Thursday, March 31, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Astronaut Garrett Reisman Joins SpaceX
" Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) is proud to announce that NASA astronaut Garrett Reisman is joining the company as a senior engineer working on astronaut safety and mission assurance.
“We’re excited about the great team that we are building. Our talent is the key to our success. Garrett’s experience designing and using spaceflight hardware will be invaluable as we prepare the spacecraft that will carry the next generation of explorers,” said Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO and Chief Technology Officer.
Dr. Reisman will join former NASA astronaut Ken Bowersox’s team in preparing SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft to carry astronauts. In December, Dragon became the first commercial spacecraft to successfully return from orbit. In the coming years, NASA will use Dragon for at least 12 cargo missions to the International Space Station, creating strong flight experience before the first manned mission.
“I am excited to help SpaceX because I care deeply about the future of human spaceflight,” said Dr. Reisman. “I see commercial spaceflight as our country's best option for a robust and sustainable human spaceflight future.”
Beyond safety, Dr. Reisman’s experience as an operator of both American and Russian spaceflight hardware will help SpaceX in the development of human interfaces including controls, displays, seats, suits and environmental control systems.
“After the Space Shuttle's last flight later this year, America will be dependent on our Russian partners for getting NASA astronauts to space. NASA's commercial crew development program is our only hope for a quick, safe and affordable alternative, and SpaceX is well-positioned to lead this effort given the strength of their performance during the NASA COTS program,” said Reisman.
Both the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft have been designed from the start to one day carry astronauts.
Dr. Reisman comes to SpaceX from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration where he has served since 1998. He has flown on two Space Shuttle missions, which include launching with STS-123 and returning with the STS-124 crew, as well as flying on STS-132. During these two missions, he logged over 3 months in space including over 21 hours of extravehicular activity (EVA) in 3 spacewalks. Dr. Reisman served with both the Expedition-16 and the Expedition-17 crews as a Flight Engineer aboard the International Space Station. Early in his time at NASA he was assigned to the Astronaut Office Robotics Branch, worked in the Astronaut Office Advanced Vehicles Branch, and was a crewmember on NEEMO V in 2003, living on the bottom of the sea in the Aquarius habitat for two weeks.
Dr. Reisman holds a B.S. in Economics and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics from the University of Pennsylvania, a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology. He is an FAA Certified Flight Instructor. Dr. Reisman is from Parsippany, New Jersey. "
“We’re excited about the great team that we are building. Our talent is the key to our success. Garrett’s experience designing and using spaceflight hardware will be invaluable as we prepare the spacecraft that will carry the next generation of explorers,” said Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO and Chief Technology Officer.
Dr. Reisman will join former NASA astronaut Ken Bowersox’s team in preparing SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft to carry astronauts. In December, Dragon became the first commercial spacecraft to successfully return from orbit. In the coming years, NASA will use Dragon for at least 12 cargo missions to the International Space Station, creating strong flight experience before the first manned mission.
“I am excited to help SpaceX because I care deeply about the future of human spaceflight,” said Dr. Reisman. “I see commercial spaceflight as our country's best option for a robust and sustainable human spaceflight future.”
Beyond safety, Dr. Reisman’s experience as an operator of both American and Russian spaceflight hardware will help SpaceX in the development of human interfaces including controls, displays, seats, suits and environmental control systems.
“After the Space Shuttle's last flight later this year, America will be dependent on our Russian partners for getting NASA astronauts to space. NASA's commercial crew development program is our only hope for a quick, safe and affordable alternative, and SpaceX is well-positioned to lead this effort given the strength of their performance during the NASA COTS program,” said Reisman.
Both the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft have been designed from the start to one day carry astronauts.
Dr. Reisman comes to SpaceX from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration where he has served since 1998. He has flown on two Space Shuttle missions, which include launching with STS-123 and returning with the STS-124 crew, as well as flying on STS-132. During these two missions, he logged over 3 months in space including over 21 hours of extravehicular activity (EVA) in 3 spacewalks. Dr. Reisman served with both the Expedition-16 and the Expedition-17 crews as a Flight Engineer aboard the International Space Station. Early in his time at NASA he was assigned to the Astronaut Office Robotics Branch, worked in the Astronaut Office Advanced Vehicles Branch, and was a crewmember on NEEMO V in 2003, living on the bottom of the sea in the Aquarius habitat for two weeks.
Dr. Reisman holds a B.S. in Economics and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics from the University of Pennsylvania, a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology. He is an FAA Certified Flight Instructor. Dr. Reisman is from Parsippany, New Jersey. "
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Project Apollo-- a unique convergence of factors, never to be repeated again?
Jeff Foust (the Space Review) posted his review of the new book entitled, "John F. Kennedy and the Race to the Moon" by John Logsdon.
Jeff notes that "Logsdon... now believes that Apollo was perhaps something unique, a case where a set of factors 'almost coincidentally converged to create a national commitment and enough momentum to support that commitment through to its fulfillment.' If that's true, then 'there is little to learn from the decision to go to the Moon relevant to twenty-first century choices.' Apollo then, should be treated not as a model for future space efforts, but instead as an amazing achievement particular to the circumstances of its era, including the leadership provided by President Kennedy."
Phew! If I read this right, we were lucky to have witnessed this amazing event no only because of its audacity... but also because it may very well be a singular event in our lifetime. What a depressing thought for the future of interplanetary exploration.
What say you? Are we doomed to mediocrity and no more "giant leaps for mankind?"
Jeff notes that "Logsdon... now believes that Apollo was perhaps something unique, a case where a set of factors 'almost coincidentally converged to create a national commitment and enough momentum to support that commitment through to its fulfillment.' If that's true, then 'there is little to learn from the decision to go to the Moon relevant to twenty-first century choices.' Apollo then, should be treated not as a model for future space efforts, but instead as an amazing achievement particular to the circumstances of its era, including the leadership provided by President Kennedy."
Phew! If I read this right, we were lucky to have witnessed this amazing event no only because of its audacity... but also because it may very well be a singular event in our lifetime. What a depressing thought for the future of interplanetary exploration.
What say you? Are we doomed to mediocrity and no more "giant leaps for mankind?"
Friday, February 11, 2011
The hazards of space exploration... what is our tolerance threshold for handling a death in space?
A recent article on NPR's blog discussed the realities of space travel and its inherent-- and not insignificant--- dangers. The article went on to also make the case that if and when we commit to interplanetary settlement, we must accept that even death will occur during travel... and that this should not pose a "showstopper" for continued exploration.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2011/02/1333995151/space-travel-will-always-be-dangerous-and-thats-ok
The issue of handling a death in space has been about as taboo at NASA as discussing drinking alcohol on the ISS... or *gasp*... sex in space. These issues must be intelligently considered and anticipated for in long duration missions and especially for interplantery exploration.
What are your thoughts regarding the issues and implications of a death in space? Consider this impacts a mission, its crew, families and the broader spacefaring community...
http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2011/02/1333995151/space-travel-will-always-be-dangerous-and-thats-ok
The issue of handling a death in space has been about as taboo at NASA as discussing drinking alcohol on the ISS... or *gasp*... sex in space. These issues must be intelligently considered and anticipated for in long duration missions and especially for interplantery exploration.
What are your thoughts regarding the issues and implications of a death in space? Consider this impacts a mission, its crew, families and the broader spacefaring community...
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Science Fairs Rule
Do you ever wonder where the future of this planet is? Where are the people who will lead the way to tackle the problems facing us? Do you just want to get your geek on? Look no further than your local Science Fair.
For the past three years I have been involved with Science Fairs, at the school, county and regional level. I have to say it is one of the most rewarding experiences I've had. Yes there are some projects at the school level that aren't very good. But then there are a few projects that make you take a step back and go "WOW! This kid gets it!"
Judging at three different levels (school, county, region) there is an opportunity to teach as well as critique. Here in Jefferson County, WV, the Judges are encouraged to provide comments to the students on the back of the scoring sheets. Even if the project goes no further than the school level, the student can learn something and improve their scientific thinking and methods.
This year, I have seen this in action. At the school level this year I was a Judge for the Earth and Planetary Science category. The winner of the category was a project on measuring Sunspots. It was a good project, but not in my view, an outstanding project. I gave the student a half a page of comments on how to correct mistakes, improve the project, and the presentation. When the County Science Fair came around, this student had taken my suggestions. His project had improved, and so did his understanding of the subject. He won Reserve Grand Champion for the Junior High Division. I can't wait to see what the project does at Regionals.
At the County Level this year, I had the honor of being a judge for Senior High Champion. It was tough. My fellow judge and I had to look at 14 category winners and pick the top two to move on to State. The students with the two best projects were head and shoulders above the rest. One had done a study of how a certain protein affects growth of blood vessel cells. The other had measured the efficiency of a radio telescope's reception of signals from High and Low energy sources. Either of these projects, in my opinion, will do well at State.
Sound like fun to you? If you want to Judge or Advise students with their Science Fair Projects, contact your local Board of Education or a Science Teacher at your local junior or senior high school. They are always looking for Judges... and you can get your geek on!
For the past three years I have been involved with Science Fairs, at the school, county and regional level. I have to say it is one of the most rewarding experiences I've had. Yes there are some projects at the school level that aren't very good. But then there are a few projects that make you take a step back and go "WOW! This kid gets it!"
Judging at three different levels (school, county, region) there is an opportunity to teach as well as critique. Here in Jefferson County, WV, the Judges are encouraged to provide comments to the students on the back of the scoring sheets. Even if the project goes no further than the school level, the student can learn something and improve their scientific thinking and methods.
This year, I have seen this in action. At the school level this year I was a Judge for the Earth and Planetary Science category. The winner of the category was a project on measuring Sunspots. It was a good project, but not in my view, an outstanding project. I gave the student a half a page of comments on how to correct mistakes, improve the project, and the presentation. When the County Science Fair came around, this student had taken my suggestions. His project had improved, and so did his understanding of the subject. He won Reserve Grand Champion for the Junior High Division. I can't wait to see what the project does at Regionals.
At the County Level this year, I had the honor of being a judge for Senior High Champion. It was tough. My fellow judge and I had to look at 14 category winners and pick the top two to move on to State. The students with the two best projects were head and shoulders above the rest. One had done a study of how a certain protein affects growth of blood vessel cells. The other had measured the efficiency of a radio telescope's reception of signals from High and Low energy sources. Either of these projects, in my opinion, will do well at State.
Sound like fun to you? If you want to Judge or Advise students with their Science Fair Projects, contact your local Board of Education or a Science Teacher at your local junior or senior high school. They are always looking for Judges... and you can get your geek on!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Delivering bad news to astronauts
A recent article in ScrippsNews posed the following question in the title of their article: "Should NASA deliver bad news to astronauts in space?" This... in the wake of the Gabrielle Giffords tragedy (her husband is astronaut Mark Kelly.)
The article can be found here: http://www.scrippsnews.com/content/should-nasa-deliver-bad-news-astronauts-space.
What's your opinion? Should astronauts be shielded from events on earth of a personal nature? What's more important-- keeping a family member informed... or ensuring all systems nominal on a space mission?
The article can be found here: http://www.scrippsnews.com/content/should-nasa-deliver-bad-news-astronauts-space.
What's your opinion? Should astronauts be shielded from events on earth of a personal nature? What's more important-- keeping a family member informed... or ensuring all systems nominal on a space mission?
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