May 2007

www.nasa.gov

On the Inside . . .

NASA completes first checkout flight of airborne observatory

Page 2- Ames holds major earthquake

 disaster simulation

Page 3 - New badges to be issued

Page 7 - Way to Go! Recognizing employees

Page 14 - Ames Ongoing Events

Page 15 - Ames Classifieds

continued on page 5

NASA recently successfully 

completed the first of several planned 

checkout test flights of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared 

Astronomy (SOFIA) aircraft.

The flight took place in Waco, 

Texas, to observe the low-speed and 

low-altitude handling performance of 

the aircraft. NASA research pilot and 

former astronaut Gordon Fullerton 

led the crew making the historic first 

flight.

“Today’s first flight of SOFIA is a 

major milestone for the program and 

I want to thank the entire SOFIA team 

for all of its hard work over the years 

in making this first flight a success,” 

said Jon Morse, director of the Astrophysics Division, NASA Headquarters, Washington.

The tests are required prior to the 

aircraft’s ferry flight to its home base 

at NASA’s Dryden Research Center, 

Edwards, Calif., tentatively scheduled 

for late May or early June. Once the 

aircraft arrives at Dryden, further 

development and a series of flight 

tests will take place leading up to science observations scheduled for 2009 

or 2010.

Prior to this first successful 

flight, the airplane underwent major 

modifications at L-3 Communications 

Integrated Systems in Waco, Texas. 

To enable the 45,000-pound infrared 

telescope to scan the skies, the 747SP 

was modified by cutting a 16-foot 

tall opening in the aft fuselage, and 

equipping it with a sliding door. By 

flying at altitudes above 40,000 feet, 

this special 747SP will rise above most 

atmospheric water vapor to give the 

98.4-inch diameter infrared telescope 

clear access to collect infrared images 

from space. The telescope can be positioned anywhere in the skies, unlike 

ground-based telescopes, and between 

science missions it can be serviced and 

reconfigured as needed to accomplish 

world-class astronomy.

SOFIA will study the universe in 

the infrared spectrum. SOFIA also 

will be used to develop observational 

techniques, new 

instrumentation, 

and to educate 

young scientists 

and teachers in 

the discipline of 

infrared astronomy. 

SOFIA is a 

joint international 

effort by NASA 

and DLR, the German Aerospace 

Center. The aircraft will be based 

at Dryden. 

SOFIA’s science center is located 

at NASA Ames. The entire effort 

is supported by Universities Space 

Research Association (USRA), a nonprofit group of universities created in 

1969 by the National Academy of Sciences, as well as the Deutsche SOFIA 

Institute (DSI), Stuttgart, Germany. 

For more information about 

SOFIA, visit: www.sofia.usra.edu

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) aircraft during 

its first test flight in Waco, Texas on April 26, 2007.

by Michael Mewhinney

NASA’s Phoenix to seek organics in 

Mars’ ice to unravel Mars’ mysteries

A spacecraft called Phoenix is 

destined to land on Mars in 2008, 

seeking to unravel some of the mysteries of the red planet. 

Back on Earth, NASA Ames scientist and Phoenix biological interpretation co-investigator Chris McKay will 

anxiously await results radioed from 

the red planet for clues about possible 

organics on Mars.

“What I hope we find is organic 

material in the ice,” said McKay. “We 

know from Viking that there’s very 

little, maybe no organic materials in 

the soils. We’re hoping that the ice 

in the polar regions could preserve 

organics.” NASA sent two Viking 

landers to Mars in 1976, which landed 

in non-icy zones, but neither found 

any organics in those areas.

NASA has scheduled the Phoenix 

lander spacecraft for launch in August 

2007. In May 2008, Phoenix is to land 

in an ice-rich area in the northern polar 

region of the planet between 65 and 

72 north latitude. The lander’s robotic 

arm will dig into the arctic terrain in 

search of clues about the history of 

water on Mars, and also for evidence 

of organics.
 Astrogram May 2007

Ames holds major earthquake disaster simulation

To kick off the biggest drill ever 

conducted at Ames, sirens sounded in 

the distance at about 9 a.m., May 11, 

2007, to begin an earthquake simulation. A fire engine sped to the main 

administration building, N-200, and 

stopped there with emergency lights 

flashing.

The air was chilly, and the sky was 

dark with high fog, or overcast 

in places, but the sunshine in 

most places made the morning 

pleasant. Outside each Ames 

building, managers called 

roll and checked off names 

of building residents before 

groups began to walk to the 

emergency assembly point on 

the tarmac in front of Ames’s 

main hangar.

“It reminds me of being 

back in kindergarten and 

walking in a group,” said one 

Ames employee who declined 

to be identified.

A group from Bldg. 943, 

just outside the main gate, was 

walking towards the main 

hanger, N211, and past the 

circle near Bldg. N-200. The air 

was cool and breezy.

“It’s just my walking exercise for the day,” said Kelly 

Garcia.

“I think it’s motivational 

- great practice,” said Horacio 

Chavez, who works in the 

Exploration Center.

As the group crossed from 

the sidewalk near Hangar 211 

onto the tarmac, its members crossed 

a metal ramp. The group headed for a 

red flag that marked the rendezvous 

place on the tarmac.

Asked why the drill was taking 

place, Khanh Dang, a volunteer waving the red flag said, “ We’re doing the 

exercise because we need to evaluate 

how many people we need to evacuate 

out of the buildings.” She added that, 

“We want to find out what buildings 

are damaged and who got trapped in 

them.”

Ames Center Director S. Pete 

Worden was standing nearby. He was 

‘killed’ in building N-200, but still 

commented to members of the small 

group from N-943, saying a lot of 

places in the United States are subject 

to possible disasters. 

“Earthquakes impact this area,” he 

said. It is important for Ames people 

to participate in a practice drill at least 

once to be prepared for a real disaster, 

Worden observed.

Jonas Dino of the Ames Public 

Affairs Office approached wearing a 

bright yellow vest. Two men, carrying equipment and a tall metal pole, 

walked over to Dino.

“We’ve got a network connection 

for you guys - wireless,” one of the 

men said. They talked with Dino, and 

walked towards the hangar to begin to 

set up their equipment.

Mike Mewhinney of the Public Affairs division briefed his small group.

“Today’s event is a 7.3 earthquake 

on the Hayward fault,” Mewhinney 

began to read from a prepared set 

of papers. “There is no voice or data 

service working,” he added. He read 

more details of the simulated disaster. 

There was spotty cell phone service. 

Damage was reported as far away as 

Sacramento. The cities of Oakland, 

Hayward and Fremont appeared to 

be the hardest hit. Chlorine gas was 

leaking from derailed railroad cars in 

Santa Clara. And - oh yes - there was 

no electric power, and there were no 

operating toilets.

One good thing - Mewhinney 

noted - was that Ames’ emergency 

radio station, AM-1700 on the radio 

dial, was broadcasting emergency 

information. He rattled off a list 

of damaged buildings and said 

there were 25 walking wounded, five dead and 300 people 

unaccounted for.

Acting a bit disoriented, 

Melody Miles, who had simulated wounds painted on her 

left arm and her face wandered 

over to the public affairs group. 

She said she had been injured 

in Bldg. N255.

“Stuff fell,” she said. Laura 

Lewis of Ames led Miles to 

Mike Dudley who had a twoway radio.

“Yeah, Phil, I’ve got a simulated injury at the red flag,” 

Dudley calmly spoke into his 

two-way. “This is part of the 

drill,” he added.

 Ames’ Associate Director 

for Institutions and Research 

Steven Zornetzer walked to 

the public address microphone 

in front of the hangar doors to 

speak to the crowd.

He answered the obvious 

question, why were most folks 

asked to walk to the hangar? 

According to Zornetzer, going to the tarmac gets most people 

out of the dangerous area so there is 

less chance people will go back into 

damaged buildings to try to rescue 

colleagues - work better left to trained 

emergency responders. The gathering place in front of the hangar also 

serves as a large triage - so emergency 

workers can get a better idea of who 

is missing and who might need to be 

rescued.

In addition, Zornetzer said, people 

who are willing to volunteer can be 

sorted out - and messages can be 

provided to the crowd in an efficient 

manner.

Zornetzer gave the gathering more 

information about the simulated earth- continued on page 4 NASA photo by Jim Taylor

NASA photo by Eric James

NASA Ames held its largest 

emergency drill on May 11, 

with employees evacuating 

their buildings to meet at the 

tarmac of bldg. N-211 (top 

photo) and employees with 

simulated injuries around 

the center (center and bottom photos.)

NASA photo by Jim Taylor
 Astrogram May 2007

In the next few months, NASA 

Ames employees will be introduced 

to several changes that will affect 

facility and computer access as a 

result of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12). 

Signed by President Bush on Aug. 

27, 2004, the directive requires the 

implementation of a governmentwide standard for secure and reliable 

forms of identification issued by the 

federal government to its employees 

and contractors. Development of the 

standard was assigned to the National 

Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Department 

of Commerce, which has issued a 

standard for a common Personal Identity Verification (PIV) system that will 

be used government-wide in accessing federally controlled facilities and 

information systems

“The centerpiece of HSPD-12 and 

the PIV system is a new badge that 

will be issued to all civil servants and 

contractors,” said Ray O’Brien, Ames’ 

HSPD-12 implementation manager 

(Code JTS). The badge will permit 

greater access control of both the 

physical and information technology 

(IT) assets at Ames, O’Brien added. 

New badges will be issued to all permanent employees, both civil service 

and contractor, by Oct. 27, 2007. After 

that date, current NASA badges no 

longer will be accepted for facility 

access. Over the next three years, 

these badges will be phased in for 

computer and systems access instead 

of a user ID and password

These badges will have several 

benefits:

•Easier access: With each employee having a common ‘identity’ across 

all government agencies, access to 

other centers or government institutions will be easier. Employees from 

Ames who visit other centers, for 

example, can use the same badge to 

enter another site and will not have to 

undergo any additional background 

checks. Eventually, those moving 

between centers will find it much 

easier to gain access to information 

technology resources than is currently 

the case. 

• Single sign-on: Eventually, many 

NASA desktop computer applications 

will not require a subsequent log-on 

action if the user previously gained 

access to the desktop computer using 

his/her badge; and

• Better workplace security: Increased levels of identity verification, 

including background investigations 

for all who require routine access, will 

help to ensure a safer and more secure 

work environment.

• Reduced identity fraud: The 

new standardized badging process 

required by HSPD-12 is designed to 

help reduce identity fraud and protect 

the personal privacy of those who are 

issued government identification. 

Before employees can be issued 

new badges, however, they must 

provide personal information that will 

be used to confirm their identity, as 

well as agree to a background investigation and FBI fingerprint check. For 

most people, this will mean a National 

Agency Check (NAC) with Inquiries 

(NACI), according to Wende Hower, 

personnel security manager in Ames’ 

Protective Services Office. 

Many current civil servants 

already have a NACI, while about 60 

percent of the contractor employees 

do not. The Projective Services Office 

is currently sending notifications 

to contractor employees requesting 

information necessary to initiate the 

NACI investigation, which must either be initiated or completed for each 

contractor employee before they can 

be issued their new badges. A NACI 

consists of a NAC with the added 

security of written inquiries and 

searches of records covering specific 

areas of an individual’s background 

during the past several years.

 “At this point in the process, we 

are working on verifying the identity of each employee,” Hower said. 

“Once the employee’s identity is 

verified, following completion of a 

background investigation and fingerprint check, the badging process 

can begin.” Before a badge will be 

issued, the employee must present 

two forms of valid identification to a 

badging clerk. Current badges may 

not be used as an identification document for the rebadging process, as the 

agency did not require that records 

New badges to be issued to all Ames employees

Employees at Ames, civil servants and contractors, will be issued new badges by Oct. 27, 

2007. The NASA Ames Visitor Registration and Employee Badging Office, Bldg. 26, 

located to the right of the front gate as one enters Moffett Field. Hours for visitor badging 

are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and for employee badging (badging window) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 

Monday through Friday.

photo by Astrid Olson

continued on page 12
 Astrogram May 2007

quake. There were hazardous spills. 

The fire department was gathering 

information from the safety people, 

and the health unit is the casualty collection area, he said.

There is an emergency telephone 

number with information (650) 604-

9999 - in addition to the emergency 

radio station.

Zornetzer then turned to the question of when would people leave for 

their homes. “The roads are an absolute mess, anyway,” he said, suggesting people should stay for a while. 

“You’d add to the traffic jam. We’ll 

need to check you out so we won’t 

search for you,” he added.

Dino introduced Worden.

“I know I’m a remarkably realistic looking corpse,” he joked. “Real 

disasters occur,” he said. “There’s a 

real possibility of a disaster (happening) here,” he continued. “I encourage 

people to observe, learn and give us 

a little feedback. I think (this exercise) 

could save your life and others,” he 

predicted.

Walking back to the office, the 

external affairs group saw Joan McCullough on the lawn next to Bldg. 

N-241. She had faked injuries. The 

group debated if she was ‘dead’ or just 

knocked out. Her eyelids flickered and 

her lips were fighting a smile.

John Schultz called on his radio for 

help, quickly adding that the call was 

not for a real emergency. Later, it was 

heard that McCullough had probably 

‘died’ because the group did not react 

fast enough.

The group then returned to its 

starting point near N-943, debriefed 

and asked questions, such as what 

happens with school groups in the 

Exploration Center. Are they also to 

be brought to the tarmac? Are there 

enough emergency batteries, radios, 

food and other supplies in the area? 

Lorie Moody made an action list of 

things to do. Across the center other 

groups did the same thing - all to prepare for the ‘Big One.’

NASA has selected The Boeing 

Company, Huntington Beach, Calif., 

and Textron Systems, Wilmington, 

Mass., to develop alternate heat shield 

materials for the Orion crew exploration spacecraft.

The Orion Thermal Protection 

System (TPS) Advanced Development Project, led by NASA Ames, was 

established to develop a heat shield to 

protect Orion during its return from 

low-Earth orbit or the moon. NASA’s 

Constellation Program is developing 

Orion as America’s primary vehicle 

for future human space exploration. 

Orion will carry astronauts to the 

International Space Station by 2015, 

with a goal of landing astronauts on 

the moon no later than 2020. 

The two contracts for Alternate 

Block 2 TPS Materials and Heat Shield 

Systems Advanced Development will 

support development and testing of 

three alternative heat shield materials, 

designs and manufacturing processes. 

Under the contracts, the companies 

will work to ensure the technologies 

are mature enough to become viable 

backups if there are difficulties with 

the primary material.

In September 2006, Boeing was 

awarded a contract to develop the 

primary heat shield material, Phenolic 

Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA), 

manufactured by its subcontractor, Fiber Materials, Inc., Biddeford, Maine. 

The alternate 

materials will 

be developed 

fully only if 

the primary 

material does 

not perform to 

Orion Project 

specifications. 

NASA will 

assess and 

evaluate all 

of the Alternate Block 2 

TPS materials 

through initial 

testing and 

select the most 

promising of 

the materials 

for further 

development, if needed.

The Alternate Block 2 contract 

awarded to Boeing has an approximate value of $10 million, including 

all options, and calls for Boeing to 

perform early investigation of a proprietary material, the Boeing Phenolic 

Ablator (BPA).

The contract awarded to Textron 

has a value of approximately $24 million, including all options, and calls 

for Textron Systems to perform early 

investigation of two proprietary material options, Avcoat (used on Apollo) 

and Dual Layer.

Each contract has a 16-month 

performance period from May 4, 2007, 

until Aug. 31, 2008.

For more information about the 

Orion heat shield, see: http://www.

nasa.gov/centers/ames/research/humaninspace/cevheatshield.html

For information about Orion, visit: 

http://www.nasa.gov/orion

by John Bluc

Ames Earthquake simulation exercise

by John Bluc

continued from page 2

NASA awards heat shield material contracts for Orion spacecraft

Arc Jet test at the NASA Ames Interaction Heating Facility (IHF) (top view) with 

thermal protection system (TPS) material coupon glowing after test completion.

NASA photo
 Astrogram May 2007

“It’s got an arm that will dig to 

reach the ice which is below ground,” 

McKay explained. “At the site where 

we’re landing, we think we have to go 

down four to eight centimeters, about 

1.6 to three inches, down.”

Phoenix will deploy its robotic arm 

that is capable of digging trenches as 

deep as 1.6 feet (about one half meter) 

into the soil, or to the top of an ice 

boundary, during the course of the 90-

day mission. 

“We can identify organic material, 

but we won’t be able to determine 

if it is biological,” said McKay. The 

organic material could be biological, 

or it could be meteoritic – delivered 

by meteors from space, according to 

McKay.

To analyze soil samples collected 

by the robotic arm, Phoenix will carry 

eight small ovens in a portable laboratory. Selected martian samples will be 

heated to release volatiles that can be 

examined for their chemical composition and other characteristics. The 

instrument that will look for organics is the Thermal and Evolved Gas 

Analyzer (TEGA.) It will heat samples 

that the arm has retrieved to temperatures as high as 1,832 degrees Fahrenheit (1,000 degrees Celsius) and will 

examine the vapors released from the 

heated samples, according to McKay. 

Scientists say the samples could be 

martian dirt and ice.

The University of Arizona, Tucson, 

is developing TEGA. The TEGA principal investigator is Professor William 

Boynton.

“What I hope will happen is we’ll 

get to the ice and scrape up a little 

piece of it, put it in the TEGA oven, 

and we’ll find that it is rich in organics,” McKay said. “It would mean that 

the ice is the place to find organics. 

Phoenix will be the test.” The subsurface layers of ice, originally indicated 

by sensors on the Mars Odyssey 

spacecraft and recently imaged by the 

MARSIS radar on the European Space 

Agency’s Mars Express spacecraft, 

could be an organic-rich, frozen soup, 

according to McKay.

Speaking about the significance 

of finding organics in Mars’ polar ice, 

McKay said scientists would not know 

from the Phoenix mission how the 

organics were formed. “We’ll know 

Phoenix to seek organics in Mars’ ice to unravel mysteries

continued from front page

An artist’s rendition of the Phoenix lander, by Corby Waste of the Jet 

Propulsion Laboratory. The Phoenix is scheduled for launch in August 

2007 and will land on Mars in May 2008. The lander’s robotic arm will dig 

into the arctic terrain in search of clues about the history of water on Mars 

and also for evidence of organics.

continued on page 8

that they’re there, and that’s pretty 

exciting,” he said.

“Finding organics in the ice would 

mean that the ice in the polar regions 

is where we might find evidence of 

past life – frozen and dead in the dirt 

and ice,” McKay said. 

“There is no liquid water on the 

surface, but there is evidence that 

there was liquid water on the surface 

in the past,” McKay noted. “There is 

some possibility 

that there are active 

water features on 

Mars today, but it’s 

not certain,” McKay added, referring 

to recent evidence 

from NASA’s Mars 

Global Surveyor 

spacecraft that gullies on the planet 

may have been 

produced by recent 

flows of liquid 

water.

Asked about 

how proof of organics uncovered 

by Phoenix in the 

red planet’s ice 

might influence the 

future exploration of Mars, McKay 

said, “It would mean that the poles 

are where we’re going to go next.” 

McKay noted that the Mars Science 

Laboratory (MSL) rover is designed 

for operation in zones where ice is not 

predominant. 

“I’m hoping that the next one after 

the MSL, unofficially named the Astrobiology Field Laboratory – also a rover 

– would examine a martian region 

where ice is prevalent,” McKay ventured. The Astrobiology Field Laboratory could be designed to cope with 

icy martian areas, according to McKay.

In addition to looking for organics, 

scientists will conduct other studies 

of Mars’ polar region using Phoenix, 

which is not a rover, but instead will 

remain where it lands. The Phoenix 

mission is the first mission chosen for 

NASA’s Scout program, designed to 

produce smaller, lower-cost, competed 

spacecraft. 

The Phoenix mission is derived 

from two previous missions. Named 

for the resilient mythological bird, 

Phoenix will use a lander that was 

intended for use by 2001’s Mars Surveyor program before NASA cancelled 

the lander portion of that program.

Phoenix also will carry a complex 

suite of instruments that are improved 

variations of those that flew on the unsuccessful Mars Polar Lander mission 

that failed to return a signal to Earth 

from the red planet’s southern polar 

region in 1999.

Engineers originally designed 

the martian lander to land in lower, 

warmer latitudes on Mars, where, 

presumably, there is softer dirt. Phoenix mission scientists are working to 

resolve the problem that the spacecraft 

was designed to work in softer soil. 

Scientists expect that ice on Mars will 

be very hard, because the temperature 

of ice on the red planet is extremely 

low. 

Imaging technology inherited from 

both the Pathfinder and Mars Exploration Rover missions also will be used 

in Phoenix’s stereo camera, located on 

its 6.6-foot (2-meter) mast. The camera’s two ‘eyes’ will reveal a high-resolution perspective of the landing site’s 

geology, and will also provide range 

maps that will enable the team to 

choose ideal digging locations. Multispectral capability will enable Phoenix 

to identify local minerals.

To update our understanding 

of martian atmospheric processes, 

Phoenix will probe the martian atmo-
 Astrogram May 2007

Cynthia Null, a member of the 

NASA Engineering and Safety Center 

(NESC) who works at NASA Ames, 

was named one of the first 12 NASA 

technical fellows in a ceremony held in 

April in Hampton, Va. 

The NASA Technical Fellows 

Program was established to recognize 

technical excellence and provide agency-wide leadership of their respective 

disciplines as members of the NESC 

in support of the Office of the Chief 

Engineer.

NASA Chief Engineer Chris Sco- lese said that the new designation was 

motivated by the success of NESC. 

Scolese presented each technical fel- low with a plaque and his congratula- tions. 

Consistent with NESC practice, the technical fellows will remain 

resident and actively engaged at their 

centers. The first 12 fellows reside at 

Ames, Goddard, Johnson, Langley and 

Marshall. 

Other technical fellows named 

April 11 are Goddard’s Michael 

Aguilar, software, Cornelius Dennehy, 

guidance, navigation and control, and 

Mitchell Davis, avionics; Johnson’s 

Curtis Larsen, loads and dynamics, John McManamen, mechanical 

systems and Henry Rotter, life support/active thermal; Langley’s Robert 

Piascik, materials, William Prosser, 

nondestructive evaluation, Ivatury 

Raju, structures, and David Schuster, 

aerosciences; and Marshall’s George 

Hopson, propulsion. 

NESC Director Ralph Roe said that 

the idea of NASA technical fellows 

arose as part of the NESC practice 

of benchmarking against industry. 

Elevating distinguished technical em- ployees is a well-established practice 

at some major corporations. 

“NASA technical fellows will be 

role models for all of our engineers,” 

said Roe.

Scolese added that NASA technical 

fellows would provide stewardship 

of their respective disciplines for the 

agency. One example of that stewardship will be to foster consistency of agencylevel standards and specifications, 

including those considered core stan- dards. They will also promote disci- pline stewardship through workshops, 

Ames employee named one of first NASA Technical Fellows

conferences and discipline advancing 

activities.

Four additional technical fellows 

are expected to be named this fiscal 

year, two more in fiscal year 2008 and 

one more in fiscal year 2009. Fellows 

are competitively selected. The need 

for additional technical fellows will be 

evaluated semi-annually.

Over 300 Silicon Valley business representatives, venture capitalists, 

academics, city leaders, trade group 

representatives, technology consultants and others attended the NASA 

Ames Partnerships Office Technology 

Showcase, held at Ames in April. The 

Partnership Office fosters technology 

partnerships, commercialization and 

innovation in support of NASA’s mission.

The purpose of the showcase 

was to introduce the Silicon Valley 

business community to the Ames 

Partnerships Office and let them 

know how outside companies with a 

NASA programmatic ‘fit’ can partner 

with Ames -- via the Space Portal, 

the NASA Research Park (NRP), the 

Techology Partnerships Office and the 

SBIR Office.

A second goal of the showcase was 

to provide exposure and networking 

opportunities for more than 30 NRP 

partners who discussed their respective business operations and the benefits of partnering with NASA. NASA 

Research Park’s partners are involved 

in diverse, programmatically-related 

NASA Partnerships Office Technology 

Showcase highlights collaborations

by Kathleen Burt

areas including intelligent robots, 

space exploration and commercializa- tion, nano-technology, small satellites, 

health management and voice-activated and wireless communications.

The Technology Showcase began 

with an opening address by Steve 

Zornetzer, Associate Director for Institutions and Research, and an overview of the Partnerships Office by its 

director Michael Marlaire, followed by 

a Q&A with the audience.

Eight NRP partners gave presentations, including M2MI Corp., 

Advanced Wireless Communications, 

Apprion Inc., Ecliptic Enterprises 

Corp., Honeybee Robotics, Tibion and 

Santa Clara University’s CREST (Center for Robotic Exploration and Space 

Technology) program. Terry Fong of 

Ames also spoke about Google/NASA 

collaborations, with an emphasis on 

the planned disaster response project.

The showcase was profiled on 

Channels 2 and 7, on CNET and in the 

San Jose Mercury News. For images 

of the Technology Showcase, go to: 

http://www.researchpark.arc.nasa.

gov

Rex Ridenoure, CEO, Ecliptic Enterprises Corp., 

at the recent technology showcase held at Ames 

by the Partnerships Office.

Julius Lin, founder and Chief Technology Officer, 

IntelligenTek Corporation (left) speaks with an 

attendee at the recent Partnerships Office Technology Showcase held in April at Ames.

Cynthia Null of Ames, recently named one 

of the first 12 NASA Technical Fellows.

by Keith Hen
 Astrogram May 2007

Recognizing Rick Serrano 

“I would like to put in Rick Serrano for kudos in the Way to Go 

article. Rick volunteers just about every morning and at lunch 

time to keep the Fitness Center’s aerobic classes going strong. 

The participants appreciate his dedication in keeping everyone 

physically fit and preparing them for all the challenges that lie 

ahead. Way to Go, Rick! 

-- Ames aerobic participants

Way to Go! Recognizing the deeds of Ames employees

This new monthly feature recognizes contractor and civil service staff 

for tasks and deeds that may otherwise go unacknowledged. When you 

witness a commendable action, please 

take a moment to write up a few 

sentences about the event, mentioning 

the person who went that ‘extra mile’ 

by name. You can choose to remain 

anonymous; just indicate your preference when sending in your write-up. 

Thank you for taking the time to 

recognize the stellar actions of your 

fellow employees. Together, we make 

NASA Ames more than just a research 

center; we make it a community! Submit your employee commendations 

to the Astrogram office by the 10th of 

each month to e-mail astrogram@mail.

arc.nasa.gov

Recognizing Teague Soderman and Kevin Martin

“These two fantastic people from the Ames New Business 

Office recently provided me extraordinary help and guidance 

in preparing and submitting a proposal. Teague created 

a template relevant to the guidelines in the RFP for me to 

work in and provided great editing support, and Kevin 

worked with me to prepare the budget in great detail. Beyond their technical expertise, their calming presence and 

cheerful, supportive style made the whole experience a 

stress-free pleasure. Thanks Teague and Kevin!”

-- Daniella Scalice, Education, Outreach and 

 Communications Lead NASA Astrobiology Institute

Recognizing Kevin Hoffman

“My computer recently began behaving strangely, so I called ODIN support and was assigned Kevin as my case manager. Kevin was technically superb - diagnosing, doing experiments, and ultimately correcting the problem. He made sure I was updated 

on the progress, and handled my worries with ease. I truly appreciated his friendly and professional style. Thanks Kevin!”

-- Daniella Scalice, Education, Outreach and Communications Lead, NASA Astrobiology Institute

Recognizing Gina Fox

The male must get through! Gina Fox Code C/J Secretary, outdid Paul Revere when Lew Braxton called 

from SFO airport exclaiming that he had forgotten 

to take his wallet with him. She managed to get his 

wallet to him before the flight took off.

-- Shirley Prosper

Recognizing Mike McIntyre

Mike McIntyre exhibited exemplary professionalism and dedication in his position of software lead on the GeneSat-1 project. 

Mike’s work on the project was always well organized and very 

detailed. He demonstrated a great talent in communicating 

technical information to his co-workers in a well-structured 

format that eliminated confusion and kept his team on track. 

Mike also excelled at running efficient ad hoc meetings to 

resolve technical problems as they arose. He always kept a 

steady and calm demeanor with his team members even during 

the most stressful of situations. Mike was always extremely 

focused on mission success and made personal sacrifices that 

included losing personal vacation days, working over the 

holidays, and staying as late as necessary, sometimes until 1 

or 2 a.m. to complete mission-critical tasks. Mike’s contributions were a crucial and direct element of the highly successful 

GeneSat-1 mission.

Recognizing JJ Toothman 

Responding to Pete Worden’s initiative to revitalize Ames 

web presence into an engaging new web site, JJ Toothman 

of the web services team, took initiative and jumped in to 

lead the development of an exciting new site that takes 

advantage of web 2.0 tools such as social networking, 

bookmarking and blogging. In the process he has drawn 

together members from all over the Ames community and 

fostered excitement and enthusiasm to spread the word 

about Ames using innovative, effective and cool new 

technologies. He is a top-notch creative and inspirational 

leader.
 Astrogram May 2007

One of the highest honors that we 

bestow on our scientific and engineering staff is selection as an Ames 

Associate Fellow. The award includes 

a $4,000 personal honorarium,a $2,500 

travel grant and a $40,000 research 

stipend. 

Any civil servant with more than 

five years of service is eligible to win 

the award. The Science and Technology council is responsible for making 

the selections. The Ames Associate Fellows for this year are Dr. Jack Lissauer 

and Dr. Chris Potter.

Lissauer was selected for his 

research achievements in astrophysics 

and planetary science. He is internationally known for his models of planet and star formation and the detection 

of extrasolar planets. Lissauer and his 

team discovered a planet (GJ 876 d) 

that is just 7.5 times the mass of Earth, 

which at the time of its discovery two 

years ago, was by far the lowest mass 

and smallest extrasolar planet found 

by any method around a nearby star. 

In addition, he has studied the 

abundance of habitable planets, rotation of planets and comets, cratering, 

circumstellar disks, resonances and 

chaos, planetary rings and moons, and 

spiral density wave theory. He has 

received many awards including the 

1992 Harold Urey Prize of the Division 

of Planetary Sciences of the American 

Astronomical Society. He has published more than 80 peer-reviewed 

scientific papers and has delivered 

numerous invited lectures. He has 

been the editor in charge of Planetary 

Sciences for the journal New Astronomy Reviews and a member of many 

review panels.

Potter was selected for his research 

achievements in global terrestrial 

ecology. Recent research contributions 

span both the ecological and astrobiology research areas. His firsts include 

the design and implementation of a 

predictive global ecosystem model to 

explain the exchange of N2O, CH4 

and CO2 between the atmosphere and 

the biosphere. The application of his 

modeling to address microbial ecosystems of the Early Earth, the influence 

of hydrology on Earth and Mars, and 

the consequences of changing land 

use on the Earth’s carbon cycle have 

resulted in new advances in Astrobiology. 

He has served as an invited author 

of the NASA HQ ‘Earth Science Vision’ for NASA’s biological science 

research goals over the next 20 years, 

which largely form the basis for the 

next two decades of NASA research in 

Two Ames 2007 Associate Fellows honored

terrestrial ecology and global carbon 

cycles. He has published over 60 peerreviewed scientific publications, four 

book chapters and has been a book 

and journal editor.

The call for nominations for Ames 

Associate Fellows for next year will be 

sent out later this summer via a centerwide announcement. Nominations of 

eligible staff members may be made 

by any Ames staff member. Contact 

Dr. Stephanie Langhoff, Chief Scientist, at e-mail slanghoff@mail.arc.nasa.

gov for further information.

Dr. Chris Potter, recently was selected as 

an Ames Associate Fellow for his research 

achievements in global terrestrial ecology.

by John Bluc

continued from page 5

Phoenix to seek organics in Mars ice

sphere up to 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) 

in altitude, obtaining data about the 

formation, duration and movement 

of clouds, fog and dust plumes. The 

spacecraft will also carry temperature 

and pressure sensors.

Principal Investigator Peter H. 

Smith of the University of Arizona, 

Tucson, leads the Phoenix mission. 

Project management is being led by 

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 

Pasadena, Calif. Lockheed Martin 

Space Systems, located near Denver, 

Colo., is designing and building the 

spacecraft and will provide Mars 

space flight operation for Phoenix. The 

Canadian Space Agency, the University of Neuchatel (Switzerland), the University of Copenhagen and the Max 

Planck Institute in Germany provide 

international contributions for Phoenix. JPL is a division of the California 

Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

For information about the Phoenix 

mission visit: http://marsprogram.

jpl.nasa.gov/missions/future/phoenix.html and also http://phoenix.lpl.

arizona.edu

Dr. Jack Lissauer, recently was selected as 

an Ames Associate Fellow for his research 

achievements in astrophysics and planetary 

science.

NASA photo

by Stephanie Langhof
 Astrogram May 2007

Odell M. “Bill” Cox, 83, of Jacksonville, Ala., died May 5, 2007 at Jacksonville Medical Center. Funeral services 

were held in Anniston, Ala., on May 8. 

Cox was retired after 38 years at 

NASA Ames. His faith was shown 

by example in all aspects of his life, to 

God, his family, his work, his church 

and helping others. He loved life and 

adored children. He was loved by 

everyone who crossed his path.

He is survived by his loving wife 

of 62 years, Jessie Corinne Cox of 

In Memory of . . .

Jacksonville, Ala.; his children, Gloria 

Jean Blevins and her husband, William 

of Jacksonville, Ala.; Lynda Louise 

George and her husband, Larry; and 

Sidney David Cox and his wife, Sharon, all of San Jose, Calif.; eight grandchildren, Les and Lisa Blevins, Christina Lesondak, Rocky Garman, David, 

Adam, James and Amanda Cox; his 

brother-in-law, Lowell Kuykendall 

and his wife, Wanda of Orange, Calif., 

and many nieces and nephews.

Three former Ames employees pass away

Edwin Vernon

Odell M. ‘Bill’ Cox

Lorraine Vernon

Edwin R. Vernon, 85, peacefully 

passed away at his home on March 

16, 2007. He was born in Sanger, 

Calif., and raised in San Jose and 

attended San Jose High School and 

later San Jose Tech Trade School. 

In 1943, he entered the U.S. Navy 

and was stationed at NACA at Moffett Field. He then continued his 

career at Moffett with NACA for 40 

years, working in metal fabrication. 

Edwin was an avid duck hunter and 

fisherman and enjoyed traveling 

with his family and friends. He was 

a member of the Palo Alto Elks and 

Wheeler RV Club and 240 Duck Club 

of Los Banos. 

Edwin was married to the love 

of his life, Lorraine C. Vernon, for 60 

years. Lorraine passed away on Feb. 

8, 2007. He is survived by his daughters Lynne Vernon of Sacramento, 

Janis Keplinger of Stockton, son-inlaw Steven Keplinger, grandchildren 

Mathew and Michelle Keplinger and 

brother Gregg Vernon of Fremont. A 

memorial service was held on March 

22 at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be 

made to Pathways Hospice Foundation, 585 N. Mary Avenue, Sunnyvale, 

CA 94085.

Lorraine Cunha Vernon, 84, died 

peacefully in her home on Feb. 8, 

2007. Lorraine was born and raised 

in Santa Clara and graduated from 

Santa Clara High School in 1940. 

She was employed at NASA 

Ames starting in 1942 and retired 

in 1959 to have her twin daughters. 

She returned to work in 1970 at 

NASA as personnel manager for the 

next 10 years. 

Lorraine was a member of the 

Palo Alto Elks RV Club, Mother of 

Twins Club, Gamma Club and Sewing Club of Palo Alto. She loved 

traveling, dancing and shopping 

with her friends. Her hobbies included counted cross-stitch and knitting. 

Lorraine was married for 60 years 

to Edwin Vernon who passed away 

March 16, 2007. She is preceded in 

death by her sister, Irene Zaro. She 

is survived by her daughters, Lynne 

Vernon of Sacremento, Janice 

Keplinger of Stockton, son-in-law 

Steven Keplinger and grandchildren 

Matthew and Michelle Keplinger. 

A memorial service was held on 

Feb. 15, 2007 at St. Claire’s Church 

in Santa Clara, followed by a blessing at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be 

made to Pathways Hospice Foundation, 585 N. Mary Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Edwin and Lorraine Vernon

NASA photo

Odell M. “Bill” Cox

NASA photo
10 Astrogram May 2007

It’s called ‘Colony Collapse Disorder’ or more commonly ‘Vanishing 

Bee Syndrome.’ Either term means 

a loss in U.S. agricultural production, 

since bees pollinate fruits, crops and 

nuts on an annual basis. In the U.S. 

alone, this crop is estimated to be 

worth approximately $15 billion.

All over America, beekeepers are 

opening up their hives in preparation 

for the spring pollination season, only 

to find that their bees are dead or have 

disappeared. So far, nobody knows 

why.

In April of this year, the Plant 

Engineering Branch at Ames successfully relocated three healthy hives, 

totaling about 25,000 worker and three 

queen bees, to a beekeeper in San Jose.

“Pest control is one of the branch’s 

responsibilities,” says Plant Engineering Branch Chief Steve Frankel. “We 

adopted Integrated Pest Management 

(IPM) some years ago as a method to 

Honey bee haven at Ames relocated to beekeeper in San Jose 

reduce pesticide use. 

IPM incorporates the 

least toxic methods, 

including relocation 

of beneficial pests if 

possible. Saving the 

bees was the right 

thing to do.”

The hives were 

collected by A-Pro 

Pest Control Inc and 

relocated to Carriers 

Beekeeping in San 

Jose. The largest hive 

had about 20,000 

bees and supported 

30 pounds of honey. 

Carriers Beekeeping 

estimated the hive to 

be about three years 

old. Jason Fritz from A-Pro Pest Control, with the hive he removed at Ames 

from an electrical vault in the east side airfield.

Photo by Jason Fritz of A-Pro Pest Control

by Steve Franke

Above photo, from left to right: Ames Center Director S. Pete Worden, Jack Stanley, Shirley 

Burek, Koushik Datta, Mike Benning and Larry Lemke at the red ribbon cutting ceremony in 

celebration of the opening of the remodeled beach volleyball courts at Ames held in early May. 

Worden cut the ribbon as well as performed the ‘first serve’ (left photo). Games are organized 

every day for pick-up games at noon. The courts are conveniently located on Durand Road, 

across the street from the Mega Bytes Cafeteria. Players of any skill level are welcome to join in 

the fun! Balls, provided by the Ames Exchange, are located on site.

Ames’ newly remodeled beach volleyball courts open NASA photos by Dominic Hart
11 Astrogram May 2007

Ames held its annual Earth Day 

Fair on April 19. This year’s event was 

held in conjunction with A.I.B. Express’ NASA Supply Store annual customer-appreciation free lunch event at 

building N-255. 

Ames Environmental Services 

Division showcased ‘Commute Alternatives’ by bringing in exhibitors to 

educate employees on transportation 

options. Manufacturers of hybrid cars, 

all-electric cars, and electric motorcycles offered test drives, and representatives from all of the local mass 

transit agencies shared route information.

Other local non-profit organizations shared information about 

carpooling, vanpooling, transit-use 

incentives and the health benefits of 

alternative transportation. 

The Ames Bicycling Club provided 

a wealth of knowledge about bicycling 

safety, local trail updates and information about bicycling in the cities 

surrounding Ames. 

In addition to the fair, two environmental presentations took place. On 

April 17, the Environmental Services 

Division hosted Will Travis, executive 

director of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, for a presentation titled, ‘Impacts 

of Global Warming on San Francisco 

Bay.’ On April 19, the Bicycling Club 

hosted attorney Dawn Hassell for a 

presentation titled ‘What You Need to 

Know about Bicycles and the Law.’

 Rounding out the week’s acAmes hosts festive Earth Day celebration

tivities, an electronic waste collection 

event was held on April 18 and 19 at 

the Exploration Center parking lot, 

during which household electronic appliances were accepted from employees and local residents by a third party 

recycler.

One of the commute alternative exhibitors from the Rideshare program at the recent 

Earth Day Fair held at Ames, sponsored by the Ames Environmental Division.

 Ames Environmental Services 

Division hosted its annual Earth Day 

photo contest during the Earth Day 

Fair in April. Ames employees were 

encouraged to submit a photo they 

felt best reflected the meaning of Earth 

Day. Winners were chosen by popular 

vote at the April 19 luncheon.

Earth Day photo contest results announced

First Place: ‘As a Commute Alternative, Take 

Time off to Enjoy Earth’s Beauty,’ by Karen 

Heere (photo of her dog, Westy).

Third Place: ‘The Priests Come From Across the Lake 

by Canoe to Pray for the Earth,’ Lake Batur, Bali, 

Indonesia, 2007, by Thom Ston. Left: Second Place (tied): ‘My Commute Alternative: Cost Efficient, Low Maintenance, All 

Natural and Very Caring,’ by Faten Mansour.

Second Place (tied): ‘A Walk Through the 

Flowers,’ by Joel Lachter.

NASA photo by Dominic Hart
12 Astrogram May 200

On May 3, Ames hosted Google’s 

Robyn Beavers at a Director’s Colloquium explaining the company’s 

impressive use of solar photovoltaic 

panels on eight roofs of their Mountain View headquarters. 

Google is now home to the largest commercial solar installation in 

the U.S. These panels produce 1.6 

megawatts of power daily; about 30 

percent of electricity consumption will 

be offset. To put it into perspective, 

this amount of energy could power 

approximately 1,000 California homes! 

After a glowing introduction 

by MC Steve Hipskind, Ames chief 

of the Earth Sciences Division, and 

Ames Center Director S. Pete Worden, 

Google’s Corporate Environmental 

Programs Manager Robyn Beavers enthusiastically began her presentation. 

Beavers gave a summary of 

Google’s environmentally friendly 

culture, explaining the benefits that 

employees enjoy at headquarters 

including: free shuttles for employees 

commuting to work within a 50-mile 

radius, incentives for employees who 

use alternative modes of transportation, and the sale of organic foods on 

campus, most of which are grown locally. When Google employees caught 

wind of the solar panel installations, 

Beavers received many e-mails in support of the upcoming project.

The solar panels are installed on 

top of the existing roofs. There is 

no interruption of power when in 

Google representative discusses impressive solar program

use, so power surges are not a concern. Sounds simple right? Well it is. 

Beavers explained that Google wants 

to see copycats of their solar panel 

system, “This would drive efficiency 

in the market and contribute to ‘greening’ of the environment.” 

After Beavers finished her presentation, a panel discussion was held, 

featuring Beavers, Steve Frankel, Walt 

Brooks, Scott Sandford, and Stephanie 

Langhoff - all of whom have had experience with using solar panels. Frankel gave details on the effort to install 

solar panels at Ames and said that 

“seeing a payback on the investment 

of the panels is a challenge.” Panels 

were installed on two buildings at 

be kept to verify which IDs were used 

to issue the current badge. Only after 

these steps are completed, will the 

new badge be issued and activated.

Hower emphasized that background investigations will be conducted by personnel from the Office of Personnel Management who 

themselves have been the subject of 

in-depth background investigations. 

Information gathered in the course of 

an investigation cannot be shared with 

anyone not having a ‘need to know’. 

All personal information collected and 

stored in federal information systems 

will be secured in accordance with the 

NIST operational, management and 

technical controls required to protect 

this category of information, the FBI 

will check employee fingerprints 

against its database of fingerprints 

from convicted criminals. Once it has 

been determined that employee fingerprints do not match any in the FBI’s 

database, the digitized employee’s 

fingerprint record will be erased.

O’Brien stressed that the implementation team is striving to execute 

HSPD-12 with as little disruption to 

the workforce as possible. Existing 

building access card readers are being 

tested to ensure they work correctly 

with the new badges, and it is likely 

that older equipment will require replacement prior to issuance of the new 

badges. Changes to IT resources, currently in the initial planning phases, 

will occur over the life of the program, 

with most changes to be completed by 

2010.

For more information about 

continued on next page

continued from page 3

New badges are coming to Ames

NASA’s implementation of HSPD-12, 

visit http://hspd12.nasa.gov/ 

For more information about 

HSPD-12 at Ames, contact Ray O’Brien 

at robrien@mail.arc.nasa.gov, or at ext. 

4-6875. For questions about the NACI 

or other rebadging issues, please contact Wende Hower at whower@mail.

arc.nasa.gov, or call ext. 4-5401.

by Ann Sulliva

• Everyone who now has a permanent badge will be issued a 

 new badge.

• All employees will have, at a minimum, a NACI background 

 investigation.

• Everyone who has access to an IT system or application must

 first have a verified identity.

• All systems and applications will be reengineered to accommodate

 two-factor authentication or two forms of proof for access, such as

 a new badge and a PIN or password.

Access to IT systems and applications will be controlled more tightly 

than ever.

There will be changes in processes and procedures for all civil 

servants, contractors and partners coming to work at Ames after the 

implementation of HSPD-12.

What HSPD-12 will mean to Ames employee
13 Astrogram May 200

by Elizabeth Sanche

NASA photos by Dominic Hart

Some of the participants in 

the recent 2007 West Coast 

Human-Powered Vehicle 

Challenge held at Ames.

More than 100 young inventors 

and engineers gathered at NASA 

Ames recently for the 2007 West Coast 

Human-Powered Vehicle Challenge 

(HPVC) to test the next generation of 

vehicles powered only by the human 

body. 

Twenty-five teams from around 

the country competed in three vehicle 

classes: single rider, multi-rider and 

utility. The goal was time trials and a 

grand prix-style race with a take-home 

prize of $500. The prototype vehicles 

were designed for everyday transportation for such activities as commuting 

to work or school, shopping trips and 

general transportation. The vehicles 

were judged on design, safety and 

performance, and include a comprehensive design report, time trials and 

an endurance event. 

“This kind of competition is a 

wonderful way to introduce students 

to the challenges of engineering, to the 

need to work as a team, and to the fact 

that persistence, ingenuity and creativity are necessary to design a vehicle 

that operates as required,” said Juan 

Alonso, director of the Fundamental 

Aeronautics program at NASA headNASA Ames hosts Human-Powered Vehicle Challenge

quarters, Washington. 

Ames hosted the event in partnership with the NASA Aeronautics 

Research Mission Directorate at NASA 

headquarters, San Jose State University and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The ASME HPVC 

East Coast Challenge took place at the 

University of Central Florida, Orlando, in May. 

Ames in the past and they were unsuccessful; they were not maintained and 

became unusable. On the individual 

level, Stephanie Langhoff installed 800 

sq. ft. of solar panels on her home in 

2004 and has been very satisfied with 

them.

The use of solar panels is a simple, 

though expensive, way to use natural 

resources to our advantage. Google is 

confident that they are setting a prime 

example for other corporations to follow.

Google goes solar

continued from previous page

Bonnie Dalton, deputy director, Code S, 

recently retired from Ames. A retirement 

luncheon was held in her honor to celebrate 

her many years at NASA. From left to right, 

Dr. Russell L. Kerschmann, Bonnie Dalton 

and Kenneth Souza during the retirement 

party.

Bonnie Dalton retires from Ames

by Jonas Din

Left to right, attendees at Bonnie 

Dalton’s recent retirement lunch, 

Eduardo Almeida, Kathleen 

Hinds, Bonnie Dalton, Timothy 

J. Lee, George Sloup and Carol 

Stoker.

NASA photos by Dominic Hart
14 Astrogram May 200

Ames emergency 

announcements

To hear the centerwide status record- ing, call (650) 604-9999 for informa- tion announcements and emergency 

instructions for Ames employees. You 

can also listen to 1700 KHz AM radio 

for the same information.

Ames Ongoing Monthly Events Calendar

Security/Law Enforcement Activity

Fire Protection Activity

A statistical summary of activities of the Protective Services Division’s 

Security/Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Services units for the month 

of April 2007 is shown below.

Protective Services monthly activity

Ames Amateur Radio Club, third Thursday 

of each month, 12 noon, N-T28 (across from 

N-255). POC: Michael Wright, KG6BFK, at ext. 

4-6262. 

Ames Ballroom Dance Club, Classes on 

Tuesdays. Beginning classes meet at 5:15 p.m. 

Higher-level class meets at 5:50 p.m. Held in 

Bldg. 944, the Rec. Center. POC: Helen Hwang 

at helen.hwang@nasa.gov, ext. 4-1368.

Ames Bicycling Club, Every 3rd Wednesday 

of the month. The meeting location is Building 19, Conference Room 1083 and the meeting 

time is 12 noon - 1 p.m. Contact Julie Nottage 

at jnottage@mail.arc.nasa.gov, ext. 4-3711. Bylaws of Ames Bicycling Club can be found at 

http://zen.arc.nasa.gov; the link is right under 

the picture.

Ames Bowling League, Homestead Lanes on 

Thursday nights at 6:20 p.m. Seeking substitute 

bowlers. Questions to sign up: Mike Liu at ext. 

4-1132. 

Ames Child Care Center Board of Directors 

Mtg, every other Tuesday in N-229/Rm 117 

from 12 - 1:30 p.m. POC: Julie Schonfeld, ext. 

4-6504.

Ames Contractor Council Mtg, first Wednesday each month, 11 a.m., N-200, Committee 

Room. POC: Chris Johnson, ext. (650) 938-

8017.

Ames Federal Employees Union (AFEU) Mtg, 

third Wednesday of ea. month, 12 p.m. to 1 

p.m., Bldg. 221, Rm 104. Guests welcome. 

Info at: http://www.afeu.org. POC: Marianne 

Mosher, ext. 4-4055.

Ames Mac Support Group Mtg, third Tuesday 

of ea. month, 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m., Bldg. N262, 

Rm 180. POC: Tony ext. 4-0340.

Ames Model Aircraft Club, flying radio-controlled aircraft at the north end of Parsons Ave. 

on weekend mornings. POC: Mark Sumich, 

ext. 4-6193.

Ames Sailing Club Mtg, second Thursday of 

ea. month (March through Nov), from 12:00 

p.m. -1:00 p.m. in Bldg. N-262, Rm 100. URL: 

http://sail.arc.nasa.gov/. POC: Becky Hooey, 

ext. 4-2399.

Environmental Forum, first Thursday every 

other month, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Bldg. 

218/2nd floor training room. URL: http://q/

qe/events/EHSseries/ POC: Stacy St. Louis 

at ext. 4-6810.

The Hispanic Advisory Committee for Excellence (HACE) Mtg, first Thurs of month in 

N255 room 101C from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 

POC: Eric Kristich at ext. 4-5137 and Mark 

Leon at ext. 4-6498.

Jetstream Toastmasters, Mondays, 12 p.m. to 

1 p.m., N-269/Rm.179. POC: Miwa Hayashi at 

ext. 4-1397, mhayashi@mail.arc.nasa.gov, Web: 

http://jetstream.freetoasthost.com

Native American Advisory Committee Mtg, 

fourth Tues each month, 12 noon to 1 p.m., 

Bldg. 19, Rm 1096. POC: Mike Liu at ext. 

4-1132.

 Safety Data 

 NASA-Ames Occupational

 Illness-Injury Data for 

 Calendar Year-to-Date 2007

 Jan. 1, 2007 – April 30 , 2007

 Civil Contractors

 Servants

 

 First aid cases 4 7

 Lost Workday cases 0 0

 Recordable cases 0 0

 Restricted duty days 0 0

 Above data are as of 4/30/07. May 

 be subject to slight adjustment in the 

 event of a new case or new inform-

 ation regarding an existing case. 
15 Astrogram May 200

Ames Classifieds Exchange Information

Beyond Galileo Gift Shop N-235 in 

the cafeteria , 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., ext. 4-6873

Don’t forget to purchase your baby shower, birthday, holiday gifts at Ames’ two gift shops!

Mega Bites Cafeteria N-235, 6 a.m. to 

2 p.m., ext. 4-5969/Catering ext. 4-2161

Visitor Center Gift Shop N-943 

M-F, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ext. 4-5412

NASA logo merchandise, souvenirs, toys, gifts and 

educational items. 

Vacation Opportunities

Information about products, services and opportunities provided to the employee and contractor 

community by the Ames Exchange Council. Visit 

the web site at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov

NASA Lodge (N-19) 603-7100

Tickets, etc... N-943 outside the main gate, 

10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., ext. 4-5412 and Beyond 

Galileo, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ext. 4-6873

See daily menu at: http://exchange.arc.nasa.gov

The pool is heated year round! The pool is currently available for lap swim, pool parties and 

special events. POC -Chana Langley, Pool Manager 

(650) 603-8025. Memberships: single memberships: $40/yr. Family memberships: $60/yr. After 

purchasing a membership, there is an entrance fee: 

daily entrance fee - $3/day or lap pass fee - $40 for 

20 uses. Platinum membership - $360/yr. (no daily 

fee). Special events: include military training, swim 

team events, kayak role practice, etc. The cost for 

special events is $50/hr.

Ames Swim Center (N-109) 603-8025

Astrogram deadlines

Please submit articles, calendar and 

classified advertisements to astrogram@mail.arc.nasa.gov no later than 

the 10th of each month. If this falls 

on the weekend or holiday, then the 

following business day becomes the 

deadline. For Astrogram questions, 

contact Astrid Olson at the aforementioned e-mail address or ext. 4-3347. 

Ads for the next issue should be sent to astrogram@

mail.arc.nasa.gov and must be resubmitted for each 

issue. Ads must involve personal needs or items; (no 

commercial/third-party ads) and will run on a spaceavailable basis only. First-time ads are given priority. 

Ads must include home phone numbers; Ames extensions and email addresses will be accepted for carpool 

and lost and found ads only. Due to the volume of 

material received, we are unable to verify the accuracy 

of the statements made in the ads. Caveat emptor! 

RV Lots Available Call to reserve a 

space at (650) 603-7100/01.

 Civilian/Contrators, $50/mo; military $25/mo

Where to stay when you’re too tired to drive home? 

What about the lodge?! Two types of rooms: Bldg. 

19 (43 rooms), rate: $55/night ($5 ea add’l adult); 

Bldg. 583 (150 rooms), rate: $45/night ($5 ea. add’l 

adult) 

Moffett Field Golf Club with ‘Tee minus 

1’ Grill and Sports Bar. Call (650) 603-8026.

Housing

Miscellaneous

The Ames Cat Network needs help finding 

homes for cats trapped at Moffett. They range 

from feral to abandoned/lost pets. Tested, 

altered and inoculated. Call Iris at ext. 4-5824 

if you or someone you know are interested in 

fostering or adopting a cat.

17” Al PowerBook G4 laptop. 1.33 GHz, 1 GB 

RAM, new 80 GB HD. OS 10.4. Perfect media, 

kids, 2nd or 3rd computer. $900. Jeff (650) 218-

7674.

Sears Craftsman 7 1/4” circular saw, $30; Craftsman router, $35. Wayne (650) 960-6827.

Looking for old military-type tube testers. Jim 

(510) 727-9075.

Sleeper sofa bed - like new, beige/brown - unattached pillows, across back - $100. Call (408) 

765-4935.

Furnished room for rent in a private home near 

downtown Los Gatos avail. 6/1 (maybe sooner). 

Room is medium size w/ nice size closet. $650 a 

mo./includes most utils. Deposit is $350. House 

is near all fine parks/bike paths. Kitchen and 

living room privileges included. A cleaning lady 

is available for you to hire. No animals and a 

non-smoker please. Chris (408) 354- 7126.

Lake Tahoe-Squaw Valley townhse, 3bd/2ba. View 

of slopes, close to lifts. Per night: $250, plus $145 

cleaning fee. Two night minimum. Includes linens, 

propane fireplace, fully equipped. Call (650) 968-

4155, DBMcKellar@aol.com

Bass Lake vacation rental, 4 mls south of Yosemite. 

3bd/1.5 ba, TV, VCR, MW, frplc, BBQ, priv. boat 

dock. Sleeps 8. $1,050/wk. Call (559) 642-3600 or 

(650) 390-9668.

Big Sur vacation rental, secluded 4bd/2ba house 

in canyon setting. Fully eqpd kitchen. Access to 

priv. beach. Tub in patio gdn. Halfway between 

Carmel and Big Sur. $175/night for 2; $225 for 4 

and $250 for more, plus $150 cleaning dep. Call 

(650) 328-4427.

Pine Mountain Lake vacation home. Access to golf, 

tennis, lake, swimming, horseback riding, walk 

to beach. Three bedrooms/sleeps 10. $100/night. 

Call (408) 799-4052 or (831) 623-4054.

Incline Village, Forest Pines, Lake Tahoe condo, 3 

bdrms/2 ba, sleeps 8, fireplace, TVs/VCR/DVD, 

stereo w/CD player, microwv, W/D, jacuzzi, sauna, 

outdoor pool. Walk to lake. Close to ski areas. Visit 

web site for pictures: http://www.ACruiseStore.com 

$135/night spring and fall, $173/night summer and 

winter (holidays higher) plus $125 cleaning fee and 

12 percent Nevada room tax. Charlie (650) 743-8990.

New York, 5th Ave. One fully furnished bedroom 

in 24 hour security bldg. overlooking Washington 

Square Park, $2,000/wk or $3,000/mo. negotiable. 

Call (650) 349-0238.

Paris/France: Fully furnished studio, 5th Arr, Latin 

Quarter, Notre Dame and Lie-St. Louis., $1,400/wk. 

negotiable. Call (650) 349-0238.

Santa Cruz townhouse, 2 bedrooms plus study, 2 

baths, decks, totally furnished, 3 blocks from beach, 

available July, August, September; $1,600 per month. 

Call (831) 423-5777 (H) or (831) 277-8476 (C).

Lake Tahoe cabin rental in Agate Bay, North Shore. 

4bd/3ba tri-level, AEK, cable TVs, fireplace, BBQ, 

deck, sleeps 10. Closest skiing is Northstar, Alpine 

and Squaw. Rates are $375 a weekend, $1,000 a week. 

Call (408) 867-4656.

Florida west coast vacation in St. Petersburg, beautiful 2bd/2ba condo, fully equipped kitchen and furnished, sunset views, 1/4 mile from St. Pete Beach, 

monthly or 2 week minimum rentals only. Call (703) 

299-8889 or e-mail: jdgoehler@aol.com

Maui luxury oceanfront resort one-bedroom condo 

available one week. Rents for $345/night now, 

$495/night in the summer. We will rent to an Ames 

family for $1,750 for the week. See the condo at 

http://www.starwoodvo.com/resorts/villafeatures.

jsp?resortID=12 Call (650) 572-8877 for availabilty 

and questions.

Monterey Bay vacation rental at Pajaro Dunes, 20 

miles south of Santa Cruz, 3bd/2ba beach house 

with distinctive architecture. Beautiful ocean and 

valley views, only 150 ft from the beach, first-class 

tennis courts. $700/wkend, $2,100/wk including 

cleaning by the maid service when you depart. Call 

(408) 252-7260.

South Lake Tahoe large cabin surrounded by 

protected forest, 8 miles from Stateline Sleeps 12 

comfortably, 4 bd/3ba. Hot tub/pool table/65” TV 

Matt (408) 482-5286

South Lake Tahoe cozy home backs up to large open 

meadow, 1 mile from Heavenly Valley. Sleeps 11, 

3 bd/2.5 ba. Large deck with hot tub. Matt (408) 

482-5286.
16 Astrogram May 200

National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration

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The Ames Astrogram is an official publication of 

Ames Research Center, National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration.

Managing Editor.....................Michael Mewhinney

Editor, Layout and Design.................Astrid Olson

You can reach the Astrogram Office at: astrogram@

mail.arc.nasa.gov or by phone at (650) 604-3347. 

Astrogram Web site: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/astrogram/2007/07astrograms.html

Ames Research Center

Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000

In early May, Nobel Laureate 

John Mather of NASA Goddard 

Flight Center, visited Ames to present a director’s colloquium entitled 

‘From the Big Bang to the Nobel 

Prize and Beyond.’ He described 

the Cosmic Background Explorer 

(COBE) satellite, proposed in 1974 

and launched by NASA in 1989, 

which measured the cosmic mi- crowave and infrared background 

radiation from the Big Bang and 

everything that happened later. Mather also described the proj- ect history of COBE, the COBE team 

members, the hardware and data 

processing, the major results and 

April Gage of Ames recently received an 

Outstanding Thesis Award from San Jose 

State University for the exceptional quality 

of her graduate research. Gage, of Oakland, 

recently received her master’s degree in library 

and information science with a specialization 

in archival studies. Originally from Oxnard, 

Calif., Gage has a bachelor’s degree in English 

from the University of California, Berkeley. 

Her thesis is titled “Speaking Freely: An Oral 

History of the Freedom to Read Foundation” 

and her thesis chair was Professor Debra Hansen. She is now acting archivist for the history 

office at NASA Ames.

Nobel Laureate speaks at NASA Ames NASA photo by Dominic Hart

their implications for science. 

He concluded his presentation 

with an outlook for future progress, 

using new background measurements and large telescopes such as 

the James Webb Space Telescope. 

Mather is a senior astrophysicist 

at the NASA Goddard Space Flight 

Center in Maryland and adjunct 

professor of physics at the Univer- sity of Maryland, College Park. He 

was awarded the 2006 Nobel Prize 

in Physics, shared with George F. 

Smoot for “their discovery of the 

black body form and anisotropy of 

the cosmic microwave background 

radiation.”

Nobel Laureate John Mather of 

Goddard Space Flight Center, 

speaks during the colloquium 

he presented at Ames in May, 

entitled ‘From the Big Bang to 

the Nobel Prize and Beyond.’

SJSU awards April 

Gage of Ames

photo by Glenn Bugos