Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
In October 2023, TIME Magazine highlighted NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System as one of the “Top Inventions of 2024.” Alongside this recognition, two other NASA missions, the Europa Clipper and the Deep Space Optical Communications experiment, were also acknowledged.
The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System showcases pioneering technologies that allow spacecraft to harness solar radiation for propulsion, effectively enabling them to “sail on sunlight.” Insights gained from this project may lead to potential alternatives to current chemical and electric propulsion systems, facilitating future spacecraft designs for a variety of applications, including space weather monitoring, asteroid reconnaissance, and communications for human missions to the Moon and Mars.
This twelve-unit CubeSat design incorporates a reflective sail supported by composite booms made from lightweight polymer and carbon fiber materials, which are more rigid than older designs. The sail spans approximately 80 square meters, with the potential for future missions to utilize sails up to 500 square meters thanks to the advanced boom technology.
The mission launched on April 23 aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket and successfully deployed its boom and sail system in August. The next phase involves testing the maneuverability of the spacecraft using the solar sail.
Congratulations are in order for the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System team and the Small Spacecraft Technology program office at NASA Ames for this prestigious recognition. Their ongoing contributions significantly expand NASA’s capabilities and underline the innovative spirit of the agency.
Celebrating Public Service: Representative Anna Eshoo
On October 29, NASA Ames held an event to honor Representative Anna Eshoo for her outstanding 32 years of public service and her unwavering support for NASA and the Ames center, coinciding with her announced retirement from Congress in 2023.
Attending the celebration were Representative Zoe Lofgren and various public officials from the Bay Area, as well as colleagues from Ames. During the event, Ames Center Director Dr. Eugene Tu presented Eshoo with a replica of a Pioneer Plaque to acknowledge her long-standing advocacy for NASA Ames, ranging from projects at Hangar One to the USGS Building and the Moffett Field Museum.
A town hall meeting on October 1, focused on safety and employee feedback, discussed insights from previous surveys regarding Safety Culture, Federal Employee Viewpoint, and DEIA Organizational Climate. The leadership at Ames is committed to creating a psychologically safe environment that fosters open communication, crucial for both safety and mission success.
Bob Conway, Acting Director of the NASA Safety Center, led a hybrid event to discuss Organizational Silence, offering employees the chance to engage by asking questions during the meeting.
NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy visited Ames on September 16 for roundtable discussions on topics like procurement and leadership while meeting a delegation from Australia. She expressed gratitude for the dedication of the Ames workforce.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs also visited Ames on September 18, inquiring about aeronautics research and engaging with experts in air traffic management as part of a delegation to showcase NASA’s capabilities.
The 2024 Aeronautics Innovation Forum took place from September 17 to 19, featuring discussions on the aeronautics and space economy, led by a panel of experts. The event included facility tours and various community-building activities.
NASA collaborated with AeroVironment and Aerostar on an innovative air traffic management initiative, allowing aircraft to operate safely at altitudes above 60,000 feet. This Upper-Class E traffic management concept aims to expand the capabilities of high-altitude vehicles, facilitating advancements in communications and scientific missions.
Progress continues toward the Artemis missions, with recent tests conducted on a scale model of the Super Heavy rocket, which will support the future Artemis lunar landings.
On October 4, NASA representatives engaged in discussions about potential research collaborations aligned with President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, exploring the connections between human spaceflight hazards and cancer research.
The Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator-4 (PTD-4) is currently engaged in a mission to demonstrate new technology focused on power and communications systems for space missions, highlighting the evolving capabilities of small spacecraft.
On October 24, Astronaut Nicole Mann honored recipients of the Silver Snoopy Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to flight safety and mission success. This award, presented by astronauts, symbolizes the high standards of performance within NASA.
At the recent Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) convention, Jordan Kam, an engineering student and intern at NASA Ames, earned recognition for his research on telemetry for telemetry amalgamation, underscoring the importance of diverse representation in STEM fields.
For Hispanic Heritage Month, Ignacio Lopez-Francos from NASA Ames was featured in Newsweek En Español for his impactful research in applied AI for robotics, exemplifying contributions to technology advancement and community engagement.
In September, the Ames Veterans Committee celebrated Crystal A. Armendariz’s promotion to Major in the U.S. Army, recognizing her service and leadership throughout her military career.
Dr. Donald Mendoza, Chief Engineer at NASA Ames, shared insights about his lifelong passion for aviation and space exploration, reflecting on his career journey and aspirations for the future of flight.
On October 29, Jonathan Kaldani spoke to CSU East Bay students about NASA’s missions and cybersecurity, highlighting opportunities for future careers in space exploration and technology.
Malcolm O’Malley’s journey from a life-threatening allergy diagnosis to interning at NASA Ames illustrates his commitment to advancing understanding of the immune system, particularly in relation to space exploration.
The Ames Exchange recently hosted its annual Chili Cook-Off, themed “Halloween Night,” fostering community spirit through friendly competition and creative costumes.
A recent Fun Run/Walk & Roll event at Ames engaged participants from diverse fitness levels, showcasing the center’s commitment to promoting an inclusive and active community.
Laura Lewis, a cherished member of the NASA community, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. Her dedication and contributions to research will be remembered fondly.
Robin Orans, a veteran technology partnership manager at Ames, also passed away, leaving behind a legacy of service and accomplishment at NASA.
Dr. Joseph (Jay) W. Skiles III, an accomplished environmental scientist, passed away on October 22. His extensive career encompassed teaching, research, and community involvement.
Source
www.nasa.gov