Fwd: my version of NASA News and JSC Today

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From: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Date: May 1, 2014 10:52:45 AM CDT
To: "Moon, Larry J. (JSC-EA411)" <larry.j.moon@nasa.gov>
Subject: my version of NASA News and JSC Today

Hope you can join us today- at 11:30, Hibachi Grill on Bay Area Blvd. for our monthly Retirees Luncheon.  

 

Still waiting on the PAO version of NASA News!   So I thought I better get some news out before Lunch.

 

 

 

Thursday, May 1, 2014

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JSC TODAY CATEGORIES Headlines -  Joint Leadership Team Web Poll -  The Adventure of a Lifetime -  Do Not Use Internet Explorer - Update -  May Sustainability Opportunities -  JSC Work Published in April Tech Briefs -  New NASA@work Challenge: Check it Out -  Monthly Test of the JSC Emergency Warning System Organizations/Social -  HERG Hosting Cinco de Mayo Social at La Brisa -  25th Annual Thermal & Fluids Analysis Workshop -  Mark Your Calendars! AAPI Heritage Month 1st Event -  The JSC Safety and Health Action Team (JSAT) Says -  Discount Astros Tickets Through Starport -  Prepare for the HFM Prediction 5K -  Shipping Services Now Available -  Starport Zumba for Kids - It's Back -  Starport Youth Karate Classes - Free Class May 24 Jobs and Training -  Project Call for Fall 2014 Interns Community -  National Day of Prayer - Noon Today

Volcanic Plume Over Southern Atlantic Ocean Revealed Through False-Color Imagery

 

Headlines Joint Leadership Team Web Poll Please make sure you stay within your allotted time as a meeting speaker. That's everyone's number one meeting gripe. You choked on the second question. No way does Stone Cold and the Hulkster defeat even Andre the Giant by himself. Get real. This week is the move of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft 747 to Space Center Houston. Once it's mated to the shuttle model, how cool will it be? Will it be a huge deal for our visitor center? A nice display? No big deal? Question two is searching for the best ghostwriter for your memoirs. Who is the best famous writer to put your JSC experience to paper? Poe? Kerouac? Orwell? Kindle your Nook on over to get this week's poll. Joel Walker x30541 http://jlt.jsc.nasa.gov/ [top] The Adventure of a Lifetime While most of us will be rusticating in our cubicles and offices, NASA Stars Tanaya Bhardwaj and Stefan Djordjevic will be embarking on the adventure of a lifetime to Mount Everest's base camp. See how these two prepared for their special mission, and why what they are doing reminds us of what we do here at JSC. (Hint: It's something about pushing boundaries.) Read more in JSC Features as they bon voyage to Nepal. Catherine Williams x33317 [top] Do Not Use Internet Explorer - Update A new Internet Explorer (IE) zero day vulnerability affecting IE 6 through 11 is being used in targeted attacks against IE 9 through 11. There is no fix available for the IE vulnerability at this time. The agency has identified that this vulnerability has a high risk due to the deployment of IE in user systems, as well as the multiple vectors being used by the attackers. The NASA OCIO SOC and JSC IT Security is recommending users not use any versions of IE to access non-agency websites until Microsoft is able to issue a patch for this vulnerability. Once an official patch is released, the threat landscape will be re-assessed to determine whether the patch needs expedited deployment. We recommend everyone use alternate browsers, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, to access external websites. If you have any questions, please send them to JSC-IT-Security.  JSC-IRD-Outreach 1-877-NASA-SEC (1-877-627-2732) https://intranet.share.nasa.gov/agency/it/security/ops/default.aspx [top] May Sustainability Opportunities You've been seeing a lot about sustainability initiatives lately, and you may be wondering if this is something we'll be working on the rest of our lives. Yes! That's the point. In this month's sustainability opportunities, see pictures from Earth Day, meet the newest Longhorn at JSC and join us for events like the May 7 presentation by Coca-Cola at the Gilruth from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the June 3 to 5 APPEL Green Engineering course (sign up in SATERN). As always, if you have a sustainability opportunity you'd like added, contact us. Schedule your own sustainability presentation with us, and we'll come to you. Click on the link for May Sustainability Opportunities and scroll down to "What's new in sustainability." Laurie Peterson x39845 http://jsc-web-www6.jsc.nasa.gov/ja/ja13/capp.cfm [top] JSC Work Published in April Tech Briefs In the April 2014 issue of NASA Tech Briefs, three JSC technologies are recognized. The purpose of NASA Tech Briefs is to introduce information on new innovations and technologies that stem from advanced research and technology programs conducted by NASA. The latest publication includes these advanced JSC innovations: 1) Long-Life, Hydrophilic, Antimicrobial Coating for Condensing Heat Exchangers (Inventors: Michael Izenson and Michael D. Jaeger); 2) Internalization of Non-Spherical Particles (Inventors: Paolo Decuzzi and Mauro Ferrari); and 3) Porous Media Jacket for Use in Regeneratively Cooled Rocket Engines (Inventors: Greg S. Mungas, David J. Fisher and Christopher D. Mungas). You can read all about these innovative technologies and the inventors by visiting the Strategic Opportunities and Partnership Development website. Also, you can review all of the NASA Tech Briefs that have been published. Holly Kurth x32951 [top] New NASA@work Challenge: Check it Out A new challenge has been posted on NASA@work - "Follow-up Challenge: Seeking Review and Inputs to Mentoring Material." Read more about this follow-up challenge and submit your feedback for this peer-mentoring program concept today! Are you new to NASA@work? NASA@work is an agencywide, collaborative problem-solving platform that connects the collective knowledge of experts (like YOU) from all centers across NASA. Challenge owners post problems, and members of the NASA@work community participate by responding with their solutions to posted problems. Anyone can participate! Click here for more information. Kathryn Keeton 281-826-9792 https://nasa.innocentive.com [top] Monthly Test of the JSC Emergency Warning System The Emergency Dispatch Center and Office of Emergency Management will conduct the monthly, first Thursday test of the JSC Emergency Warning System (EWS) today at noon. The EWS test will consist of a verbal "This is a test" message, followed by a short tone and a second verbal "This is a test" message. The warning tone will be the "whoop" tone, which is associated with a "Seek shelter inside" message. Please visit the JSC Emergency Awareness website for EWS tones and definitions. During an actual emergency situation, the particular tone and verbal message will provide you with protective information. Dennis G. Perrin x34232 http://jea.jsc.nasa.gov [top]    Organizations/Social HERG Hosting Cinco de Mayo Social at La Brisa The Hispanic Employee Resource Group (HERG) will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo Social at La Brisa Mexican Grill on May 5. This event is an excellent opportunity to network with members of the JSC community and other ERG members. Make plans to join us on the patio at 5 p.m. for a game of washers. Everyone is welcome! Location: La Brisa Mexican Grill, 501 N. Wesley, League City, 77573 Event Date: Monday, May 5, 2014   Event Start Time:5:00 PM   Event End Time:8:00 PM Event Location: La Brisa Mexican Grill, 501 N. Wesley, League City Add to Calendar Libby Moreno x38608 https://collaboration.ndc.nasa.gov/iierg/hispanic/default.aspx [top] 25th Annual Thermal & Fluids Analysis Workshop This year, the Thermal Fluids and Analysis Workshop (TFAWS) will be hosted by Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, Ohio, from Aug. 4 to 8. The workshop is geared toward active thermal, passive thermal, aerothermal and interdisciplinary areas of focus, and will feature: paper sessions; hands-on training; software and hardware demonstrations; technical short courses; guest speakers; and tours of GRC. For attendees wishing to submit papers abstracts, submissions are due by May 2. Engineers, scientists, students, educators, industry and government are all welcome, and registration is FREE. All levels of experience welcome! Please click here or contact Monica Guzik for more information. Janice Makinen x42206 https://tfaws.nasa.gov [top] Mark Your Calendars! AAPI Heritage Month 1st Event The ASIA Employee Resource Group would like to invite you to our first big event for Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month! Donna Fujimoto Cole, president and CEO of Cole Chemical, will be our keynote speaker for "Diversity and Leadership" on May 14 at 11:15 a.m. in the Building 30 Auditorium, followed by an exciting martial arts showcase from Bushi Ban. A second not-to-be-missed event will take place on May 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Teague Auditorium lobby, where the JSC community will be able to try delicacies from different countries represented by our members, along with a second performance by Bushi Ban and a photography/art exhibit and music from different regions of Asia. We always welcome new members and helping hands, so if you would like to help organize these events or have questions, please contact Jennifer Turner. Event Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2014   Event Start Time:11:15 AM   Event End Time:12:45 PM Event Location: Building 30 Auditorium Add to Calendar Jennifer Turner x48162 [top] The JSC Safety and Health Action Team (JSAT) Says "Injury or illness at work? Don't make it worse! Remember, clinic first!" Congratulations to Robert Martel with the NASA/Space and Clinical Operations Division for submitting the winning slogan for May 2014. Any JSAT member (all JSC contractor and civil servant employees) may submit a slogan for consideration to JSAT Secretary Reese Squires. Submissions for June are due by Thursday, May 8. Keep those great submissions coming - you may be the next "JSAT Says" winner! Reese Squires x37776 http://www6.jsc.nasa.gov/ja/apps/news/newsfiles/3421.pptx [top] Discount Astros Tickets Through Starport NASA employees and their friends and families are invited to participate in NASA Nights at Minute Maid Park this season. Discounted ticket are offered throughout the ballpark. There are six games to choose from this summer, so get your discount tickets and come watch some baseball! Ticket must be ordered online. Additional information can be found here. Shelly Haralson x39168 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/ [top] Prepare for the HFM Prediction 5K Unlike most 5Ks, you don't have to be the fastest to win the Prediction 5K during Health and Fitness Month (HFM). You just have to know how "fast" you are making it suitable for ALL fitness levels (including walkers). HFM kicks off today, which means you have a full month to prepare for the Prediction 5K. Even better, we have taken the guesswork out of your training program. Visit this link to find a training program suited for your fitness level. By the time race day is here on May 29, you'll be fitter and have a good idea of your finishing time. Visit the Starport website for more information about the Prediction 5K, as well as all of the other healthy activities you can participate in during HFM. Event Date: Thursday, May 29, 2014   Event Start Time:7:00 AM   Event End Time:8:00 AM Event Location: Gilruth Center Add to Calendar Joseph Callahan x42769 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/fitness/health-and-fitness-month [top] Shipping Services Now Available Want to get your mom the perfect space-themed Mother's Day gift, but you're not going home for the holiday? Starport now offers shipping services. Just stop by Starport Gift Shops in Buildings 3 or 11 and purchase something unique and special for Mom. We'll ship it for you via the United States Postal Service while you get on with your busy day. Starport is here to serve - making your life easier and saving you money. Shipping and handling charges are applicable. Cyndi Kibby x47467 [top] Starport Zumba for Kids - It's Back Zumba for Kids is back by popular demand! This program is designed exclusively for kids. Zumba for Kids classes are rockin', high-energy fitness parties packed with specially choreographed, kid-friendly routines. This dance-fitness workout for kids ages 5 to 10 will be set to hip-hop, salsa, reggaeton and more. TRY A FREE CLASS ON MAY 23! Please call the Gilruth Center front desk to sign your child up for the free class (only 25 available spots). Five-week session: May 30 to June 28 Fridays: 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Ages: 5 to 10 Cost: $55 Register online or at the Gilruth Center. Shericka Phillips x35563 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/familyyouth-programs/zumba-for... [top] Starport Youth Karate Classes - Free Class May 24 Let Starport introduce your child to the exciting art of Youth Karate. Youth Karate will teach your child the skills of self-defense, self-discipline and self-confidence. The class will also focus on leadership, healthy competition and sportsmanship. TRY A FREE CLASS ON MAY 24! Please call the Gilruth Center front desk to sign your child up for the free class (only 25 available spots). Five-week session: May 31 to June 28 Saturdays: 10 to 10:45 a.m. Ages: 6 to 12 Cost: $75 | $20 drop-in rate Register online or at the Gilruth Center. Shericka Phillips x35563 https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/en/programs/familyyouth-programs/youth-karate [top]    Jobs and Training Project Call for Fall 2014 Interns Now is the time to enter your project into the One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI) if you want an intern for your project this fall! Don't wait until the last minute. By entering your project now, students can apply directly to your project. The fall session is Aug. 25 to Dec. 12 (16 weeks). To enter a project, click here. The cost for funding an undergraduate intern is $12,600, while a graduate intern is $15,000. The funding deadline for the fall session is July 14. Interested students can apply now until June 1. Although family members of NASA employees are encouraged to apply, the process is highly competitive. Their application will be screened alongside other applications in the system. Please note that if a family member is selected, they cannot be placed in the same directorate as the relative. For additional details, please contact Missy Matthias at x27844 or via email. Click here to log into OSSI. Missy Matthias x27844 [top]    Community National Day of Prayer - Noon Today The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress' proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May. Our Presidents through the years have invited us to pray for our country. Please join us at the Building 1 flagpole before noon, and we will start praying very soon thereafter. Event Date: Thursday, May 1, 2014   Event Start Time:11:55 AM   Event End Time:12:30 PM Event Location: Building 1 Flagpole Add to Calendar John Fields x38023 http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org [top]

 

JSC Today is compiled periodically as a service to JSC employees on an as-submitted basis. Any JSC organization or employee may submit articles. Disclaimer: Accuracy and content of these notes are the responsibility of the submitters.

 

 

 

 

 

LEADING THE NEWS

• Despite Threat, Russia May Still Not End Launches To The ISS.

NASA NEWS

• House Subcommittee Increases Commercial Crew Funding, But Not Enough To Avoid Delay.

• Officials Explain How ARM Prepares NASA For Mars Mission.

• Engle To Be Special Guest At University Of Kansas Event.

HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS

• Public Chooses "Technology" Z-2 Spacesuit.

• Swanson Describes His "Wish List" For ISS Life.

• NASA Working To Increase Exposure With Destination Station, Driven To Explore.

• Bigelow, Boeing Show Off Systems For Future Commercial Space Stations.

• Orbital Has Benefited From Launching Cargo Missions From Wallops.

• Morpheus Lander Performs Test Flight At Kennedy Space Center.

• Kansas City Students Sending Experiment To The ISS.

• South Houston Students To Perform With Coleman, Wakata.

• Shuttle Carrier Aircraft Arrives At Space Center Houston.

SCIENCE

• Scientists Directly Observe Length Of Exoplanet's Day.

• Astronaut Honors Long Beach Playhouse With Name Plates Aboard Bennu Spacecraft.

• Ball Aerospace Celebrates Eighth Anniversary Of CloudSat And CALIPSO.

• NASA Astrogeologist To Speak In Casper, Wyoming.

• Study Says Dark Matter May Be "Black Hole Atoms."

SPACE TECHNOLOGY

• Astrobotic Technology Partnering With NASA On Lunar Lander Project.

BLOGS

• First "Runaway" Star Cluster Observed.

AEROSPACE NEWS

• SpaceX To Make Its Next Launch Attempt On May 10.

• Lockheed Partners With RedEye To Build Fuel Tank Simulators With 3D Printing.

• UK Aims To Increase Space Industry Through 2030.

• Brazilian Fisherman Finds Payload Shroud From Rocket Launch.

• MOST Mission To End In September.

• Japan To Launch Daichi 2 Satellite To Increase International Aid.

• One Third Of Mars One Hopefuls Dropped Out In Project's First Phase.

• Calgary High School Honors Canadian Astronaut.

• SSL Hired To Construct Satellite For BRI.

LEADING THE NEWS

Despite Threat, Russia May Still Not End Launches To The ISS.

The Christian Science Monitor (5/1, Spotts, 566K) continues coverage of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin's statement that the US may need to use a trampoline to send astronauts to the ISS if it continues sanctions against his nations because of the situation in Ukraine. In response to that statement, the House Armed Services subcommittee yesterday increased the funds for a program to develop a domestic version of Russian engines now on American rocket. The article notes that crew launches are the "highest-profile example of the current US dependence on Russia," but not the only one. Still, it is "unclear" whether Russia would go through with any action. Marcia Smith, president of the Space and Technology Policy Group, said the US and Russia both need the ISS to function and both need the other. Meanwhile, the article notes that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk used Rogozin's message to promote his SpaceX spacecraft as an alternative for crew launches, tweeting that it required "no trampoline."

        In an article for Bloomberg BusinessWeek (4/30, 4.91M), Justin Bachman similarly writes that Musk saw the "PR opportunity" to promote his company.

        Meanwhile, another Christian Science Monitor (4/30, O'Carroll, 566K) describes what it would take to actually use a trampoline to launch someone to the ISS demonstrating how rockets are currently the best options for reaching space.

        About 20 TV broadcasts also cover the story, primarily focusing on Rogozin's trampoline statement.

        Concern Over US Reliance Comes Up In Senate Hearing. Reuters (5/1, Alexander) reports on the National Defense Authorization Act proposed yesterday that would require the US to develop the alternate to the RD 180 rocket engine in five years. The engine is now used in ULA's Atlas V rockets used to launch military payloads. Concerns of the reliance on Russia also came up during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing Wednesday. Chief Pentagon arms buyer Frank Kendall said, "I've never been entirely comfortable with that dependency. ... And we have looked at it in the budget process options a couple of times to try to do something about that, but it just hasn't been affordable and we've accepted the risk. That risk seems to be becoming much more real." Sen. John McCain said that because of this reliance, the US should "be looking desperately for competition" for launches. The article links that statement to SpaceX's desire to enter the competition.

        DoD Buzz (4/30, McGarry, 1K) notes that McCain said that the current block buy deal reminds him of previous "cronyism" that reduces competition. Kendall said he has worked to hasten SpaceX's certification to compete for launches because "competition is the single best tool that we have in the department to get costs out of our programs."

        Judge Bars ULA From Purchasing Russian Engines. The Washington Post (5/1, Davenport, 4.22M) reports that following SpaceX's suit to against the government over a launch contract and Rogozin's comments, a US Court of Federal Claims judge barred the United Launch Alliance from going ahead with a purchase of Russian rocket engines by preventing the company from making any payments.

        According to Bloomberg News (5/1, Tan, 2.76M), Judge Susan Braden cited "public interest, national defense and security concerns" as the reasons for her decisions.

        The NBC News (5/1, Boyle, 7.5M) also covers the story.

        The Wall Street Journal (5/1, Cameron, Subscription Publication, 5.51M) has additional coverage with no mention of Rogozin or NASA.

        Sanctions Place Aerospace Transactions With Russia In Doubt. The Wall Street Journal (5/1, Wall, Subscription Publication, 5.51M) reports that the new US sanctions have raised concerns and doubts about all aerospace transactions with Russia. Some company officials in Europe warned that the sanctions could hurt their businesses, but Airbus Chief Executive Officer Tom Enders said that it was more important to maintain international law than a company's bottom line. According to the article, the upcoming launch of the Astra 2G telecommunications satellite on a Proton rocket will show whether the sanctions will hurt planned launches in the short term.

        More Opinion. In a column for the Denver Post (5/1, 940K), Greg Dobbs writes about Rogozin statement, claiming that while on the face it may seem ridiculous, the truth is that the US needs Russia more than Russia needs the US in space. He notes that typically astronauts and spaceflight officials from both nations get along, but those ties may not be enough to overcome the rising tensions on Earth.

        Andrew Malcolm at Investors Business Daily (5/1, 491K) blames the Obama Administration for canceling the shuttle program for putting the US in this position. He also claims that sanctions have never worked.

        Blog Coverage. Josh Gelernter at the National Review (4/30, 879K) "The Corner" blog writes that if Russia is going to threaten to halt US launches to the ISS, the US should take the $424 million it plans to give Russia for them starting in 2016 and spend it to accelerate spacecraft development in the US. Gelernter notes that NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said, "We could potentially accelerate [American manned flights] by a year if we're given adequate funding."

NASA NEWS

House Subcommittee Increases Commercial Crew Funding, But Not Enough To Avoid Delay.

USA Today (5/1, King, 5.82M) reports that while a "key House Appropriations subcommittee" unanimously voted on a bill that would raise NASA's budget by $250 million over this fiscal year as well as $89 million more for the Commercial Crew Program, the bill still does not give NASA the $848 million that NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said was needed to avoid slipping launches to the ISS to 2018. The Commercial Spaceflight Federation was reportedly "disappointed" that the committee only provided the program with $785 million, saying this budget will just extend the current reliance on Russian rockets to launch astronauts. Meanwhile, Bolden is scheduled to testify on the budget today to a "key Senate Appropriations subcommittee." The article notes that "traditionally," the Senate has given more than the House for the Commercial Crew Program with the difference split in the end. Florida Today (5/1, King, 208K) reprints the story.

        Blog Coverage. Jeff Foust at Space Politics (4/30) writes that NASA released its fiscal year 2014 operating plan summary, "which details any changes to spending for programs the agency has made (with the approval of Congress) from the final FY14 appropriations bill." He calls these changes "minor." Foust notes that Space Policy Online (4/30, Smith) highlighted the full SOFIA funding in the summary, even though NASA did not include any funds for it for 2015.

Officials Explain How ARM Prepares NASA For Mars Mission.

SPACE (4/30, Kramer, 261K) reported that during a forum on Mars exploration on Tuesday, William Gerstenmaier, NASA associate administrator of the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and other officials explained why the Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) will help solve the "potential problems" facing manned mission to Mars. Gerstenmaier said, "We need to hone our skills in the proving ground of space, much like we did with the Mercury and Gemini [missions] leading up to Apollo. ... We built skills. We built techniques. We built operational techniques … We're really preparing ourselves for that ultimate goal toward Mars." Michele Gates, senior technical advisor of the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, said that by December, NASA would choose which mission would be utilized to capture an asteroid. Gates said, "This mission significantly contributes to the extension of human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit [LEO] and into deep space. ... In fact, we'll go 1,000 times farther than LEO for the first time in 40 years, and for a longer duration in deep space than humans have ever been before." Gerstenmaier added, "It won't be easy to go to Mars in any way, shape or form, and we really need to prepare to do that. ... We'll do that preparation first on the [International] Space Station and then push the envelope a little bit further. [We'll] look at the vicinity around the moon where we can have this asteroid redirected into this location to continue to build those skills that are necessary for us to eventually go to Mars."

        However, Roll Call (4/30, Kim, Subscription Publication, 76K) reports that despite NASA's claims of ARM's importance, there is Congressional skepticism about the mission, especially from Republicans. Sen. Richard Shelby said, "I think they could find better things to spend the taxpayers' money on." Rep. Frank R. Wolf also said that ARM shows "no vision." Astronaut Leroy Chiao said that with a mandate to go beyond the ISS but not enough money to fund such a mission, ARM is the current "best" option, even if it is not "optimal."

        Landing System, Other Technology Needs Improvement Before Mars Mission. Roll Call (4/30, Kim, Subscription Publication, 76K) reports that if it wants to send people to Mars, NASA will also have to develop a "much more robust landing system" to safely land people and large amounts of equipment on the planet. Bobby Braun, former NASA chief technologist, reportedly said that current systems "pale in comparison" to what is expected to be needed. Braun also noted that "more reliable" systems that don't break down as easily will also be needed.

Engle To Be Special Guest At University Of Kansas Event.

The Topeka (KS) Capital-Journal (5/1, Stephenson, 177K) reports that on Friday, astronaut Joe Engle will be a guest speaker at the University of Kansas School of Engineering. Engle graduated from the school. The talk is part of the university's "70th anniversary celebration of the school's aerospace engineering department."

HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS

Public Chooses "Technology" Z-2 Spacesuit.

Bloomberg BusinessWeek (4/30, Lanks, 4.91M) reports that after asking the public to vote on its favorite Z-2 prototype spacesuit design, NASA announced that the "technology" design, which involves "a gray uniform with glowing patches of turquoise on its upper and lower torso," was the winner. According to the article, "cash-strapped" NASA determined that an "innovative design" for the suit could help increase interest in the agency from the "positive response" it got from the Z-1.

        SPACE (4/30, Wall, 261K) reports that NASA officials say the Z-2 should now be ready for testing by November, with lessons learned incorporated into the future Z-3 design. As for the newly selected "Technology" cover layer, NASA said in a release, "The cover layer of a non-flight suit still performs an important function in ground-based testing. The cover protects the lower layers and technical details from abrasion and snags during testing. ... The cover layer on flight suits used for spacewalks performs many other important functions like protecting the spacewalker from micrometeorite strikes, the extreme temperatures in space and the harmful effects of radiation. ... These requirements drive selection of specific high-performance materials and design details that aren't necessary at this stage in a prototype suit."

        Also covering the story are The Guardian (5/1, Holpuch, 1.59M), Universe Today (4/30, Howell, 18K), Gizmag (5/1, Szondy, 72K), and Ars Technica (4/30, Hutchinson, 466K) reports.

        Blog Coverage. Alan Boyle at the NBC News (5/1, 7.5M) website writes that NASA spokesman Dan Huot responded to comments that the "Technology" suit looked like something out of Tron. Huot said, "We're always going to find those parallels between science fiction and reality. ... I'm all for it."

Swanson Describes His "Wish List" For ISS Life.

The Boulder County Business Report (5/1, Lindenstein, 21K) reports that on Wednesday, ISS astronaut Steve Swanson chatted with University of Colorado students about "general life in space" as well as the importance of funding space exploration. He also described what his "wish list" is for improving life at the station: "a wider variety of food, smoother communications with family members on Earth, and more durable living systems." As for the last items, Swanson said, "If you could get those things to be a little more robust so you didn't have to work on them all the time ... I think that would really help for longer missions to Mars."* End of Story *

        Boulder (CO) Daily Camera (5/1, Burness, 112K) also covers the story.

NASA Working To Increase Exposure With Destination Station, Driven To Explore.

The Indianapolis Star (5/1, Rudavsky, 605K) continues coverage of the Destination Station traveling exhibit now at the Indiana State Museum. This Friday, the "Driven to Explore" mobile unit will also be at the museum to help celebrate International Space Station Day. According to the article, exhibits like these are part of NASA's efforts to "increase NASA's exposure" in areas that are far from NASA centers. NASA spokesperson Jenny Knotts said, "We want to make NASA more accessible. ... We want to let them know we're still in business, and we want to inspire the next generation."

        NASA Officials Visit Purdue University. WLFI-TV Lafayette, IN (4/30, Miller, 12K) reports on its website that NASA's Driven to Explore mobile unit was on Purdue University's campus for "a variety of activities, one of which included a talk about the importance of growing plants for food in microgravity and space environments." Purdue students had the opportunity to meet with NASA officials and discuss the ISS. Marshall Porterfield, director of Space Life and Physical Sciences at NASA headquarters and a professor within Purdue's College of Engineering, "said they're working to inspire the next generation of researchers, scientists and engineers."

        Blog Coverage. Jake Ellison at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer (4/30, 857K) "Big Science Blog," in a post titled "NASA 'crowd-sourced' Galaxy Images Are Wow! #worthy," writes about how NASA has taken amateur astronomical images and included them in a "four-pack of pretty cool galaxy composites." Joe DePasquale, a blogger for the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, writes that he wanted to collaborate with amateurs on the images "to raise interest and awareness among the amateur astronomer/astrophotographer community as to the wealth of data available in NASA's various mission archives. People are often surprised when they learn that data from NASA's Great Observatories program is free to use."