT public release of data/info @Alt_NASA @RogueNASA http://pic.twitter.com/RpxmLbUY63 — NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) January 27, 2017

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The Winter 2016 issue of The Planetary Report

The Winter 2016 issue of The Planetary Report is on its way to members’ doors, showcasing the stunning year in pictures.

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NASA Invites Media Behind the Scenes of Volcano, Coral Reef Research

NASA is hosting a media day on Feb. 8 in O’ahu, Hawaii, to spotlight two field campaigns that seek to unlock some of the mysteries behind two of Hawaii’s treasured natural resources: coral reefs and volcanoes.

January 27, 2017
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Apollo 1 Crew Honored

Astronauts, from the left, Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee stand near Cape Kennedy's Launch Complex 34 during training for Apollo 1 in January 1967. via NASA http://ift.tt/2jmBGpA

Apollo 1

'We have a fire in the cockpit!' The Apollo 1 disaster 50 years later, Washington Post

"The fire made NASA personnel more aware and focused on "quality control," said Charlie Duke, another astronaut. [Walt] Cunningham, who was on the backup crew, said it didn't really change him as an astronaut, but "may have given me a little bit more mental commitment to not go along with some of the things on the design, and what-have-you." After the fire, Sieck said, personnel did speak up more. "There was a lot more questioning of, 'well, please explain this to me,'" Sieck said. "'I see what's here, I hear what you're saying, but tell me more. I don't totally understand it.'" It was a lesson NASA would have to learn again after the space shuttle Challenger disaster. And again after the space shuttle Columbia disaster."

Additional Cosponsors Sought For Apollo 1 Arlington Memorial Legislation, earlier post

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In a Week of Space Tragedy Anniversaries, We Must Continue to Venture Onward

ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/26/2017

Fluid Shifts Chibis Imaging Day 2: Due to yesterday’s issues with the Joint Station LAN (JSL), the final Flight Day 45 Chibis session for the 49S crew was rescheduled and performed this morning. The subject donned the Chibis device, and while the crewmember was exposed to the negative pressure (pulling the fluid feetward), then with ground and onboard operator support they configured 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. Noninvasive techniques are used to assess arterial and venous dimensions and flow parameters, ocular pressure and structure, and changes in intracranial pressure. Lower body negative pressure is being investigated for its ability to mitigate some of the effects of the space flight-induced fluid shift. 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. Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) On-Board Training (OBT): Prior to participating in the SPHERES Zero Robotic Challenge activities on Friday, the crew viewed an OBT video to familiarize themselves with the SPHERES facility. The SPHERES Zero Robotics investigation establishes an opportunity for high school students to design research for the ISS. As part of a competition, students write algorithms for the SPHERES satellites to accomplish tasks relevant to future space missions. The algorithms are tested by the SPHERES team and the best designs are selected for the competition to operate the SPHERES satellites on board the ISS. H-II Transfer Vehicle 6 (HTV6) Departure Preparations:  Earlier today, the crew completed final cargo loading and egressed HTV6. The crew configured the vestibule for demate by removing Air Revitalization System (ARS) jumper, Intermodular Ventilation (IMV) supply jumper, 1553/ENET A and B jumper, and disconnecting the Node 2 HTV channel 2 power jumper.  The also installed the Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) Controller Panel Assemblies (CPAs).  HTV-6 unberth activities are scheduled to start tomorrow morning at ~5:30 am CST with vehicle release at ~9:30 am CST. Today’s Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. FLUID SHIFTS. Comm configuration for the experiment Fluid Shifts Laptop RSOS Transfer FLUID SHIFTS. Gathering and Connecting Equipment for TV coverage Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Setup HTV Hatch Stowage Latch Override Knob Scavenge FLUID SHIFTS. Connecting OCT Laptop to BRI and HRF PC to ППС-26 (in lieu of RSE-MED) HTV General Luminaire Assembly (GLA) Scavenge Life On The Station Photo and Video Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Power On Fluid Shifts CCFP Service Module Configuration Fluid Shifts DPOAE Service Module Setup FLUID SHIFTS. Don Chibis FLUID SHIFTS. Assistance during Operation with CHIBIS and GAMMA-1M. FLUID SHIFTS. TONOMETRY Hardware setup in SM HTV Smoke Detector Scavenge FLUID SHIFTS. Gathering Data in SM, Operator Fluid Shifts Experiment Service Module Data Collection – Subject Node 2 Nadir Vestibule Outfitting Kit (VOK) Gather Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill WIRELESS LEAK DETECTOR ULTRASONIC SENSOR DEPLOYMENT FLUID SHIFTS. Doff Chibis FLUID SHIFTS. Copying Data from CCFP/DPOAE devices and their deactivation in RS Fluid Shifts Tonometry Service Module Stow AQM Sieve Cartridge Remove and Replace Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Power Off FLUID SHIFTS. Disconnecting of Laptop OCT, HRF and connecting RSE-Med. ISS HAM Service Module Pass Dose Tracker Data Entry Subject FLUID SHIFTS. Deactivation of КСПЭ Equipment and Closing Applications on Central Post SSC Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Stow On-board Training (OBT) HTV Departure Review ESA Nutritional Assessment EveryWear Application Conference FLUID SHIFTS. DROUTE Fluid Shifts CCFP HRF PC Service Module Stow Habitability Human Factors Directed Observations – Subject SPHERES Payload OBT FLUID SHIFTS. Comm Reconfiguration to nominal on RS Fluid Shifts Hardware Final Gather Fluid Shifts Hardware USOS Transfer H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) Egress Fluid Shifts OCT Laptop US Lab Setup Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Detent Remove and Replace [Aborted] ESA Weekly crew conference Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config JEM Setup HTV Vestibule Configure for Demate – Part 1 Crew Prep for PAO TV conference with RAN-TV journalists (Ku + S-band) Node 2 Nadir CBM Control Panel Assembly (CPA) Installation Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill Recharging Soyuz 732 Samsung PC Battery (if charge level is below 80%) Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config LAB Setup MOTOCARD. Experiment Ops Verification of ИП-1 Flow Sensor Position PAO Preparation MOTOCARD. Operator Assistance with the Experiment Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD) – Lab Packed Bed Reactor Experiment Lab Video Setup Ultrasound 2 HRF Rack 1 Power On Habitability Walk-through Video – Subject Life On The Station Photo and Video Inventory Management System (IMS) Conference Fluid Shifts HRF PC 2 Reconnect Fluid Shifts Hardware Stow Dose Tracker Data Entry Subject Health Maintenance System (HMS) Ultrasound 2 Scan Prep Terminate Soyuz 732 Samsung PC Battery Recharge (as necessary) Health Maintenance System (HMS) Ultrasound 2 Scan Ultrasound2 Scan, Ground Guided Data Export Ultrasound2 Scan, Post-exam ops Packed Bed Reactor Experiment Lab Video Return  Completed Task List Items Manufacturing Device Print Removal, Clean and Stow NOD1D2 Cleanup Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Sabatier Troubleshooting N2N CBM Prep for Demate S-Band String 2 activation Three-Day Look Ahead: Friday, 01/27: HTV Release and Departure, SPHERES Zero Robotics Run Saturday, 01/28: Weekly Housekeeping, Crew Off Duty Sunday, 01/29: Crew Off Duty  QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:     Component Status Elektron Off Vozdukh Manual [СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) Off          [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 Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Startup Oxygen Generation […]

January 27, 2017 at 12:00AM
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GOES-16: Moon over Planet Earth

Launched last November 19 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the satellite now known as GOES-16 can now observe planet Earth from a geostationary orbit 22,300 miles above the equator. Its Advanced Baseline Imager captured this contrasting view of Earth and a gibbous Moon on January 15. The stark and airless Moon is not really the focus of GOES-16, though. Capable of providing a high resolution full disk image of Earth every 15 minutes in 16 spectral channels, the new generation satellite's instrumentation is geared to provide sharper, more detailed views of Earth's dynamic weather systems and enable more accurate weather forecasting. Like previous GOES weather satellites, GOES-16 will use the moon over our fair planet as a calibration target. via NASA http://ift.tt/2kwQrLz

Just A Reminder: NASA Is Required To Tell Everyone What It Does

Just a reminder: @NASA is required BY LAW to tell everyone everywhere what it has learned. That law has not changed @Alt_NASA @RogueNASA http://pic.twitter.com/TVa22gJOa8

— NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) January 26, 2017

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January 1986 - Voyager 2 Flyby of Miranda

Uranus' moon Miranda is shown in a computer-assembled mosaic of images obtained Jan. 24, 1986, by the Voyager 2 spacecraft. Miranda is the innermost and smallest of the five major Uranian satellites, just 480 kilometers (about 300 miles) in diameter. Nine images were combined to obtain this full-disc, south-polar view. via NASA http://ift.tt/2jBNLIN

ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/25/2017

Fluid Shifts Chibis Imaging Day 2: The Flight Day 45 Chibis session for the 49S crew was planned this morning, however due to Joint Station LAN (JSL) network issues the session had to be cancelled.  This Fluid Shifts session will be replanned for tomorrow.  Lighting Effects Vision Test: The crew performed a Numerical Verification and a Color Discrimination test in their Crew Quarters with illumination from the Solid State Lighting Assembly (SSLA). The Lighting Effects experiment hopes to better quantify and qualify how lighting can effect habitability of spacecraft. The light bulbs on the ISS are being replaced with a new system designed for improved crew health and wellness. The Lighting Effects investigation studies the impact of the change from fluorescent light bulbs to solid-state light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with adjustable intensity and color and aims to determine if the new lights can improve crew circadian rhythms, sleep, and cognitive performance. Results from this investigation also have major implications for people on Earth who use electric lights. Habitability Software Update: The crew installed updated software on their tablets in support of the Habitability experiment. The iQ&A iPad application will be used to collect questionnaire data for Habitability Experiment. 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.  Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Sample Collection: The crew conducted ITCS fluid sampling from the Node 2 (N2) Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL) and Low Temperature Loop (LTL) sample ports. They also sampled Columbus ITCS water using the Columbus Coolant Fluid Servicer. These samples will be returned to the ground on SpX-10 for analysis. The return to ground samples are taken once a year to monitor the quality of the water in the ITCS loops. Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Mass Spectrometer Assembly Remove and Replace (R&R): On GMT 2016/286, the Node 3 MCA experienced a shutdown due to a failure in its Mass Spectrometer Assembly. A spare Mass Spectrometer Assembly was launched on HTV-6, and it was used today to replace the failed MCA Mass Spectrometer Assembly in Node 3 (N3). Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Cupola Artificial Vision Unit (AVU) Troubleshooting: Crew set up a video camcorder such that Cupola Remote Workstation (RWS) Mon 1 and 2 are in the video frame. Ground specialists routed the camcorder and AVU video output to the ground, the Cupola AVU was then commanded from the ground to power-up perform a checkout. Several different inputs to the AVU (test pattern, external cameras, both SCU sources) were tried during the checkout, and all resulted in mostly blank displays with small portions of the display occasionally flickering into view. It was concluded that the input to the AVU is not the issue. The problem is likely in the AVU itself. This checkout was to determine the viability of utilizing the computing capacity of this MSS equipment last used for ISS operations in 2007.  H-II Transfer Vehicle 6 (HTV6) Departure Preparation:  Yesterday the crew completed loading more than 1450 kg of trash into the HTV vehicle. Today they performed a review of the HTV6 departure profile, procedures, and crew interfaces for monitoring and commanding HTV6. They also performed Robotics training which consisted of HTV6 release scenarios to allow them to practice techniques for nominal and off nominal situations. Additionally, they removed General Luminaire Assemblies (GLAs) from the forward side of HTV, and Light Emitting Diode (LED) Lights from the aft side of HTV in preparation for HTV Departure. These will all be stowed on ISS and used as spares. HTV6 is scheduled to unberth from the ISS on Friday 27-January. Today’s Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Fine Motor Skills Experiment Test – Subject FLUID SHIFTS. Comm configuration on RS A/C Inverter Swap in SM FLUID SHIFTS. Camcorder setup & switch on Crew Prep for PAO Event Ultrasound 2 HRF Rack 1 Power On Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis Fluid Shifts Ultrasound 2 Data Export Alternate TV-session with the participants of the 11th All-Russia Youth Readings named after S.P. Korolev Habitability iPad App Update [Deferred] Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Setup Alternate Atmosphere Control and Supply (ACS) Nitrogen Manual Valve Close FLUID SHIFTS. Подключение Laptop OCT к БРИ и HRF РС к ППС-26 (вместо RSE-Med) [Deferred] Node 2 Low Temperature Loop (LTL) Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Sample Collection СОЖ maintenance Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Power On Fluid Shifts CCFP Service Module Configuration Fluid Shifts DPOAE Service Module Setup Node 2 Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL) Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Sample Collection FLUID SHIFTS. Don Chibis [Deferred] FLUID SHIFTS. Assistance with Chibis  & Gamma-1 [Deferred] Fluid Shifts Tonometry Service Module Setup Fluid Shifts Experiment Service Module Data Collection [Deferred] Lab Low Temperature Loop (LTL) Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Sample Collection FLUID SHIFTS. Doff Chibis [Deferred] FLUID SHIFTS. Disconnection & disassembly [Deferred] Fluid Shifts CCFP DPOAE Service Module End [Deferred] FLUID SHIFTS. Comm Reconfiguration to nominal on RS Fluid Shifts Tonometry Service Module Stow Delta file prep Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Power Off FLUID SHIFTS. Отключение Laptop OCT, HRF и подключение RSE-Med [Deferred] Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record FLUID SHIFTS. DROUTE [Deferred] Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Stow Fluid Shifts CCFP HRF PC Service Module Stow Fluid Shifts Hardware Final Gather [Deferred] Node 3 Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Mass Spectrometer (MS) Assembly Remove and Replace Fluid Shifts Hardware USOS Transfer [Deferred] Actiwatch Spectrum HRF1 Configuration Alternate 2 Life On The Station Photo and Video WIRELESS LEAK DETECTOR ULTRASONIC SENSOR REMOVAL, FILE TRANSFER, AND STOW Health Maintenance System (HMS) OCT Setup Taking Pille dosimeter readings Robotic Workstation (RWS) High Definition (HD) Monitor Downlink Stow CWSA samples, units and tools. Robotic Workstation (RWS) Setup Lighting Effects Visual Performance Tests Light Setting – Subject Restoring COL1D1 configuration Marrow Breath And Ambient Air Sample Setup – Subject Columbus ITCS […]

January 26, 2017 at 12:00AM
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The Broad Strokes of Jupiter

Let's talk about this whole Moon vs. Mars thing for human spaceflight

NASA's current human spaceflight goal is Mars, but the Trump administration could change that to the Moon. Is that a good idea? Here's an in-depth look at the differences in science gain, the arguments for and against a potential commercial market, and whether or not the technological and operational challenges required to reach the Moon apply to Mars.

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These Large NASA-Supporting Twitter Accounts Did Not Exist 48 Hours Ago

How sad is it that government employees have to create rogue Twitter accounts just to communicate FACTS to the American public? — Rogue NASA (@RogueNASA) January 25, 2017

If You See Something, Save Something - 6 Ways to Save Pages In the Wayback Machine https://t.co/XtIDoACLSl — AltNASA (@Alt_NASA) January 26, 2017

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NASA's Uncertain Direction

Make NASA Great Again: A Memo to the New Administration, Futurism

"So [George] Abbey thinks the architecture of NASA's future plans should be thoroughly examined and redrawn. It won't even require a budgetary increase - just a smarter allocation of the currently available funding. For instance, he suggests scrapping the SLS program altogether. There's too much redundancy in the heavy-lift rocket market - SpaceX is working on their Falcon Heavy, Blue Origin is busy developing the New Glenn booster, and United Launch Alliance is drawing up plans for a Vulcan rocket. He also thinks a simple scaling-up of Boeing's already-proven and successful X-37 would create a serviceable replacement for the decommissioned shuttle fleet - a spaceplane that could be fitted for crewed flights and that also has the ability to transport matériel into space for orbital, in situ assembly."

NASA under Trump is still waiting for marching (and launching) orders, Washington Post

"The Trump administration's "beachhead team" for NASA showed up Monday. So far, according to Lightfoot, everyone's just getting desks and phones and computers assigned. There has been no command from on high to change policies about communications - nor any attempt to take down the agency's extensive online discussions of human-influenced climate change or other scientific issues."

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NASA and SpaceX Alumni Head For Boulder

Robert Braun named new dean of engineering and applied science, University of Colorado Boulder

"University of Colorado Boulder Provost Russell L. Moore today announced the appointment of Robert D. Braun as dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Prior to joining the Georgia Tech faculty in 2003, Braun worked at the NASA Langley Research Center for 16 years."

White House, SpaceX Veteran Phil Larson Joining CU Boulder, University of Colorado Boulder

"The University of Colorado Boulder's College of Engineering and Applied Science Dean Bobby Braun is announcing the appointment of Phil Larson as assistant dean for communications, strategy, and planning, where he will lead strategic relations for the college. Larson - who was senior advisor for space and innovation at the White House, where he served from 2009 to 2014 - will join CU Boulder in February. Most recently, Larson was part of Elon Musk's SpaceX team, supporting communications efforts as well as managing corporate projects."

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NASA Remembers Its Fallen Heroes, 50th Anniversary of Apollo 1 Accident

NASA will honor members of the NASA family, including the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery during the agency's annual Day of Remembrance on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

January 25, 2017
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Juno’s Close Look at a Little Red Spot

The JunoCam imager on NASA’s Juno spacecraft snapped this shot of Jupiter’s northern latitudes. via NASA http://ift.tt/2jSCIf5

Russia’s Proton rocket grounded by poor quality control

Russia's workhorse Proton rocket may be grounded until June or July, dealing another blow to the country's launch infrastructure, which has been plagued by brain drain, mismanagement, poor quality control and corruption.

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Need a break from Earth? Go stand on Mars with these lovely landscapes

Amateur space image processor Kevin Gill shares some of his stunning 3D images of Mars, created from real spacecraft data.

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ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/24/2017

Story Time From Space Meniscus Demonstration: The crew narrated and recorded a video demonstration exploring how a fluid behaves in free fall (microgravity) and how acceleration compared to free fall will make fluid behave the same as it would on the ground (1-G environment). Story Time From Space combines science literacy outreach with simple demonstrations recorded aboard the ISS. Crew members read five science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related children’s books in orbit, and complete simple science concept experiments. Crew members videotape themselves reading the books and completing demonstrations. Video and data collected during the demonstrations are downlinked to the ground and posted in a video library with accompanying educational materials. Today’s demonstration was based on the children’s book Max Goes to the Space Station. Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus (MDCA) Hardware Reconfiguration Part 2: Today the crew successfully completed the MDCA reconfiguration to the Cool Flames Investigation (CFI) setup.  The crew replaced the MDCA Needles, Igniters, Fiber Arm, and replace the fuel reservoirsThe crew then reinstalled the MDCA Chamber Insert Assembly (CIA) and reconnect Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL).  .  During the igniter exchange, a pin broke and remained in the receptacle.  The crewmember was able to extract the stuck pin and continue with the remaining operations. The CFI provides new insight into the phenomenon where some types of fuels initially burn very hot, then appear to go out — but they continue burning at a much lower temperature, with no visible flames (cool flames). Understanding cool flame combustion helps scientists develop new engines and fuels that are more efficient and less harmful to the environment.  Fluid Shifts Chibis Imaging Day 2: The 48S subject performed their Chibis imaging part 2 session. The subject donned the Chibis device, and while the crewmember was exposed to the negative pressure (pulling the fluid feetward), Cerebral and Cochlear Fluid Pressure (CCFP), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE), and Tonometry exams were performed by an operator. During the DPOAE test, the crew had issues obtaining a good seal on the DPOAE probe tip in order to perform the test.  After troubleshooting, the crew attached a backup and was able to proceed.  Only one of the two DPOAE tests was able to be completed during the subject’s allowable time in Chibis.  Additionally, during data transfer power supplied by a 28 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC inverter was lost.  The loss of power resulted in the loss of the OCT data.  Due to the change in 48S landing, this session was considered a bonus data collection, and the loss of one DPOAE test point and OCT data is considered no impact.  A repeat of the R-45 Day Fluid Shifts activities will be scheduled within the necessary window.  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. Noninvasive techniques are used to assess arterial and venous dimensions and flow parameters, ocular pressure and structure, and changes in intracranial pressure. Lower body negative pressure is being investigated for its ability to mitigate some of the effects of the space flight-induced fluid shift. 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.  Condensate Water Separator Assembly (CWSA) Maintenance:  During Columbus Desiccant Module inspection and replacement, executed in February of 2016, possible contamination was found on CWSA1 debris screen and residues on the CWSA1 cover.  Earlier today, the crew inspected, took samples and cleaned-up contamination found on various locations of the CWSA1 in Columbus. They also replaced the core of CWSA2.  The following ORU(s) were removed and replaced during the activity: Condensate Filter, Inlet Debris Screen, Fan Sub-Assembly, Air Check Valve, and Electronic Unit. CWSA2 failed at the end of July 2016 when the underspeed protection stopped the motor automatically. Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Sample Collection: The crew conducted ITCS fluid sampling from the Japanese Pressurized Module (JPM) and Node 3 (N3) Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL) sample ports. These samples will be returned to the ground on SpX-10 for analysis.  The return to ground samples are taken once a year to monitor the quality of the water in the ITCS loops.  Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System (NORS) Nitrogen Transfer:  Today the crew installed a NORS Nitrogen recharge tank into the Airlock manifold and initiating Nitrogen transfer to the Airlock tanks. This is the first time the NORS has been used to transfer Nitrogen. Today’s Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Biochemical urine test URISYS Hardware Stowage High Definition Video Camera Assembly 1 Activation in High Definition Mode Story Time from Space Meniscus Demonstration Setup ALGOMETRIYA. Pressure and Thermal Mode Algometry preparation for and measurement session CWSA sampling and cleaning. Story Time From Space Historical Photo Fluid Shifts Laptop RSOS Transfer Initiate water transfer from CWC-I to ЕДВ Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Setup Alternate Progress 433 (DC1) Stowage and IMS Ops Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Power On Fluid Shifts CCFP Service Module Configuration MELFI 3 Nitrogen Pressure Check Terminate water transfer from CWC-I to ЕДВ MELFI 2 Nitrogen Pressure Check Fluid Shifts DPOAE Service Module Setup MELFI 1 Nitrogen Pressure Check Columbus CWSA2 ORU Removal and Replace. FLUID SHIFTS. CHIBIS Setup Fluid Shifts Tonometry Service Module Setup Fluid Shifts Experiment Service Module Data Collection – Operator FLUID SHIFTS. Gathering Data in SM, Subject FLUID SHIFTS. Chibis Closeout Ops Fluid Shifts CCFP DPOAE Service Module End Story Time from Space Meniscus Experiment Photography and Stow Fluid Shifts Tonometry Service Module Stow Search for missing equipment in the RS (CTB with СЭП, КСПЭ, АСРД, ТВС equipment) Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Power Off Fluid Shifts OCT Service Module Stow Alternate JEM Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Sample Collection Columbus CWSA2 Electronic Unit R&R Airlock Flexible Ventilation Duct configured to exchange air with Node 1 Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System (NORS) […]

January 25, 2017 at 12:00AM
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Make America Gagged Again

M78 and Orion Dust Reflections

In the vast Orion Molecular Cloud complex, several bright blue nebulas are particularly apparent. Pictured here are two of the most prominent reflection nebulas - dust clouds lit by the reflecting light of bright embedded stars. The more famous nebula is M78, in the image center, cataloged over 200 years ago. To its left is the lesser known NGC 2071. Astronomers continue to study these reflection nebulas to better understand how interior stars form. The Orion complex lies about 1500 light-years distant, contains the Orion and Horsehead nebulas, and covers much of the constellation of Orion. via NASA http://ift.tt/2jV5RbE

A writing sabbatical

Four years ago, I announced that I was writing a book about Curiosity, describing the mission from its inception through its nominal mission. I am still not done, so am taking a three-month break from other work -- including this blog -- in order to focus and finish. I'm seeking scientists and engineers to serve as guest bloggers.

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Experience NASA at Super Bowl LIVE Fan Festival in Houston

Space exploration will feature prominently at Super Bowl LIVE, a nine-day fan festival running Jan. 28 through Feb. 5 in Houston, site of Super Bowl LI.

January 24, 2017
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Oklahoma Students to Speak to NASA Astronaut on Space Station

Students from Jenks Middle School in Jenks, Oklahoma, will have the opportunity to speak with a NASA astronaut currently living and working aboard the International Space Station at 10:35 a.m. EST on Thursday, Jan. 26. The 20-minute, Earth-to-space call will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.

January 24, 2017
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ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/23/2017

Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI)-1 Autostop and Recovery: MELFI-1 went to Autostop mode Friday evening (during crew sleep). The Cold Stowage team performed troubleshooting including a rack reboot but remained in autostop.   Failure signature had anomalous values on the 120 and 28 volt inputs, as well as failure statuses on multiple Motor Drive Electronics (MDE) status bits. This is similar to the power supply failures seen in previous Electronic Unit failures (Failures #2, 3 & 5). The decision was made to perform an Electronic Unit swap.  The failed unit (S/N 15) was replaced by the MELFI 1 Spare (S/N 11).  During the repair activity, the crew released a small amount of ITCS fluid when removing the return line QD from the UIP. The crew corrected the QD with the standard rotate and tap steps. They also noted significant moisture around the water connections at the Brayton motor QDs in the coldbox, however this is expected as the cold lines collect condensate. The crew commented on corrosion around one of the electrical connections in the coldbox area.  Photos were taken for review.  When installing the Spare EU in the Prime position, the crew was unable to seat the bottom right fastener (#2 in the procedure).  The remaining 7 fasteners were connected and the EU is secure in the rack.  The warmest temperatures seen per Dewar were: Dewar 1: -75C, Dewar 2: -73.9C, Dewar 3: -76.4C, Dewar 4: +3.5C, and ground teams do not anticipate any loss of science from this EU failure.  Light Microscopy Module (LMM) Biophysics 1 Configuration: Earlier today the crew configured the LMM for the Biophysics science runs in the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR). The Advanced Colloids Experiment-Temperature-1 (ACE-T-1) Module was removed from the FIR then the LMM Control Base and LMM objective lenses were installed and configured inside the LMM Auxiliary Fluids Container (AFC). Finally the LMM Petri Base was installed into the AFC. LMM Biophysics 1 (The Effect of Macromolecular Transport of Microgravity Protein Crystallization) will launch on SpaceX-10. When installed, investigators will use the results from LMM Biophysics 1 to examine the movement of single protein molecules in microgravity. By studying the crystals of a higher quality that can be grown in microgravity, scientists will be able to better understand their structure and how they work.  Fluid Shifts Chibis Imaging Day 2: One of the 49S subjects performed their second portion of Chibis imaging. The subject donned the Chibis device, and while the crewmember was exposed to the negative pressure (pulling the fluid feetward), then with ground and onboard operator support they configured 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. Noninvasive techniques are used to assess arterial and venous dimensions and flow parameters, ocular pressure and structure, and changes in intracranial pressure. Lower body negative pressure is being investigated for its ability to mitigate some of the effects of the space flight-induced fluid shift. 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.  Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus (MDCA) Reconfiguration: After the successful removal of the MDCA from the Combustion Integration Rack (CIR) last week, the crew began the reconfiguration to the Cool Flames Investigation (CFI). Today, the crew removed the MDCA Chamber Insert Assembly (CIA) from the Combustion Chamber and restrained it to the MWA. The crew then disabled the ignitor pressure switch and replaced the MDCA internal components. The Combustion Chamber was then reinstalled in the CIR. Reconfiguration activities will continue tomorrow.  CFI provides new insight into the phenomenon where some types of fuels initially burn very hot, then appear to go out — but they continue burning at a much lower temperature, with no visible flames (cool flames). Understanding cool flame combustion helps scientists develop new engines and fuels that are more efficient and less harmful to the environment. Node 3 (N3) Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Research Valve Install:  The crew removed the Air Selector Valve (ASV)-104 valve from the N3 CDRA and install a new CDRA Developmental Research Valve.  This new Research Valve was developed to improve CDRA valve operational lifetime.  The valve was delivered on HTV-6 and has the same interfaces, form, fit and function as the existing valve design.  The removed ASV-104 valve will be stowed as an on-orbit spare.  Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) Operations:  Overnight, the Robotics Ground Controllers powered on the SSRMS and maneuvered it to grapple the H-II Transfer Vehicle 6 (HTV6) External Platform (EP) grappled by the Mobile Base System (MBS) Payload/Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) Accommodation (POA).  After the POA released the EP, they maneuvered SSRMS to move and insert EP in the HTV6 Unpressurized Logistics Carrier (ULC) where it was latched and SSRMS was maneuvered to release the EP.   Finally, SSRMS was maneuvered to perform a survey of the HTV6 Earth Sensor Assembly (ESA) unit B before grappling HTV6 Flight Releasable Grapple Fixture (FRGF) in preparation of HTV6 release and re-entry scheduled for Friday 27-January.  Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) Sample Collection: The crew conducted ITCS fluid sampling from the Lab Low Temperature Loop (LTL) sample port. This maintenance is performed periodically to monitor the quality of the water in the ITCS loops. Today’s Planned Activities All activities were compelted unless otherwise noted. Fine Motor Skills Experiment Test Fluid Shifts Ultrasound 2 HRF Rack 1 Setup Power On From Cargo Transfer Bag Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) /Group Combustion Module (GCM) Component Activation Regeneration of Micropurification unit (БМП) Ф1cartridge (begin) Combustion Integrated Rack Hardware Gather FLUID SHIFTS. Comm configuration on RS Fluid Shifts Ultrasound 2 Data Export Alternate FLUID SHIFTS. Gathering and Connecting Equipment for […]

January 24, 2017 at 12:00AM
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NASA Simulates Orion Spacecraft Launch Conditions for Crew

In a lab at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, engineers simulated conditions that astronauts in space suits would experience when the Orion spacecraft is vibrating during launch atop the agency’s powerful Space Launch System rocket on its way to deep space destinations. via NASA http://ift.tt/2jmqQmU

Government Agencies Are Getting Nervous

USDA Scientists Have Been Put On Lockdown Under Trump, Buzzfeed

"The US Department of Agriculture has banned scientists and other employees in its main research division from publicly sharing everything from the summaries of scientific papers to USDA-branded tweets as it starts to adjust to life under the Trump administration, BuzzFeed News has learned. According to an email sent Monday morning and obtained by BuzzFeed News, the department told staff - including some 2,000 scientists - at the agency's main in-house research arm, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), to stop communicating with the public about taxpayer-funded work. "Starting immediately and until further notice, ARS will not release any public-facing documents," Sharon Drumm, chief of staff for ARS, wrote in a department-wide email shared with BuzzFeed News."

EPA Freezes Grants, Tells Employees Not To Talk About It, Sources Say, Huffington Post

"The Environmental Protection Agency has frozen its grant programs, according to sources there. EPA staff has been instructed to freeze all its grants - an extensive program that includes funding for research, redevelopment of former industrial sites, air quality monitoring and education, among other things - and told not to discuss this order with anyone outside the agency, according to a Hill source with knowledge of the situation. An EPA staffer provided the information to the congressional office anonymously, fearing retaliation. It's unclear whether the freeze is indefinite or temporary as the agency transitions fully to the Trump administration; the Senate has not yet confirmed Trump's pick for EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt. It's also not clear the immediate impact the grant freeze would have on programs across the country, since EPA grants are distributed at varying intervals and frequency."

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Juno Makes Another Pass at Jupiter

NASA Leadership Changes Underway?

Sources are reporting that former Deputy @NASA Administrator Shana Dale is now acting #NASA Deputy Administrator (again). More to follow. — NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) January 24, 2017

Nominee for Secretary of the Air Force was announced today. Since some #SECAF candidates overlapped with those for #NASA Administrator ... — NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) January 24, 2017

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Is This How We Will Get Our Official Science News?

Republicans defend Trump on media coverage, The Hill

"But that didn't stop House Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) from taking the House floor Monday night to claim the media would cover Trump differently if he weren't a Republican. ... Smith said. "No, the national liberal media won't print that or air it or post it. Better to get your news directly from the president. In fact, it might be the only way to get the unvarnished truth," he concluded. Smith delivers House floor speeches at least once a week criticizing the mainstream media. Earlier this month, he denounced a New York Times column describing the impact of droughts in Africa believed to be exacerbated by climate change as "fake news."

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Reading The TrumpSpace Tea Leaves

President Trump and science: 10 things to look for (and fear?), Science

"Whither space exploration? Space was never a front-burner issue for the Obama administration, and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden was generally viewed as at best a cheerleader for policies on human and robotic exploration that were poorly articulated and never adequately funded. Does Trump have a more muscular vision? Is "unlocking the mysteries of space" a tacit endorsement of what some influential Republicans hope will be a costly robotic mission to find life on a watery moon of Jupiter? Does it presage astronauts returning to the moon? And what will be his administration's stance on commercial space ventures?"

Obama's NASA made strides on commercial space, but stumbled on exploration, The Verge

"During the presidential campaign, advisors to President-elect Trump expressed praise for the focus on public-private partnerships in space. However, those same advisors hinted that all of Obama's efforts in strengthening NASA's Earth Science division may be undone, and that all of the space agency's climate missions may be transferred to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration."

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Government Agencies Are Nervous About All That Climate Stuff

CDC quietly cancels long-planned climate summit, EENews

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quietly and abruptly canceled a major climate change summit scheduled for next month shortly after Donald Trump was elected president, according to emails sent to those scheduled to speak and obtained by E&E News. The Climate and Health Summit was scheduled to be held in Atlanta, where the CDC is headquartered, in February. Agency leaders did not directly address why the summit was canceled and instead forwarded an email sent to participants indicating it may be rescheduled. "We are currently exploring options so that the Summit may take place later in the year," CDC officials wrote."

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David Radzanowski Is The Guy Who Made Things Work At NASA

Keith's note: Last week NASA HQ was told by the incoming Trump administration that they wanted Chief Financial Officer David Radzanowski to stay on for while after the Inauguration to help with the transition. Then the Trump people suddenly changed their minds and Dave was no longer a NASA employee at noon on Friday. As such Dave did not have a proper chance to say farewell to folks at NASA. Before he was CFO he was the NASA Chief of Staff. Dave is one of those people in government that most folks never hear of. He just did his job diligently without any arm waving and did it exceptionally well. Dave was absolutely vital to how NASA worked - especially when it worked well. Its too bad he was not able to have a proper send off.

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NASA TV to Broadcast Cargo Ship Departure from Space Station

Six weeks after delivering more than 4.5 tons of supplies and experiments to the International Space Station, an unpiloted Japanese cargo spacecraft is scheduled to depart the station Friday, Jan. 27. Live coverage of the departure will begin at 10 a.m. EST on NASA Television and the agency’s website.

January 23, 2017
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Is a Reduction In Force in NASA's Future?

Revenge of the bureaucrats, Politico

"The Trump personnel team led by Kay Coles James and Linda Springer, both also Bush alumni, has broad goals to reduce the size of domestic agencies while slightly bolstering the defense workforce, say sources close to the transition. Aides are also mulling a process, known as "reduction in force," that would allow the new administration to skirt the civil service's complicated rules for hiring and firing. The easiest way to make such reductions might be through budget cuts to each agency, which would be outlined in Trump's first budget proposal this spring."

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NASA Television to Air Service Celebrating Life, Legacy of Eugene Cernan

NASA Television will provide the pool coverage of the funeral service for NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Capt. Eugene A. Cernan at 3:30 p.m. EST (2:30 p.m. CST) on Tuesday, Jan. 24, live from St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston.

January 23, 2017
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New Weather Satellite Sends First Images of Earth

The release of the first images today from NOAA’s newest satellite, GOES-16, is the latest step in a new age of weather satellites. This composite color full-disk visible image is from 1:07 p.m. EDT on Jan. 15, 2017, and was created using several of the 16 spectral channels available on the GOES-16 Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) instrument. via NASA http://ift.tt/2k994lm

Is SpaceX Trump's Favorite Rocket Company?

Looks like @ElonMusk from @SpaceX just had his third meeting with the Trump team https://t.co/Y7Oi0eiNNv

— NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) January 23, 2017

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Curiosity Finds an(other) Alien Visitor on Mars

SpaceX Falcon 9 to Orbit

Birds don't fly this high. Airplanes don't go this fast. The Statue of Liberty weighs less. No species other than human can even comprehend what is going on, nor could any human just a millennium ago. The launch of a rocket bound for space is an event that inspires awe and challenges description. Pictured here, a SpaceX Falcon 9 V rocket lifted off through a cloud deck from Cape Canaveral, Florida last July to deliver cargo and supplies to the International Space Station. From a standing start, the 300,000+ kilogram rocket ship lifted its Dragon Capsule up to circle the Earth, where the outside air is too thin to breathe. Rockets bound for space are now launched from somewhere on Earth about once a week. via NASA http://ift.tt/2j0QDO9

Confusing Celestial and Terrestrial Imagery

These 2 tweets w/pics just appeared in my timeline together. One is stars in another galaxy - the other is stars on the streets #womensmarch http://pic.twitter.com/TcIEwA8d3w

— Keith Cowing (@KeithCowing) January 21, 2017

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Will There Be New Government Social Media Content Guidelines?

Interior Department reactivates Twitter accounts after shutdown following inauguration, Washington Post

"The Interior Department reactivated its official Twitter accounts early Saturday after an abrupt shutdown following two shares of tweets that were unsympathetic to President Trump during his inauguration. Thomas Crosson, a spokesman for the National Park Service, the Interior agency whose employee retweeted the offending tweets, said the action was "inconsistent with the agency's approach to engaging the public through social media." "The Department of Interior's communications team determined that it was important to stand down Twitter activity across the Department temporarily, except in the case of public safety," Crosson said in an email. "Now that social media guidance has been clarified, the Department and its bureaus should resume Twitter engagement as normal this weekend." With one exception, Crosson said: No social media posts on the policy priorities of the new Interior secretary, because Trump nominee Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) has not yet been confirmed. It's safe to assume that the Park Service won't be estimating the crowd size of Saturday's Women's March on Twitter."

Keith's note: This is troubling. I wonder if similar action will be taken against @NOAA and @NASA for posting all of these tweets regarding recent scientific studies about the scope, scale, and causes of global climate change.

NOAA & @NASA confirm 2016 is Earth's warmest year on record @NOAANCEIclimate https://t.co/5sDkZyODpI #StateOfClimate http://pic.twitter.com/4PF1xs969s — NOAA (@NOAA) January 18, 2017

2016 was the hottest year on record, continuing a decades-long warming trend, according to @NASAGISS & @NOAA: https://t.co/vsbeRX8tig http://pic.twitter.com/RGw7dJd03L — NASA (@NASA) January 18, 2017

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The First TrumpSpace Launch

The first rocket launch from America during the @realDonaldTrump administration uses two Russian engines #ATLASV #SBIRS http://pic.twitter.com/C5ZSzO40nn

— NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) January 21, 2017

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NASA Headquarters Transition Update - New 9th Floor Faces

Erik Noble, White House Senior Advisor at NASA

- Political Data Analyst - Trump Data and Voter Outreach Team, Donald J. Trump For President, Inc.
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Atmospheric Science, The City College of New York
- Scientist, Atmospheric Science, NASA January 2007 December 2013 (7 years) New York, NY
- University of Colorado at Boulder, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Environmental Studies: focus on Atmospheric Sciences

Gregory Autry, White House Liaison

- Assistant Prof. Clinical Entrepreneurship, USC. Space industry expert. Entrepreneur. Writer.
- Member of the Editorial Board, New Space Journal
- Research Lead, Commercial Space Group, AIAA
- Producer, Death By China - Film
- Senior Economist, Coalition for a Prosperous America

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NASA Headquarters Transition Update

Message from the Acting Administrator of NASA

"As the transition progresses, we have some initial assignments from the new administration. Erik Noble has been named White House Senior Advisor at NASA. Greg Autry, who was with the Agency Review Team, has been named White House Liaison. I know you will all join me in giving them a warm welcome to the NASA family and thanking them for becoming part of this great agency. There will be other new and familiar faces arriving at Headquarters, and we will communicate with you as often as possible to keep you apprised of those developments."

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An Evolving Strategy For SpaceX?

Elon Musk's surprising secret weapon: Trump?, CNN

"In recent weeks, the Tesla (TSLA) and SpaceX CEO has been named to Trump's team of business advisers and visited Trump Tower twice. The first time he was part of a big meeting with tech CEOs; the second came earlier this month for a private meeting with Trump's top aides. The blossoming relationship between Musk and Trump's camp has caught the attention of Tesla investors. "Elon Musk has an important line of communication to Donald Trump through his role as a strategic advisor to the President-elect," Adam Jonas, an analyst with Morgan Stanley, wrote in an investor note Thursday. "We believe this level of coordination with the new administration could actually evolve into greater strategic value than with the prior administration," Jonas added. While the investor note was specifically about Tesla, it could also apply to SpaceX, which has lucrative government contracts for space shipments."

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ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/19/2017

Vacuum Access Port (VAP) Installation and Leak Check: Today, the crew installed a VAP in Node 2 from the LAB Vent Relief Valve to provide vacuum access capability for Visiting Vehicles berthed to Node 2 Nadir after PMA3 is relocated to Node 2 Zenith. Once installed, the VAP and lines were depressed and a leak check started to verify their integrity. The VAP Mod Kit consists of a Vacuum Access Port, Vacuum Hoses, and Vacuum Access Port Adapters to support vacuum through LAB Vent Relief Valve. Story Time From Space Heat Transfer Demonstration: The crew performed the Heat Transfer Experiment portion of the Story Time From Space experiment.  They demonstrated radiative heat transfer through space by showing how the finish on surfaces affects the net heat absorption. The narrated video demonstration was recorded and downlinked for eventual distribution.  Story Time From Space combines science literacy outreach with simple demonstrations recorded aboard the ISS. Crew members read five science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related children’s books in orbit, and complete simple science concept experiments. Crew members videotape themselves reading the books and completing demonstrations. Video and data collected during the demonstrations are downlinked to the ground and posted in a video library with accompanying educational materials. Today’s demonstration is based on the children’s book The Wizard Who Saved the World.  Fluid Shifts Before, During and After Prolonged Space Flight and Their Association with Intracranial Pressure and Visual Impairment (Fluid Shifts): The 48S crewmember and 49S crewmember performed their day 2 Chibis Imaging The subject donned the Chibis device, and while the crewmember was exposed to the negative pressure (pulling the fluid feetward), the operator, with remote guidance from Houston, performed arterial and venous measurements of the head and neck; cardiac, ophthalmic, and portal vein measurements; and tissue thickness of various body parts using the Human Research Facility (HRF) ultrasound. Fluid Shifts investigates the causes for severe and lasting physical changes to astronaut’s eyes. Because the headward fluid shift is a hypothesized contributor to these changes, reversing this fluid shift with a lower body negative pressure device is investigated as a possible intervention. Results from this study may help to develop preventative measures against lasting changes in vision and eye damage. Aquapad Analysis: The crew performed an inspection and analysis of water samples collected on Tuesday.  This is the third session of Aquapad collection and analysis, where the crew first verified colony growth and condensation levels on each of the Aquapad Containment Boxes then using the EveryWear application, the crew took pictures of the Containment Box for ground analysis. Aquapad is a new approach developed by France’s CNES space agency: paper impregnated with powdered growth medium creates a 3D petri dish. When water is added, the microbes form colored spots revealing their locations. Using a tablet computer application the crew will photograph the dots to calculate precisely how many bacteria are present.  Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations:  Robotics Ground Controllers maneuvered the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) Arm2, grasped the SPDM Enhanced Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) Temporary Platform (EOTP), and rotated it in preparation SPDM stow. They then maneuvered the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to remove the spare Camera, Light, Pan/Tilt Unit (PTU) Assembly (CLPA) installed on the Mobile Transporter Relay Assembly (MTRA) during USOS EVA 39 on Friday 13-January.  After it was verified by video survey that the electrical connectors on both the MTRA and the CLPA appeared nominal, the Robotics Ground Controllers installed the CLPA on the SSRMS End B Boom.  Upon powering up the SSRMS End B Video Distribution Unit (VDU) a CLPA Light electrical circuit trip message was received, same message was seen last Friday during the initial powerup.  Finally the Robotics Ground Controllers maneuvered the SSRMS and SPDM to a park position.  A CLPA checkout was completed, and as expected the CLPA Light did not work but the Camera functioned nominally. Today’s Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. FLUID SHIFTS. Comm configuration for the experiment FLUID SHIFTS. Gathering and Connecting Equipment for TV coverage Coliform Water Sample Analysis 44 +/- 4 hours post processing FLUID SHIFTS. Activation of РБС for Ultrasound Equipment Fine Motor Skills Experiment Test – Subject Fine Motor Skills Historical Documentation Photography FLUID SHIFTS. Ultrasound 2 Setup and Activation Aerosol Samplers Cartridge Removal FLUID SHIFTS. Don Chibis FLUID SHIFTS. Operator Assistance with Chibis and Gamma-1. FLUID SHIFTS. Ultrasound Scan in SM, Operator 1 Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Service Module Scan – Subject Node 2 Vacuum Access Port (VAP) Installation FLUID SHIFTS. Doff Chibis FLUID SHIFTS. Chibis Setup FLUID SHIFTS. Operator Assistance with Chibis and Gamma-1. Tagup with specialists De-Mating of MagVector Umbilicals from COL1F2 UIP Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Service Module Preparation COL1F2_AFT Backfill FLUID SHIFTS. Ultrasound Scan in SM, Subject Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Service Module Scan – Operator FLUID SHIFTS. Chibis Closeout Ops HRF2 Supply Kit Resupply FLUID SHIFTS. РБС Power Outlet Deactivation Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Service Module Stow FLUID SHIFTS. Deactivation of КСПЭ Equipment and Closing  Applications on Central Post SSC Fluid Shifts HRF PC CCFP Service Module Setup FLUID SHIFTS. Restoring nominal comm config FLUID SHIFTS. Installation of cable assembly for voltage converter. Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Hardware Transfer FLUID SHIFTS. Connecting US-invertor to СУБА. Private Psychological Conference (PPC) POLAR 3 Hardware Remove Mating of MagVector Umbilicals from COL1F2 UIP VHF EMER COMM Checkout Requires CREW and IP support ESA Weekly crew conference Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config LAB Setup Story Time from Space Heat Transfer Demonstration PILOT-T. Preparation for the experiment. Node 2 Vacuum Access Port (VAP) Leak Check Part 1 Soyuz 732 IRIDIUM Phone Charge, Initiate Charge Aquapad Water double Analysis PILOT-T. Experiment Ops. Soyuz 732 IRIDIUM Phone Charging, Battery Status Check Soyuz 732 IRIDIUM Phone Charge, Terminate Charge, Teardown of the Setup (Stow ФГБ1ПГО_2_224_1 0.5 CTB No.1017 Soft container 00044322R) PAO Preparation Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD) – Lab Node 2 Vacuum Access Port (VAP) Leak Check Part 2 Story Time From Space Historical Photo Initiate EDV fill from […]

January 20, 2017 at 12:00AM
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If You Need Strength Today, Be Like Daphnis

Trump Budget Forecast For NASA? Gloomy

Trump team prepares dramatic cuts, The Hill

"The changes they propose are dramatic. The departments of Commerce and Energy would see major reductions in funding, with programs under their jurisdiction either being eliminated or transferred to other agencies. The departments of Transportation, Justice and State would see significant cuts and program eliminations. Overall, the blueprint being used by Trump's team would reduce federal spending by $10.5 trillion over 10 years."

Trump reportedly wants to cut cultural programs that make up 0.02 percent of federal spending, Washington Post

"For example, about half of the government's discretionary spending is on the military. Cutting all discretionary spending each year means cutting all funding for the military, which is both politically and rationally a nonstarter. The formulas for how much is spent on the non-discretionary spending can be adjusted, but Trump has pledged not to cut spending on the so-called "entitlement" programs."

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Confusion Over Naming of Features on Pluto

Keith's note: There as a live Facebook webcast today about the New Horizons mission. I submitted this question which was asked of New Horizons PI Alan Stern: "A variety of names are used by the New Horizons team in public and in scientific publications for features on Pluto and Charon based on images obtained during the flyby. Have any of these names been formally submitted to the IAU by the New Horizons team or NASA? Have any of these feature names been formally approved by the IAU?"

Dawn arrived at Ceres in 2015 a few months before New Horizons flew past Pluto. IAU has already approved a bunch of names on Ceres yet no names have been formally approved for Pluto. During the webcast Stern replied to my question by saying that the IAU required that a proposal for themes for naming be submitted, that "the ball is in the IAU's court", and that once that has been approved then they will submit names by the end of this year. Yet if you go to the IAU website you will see that they already have a naming theme for Pluto and its moons. So it is somewhat confusing as to why New Horizons has yet to submit any feature names.

Meanwhile all of the unofficial feature names are used in scientific papers and even on commercial products such as Pluto globes. It would certainly seem that the New Horizons team is in no hurry to send anything to the IAU due to the "dwarf planet" nomenclature hostility that has been simmering between them for years. In other words they can force the issue of their feature names being accepted (in contrast to what IAU had already established) by dragging their feet and allowing the names to become official by default. There's certainly nothing wrong with allowing the discoverers of new planetary features name those places. But if there is a process that NASA has signed up to for all of its missions - missions that it has paid for - then everyone needs to follow the same rules.

The Real Origin Of Some Notable Pluto Nomenclature, earlier post

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NASA Opens Media Accreditation for Next SpaceX Space Station Cargo Launch

Media accreditation now is open for launch of the next SpaceX commercial cargo resupply services mission to the International Space Station, currently targeted for no earlier than February.

January 19, 2017
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Amazing photos of tiny moons as Cassini orbits among the rings

Behold: Daphnis, the tiny, 8-kilometer moon that orbits within a ring gap, gently tugging on the edges of the gap to create delicate scallops.

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Daphnis Up Close

The wavemaker moon, Daphnis, is featured in this view, taken as NASA's Cassini spacecraft made one of its ring-grazing passes over the outer edges of Saturn's rings on Jan. 16, 2017. via NASA http://ift.tt/2jPxlwA

Saturn's Moon Daphnis Creates Spectacular Ripples in Saturn's Rings

Here's what history has to say about when Trump's NASA administrator will take office

This Friday, Charles Bolden resigns as NASA administrator after a stint of 2,744 days. Robert Lightfoot, the agency's highest-ranking civil servant, will take over as acting admin. How long will Lightfoot serve? If history serves as a guide, it could be a while.

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Space Station Vista: Planet and Galaxy

If you could circle the Earth aboard the International Space Station, what might you see? Some amazing vistas, one of which was captured in this breathtaking picture in mid-2015. First, visible at the top, are parts of the space station itself including solar panels. Just below the station is the band of our Milky Way Galaxy, glowing with the combined light of billions of stars, but dimmed in patches by filaments of dark dust. The band of red light just below the Milky Way is airglow -- Earth's atmosphere excited by the Sun and glowing in specific colors of light. Green airglow is visible below the red. Of course that's our Earth below its air, with the terminator between day and night visible near the horizon. As clouds speckle the planet, illumination from a bright lightning bolt is seen toward the lower right. Between work assignments, astronauts from all over the Earth have been enjoying vistas like this from the space station since the year 2000. via NASA http://ift.tt/2jKeh2S

NASA Hosts News Conference, Interviews with Next Space Station Crew

NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik, Paolo Nespoli of ESA (European Space Agency), and Sergey Ryazanskiy of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, who are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station in late spring, will participate in a news conference at 2 p.m. EST Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

January 18, 2017
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Possible Signs of Ancient Drying in Martian Rock

A grid of small polygons on the Martian rock surface near the right edge of this view may have originated as cracks in drying mud more than 3 billion years ago. via NASA http://ift.tt/2jzvy1d

NASA Considers Involvement With Mission Control TV Series

CBS Picks Up Dana Klein/Mark Feuerstein Comedy, Andy Weir NASA Drama To Pilot, Deadine

"Written by Weir, Mission Control revolves around the next generation of NASA astronauts and scientists who juggle their personal and professional lives during a critical mission with no margin for error."

Keith's note: According to NASA PAO NASA has been approached by the show's producers and they are waiting on a script for final consideration. At this point NASA has not committed to assist the producers, allow use of its logo, facilities, staff etc.

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NASA, NOAA Data Show 2016 Warmest Year on Record Globally

Earth’s 2016 surface temperatures were the warmest since modern recordkeeping began in 1880, according to independent analyses by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

January 18, 2017
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2016 Was the Hottest Year on Record

ISS Daily Summary Report – 1/17/2017

Extra-vehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Loop Scrub:  Today, the crew configured EMUs 3006 and 3008 for loop scrubbing following last week’s EVA. They initiated ionic and particulate filtration (scrubbing) and conducted biocidal maintenance (iodination) on the suit and Airlock cooling water loops.  Samples of the coolant water will be obtained before and after the loop scrub activity to determine the effectiveness of the filtering.  A portion of the water sample was utilized for a conductivity test and the remaining water will be sent to the ground for chemical analysis. Ultra-High Definition (UHD) Camera Test:  The crew setup, configured and performed a test with the UHD camera.  The first 4K live downlink event using the 4K Encoder is currently planned for 01- February. This equipment was delivered to the ISS on HTV-6, and allows real time streaming of 4K UHD video.  Fluid Shifts Baseline Imaging: With assistance of an onboard operator and ground remote guidance, a 48S crewmember performed the second portion of the Return-45 day (R-45) Fluid Shifts experiment.  Ultrasound imaging was taken of arterial and venous measures of the head and neck, cardiac, ophthalmic and portal vein, and tissue thickness of lower and upper body. Additional measurements using the Cerebral and Cochlear Fluid Pressure (CCFP), Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), ESA’s Cardiolab (CDL) Holter Arterial Blood Pressure Device, and Intraocular Pressure (IOP) using the tonometer were taken as well. Fluid Shifts is a joint NASA- Russian experiment that investigates the causes for severe and lasting physical changes to astronaut’s eyes. Because the headward fluid shift is a hypothesized contributor to these changes, reversing this fluid shift with a lower body negative pressure device is investigated as a possible intervention. Results from this study may help to develop preventative measures against lasting changes in vision and eye damage.  Water Monitoring Suite: In coordination with regular Environmental Health System (EHS) water sampling, the crew performed the Microbial Monitoring System (MMS) portion of the WMS experiment. By using the same water collected for the EHS sample, ground teams can evaluate the capabilities of the new hardware. The crew configured the hardware to sample a low and high DNA concentration sample using the Razor Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Microbial Monitoring System. The WMS is a set of hardware that monitors microbes, silica and organic material in the water supply on the ISS. The hardware ensures crew members can test and monitor the safety of their water supplies on future space missions, especially on long-duration missions to Mars, asteroids or other destinations where Earth-based testing would be difficult or impossible.  Combustion Integration Rack (CIR) Troubleshooting Tool Build: The crew constructed three tools which will be used to identify and manipulate a disengaged fastener on the CIR Chamber Insert Assembly (CIA) Shroud Plate(s). One tool was constructed from Coldplate/Wireway cover Teflon sheets to identify and hook a suspected disengaged fastener on the CIR CIA Shroud Plate. Another tool was constructed from aluminum plates to be used as a guide to allow the disengaged fastener to travel over the window segment of the CIR Combustion Chamber. The last tool was constructed from Teflon and used to guide the other tools into position. The troubleshooting tasks to use these tools is schedule for Wednesday.  H-II Transfer Vehicle 6 (HTV) Cargo Operations:  Yesterday the crew completed 5 hours and 30 minutes of loading trash onto the HTV vehicle.  Ground specialist estimate the crew will need another 3 hours and 30 minutes of cargo operations to complete the vehicle loading.  HTV is scheduled to unberth from the ISS on Friday 27-January-2017.     Today’s Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. MO-8. Preparation Body Mass Measurement – BMMD MO-8 equipment stowage Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) /Group Combustion Module (GCM) Component Deactivation Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Cooling Loop Maintenance Environmental Health System (EHS) Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) Sample Collect PILOT-T. Preparation for the Experiment Fluid Shifts Ultrasound 2 HRF Rack 1 Power On Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain Part 2 Fluid Shifts CDL Holter Arterial BP Hardware Don – Subject Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Baseline Scan – Subject PILOT-T. Experiment Operations Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) Sample Analysis Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Baseline Scan – Operator Microbial Monitoring System Hardware Gather Microbial Monitoring System MWA Preperation Fluid Shifts USOS Operations Historical Documentation Photography Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Post Scrub Cooling Loop Water (H2O) Sample Fluid Shifts OCT Baseline Setup Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Cooling Loop Maintenance Fluid Shifts CCFP Baseline Test – Subject Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) WSTA Fill Environmental Health System (EHS) Coliform Water Processing Fluid Shifts OCT Baseline Exam Fluid Shifts DPOAE Baseline Test Transfer of Cargo for Removal to Progress No. 433 (DC1). IMS Update Microbial Monitoring System Sample Setup Hardware Gather and Review of the Procedure for [CKB1] Compressor R&R Fluid Shifts Tonometry Baseline Setup Fluid Shifts Tonometry Baseline Exam – Operator Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record Fluid Shifts Tonometry Baseline Exam – Subject Fluid Shifts CDL Holter Arterial BP Hardware Doff – Subject Fluid Shifts Tonometry Baseline Stow Fluid Shifts CCFP Baseline Stow Preparation for Operations with FIT Analyzer and Procedure Review Work Fluid Shifts OCT Baseline Stow Tightening of Quick Disconnect Screw Clamps on DC1-Progress No. 433 Interface Microbial Monitoring System Sample Fluid Shifts Hardware USOS Gather EVA Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Cooling Loop Scrub Deconfiguration Initiate water transfer from CWC-I to ЕДВ Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) WSTA Fill Video Recording for “Reading Eugene Onegin” Project Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Conductivity Test Microbial Monitoring System Data Transfer Terminate water transfer from CWC-I to ЕДВ Fluid Shifts Hardware RSOS Transfer Aquapad Double Water Sampling Photo TV 4K Lab Configuration Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Service Module Setup CONTENT. Experiment Operations Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) WSTA Fill Station Support Computer (SSC) 17 Reload Preparation Photo […]

January 18, 2017 at 12:00AM
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Family Statement Regarding Service Arrangements for Capt. Eugene A. Cernan

A funeral service for Capt. Eugene A. Cernan, who passed away Monday at the age of 82, will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. CST on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston.

January 18, 2017
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NASA Transition Updae

Keith's note: Sources report that Chris Shank is headed to DOD as part of their Beachhead team and is not staying at NASA or returning to Capitol Hill. Shank's former NASA boss Mike Griffin recently met with Trump Transition Team members and has expressed an interest in being nominated to be Secretary of the Air Force. Shank served for more than a decade in the Air Force. Stay tuned.

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