September 2010 - A Quarterly Publication

www.nasa.gov

NASA's Kepler spacecraft has 

discovered the first confirmed planetary 

system with more than one planet crossing in front of, or transiting, the same 

star.

 The transit signatures 

of two distinct planets were 

seen in the data for the 

sun-like star designated 

Kepler-9. The planets were 

named Kepler-9b and 9c. 

The discovery incorporates 

seven months of observations of more than 156,000 

stars as part of an ongoing search for Earth-sized 

planets outside our solar 

system. The findings will 

be published in the journal 

Science.

Kepler's ultra-precise 

camera measures tiny 

decreases in the stars' 

brightness that occur when 

a planet transits them. The 

size of the planet can be 

derived from these temporary dips.

 The distance of the planet from the 

star can be calculated by measuring the 

time between successive dips as the 

planet orbits the star. Small variations in 

the regularity of these dips can be used 

to determine the masses of planets and 

detect other non-transiting planets in the 

system. 

 In June, mission scientists submitted findings for peer review that identified more than 700 planet candidates 

in the first 43 days of Kepler data. The 

data included five additional candidate 

systems that appear to exhibit more than 

one transiting planet. The Kepler team 

recently identified a sixth target exhibiting multiple transits and accumulated 

enough follow-up data to confirm this 

multi-planet system. 

"Kepler's high quality data and 

round-the-clock coverage of transiting 

objects enable a whole host of unique 

measurements to be made of the parent 

stars and their planetary systems," said 

Doug Hudgins, the Kepler program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

 Scientists refined the estimates of 

the masses of the planets using observations from the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii. The observations 

show Kepler-9b is the larger of the two 

planets, and both have masses similar 

to but less than Saturn. Kepler-9b lies 

closest to the star with an orbit of about 

NASA’s Kepler Mission discovers two planets transiting same star

by Michael Mewhinney 19 days, while Kepler-9c has an orbit 

of about 38 days. By observing several 

transits by each planet over the seven 

months of data, the time between suc- continued on page 15

NASA aims to improve aviation safety

by Beth Dickey and Karen Jen

NASA photo by Eric James

NASA Administrator 

Charles F. Bolden, 

Jr. addresses Ames 

employees at the 

recent Green Aviation 

summit held at NASA 

Ames.

NASA has a "critical responsibility" to 

the flying public to develop environmentally 

responsible solutions to the nation's most 

pressing aviation problems, according to 

NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, Jr.

 Addressing the Green Aviation 

Summit held Sept. 8-9 at NASA Ames, 

Bolden said air travel is one of the safest 

modes of transportation and vital to the 

U.S. economy, but increasing air traffic 

continued on page 2

Worlds on the Edge - This artist’s concept illustrates the two Saturn-sized 

planets discovered by NASA’s Kepler 

Mission. The star system is oriented 

edge-on, as seen by Kepler, such that 

both planets cross in front, or transit, 

their star, named Kepler-9. This is the 

first star system found to have multiple 

transiting planets.

NASA image credit: NASA/Ames/JPL-Caltech
2

Astrogram September 2010

NASA photo by Eric James

NASA chief technologist outlines 

President’s technology agenda

NASA Chief Technologist 

Bobby Braun recently 

spoke to Ames employees 

at an all-hands gathering 

about the President’s technology agenda, his goals 

for NASA technology and 

recent developments with 

respect to the program, 

and how Ames can 

contribute to the renewed 

NASA technology effort.

continued from front page

NASA Ames’ Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS) recently celebrated its 30th 

birthday. This unique facility is the largest, high-fidelity motion-based simulator in the world. Over the past three 

decades, the VMS has provided astronauts with a training facility for landing 

the space shuttle, as well as provided a 

place for researchers to test a myriad of 

aircraft.

 “Its incredible range of motion and 

interchangeable cab system allows it to 

simulate anything that moves, including 

fixed-wing airplanes, rotary-wing helicopters, space vehicles, airships, and 

VMS celebrates 30 years as unique training facility 

by Karen Jenve

even cars. This unsurpassed flexibility 

truly makes the VMS a national treasure,” said Kathleen Starmer, a contractor with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) who works at 

the VMS. 

 Indeed, the realism provided by the 

VMS is unsurpassed, as exemplified by 

former NASA astronaut Brian Duffy on 

STS-72: “That was just like the VMS!” he 

exclaimed, upon landing the real space 

shuttle for the first time.

 The VMS has to provide astronauts 

with the equivalent of a real-life experi- continued on page 4

is taking a toll on the environment and the 

nation's aviation infrastructure.

 "We need to make some changes -- 

both in the design of aircraft and in the way 

they transit through our skies to not only 

maintain, but improve safety and efficiency," Bolden said. "That's a huge challenge, 

but we at NASA enthusiastically accept it."

 The Green Aviation Summit highlighted the depth and breadth of NASA's 

work to develop aviation technologies that 

are designed to make air transportation 

cleaner and quieter for the environment, 

with fewer delays for travelers. 

 "Our critical responsibility is [to] 

those who feel anxious because of the 

long distance they have to travel to reach 

an airport; the crowding they experience 

upon arrival at the terminal; the departure, 

enroute, or arrival weather; or concerns 

that the technology on the planes may not 

be up to dealing with problems that may 

be encountered in the sky," Bolden told the 

summit. 

 The two-day meeting brought together 

about 200 experts from NASA, other 

federal government organizations, industry 

and academia. Keynote presentations by 

leading policymakers as well as detailed 

technical presentations and panel discussions are focusing on state-of-the-art and 

emerging technologies that can reduce aircraft noise, emissions and fuel consumption and ensure the safe and manageable 

growth of the aviation system.

 Jaiwon Shin, NASA's associate administrator for aeronautics research, said 

NASA technology will become increasingly 

important because of the lack of available 

space for new airports. "We really are helping the country to advance to the next generation of air transportation and aviation by 

working together," he said. "This summit 

signifies our strong commitment."

 Summit participants are sharing the 

results of their work on airplanes that will 

be designed and built with unconventional 

configurations, super-efficient engines and 

lightweight, damage-tolerant materials 

to increase lift, reduce drag, and deflect 

noise. These innovations will capitalize 

on the potential of alternative fuels and 

advanced power technologies; and efforts 

to equip aircraft cockpits with computer 

NASA accepts challenge to improve aviation safety

ence because “you are landing this 

vehicle that is the heart and soul of the 

American space program,” said former 

astronaut Marsha Ivins. Without proper 

training, “you can seriously screw up 

on the last 30 seconds. Training in the 

VMS allows you to prepare for all of the 

bad stuff that could happen to you,” Ivins 

said. The people who operate the VMS 

can simulate poor visibility, high wind 

factors, and numerous other challenges 

to ensure that astronauts are trained for 

the worst possible circumstances. 

software and satellite-based navigation 

and communication systems to assist 

decision-making by pilots.

 Ames Center Director S. "Pete" 

Worden opened the summit by crediting 

NASA research for today's understanding 

of climate change and the effects of global 

warming on the environment. "As the world 

continued on page 7
3

Astrogram September 2010

More than 2,000 people flocked to 

the Chabot Space and Science Center, 

Oakland for NASA’s Instituting Science 

in Schools (ISIS) festival on Sept. 5. The 

festivities supported NASA’s science, 

technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) efforts to reach out to underrepresented middle school students.

 NASA astronaut Leland Melvin and 

hip hop artist MOS Def were featured in 

a holographic presentation during the 

festival that invited students to "believe 

in themselves and take on new challenges" by participating in NASA's space 

program. Neo-soul singer Goapele 

hosted the event. Numerous exhibits 

and hands-on science and technology 

activities, including an opportunity to remotely operate a real NASA rover, were 

among the festival's highlights.

 "Leland Melvin and myself are 

working with the Instituting 

Science in Schools Program, 

sponsored by NASA. I'm 

just here to give the young 

people some inspiration, some 

positive encouragement and 

some good information about 

science, technology, creativity 

and discovery and how to use 

math, science and information 

to make a positive impact and 

changes on the world around 

us," said MOS of the event.

 The holographic presentations of MOS Def and 

Astronaut Leland Melvin were 

shown to capacity crowds and 

were a huge success. Their 

message was empowerment 

through education. Local artist 

NASA helps students discover science and technology

by Ruth Dasso Marlair

NASA photos by Eric Land 

and Michael Frederico

continued on page 15
4

Astrogram September 2010

 “The VMS trains the seat of your 

pants to what it feels like on the runway. 

I would like to thank all of the people 

who have worked with the VMS for helping us look good,” said Ivins.

 VMS employees, both past and 

present, have made an excellent impression on a lot of people. 

 Bill Decker, a longtime researcher 

in NASA’s Aeromechanics branch, 

recently conducted a study in the VMS 

examining aspects of large civil tiltrotors, 

an aircraft concept that is in the design 

phase. “That facility is more than metal 

and motors, but really the people that 

work there--and have worked there--in 

its 30 years as a facility here at Ames,” 

said Decker. 

 “We forget that even 

big facilities have humans 

running them,” Decker 

added.

VMS celebrates 30 years as unique training facility 

continued from page 2

A picture of the interior of 

another interchangeable 

cab built to look like an 

extraplanetary lander (in this 

case, a Lunar Landar, but it 

could also be used for studying Mars landings, asteroid 

landings, etc.). The pilot 

shown is John Amaral. 

NASA photos by Dominic Hart

Above: The interior of one of the interchangeable cabs. In this image, the cab 

simulates a Large Civil Tiltrotor, which is a 

concept vehicle that NASA is studying to 

determine the best control system for such 

a vehicle.

Former Ames Center Director Clarence A. “Sy” Syvertson 1926-2010

Clarence A.“Sy” Syverston

NASA photo by Roger Brimmer

Clarence A. “Sy” Syvertson enjoyed a 35 year career at NASA Ames, 

retiring as center director in 1984. He 

died on Sept. 13, 2010 at the age of 

84. 

"Sy embodied the best of Ames," 

remembers his friend Jack Boyd. "He 

was a brilliant scientist, an innovative 

leader, who assembled a dedicated 

and motivated staff and left them free 

to forge ahead." 

 A native of Minneapolis, Syvertson 

earned degrees at the University of 

Minnesota and began his career at 

Ames in 1948. He matched his theoretical insights on hypersonic airflows 

with brilliant experimental work. He 

led the 3.5 foot hypersonic wind tunnel 

branch and developed advanced vehicles like the XB-70 Valkyrie and the 

M2 lifting bodies. 

His fundamental work on reentry 

vehicles underlay the design of the 

space shuttle. He served as director of 

Astronautics then, during the tenure of Hans Mark from 1969 to 

1977, as center deputy director. 

 Syvertson was named director of NASA Ames in 1977 and 

retired in 1984. Under his leadership, NASA Ames continued to 

blossom as a world-class research organization. Ames conducted groundbreaking research 

on vertical-lift aircraft, built the 

world's largest wind tunnel, flew 

the Kuiper Airborne Observatory, 

consolidated its collaboration 

with NASA Dryden, and prepared 

the Galileo Probe for its journey 

to Jupiter. 

He was elected to the NASA 

Ames Hall of Fame, was a mem- ber of the National Academy of 

Engineering and a Fellow of the 

AIAA, and won many awards for 

his service to NASA and to space 

exploration. 
5

Astrogram September 2010

We all remember a moment in 

which a teacher or mentor made a difference in our lives. It could be a nod 

of encouragement, a helping hand, a 

lesson that inspired wonder or discovery, and ultimately 

may have given 

purpose and value 

to our lives. 

These moments 

of awareness are 

what educators and 

mentors at NASA 

Ames hoped to 

inspire in our new 

generation July 

26, 2010, when 

Ames celebrated 

scientific discovery 

and technological 

innovation as part 

of its Summer of 

Innovation initiative. 

“Exploration Day” 

featured out-of-thisworld missions and 

technology pro- grams that brought 

students to NASA, 

so that they might 

experience a sense 

of awe and excitement while learning 

about NASA and its missions at the 

same time.

“Our research community has 

done a tremendous job developing 

new and creative ways to engage 

young people in their fields,” said 

Ames Center Director S. Pete Worden. 

“They have been doing their part to 

speak at schools, to create hands-on 

learning opportunities as mentors, 

and to help spark that same curiosity 

in students, which perhaps led them 

to pursue a career in science and 

engineering.”

NASA Ames organized a day filled 

with science, technology, engineering 

and mathematics (STEM) education 

hands-on activities and events, including a visit from the Traveling Space 

Museum (TSM), the “grand opening” 

of the renovated Ames Exploration 

Encounter (AEE), (see page 8), an 

opportunity to operate the rovers on a 

simulated lunar regolith and a student poster session of more than 100 

students.

TSM brought to Ames numerous 

hands-on activities, one of which was 

“moon boots.” Who wouldn’t want to 

simulate Neil Armstrong’s zero-gravity 

walk on the moon? By strapping on 

a pair of “moon boots,” young students walked with enough bounce to 

simulate a feeling of zero-gravity, or a 

less firm terrain. The boots also were 

large enough to leave behind a giant 

footprint. 

Another activity included an 

authentic BD-5J micro jet with operating controls similar to a hang glider. 

Young, novice pilots waited patiently 

to fly the small, single-seated aircraft, 

which demonstrated rudder movement 

when they pumped the foot pedals.

At a space shuttle exhibit, students 

learned to give the module operator a 

“thumbs up” to start the engine, and 

they were invited to “have a seat” on 

the space shuttle waste containment 

Ames Research Center highlights NASA’S Summer of Innovation 

by Ruth Dasso Marlaire system (space toilet) to experience

what it’s like to live and work in space. 

The sudden suction of air caused one 

boy to exclaim, “Wow! It’s breezy.” 

The celebration also included a 

student poster session, which illustrated and explained 

the accomplishments 

of the undergraduate 

interns and graduate 

fellows who worked at 

Ames. Students also 

used their posters as 

part of a presentation 

to fellow students and 

NASA mentors. 

“The Ames Educa- tion Office was proud 

to show all the hard 

work performed by 

our undergraduate 

interns and gradu- ate fellows. During 

their time here, they 

contributed to NASA 

missions and status,” 

said Brenda Collins, 

Higher Education 

program manager 

at NASA Ames. ”We 

can look forward to 

welcoming these 

bright young minds into the future 

workforce.”

Ames’ Exploration Day was about 

providing positive experiences in science and mathematics, and instilling 

in young 

people 

a love 

of learning and a 

sense of 

possibility in their 

own lives. 

As children 

moved 

from one 

event to 

the other, 

many of 

them were 

heard 

to say: 

“Thanks for 

the ride. It 

was fun!”

For 

more 

information 

about NASA’s Summer of Innovation, 

visit: www.nasa.gov/soi. For more 

information about Smart Skies, visit: 

www.atcsim.nasa.gov 

NASA photos by Dominic Hart

Exploration Day included a student poster session, illustrating the accomplishments 

of undergraduate interns and graduate fellows at Ames.

It was a day filled with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education 

hands-on activities, as well as various events, including a ride in a flight simulator. 
6

Astrogram September 2010

Author and space historian Andrew 

Chaikin spoke before an audience of 

moon enthusiasts at an evening event 

this summer, held at NASA Ames. 

NASA’s Lunar Science Institute sponsored the event.

Chaikin’s presentation was called, 

“The New Moon,” but he joked that the 

title was not a reference to the popular 

Twilight saga.

Chaikin said Earth’s closest neighbor has clues to our past and how the 

Earth and the rest of our solar system were formed. The asteroids and 

comets that have pummeled the lunar 

surface throughout the ages provide a 

record of what went on during the first 

billion years of our solar system. The 

moon rocks that Buzz Aldrin and Neil 

Armstrong brought back from the Sea 

of Tranquility 41 years ago, he said, 

have taught us a lot about the moon.

 “We thought the moon was cre- ated 4.5 billion years ago from blasted 

molten material and that it was a dry 

and waterless place,” Chaikin said. 

“Now we need to rethink that.”

 Scientists’ understanding of the 

moon has been transformed by recent 

discoveries from NASA's Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite 

(LCROSS), Lunar Reconnaissance 

Orbiter (LRO) and India's Chandrayaan 1 mission.

 In 2008, Chandrayaan 1 found 

signs of water on the lunar surface 

with its moon mineralogy mapper. 

The lunar poles revealed the highest 

concentrations of water. The following 

year, LCROSS slammed into the lunar 

South Pole and proved there was water on the moon. And the LRO mission 

has provided the most detailed views 

of the moon to date.

 Chaikin said the upcoming NASA 

lunar missions, the Lunar Atmosphere 

and Dust Environment Explorer 

(LADEE), the Gravity Recovery and 

Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) and the 

Africa Real Time Environmental Monitoring Information System (ARTEMIS), 

promise to reveal even more lunar 

secrets.

 Astronomer and artist Jose 

Francisco Salgado followed Chaikin’s presentation with a multimedia 

show titled, “Communicating Science 

through Art.” Salgado is an astronomer 

and science visualizer at the Adler 

Planetarium (http://www.adlerplan- etarium.org) in Chicago, Ill. He uses 

his skills in astronomy education and 

visual arts to create presentations to 

communicate science in 

engaging ways. 

The first segment of 

his presentation featured 

mixed images of the planet 

Jupiter with Gustav Holst’s 

The Planet Suite. The images were a combination 

of historical illustrations 

from the Adler Collection 

of Works on Paper, NASA 

and ESA animations, as 

well as animations produced by Salgado. Another 

segment combined timelapse images of the night 

sky and observatories set 

to music composed by 

Tom Bailey, formerly of the 

Thompson Twins.

NASA’s Lunar Science Institute showcases the moon

by Cathy Wesel

Yvonne Pendleton became director 

of the NASA Lunar Science Institute 

(NLSI) on July 19, 2010. She started 

her career at NASA Ames as a research astrophysicist, took an assignment with headquarters as the chief of 

the Space Science and Astrobiology 

division, and was most recently the 

deputy associate center director at 

Ames.

 Pendleton has a Ph.D. in astrophysics from the University of California at Santa Cruz, a master’s degree 

in aeronautics and astronautics from 

Stanford University and a bachelor’s 

degree in aerospace engineering from 

the Georgia Institute of Technology. 

 She is distinguished by the fact 

that an asteroid (Asteroid 7165Pendleton) was named in honor of her 

work in astrophysics and planetary 

research. 

 “We’re thrilled to have someone 

with Pendleton’s combination of leadership and Astrophysics background 

lead the charge for our lunar science 

institute,” said Ames Center Director 

S. Pete Worden. “And, we thank Dr. 

Morrison for his hard work and dedication to the institute these past couple 

of years.”

by Cathy Wesel

Author and space historian Andrew Chaikin spoke before 

an audience of moon enthusiasts at an evening event on 

July 21 at NASA Ames.

NASA photo by Eric James

Yvonne Pendleton named NLSI director NASA photo by Dominic Hart

Yvonne Pendleton, recently name director of the NASA Lunar Science Institute.

 Pendleton replaces David Morrison, who was acting director for the 

NLSI since 2008. Morrison recently 

was appointed director for the Carl 

Sagan Center for Study of Life in 

the Universe at the SETI Institute 

and continues part-time as a senior 

scientist at the NLSI.
7

Astrogram September 2010

by 2015, 50 percent less by 2020, and better than 50 percent less by 2025.

- Cutting engine emissions of nitric 

oxide and nitrogen oxide, which contribute 

to ozone creation, 20 percent by 2015, 

50 percent by 2020, and better than 50 

percent by 2025 -- when compared with today's best engines. Reducing the amount 

of fuel burned reduces emissions of carbon 

dioxide, which contribute to global warming.

- Reducing the nuisance noise footprint 

around airports to one-third its current 

size by 2015 and one-sixth by 2020, and 

containing it within the airport property 

boundary by 2025.

NASA aims to facilitate the transition of 

new capabilities to manufacturers, then to 

airlines and ultimately to the Federal Aviation Administration, for the ultimate benefit 

of the flying public.

 The NASA administrator said it is 

crucial for the agency and its stakeholders 

to collaborate closely to that its aeronautics 

research continues to be both relevant to 

the aviation community and beneficial to 

the flying public.

"Just as I like to tell the scientists 

and engineers who send our human and 

robotic missions out into the cosmos, you 

are contributing to national goals and helping people in the work you do every day," 

Bolden said. "We are going to make measured progress leading to ever expanding 

accomplishments to meet the myriad increasing challenges. This is our challenge 

- to shape the future in aeronautics."

 For more information about the Green 

Aviation Summit, visit: http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/calendar/20100908.htm

NASA accepts challenge to improve aviation safety

continued from page 2

Pioneer Project Manager Dr. 

Larry Lasher described the purpose of the Ames-managed Pioneer Mission during a recent BBC 

interview. The Pioneer Spacecraft 

carried with it the Pioneer plaque 

designed with a special message 

to outer space that Earth had 

evolved an intelligent species.

 An entire episode has been 

dedicated to the Pioneer Plaque. 

It is part of a television series 

called “The Beauty of Diagrams” 

and will explore diagrams or 

images that have successfully 

shaped and defined our understanding of scientific theories. 

Other episodes include Leonardo 

da Vinci's Vitruvian Man, Watson 

and Crick's double helix, Sir Isaac 

Newton's prism, and Copernicus’s representation of the universe. This show will air this fall.

BBC Television interviews Larry Lasher about purpose of Pioneer MissionNASA photo by Dominic Hart

Pioneer Project Manager Dr. Larry Lasher describes the Ames-managed Pioneer Mission to BBC 

interviewer Marcus du Sautoy.

travels even more," Worden said. "we're 

going to have a very serious global warming issue, as well as lots of other environmental impacts of aviation." 

 Bolden, Shin and Worden all noted 

that conservation – through improved performance, efficiency and safety -- is an aim 

that has guided NASA's research goals for 

decades. "Green is not just a buzzword to 

us," Bolden said.

 Examples of green technology NASA 

has developed in the past include winglets 

and chevrons. Winglets are the vertical 

attachments that can be seen on the wing 

tips of many commercial airliners in service 

today, and are designed to reduce fuel 

consumption. Chevrons are the scalloped 

edges on the engine nozzles of some models of commercial and cargo aircraft just 

now entering the market, and are designed 

to reduce noise.

 NASA has a suite of incremental goals 

for demonstrating the feasibility of aircraft 

technology and air traffic management 

techniques that can minimize the environmental effects of air transportation by:

- Enabling aircraft to burn 33 percent 

less fuel than today's most efficient models 

The Astrogram 

returns January 2011

The Astrogram staff hopes 

you all enjoy this issue of the 

current newsletter in its quarter- ly publication format. Our next 

issue will be published in January 2011. If you want to submit 

a story and/or photo for consideration, please email them to 

Astrid Olson at A.Olson@nasa.

gov by Dec. 15, 2010.
8

Astrogram September 2010

Today’s students are tomorrow’s 

leaders, and they will need us to 

give them an education system that 

inspires rewarding academic achievement. To help meet this challenge, 

NASA launched the Summer of Innovation initiative to not only promote 

science and math education, but also 

to let students experience NASA’s missions and technology programs. 

As part of this commitment to 

educational excellence, NASA Ames 

recently re-opened its doors to a 

new and improved Ames Exploration Encounter (AEE) student facility, 

featuring hands-on science and math 

activities geared toward middle school 

students. 

“By renovating the Ames Ex- ploration Encounter student facility, 

we have set a clear goal to support 

student achievement in science and 

math education. This facility draws on 

the excitement of NASA to create new 

learning opportunities of exploration 

and discovery outside the classroom,” 

said Ames Center Director S. Pete 

Worden. “To meet the challenges of 

the 21st century, we must commit to 

an exemplary education system worthy of our future workforce.” 

The Ames Exploration Encounter 

offers a unique educational program 

designed to inspire positive attitudes 

about science, technology, engineer- ing and math for students in the 4th 

through 6th grades. 

Located in a renovated six-foot-bysix-foot supersonic wind tunnel buildNASA Ames re-opens door to discovery and adventure

by Ruth Dasso Marlair

ing N226, the AEE makes math and 

science curricula come alive. Students 

experience science from a different 

perspective as they realize its presence in their lives. By using NASA’s 

missions to motivate and inspire them, 

students are given the opportunity to 

learn the necessary tools to become 

real pioneers and innovators. 

Students visiting the AEE are 

treated to a variety of rich and excit- ing educational experiences, including 

hands-on activities exploring physics, 

flight, space science and Earth science. AEE’s recent renovation expands on these themes and introduces even more opportunities to explore 

and experience them. 

To challenge their math skills, students can land a large aircraft in a variety of simulated conditions. They can 

select, create, or review a problem at 

one of 12 new computer stations. The 

computer learning module is called 

“Smart Skies,” which enables students 

to explore and resolve distance-ratetime conflicts in realistic air traffic control problems, using decision-making 

and proportional reasoning skills. After 

completing an online lesson, students 

apply newly learned skills in an effort 

to "beat the clock" while solving the 

problem. 

Students also can learn about the 

moon. Although it is the most familiar 

object in the night sky, the moon still 

has many mysteries. Images from 

NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter are projected onto a large touch 

screen using an interactive computer 

program that shows the lunar surface 

in remarkable detail, including features 

as small as one and a half feet across. 

Student players are invited to 

count and map craters on the moon, 

which helps identify the age of the 

crater. Another new AEE feature that 

helps students explore the surface of 

the moon is a rover lander that trav- els across a simulated lunar regolith 

surface. continued on back page

If you were sending a space probe to Jupiter - where would you aim it? A variety of hands-on 

activities provided an answer to this and other questions asked during the open house.

NASA photos by Dominic Hart

Students learn that an airplane moves in six degrees of freedom, or in six directions: roll, pitch, yaw, lift, thrust and drag.
9

Astrogram September 2010

Construction of the new Sustainability Base collaborative support facility, expected to become 

the highest-performing building 

in the federal government, continues at NASA's Ames. The new 

building is designed to achieve a 

platinum rating under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental 

Design (LEED) new construction 

standards for environmentally 

sustainable construction developed by the U.S. Green Building 

Council, Washington. D.C. When 

completed by the end of 2010, the 

$20.6 million building will feature 

near zero net energy consumption, 

use 90 percent less potable water 

than conventionally built buildings 

of equivalent size, and will result 

in reduced building maintenance 

costs. 

Find out more about the Sustainability project at: http://www.

nasa.gov/externalflash/sustainability-base/index.html

NASA photos by Eric James

Sustainability Base won the 

2010 GSA Real Property Award 

for green innovation. The award 

was based on the building’s 

original and innovative design, 

which was done by William 

McDonough+Partners. The 

award will be given formally to 

NASA Ames in a ceremony in 

Washington, DC in mid-October.

Sustainability Base construction continues at Ames
10

Astrogram September 2010

Lockheed Martin IT & Desktop 

Services hosted the Technology Showcase 2010 with Airship Ventures this 

summer. This year's theme was “The 

Sky's the Limit – Demand More from 

Your IT Service Providers.” 

Jack Boyd, NASA Ames senior 

advisor, gave the keynote address 

at the event by walking employees 

through the long and rich history 

of NASA Ames from its time as the 

National Advisory Committee for 

Aeronautics (NACA) to present. He 

introduced attendees to the numerous 

contributions and innovations made 

by Ames over the last 70 years in 

aeronautics, air traffic management, 

astrobiology, planetary exploration and 

more. 

The event introduced the latest 

and greatest in IT technology and how 

it can help end users become more 

productive without sacrificing data 

security. Leading technology vendors 

including AEC Software, Apple, Cisco 

Webex, Eureka Streams, Fujitsu, HP 

Printing, Kingston, Microsoft and others attended the event, showcasing 

The Ames Contractor Council 

(ACC) hosted its 7th Contractor 

Council Golf Tournament at the 

Moffett Field Golf Course in August. 

The ACC is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit 

organization, and proceeds from this 

annual event support both the Ames 

community and various educational 

outreach programs.

 In addition to the golf tournament, this year’s event was highlighted by putting and pitching contests, 

exciting prize raffles, and a delicious 

BBQ dinner catered by Tee Minus 

One.

 The winning foursome was a 

team sponsored by the International 

Association of Machinists and Aero- space Workers and included players 

Pedro Mendez, Steve Older, Eric 

Jennings, and Arthur Gonzalez. 

 Ninety-two players participated 

in this year’s event, and more than 

$6,000 was raised for use in the 

ACC President Elisa Taube highlights the 2010 Golf Tournament sponsors.

ACC’s upcoming philanthropic activities. The 2010 ACC Golf Tournament 

Planning Committee was co-chaired 

by Terry Reichert and Steve Perry. 

Contractor Council hosts 7th Annual Golf Tournament

by Kathleen Star

ACC President Elisa Taube declared 

the event one of the council’s most 

successful fund raising efforts to-date. photo by Terry Reichert

Technology Showcase 2010 introduces latest technology

their latest laptops, printers and Web 

collaboration tools. 

Attendees were exposed to innovative new mobile computing 

Jack Boyd, NASA Ames senior advisor, (left), gave 

the keynote address at the recent Technology 

Showcase 2010, (below).

NASA photos by Dominic Hart

technologies, such as IronClad which 

can securely store the entire operating 

system on a USB drive.
11

Astrogram September 2010

NASA Ames recognized recipients 

of the 2010 Ames Honor Awards at 

a recent ceremony held in the main 

auditoriuam. A list of those being 

honored follows. 

Administrative Professional

Karen C. Bradford

Maura C. Fujieh

Veneranda M. Jubilo

Gabriel Lozano

Thomas C. Paine

Sherri A. Shore

Best First Paper at Ames

Carlos Malpica

Commercialization/Tech 

 Transfer Award

Ames/CMU GigaPan 

 Development Team

Community Service/Volunteer

Donald A. Durston

Sheila A. Johnson

Contractor Employee

Mark R. Anderson, PEROT 

 Systems

S. Terry Brugger, EYAK 

 Technology LLC.

Melinda S. Cavaness, Al-RAZAQ

 Computing Services

John J. Freitas, PEROT Systems

Paul G. Guido, Stinger Ghaffarian

 Technologies (SFT, Inc.)

Todd C. Klaus, Lockheed Martin

 Space OPNS

Yijiang Lu, University of California

 Santa Cruz

Josh McKenty, PEROT Systems

Bassam Musaffar, University of 

 California Santa Cruz

Julie M. Nottage, Bay Area 

 Environmental Research Institute

Peter Tenenbaum, SETI Institute

Yensen Wu, PEROT Systems

EEO

Andrew L. Mattioda

Engineer

Richard L. Alena

Max A. Amaya

Matthew V. D’Ortenzio

Mark V. Mallinson

Jeffrey T. Onufer

Group/Team

Airport Spot and Runway 

 Departure Advisory Simulation

 Team

Ames IRIS Team

AS9100 Compliance Team

NASA photo by Dominic Hart

Ames recognizes 2010 Honor Award recipients

CMMI L2 SCAMPI Appraisal/

 Certification Team 

Forest Carbon Team

Hayabusa Re-entry Airborne 

 Observation Project Team

Kepler Science Operations 

 Center Team

LCROSS Mission Operations 

 Systems and Ground Data 

 Systems Team

LCROSS Science Team

NAS Security Team

NASA Ames Public Affairs Video

 Production Group

NASA Ames/Traveling Space 

 Museum Space Days Events

NASA Intelligent Systems Division,

 CMIL and USGS Team

NASA/USAF/CA ANG/129th RQW

 Permit Team

STL Team

Technology Development/NASA

 iPhone App

Terrestrial Observation and 

 Prediction System (TOPS) Team

TROPI-2 Payload Team

2010 Yuri's Night and Education

 Day Team

Mentor

Venoncia A. Braxton

Cahit Kitaplioglu

NASA Employee

James L. Fanson, NASA Jet 

 Propulsion Laboratory

Project Manager

Jessie L. Dotson

Jay H. Grinstead

Charles K. Sobeck

Sidney C. Sun

Safety and Environment

Leonard C. Hee

Scientist/Researcher

Brad M. Bebout

Stephen T. Bryson

Scott A. Sandford

Secretary/Administrative 

 Assistant Support

Erlinda M. Fox

Femy D. McGrath

Lori-Ann S. Munar

Student

Lynnette C. Jacome

Melissa A. Kieselbach

Christina Ngo

Supervisor/Manager

James P. Connolly

Robert M. Haberle

Cecilia L. Wigley

Technical Support

Diana M. Cox

Technician

Emmett A. Quigley

Technology Development

Haoqiang H. Jin

The 2010 Ames Honor Award recipients during the recent ceremony held in the main auditorium.
12

Astrogram September 2010

This summer, Ames began hosting a series of four free public lectures. The series, entitled “NASA: What Has It Done for You Lately?” focuses 

on selected activities that are having a positive impact on people’s day-to-day lives. The goal is to help people learn about the cool things that 

NASA and the space program (and NASA Ames in particular) are contributing to making people’s lives better. The series is co-sponsored by 

Lockheed Martin. The first lecture focused on life sciences with a panel that included (left to right) Ken Souza, Eduardo Almeida, Lynn Harper 

and Jeff Smith. Future lectures will look at aviation, sustainability and Earth sciences activities at Ames. 

NASA photo by Eric James

Ames asks: What has NASA done for you lately?

The Ames Ombuds Office 

provides all civil servants, contractors and students at the center 

with a supplemental, confidential 

channel of communication to raise 

significant issues and concerns that 

they perceive could impact safety, 

organizational performance or mission success. 

The Ombuds is accountable for 

conducting informal inquiries, raising issues of concern to appropriate officials and redirecting matters 

not under the Ombuds’ realm to 

the appropriate office or organization with an existing administrative 

system, for example, the Inspector 

General, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, Ames Federal 

Employees Union, Procurement 

Jack Boyd, Ames Ombuds Geoffrey Briggs, Ames 

alternate Ombuds

Ombuds Office services available to Ames personnel

by Jack Bo

Ombuds, Chief Counsel and 

Human Resources. 

The Ombuds’ success 

depends on their reputation for 

confidentiality, fairness, objectivity and respectful concern 

for the welfare of all individuals in the NASA community 

and for the well-being of the 

agency. 

Jack Boyd continues to 

serve as Ames Ombuds and 

Geoffrey Briggs continues to 

serve as the alternate Ames 

Ombuds. The Ombuds office is located in Building 200, 

Room 216, Mail Stop 200-1A. 

Boyd can be reached at (650) 

604-5222 or john.w.Boyd@

nasa.gov and Briggs can be 

reached at (650) 604-0218 or geoffrey.a.briggs@

nasa.gov. The Ombuds website is http://insideames.arc.nasa.gov/life-ombudsoffice.php

In August, Peter Thoeny presented a Director's Colloquium entitled “Structured Wikis at 

Work - Enterprise 2.0 in Action." A wiki enables teams to organize and share content and 

knowledge in an organic and free manner, and to schedule, manage and document their 

daily activities. Attendees learned from the founder of TWiki, the leading open source 

enterprise Wiki what exactly a wiki is, and how you can use it to enhance the communications within your organization and between organizations. Thoeny is the founder of the 

TWiki Enterprise Collaboration platform and has lead the open-source project for 11 years. 

He is the CTO of Twiki Inc, a company providing enterprise agility platform solutions. He 

invented the concept of structured wikis, where free form wiki content can be structured 

with tailored wiki applications.

NASA photo by Dominic Hart

 Structured Wikis explained 
13

Astrogram September 2010

David Herman Limtiaco Aguon worked as a printing specialist in the Reproduction Services branch. He worked there 20 

years and retired in 1996. Aguon passed away in July 2010. 

He was born July 24,1943 to the late Nicolas Castro Aguon 

and Ana Limtiaco Aguon. He was predeceased by his eldest 

brother Alfred Aguon. Aguon leaves his wife Anita, his children 

Ken, Randy Orlando Aguon and Lizette Smith, his siblings, 

Juan Aguon, Patricia Camacho, Rosita Quenga and Nicolas 

Aguon, Jr., 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

In memory of ...

David Herman Limtiaco Aguon

George Alger passed away 

on Aug. 18, 2010. Alger fought to 

the end of his year-long fight with 

cancer. 

Deeply respected and universally admired, Alger’s enthusiasm 

and passion for his work and family 

will continue as inspiration to all. 

His spirit was infectious. He 

was an engaging and innovative 

leader at NASA for more than three 

decades. He led the NASA Ames 

IT branch as division chief for five 

years, until 2008, after serving as 

IT services manager for 14 years, 

overseeing all basic IT services 

including data, voice, video, computer, support staff and contracted 

resources in support of Ames. 

Alger’s earliest experience at 

Ames began in 1976, spanning 

21 years as the Airborne Science 

manager, supporting NASA and 

George Alger

the international science community in verification and validation of 

engineering instruments, as well 

as basic science with airborne 

instrumentation. 

He was part of the Ozone Hole 

Research mission (AASE and 

AASE-II), traveling to the North 

and South Poles, in addition to 

leading several flight missions. 

Alger flew aboard the CV-990, 

C-130 and DC-8 NASA aircraft 

on many missions. Alger made 

numerous contributions to the Airborne Science Mission at Ames.

 A graduate of San Jose State 

University, Alger held a bachelor 

of science degree in meteorology. 

Heartfelt condolences to Alger’s 

wife Marsha, his son and daughter, and his grandchildren, in addition to his many family members, 

friends and colleagues. 

David Herman Limtiaco Aguon

George Alger
14

Astrogram September 2010

Margaretta (Etta) Rosamond worked at 

NASA Ames from 1968 until she retired in 

1991. Rosamond passed away on June 24, 

2010 in Mountain View. She died from a brief 

illness following cancer surgery. She was 77 

and a long time resident of Sunnyvale. 

Rosamond began as a clerk typist in the 

Technical Information Division, Library Branch. 

and enjoying the company of 

dear friends. She was an active 

volunteer at Palo Alto Medical Foundation (Mountain View 

campus) for the last three years. 

 She is survived by her 

daughters, Cathy Payne, Karen 

Fowler and her husband Jon, 

grandson Joshua Payne and 

other family members. 

Charitable donations can be 

made in her honor to the following or to your favorite charity: 

American Cancer Society at 

https://www.cancer.org/involved/

donate/donateonlinenow/index; the Sunnyvale Community 

Services at www.svcommunityservices.org; and the Sunnyvale Public Library at http://

sunnyvale.ca.gov//Departments/

SunnyvalePublicLibrary.aspx.

There was a “Celebration 

of her Life” gathering in August. 

She is interred at Alta Mesa 

Cemetery in Palo Alto.

Margaretta (Etta) Rosamond

Next, she became a library 

technician and then a financial 

resources specialist for the 

Technical Information Division. 

She earned herself the nickname of “Financial Wizard” while 

working with Paul Bennett. She 

worked on many teams for different projects including projects at Dryden, finding lifetime 

friends in the process.

 In her early adult life, she 

was in the US Air Force. While 

working at Ames, Rosamond 

went back to school as a working adult and completed her AA 

degree from De Anza College in 

1978 and her BS degree from 

USAF in 1980. She also was a 

long-time Jetstream Toastmaster 

at Ames where she became a 

Distinguished Toastmaster. 

She served in many official 

roles and as a mentor to many. 

She enjoyed many things, 

including, traveling to Hawaii 

and other places, playing bridge 

often, word puzzles, reading 

NASA photo by J.T. Heineck

Ames Fellow, Charles Edgar “Charlie” 

Billings passed away Aug. 30, 2010 at 

the age of 81. 

Billings was drafted into the Air 

Force and attended the USAF School 

of Aviation Medicine. He was assigned 

Charles Edgar “Charlie” Billings

and for the past 17 years worked 

in the School of Engineering in 

cognitive systems engineering and 

human factors research.

Billings’ expertise in aviation 

medicine and human factors is 

internationally recognized, having 

been published in over 80 professional articles, books and lectures. 

His abilities earned him numerous 

honors, including president of the 

Aerospace Medical Association, a 

Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical 

Society and as a two-time NASA 

leadership award designee. 

His knowledge made him a 

recruited consultant on the United 

Aircraft Corporation (Apollo Proj- ect) as well as a Visiting Lecturer 

offering his special talents to be 

heard internationally at prestigious 

institutions in the United States, 

Canada, England, New Zealand 

and Australia.

The memorial service was held 

Sept. 4, 2010. Condolences for the 

family may be sent at: http://www.

rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.

as a squadron flight surgeon for a 

Fighter-Interceptor Wing located 

in England. Discharged, he took 

graduate training in aviation and 

occupational medicine at Ohio 

State University (OSU), and then 

taught at OSU for 15 years. 

He joined NASA as a medical 

research officer and became chief 

of Aviation Safety Research. He 

was promoted to senior scientist 

and served as division chief of the 

Aerospace Human Factors Research Division.

During his tenure with the division, Billings was one of the four 

founders in 1976 of the Aviation 

Safety Reporting System (ASRS), 

a national safety reporting system 

that still receives voluntarily sub- mitted aviation incident reports in 

order to lessen the likelihood of 

aviation accidents. 

Billings was selected as an 

Ames Fellow and Ames chief 

scientist before his retirement from 

NASA Ames in 1992. He returned 

to OSU as an Emeritus Professor, 

Charles Edgar “Charlie” Billings

Margaretta (Etta) Rosamond

In memory of ...
15

Astrogram September 2010

• Great that we have the Astrogram again!

• Thank you for mailing me the Astrogram. It was a pleasant surprise. Looking forward to receiving 

future issues.

• I received my Astrogram the other day and was very pleased. I am an Ames retiree (1989). Also, 

I worked and flew on the 141, so I was also pleased to get the information about SOFIA. I’ll be looking 

forward to the next issue.

• I just read through the June 2010 Astrogram. You've done a great job putting it together, and I wanted 

to let you know that I'm delighted to learn it will be resuming its appearance as a quarterly publication!

• Thank you very much. I am delighted to be able to know what is happening at Ames and with NASA 

in general.Thanks again. 

• I've missed getting the Astrogram. It keeps us retirees in the loop about NASA Ames. 

• I was so excited to see the return of the Astrogram. I have missed it! I thought I would read the 

online version but I never did. I appreciate being able to see the good work going on around the center. I 

think this builds a stronger Ames community and strengthens ties across organizations to hear what others 

are doing. I don’t know what brought it back but wanted to thank you!

• Thank you for re-instituting the hard copy of the Astrogram. I had actually stopped reading it after it 

was only available on-line.

• And finally, a letter from NASA retiree Joyce Pidgeon:

“Thank you, thank you, thank you for my Astrogram. It means more than I can say. A piece of my 

heart will always remain at NASA Ames. What a great surprise to find an “Astrogram” in my mailbox 

today. It is so full of “junk” anymore (the mailbox!!!) I worked at Ames for many happy years; retired about 

11-12 years ago. I haven’t been able to keep up and need information anytime anyone discussed the 

monies spent on the space programs.”

cessive transits could be analyzed.

 "This discovery is the first clear 

detection of significant changes in the 

intervals from one planetary transit to the 

next, what we call transit timing variations," said Matthew Holman, a Kepler 

mission scientist from the HarvardSmithsonian Center for Astrophysics 

in Cambridge, Mass. "This is evidence 

of the gravitational interaction between 

the two planets as seen by the Kepler 

spacecraft."

 In addition to the two confirmed giant planets, Kepler scientists also have 

identified what appears to be a third, 

much smaller transit signature in the 

observations of Kepler-9. That signature 

is consistent with the transits of a superEarth-sized planet about 1.5 times the 

radius of Earth in a scorching, near-sun 

1.6 day-orbit. Additional observations are 

required to determine whether this signal 

From our readers ...

is indeed a planet or an astronomical 

phenomenon that mimics the appearance of a transit.

 NASA Ames manages Kepler's 

ground system development, mission 

operations and science data analysis. 

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 

Pasadena, Calif., managed Kepler mission development.

 Ball Aerospace and Technologies 

Corp. in Boulder, Colo., developed the 

Kepler flight system and supports mission operations with the Laboratory for 

Atmospheric and Space Physics at the 

University of Colorado in Boulder. The 

Space Telescope Science Institute in 

Baltimore archives, hosts and distributes 

the Kepler science data.

 For more information about the 

Kepler mission, visit: http://www.nasa.

gov/kepler 

Many of you missed the Astrogram. Here’s a small sample of the comments we’ve received and are pleased to 

know you liked the first return issue of the newsletter.

Goapele brought young people to the 

stage to help her sing messages of optimism and about helping others.

 “We reached many in the community who may not have been able to visit 

Chabot due to economic circumstances. 

We were very pleased to spread the 

message that science education is accessible to everyone,” said Ames Center 

Director S. Pete Worden. 

The festival’s huge crowd turned out 

to be record-breaking for a single day 

attendance at Chabot.

 Chabot’s Executive Director and 

Chief Executive Officer Alexander 

Zwissler was delighted by the overwhelmingly successful event. 

"Providing a quality science experience to local families is extremely important to us. The enthusiasm around the 

event was contagious and we consider it 

a tremendous success,” Zwissler said. 

Kepler Mission discovers two planets

continued from front page

Discover science

continued from page 3
16

Astrogram September 2010

This summer, Ames employees were invited to a 

presentation and book signing by Megan Prelinger, 

who discussed her new book, "Another Science Fiction: 

Advertising the Space Race 1957-1962." The NASA 

Ames History Office hosted the event. Prelinger is 

co-founder and architect of information design of the 

Prelinger Library, a private research library open to the 

public, which houses more than 40 thousand books and 

other print artifacts. 

NASA photo by Eric James

Author discusses book about science fiction and the space race

NASA’s T-38 trainer jets are shown in this historical photo lined up on the Moffett Field airfield. Astronauts have been flying the T-38 aircraft 

into Moffett Field for their space shuttle training in the Vertical Motion Simulator throughout the shuttle program.

NASA photo by Dominic Hart

T-38 trainer jets land at Moffett Field
17

Astrogram September 2010

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.

Ames Cat Network

Ames Ongoing Monthly Events Calendar

African American Advisory Group (AAAG) 

Mtg., every fourth Wednesday of each month, 

12 - 1 p.m., Bldg. N255 Rm 101C. POC: Chair 

- Jim Busby, ext. 4-2792. 

Ames Amateur Radio Club, third Thurs., of 

ea. 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 third Wednesday 

of each month, 12 noon - 1 p.m., Bldg. N-245 

Auditorium. For information on the club go 

to the website https://ames.clubexpress.com. 

POC: Julie Nottage at jnottage@mail.arc.

nasa.gov, ext. 4-3711. 

Ames Bowling League, Homestead Lanes 

Thursdays at 6:20 p.m. Need substitute 

bowlers. Sign up questions: Mike Liu at ext. 

4-1132. 

Ames Child Care Center Board of Directors Mtg., every other Monday, 1 - 2:30 p.m., 

Bldg. N-262/Rm 180. POC: Sally Miller, ext. 

4-5411.

Ames Contractor Council Mtg., first Weds. of 

ea. month, 11 a.m., Bldg. N-200, Committee 

Room. POC: Elisa Taube (408) 541-2838.

Environmental Forum, first Thursday every 

other month, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m., T20-G conference Rm. 129. URL: http://q/qe/events/EHSseries/ POC: Stacy St. Louis, ext. 4-6810.

Ames Federal Employees Union (AFEU) 

Mtg, third Wednesday ea. month, noon. Bldg. 

N-247, Rm. 109.. Guests welcome. Info at: 

http://www.afeu.org. POC: Paul K. Davis, ext. 

4-5916. 

The Hispanic Advisory Committee for 

Excellence (HACE) Mtg., first Thursday of 

each month, 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Bldg. 

N-255, Rm. 101C. POC: Eric Kristich, ext. 

4-5137 and Mark Leon, ext. 4-6498.

Jetstream Toastmasters, Mondays, 12 p.m. 

- 1 p.m., Bldg. N-269/Rm.179. POC: Tim 

Steiger, ext. 4-0195, tim.steiger@nasa.gov. 

Web: http://jetstream.freetoasthost.com

Ames Mac Support Group Mtg., third Tuesday 

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

N-262, 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.

Moffett Aikido Club, Monday and Wednesday 

evenings, 6:30 p.m., Bldg. 944, across from 

former McDonalds. Aikido is a non-competitive, defensive martial art known as the “Way 

of Harmony.” POC: Diane Pereda (650) 575-

9070 or Robert Dean (650) 787-1007, email: 

mfaikido@aol.com

Native American Advisory Committee Mtg., 

fourth Tuesday each month, 12 noon - 1 

p.m., Bldg. 19, Rm 1096. POC: Mike Liu, ext. 

4-1132.

Ames Nimble Knitters Club, every Tuesday 

at 11:30 a.m., Bldg. N210/Rm 141. POC: 

Rosalyn Jung, knitfan2@yahoo.com or Diane 

Alexander at ext. 4-3140. URL: http://knit.arc.

nasa.gov–

Ames Safety Committee, third Thursday of 

each month, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Bldg. N-237, 

Rm. 201. POC: John Livacich, jlivacich@

mail.arc.nasa.gov, ext. 4-3243 or Terry Reichert, treichert@mail.arc.nasa.gov, ext.-4-0375.

Ames Sailing Club Mtg., second Thursday of 

each month (March through November), from 

12 p.m. - 1 p.m., Bldg. N-260, Rm. 113. URL: 

http://sail.arc.nasa.gov/. POC: Clif Horne, ext. 

4-4571.

Ames emergency announcements

To hear the centerwide status recording, call (650) 604-9999 for information 

announcements and emergency instructions for Ames employees. You can 

also listen to 1700 KHz AM radio for the same information.

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. 

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

RV Lots Available Call to reserve a space 

at (650) 603-7100/01.

 Civilian/Contractors, $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.
18

Astrogram September 2010

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/

ames/astrogram.

National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration

PLEASE RECYCLE

Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with vegetable-based ink.

FIRST-CLASS

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 85

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA

Ames Research Center

Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000

Protective Services monthly activity

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

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

of July 2010 is shown below.

Security/Law Enforcement Activity

Fire Protection Activity

NASA’s 2009 Lunar Crater Obser- vation and Sensing Satellite mission 

(LCROSS) has its own mock-up mis- sion control center. 

In addition, a 2013 NASA mission 

called the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust 

Environment Explorer (LADEE) features an interactive computer display 

that explains the mission and a mission instrument, called the spectrometer. This robotic mission will study 

the moon’s atmosphere and the fine 

grains of dust made from the moon’s 

surface rocks. 

The Stratospheric Observatory for 

Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) mission 

also has a computer display. It describes the SOFIA airborne observatory as a Boeing 747 airplane fitted with 

a 2.5 meter infrared telescope.

“The AEE exists to engage and 

challenge students and their teachers to participate in the excitement of 

discovery. These young students may 

soon become our nation’s capable 

engineers, scientists, researchers, 

explorers and savvy leaders,” said 

Tom Clausen, education specialist 

at NASA Ames. “The renovated AEE 

demonstrates NASA’s commitment to 

keeping its doors open to our students 

and the fulfillment of their dreams.” 

Ames re-opens 

door to discovery

continued from page 8