RELEASE: 04-353
NASA Unveils Its Newest, Most Powerful Supercomputer
NASA unveils its newest supercomputer today during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the agency's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. The "Columbia" is one of the world's most powerful supercomputing systems. Columbia was named to honor the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia lost Feb. 1, 2003.
"This amazing new supercomputer system dramatically increases NASA's capabilities and revolutionizes our capacity for conducting scientific research and engineering design," said NASA Ames Research Center Director G. Scott Hubbard. "It will be one of the fastest, largest and most productive supercomputers in the world, providing an estimated 10-fold increase in NASA's supercomputing capacity. It is already having a major impact on NASA's science, aeronautics and exploration programs, in addition to playing a critical role in preparing the Space Shuttle for return to safe flight next year," Hubbard said.
Comprised of an integrated cluster of 20 interconnected SGI® Altix® 512-processor systems, for a total of 10,240 Intel® Itanium® 2 processors, Columbia was built and installed at the NASA Advanced Supercomputing facility at Ames in less than 120 days.
"The Columbia system is a tremendous development for NASA and the nation. Simulation of the evolution of the Earth and planetary ecosystems with high fidelity has been beyond the reach of Earth scientists for decades," NASA's Deputy Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate Ghassem Asrar said. "With Columbia, scientists are already seeing dramatic improvements in the fidelity of simulations in such areas as hurricane track prediction, global ocean circulation, prediction of large scale structures in the universe, and the physics of supernova detonations," he said.
snip
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Friday, October 22, 2004
Blinding Flashes
Years after exposure to space radiation, many astronauts' vision becomes clouded by cataracts. Understanding why may shed light on cataracts suffered by elderly people.
Years after exposure to space radiation, many astronauts' vision becomes clouded by cataracts. Understanding why may shed light on cataracts suffered by elderly people.
October 22, 2004: Gazing out of their space capsules, Apollo astronauts witnessed sights that humans had never before seen. They saw the breathtaking view of the Earth's bright blue disc against the inky black of space. They saw the far side of the Moon. They also saw strange flashes of light inside their eyeballs!
Since then, astronauts aboard Skylab, the Shuttle, Mir, and the International Space Station have all reported seeing these flashes. No need to call Agents Mulder and Scully of The X Files, though: what the astronauts are experiencing is space radiation zipping through their eyes like subatomic bullets. When a "bullet" strikes the retina, it triggers a false signal that the brain interprets as a flash of light.
Telescopic Tracking of the Apollo Lunar Missions
Watching satellites in Earth orbit has proven to be a popular and easy pastime. It may not be appreciated these days that it was possible to observe the Apollo spacecraft during transits between Earth and Moon. Many of these reports exist only in printed form, from a time before most electronic indexing has reached. This page begins to document telescopic observations of the Apollo lunar missions. It remains a work in progress, and I welcome further contributions and references. Small thumbnail images link to larger versions.
The first sightings of each mission were of course the launches, watched by hundreds of thousands of people lining the Florida beaches. I start the fun with these two images, which I took at age 13 before and during the launch of Apollo 15.snip
Acknowledgements. The following people have provided pictures, pointers, or permissions for this material, and I am happy to publicly thank them: Geoff Chester, Mike Drake, Brian Fenerty, Terry Galloway, Maurice Gavin. Elaine Halbedel, M.J. Hendrie, Sally MacGillivray, Paul Maley, Joe Miller, Jeff Pier, Oscar Rodriguez, Elizabeth Roemer, Jonathan Silverlight, Dan Weedman, Ron Welch, and Jim Young.
The Web contains some marvelous resources with enormous detail about the Apollo program, many of them labors of love by a few individuals. Some especially useful ones are:
In more tangible media, there is a vast array of material in Apogee Books' collection of NASA Mission Reports and Spacecraft Films' newly compiled DVD sets. If I can find these locally in Alabama, and outside of Huntsville, they're not that hard to locate...
(ostentatious throat-clearing) "The views, opinions, and conclusions expressed in this page are those of the author and not necessarily those of The University of Alabama or its officers and trustees. The content of this page has not been reviewed or approved by The University of Alabama, and the author is solely responsible for its content. "
keel@bildad.astr.ua.eduLast changes: May 2004
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Duffield Hall - ithacajournal.com: "This publication was produced by Cornell University Division of Communications and Media Relations.
Editor: David Brand, Cornell News Service
A beacon for researchers
With the grand opening and dedication of Duffield Hall on Oct. 6, 2004, Cornell University is uniquely poised to serve the needs of nanoscale scientists at Cornell, across the nation and around the world. Whether they meet in the cantilevered conference room overlooking the Engineering Quad, in the clean rooms of the Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility and the Nanobiotechnology Center, in state-of-the-art faculty labs or the flexible graduate student space, Duffield Hall is a beacon for researchers whose work is measured on the smallest of scales. more"
snip
Editor: David Brand, Cornell News Service
A beacon for researchers
With the grand opening and dedication of Duffield Hall on Oct. 6, 2004, Cornell University is uniquely poised to serve the needs of nanoscale scientists at Cornell, across the nation and around the world. Whether they meet in the cantilevered conference room overlooking the Engineering Quad, in the clean rooms of the Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility and the Nanobiotechnology Center, in state-of-the-art faculty labs or the flexible graduate student space, Duffield Hall is a beacon for researchers whose work is measured on the smallest of scales. more"
snip
Sunday, October 10, 2004
BBC NEWS | Have Your Say | Ask astronaut Michael Foale: "Ask astronaut Michael Foale
A veteran of six space flights, British-born astronaut Michael Foale holds the US record for time spent in space.
He has logged over 374 days in orbit, including four spacewalks lasting all together more than 22 hours.
In 1997, he spent 145 days on the Russian space station Mir, during which he experienced a string of problems including a collision with a cargo craft, repeated computer crashes and a loss of power.
In 2003, he returned to space as the commander of the International Space Station, completing his tour of duty on 30 April 2004.
What is it like to live and work in space? Is it hard to cope with zero gravity? What does the future hold for space exploration? Will man ever reach Mars? Send us your comments and questions on space to our guest Michael Foale.
Michael Foale will be the special guest on our global phone-in programme, Talking Point, on 17 October at 1406GMT. Please include your phone number if you would like to put your question directly to Michael Foale. This will not appear on the website. "
SEE WEB SITE TO ENTER QUESTIONS FOR INTERVIEW. - LRK -
A veteran of six space flights, British-born astronaut Michael Foale holds the US record for time spent in space.
He has logged over 374 days in orbit, including four spacewalks lasting all together more than 22 hours.
In 1997, he spent 145 days on the Russian space station Mir, during which he experienced a string of problems including a collision with a cargo craft, repeated computer crashes and a loss of power.
In 2003, he returned to space as the commander of the International Space Station, completing his tour of duty on 30 April 2004.
What is it like to live and work in space? Is it hard to cope with zero gravity? What does the future hold for space exploration? Will man ever reach Mars? Send us your comments and questions on space to our guest Michael Foale.
Michael Foale will be the special guest on our global phone-in programme, Talking Point, on 17 October at 1406GMT. Please include your phone number if you would like to put your question directly to Michael Foale. This will not appear on the website. "
SEE WEB SITE TO ENTER QUESTIONS FOR INTERVIEW. - LRK -
Monday, October 04, 2004
Project Mercury - A Chronology.: "Project Mercury
A Chronology
NASA SP-4001
Table of Contents.
Prepared by James M. Grimwood,
Historical Branch, Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, Texas,
as MSC Publication HR-1
Office of Scientific and Technical Information"
A Chronology
NASA SP-4001
Table of Contents.
Prepared by James M. Grimwood,
Historical Branch, Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, Texas,
as MSC Publication HR-1
Office of Scientific and Technical Information"
NASA - NASA Mourns Loss of Original Mercury 7 Astronaut Gordon Cooper: "
Glenn Mahone/Bob Jacobs
Headquarters, Washington
(Phone: 202/358-1600)
James Hartsfield
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281/483-5111)
Bruce Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center, Florida
(Phone: 321/867-2468)
Oct. 04, 2004
RELEASE : 04-333
NASA Mourns Loss of Original Mercury 7 Astronaut Gordon Cooper
Leroy Gordon Cooper, Jr., (Colonel, USAF, Ret.) an original Mercury 7 astronaut, died earlier today at his home in Ventura, Calif. He was 77 years old. Cooper piloted the sixth and last flight of the Mercury program and later commanded Gemini V.
'As one of the original seven Mercury astronauts, Gordon Cooper was one of the faces of America's fledgling space program. He truly portrayed the right stuff, and he helped gain the backing and enthusiasm of the American public, so critical for the spirit of exploration. My thoughts and prayers are with Gordon's family during this difficult time,' said NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe.
'Cooper's efforts and those of his fellow Mercury astronauts, Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra and Deke Slayton, serve as reminders of what drives us to explore. They also remind us that to succeed any vision for exploration needs the support of the American people,' Administrator O'Keefe said.
The youngest of the original seven astronauts, Cooper's flight in his Faith 7 spacecraft stretched the capabilities of the Mercury capsule to the limits. The mission, May 15 and 16, 1963, lasted more than 34 hours and 22 orbits. That was more than three times the longest U.S. human space flight until that time, and far exceeded the initial design capability of the capsule. During his flight, Cooper became the first astronaut to sleep in space.
"NASA's astronauts extend their deepest sympathies to Gordon Cooper's family," said Kent Rominger, chief of the astronaut office at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "He was among the first pioneers in space and his achievements inspired many of us to pursue our dreams of exploring our universe. We salute his many accomplishments as an astronaut and as a husband and father. He will be truly missed," he said.
"
snip
SEE COMPLETE POST AT NASA SITE. - LRK -
Glenn Mahone/Bob Jacobs
Headquarters, Washington
(Phone: 202/358-1600)
James Hartsfield
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281/483-5111)
Bruce Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center, Florida
(Phone: 321/867-2468)
Oct. 04, 2004
RELEASE : 04-333
NASA Mourns Loss of Original Mercury 7 Astronaut Gordon Cooper
Leroy Gordon Cooper, Jr., (Colonel, USAF, Ret.) an original Mercury 7 astronaut, died earlier today at his home in Ventura, Calif. He was 77 years old. Cooper piloted the sixth and last flight of the Mercury program and later commanded Gemini V.
'As one of the original seven Mercury astronauts, Gordon Cooper was one of the faces of America's fledgling space program. He truly portrayed the right stuff, and he helped gain the backing and enthusiasm of the American public, so critical for the spirit of exploration. My thoughts and prayers are with Gordon's family during this difficult time,' said NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe.
'Cooper's efforts and those of his fellow Mercury astronauts, Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra and Deke Slayton, serve as reminders of what drives us to explore. They also remind us that to succeed any vision for exploration needs the support of the American people,' Administrator O'Keefe said.
The youngest of the original seven astronauts, Cooper's flight in his Faith 7 spacecraft stretched the capabilities of the Mercury capsule to the limits. The mission, May 15 and 16, 1963, lasted more than 34 hours and 22 orbits. That was more than three times the longest U.S. human space flight until that time, and far exceeded the initial design capability of the capsule. During his flight, Cooper became the first astronaut to sleep in space.
"NASA's astronauts extend their deepest sympathies to Gordon Cooper's family," said Kent Rominger, chief of the astronaut office at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "He was among the first pioneers in space and his achievements inspired many of us to pursue our dreams of exploring our universe. We salute his many accomplishments as an astronaut and as a husband and father. He will be truly missed," he said.
"
snip
SEE COMPLETE POST AT NASA SITE. - LRK -
Project Mercury and the Mercury 7 Astronauts: "Project Mercury Overview and the Mercury 7 Astronauts
From Nick Greene,
Your Guide to Space / Astronomy.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
An Introduction to Project Mercury and the Mercury 7 Astronauts
Biographies of Original Mercury 7 Astronauts
Scott Carpenter
L. Gordon Cooper
John H. Glenn Jr.
Virgil I. 'Gus' Grissom
Walter H. 'Wally' Schirra Jr.
Alan B. Shepard Jr.
Donald K. 'Deke' Slayton "
From Nick Greene,
Your Guide to Space / Astronomy.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
An Introduction to Project Mercury and the Mercury 7 Astronauts
Biographies of Original Mercury 7 Astronauts
Scott Carpenter
L. Gordon Cooper
John H. Glenn Jr.
Virgil I. 'Gus' Grissom
Walter H. 'Wally' Schirra Jr.
Alan B. Shepard Jr.
Donald K. 'Deke' Slayton "
Project Mercury and the Mercury 7 Astronauts: "Project Mercury Overview and the Mercury 7 Astronauts
From Nick Greene,
Your Guide to Space / Astronomy.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
An Introduction to Project Mercury and the Mercury 7 Astronauts
Biographies of Original Mercury 7 Astronauts
Scott Carpenter
L. Gordon Cooper
John H. Glenn Jr.
Virgil I. 'Gus' Grissom
Walter H. 'Wally' Schirra Jr.
Alan B. Shepard Jr.
Donald K. 'Deke' Slayton "
From Nick Greene,
Your Guide to Space / Astronomy.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
An Introduction to Project Mercury and the Mercury 7 Astronauts
Biographies of Original Mercury 7 Astronauts
Scott Carpenter
L. Gordon Cooper
John H. Glenn Jr.
Virgil I. 'Gus' Grissom
Walter H. 'Wally' Schirra Jr.
Alan B. Shepard Jr.
Donald K. 'Deke' Slayton "
ANSARI X PRIZE: "Watch the WINNING X PRIZE Flight! On your computer.
Brian Binney wins the Ansari X PRIZE $10 M dollars for his team!
Brian Binney wins the Ansari X PRIZE $10 M dollars for his team! A LIVE worldwide webcast began today at 6 AM PDT detailing the winning X PRIZE flight of SpaceShipOne. Watch the event like you were there. Flight archives, interviews and event program now available on demand. View the video here. "
snip
WATCH FOR WHAT HAPPENS NEXT FOR SPACE TOURISIM. - LRK -
Brian Binney wins the Ansari X PRIZE $10 M dollars for his team!
Brian Binney wins the Ansari X PRIZE $10 M dollars for his team! A LIVE worldwide webcast began today at 6 AM PDT detailing the winning X PRIZE flight of SpaceShipOne. Watch the event like you were there. Flight archives, interviews and event program now available on demand. View the video here. "
snip
WATCH FOR WHAT HAPPENS NEXT FOR SPACE TOURISIM. - LRK -
ANSARI X PRIZE: "Watch the WINNING X PRIZE Flight! On your computer.
Brian Binney wins the Ansari X PRIZE $10 M dollars for his team!
Brian Binney wins the Ansari X PRIZE $10 M dollars for his team! A LIVE worldwide webcast began today at 6 AM PDT detailing the winning X PRIZE flight of SpaceShipOne. Watch the event like you were there. Flight archives, interviews and event program now available on demand. View the video here. "
snip
WATCH FOR WHAT HAPPENS NEXT FOR SPACE TOURISIM. - LRK -
Brian Binney wins the Ansari X PRIZE $10 M dollars for his team!
Brian Binney wins the Ansari X PRIZE $10 M dollars for his team! A LIVE worldwide webcast began today at 6 AM PDT detailing the winning X PRIZE flight of SpaceShipOne. Watch the event like you were there. Flight archives, interviews and event program now available on demand. View the video here. "
snip
WATCH FOR WHAT HAPPENS NEXT FOR SPACE TOURISIM. - LRK -
Video news clips sponsored by Elk & Elk | wkyc.com: "Here are the latest 80 news video clips posted on wkyc.com
Other video topics are listed at right.
Clips are optimized for a high-speed connection."
snip
Other video topics are listed at right.
Clips are optimized for a high-speed connection."
snip
http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_fullstory.asp?id=24387
SpaceShipOne reaches space again, wins $10 million prizePOSTED: Monday, October 04, 2004 11:00:36 AMUPDATED: Monday, October 04, 2004 11:12:18 AM
MOJAVE, Calif. -- It appears that the private space plane called SpaceShipOne has achieved its goal -- reaching space for the second time, to qualify for a $10 million prize.
For the second time in a week, the stubby rocket plane was carried to the skies on the belly of a carrier plane -- and then fired its rocket engine to soar into space. Within minutes, it appeared to have topped its required altitude. It's now headed back toward a landing in Mojave, California.
SpaceShipOne reaches space again, wins $10 million prizePOSTED: Monday, October 04, 2004 11:00:36 AMUPDATED: Monday, October 04, 2004 11:12:18 AM
MOJAVE, Calif. -- It appears that the private space plane called SpaceShipOne has achieved its goal -- reaching space for the second time, to qualify for a $10 million prize.
For the second time in a week, the stubby rocket plane was carried to the skies on the belly of a carrier plane -- and then fired its rocket engine to soar into space. Within minutes, it appeared to have topped its required altitude. It's now headed back toward a landing in Mojave, California.
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