The Space Ace

Words on words; a poem for the ages

2010-04-23T22:27:00.002-04:00

First published in the Bluffton News-Banner

April 23, 2010

I have an idea: The next time I have an idea, someone slap me.
I decided, on a whim, to participate in the Creative Arts Centre Open Mic Night Poetry Reading coming this Monday.
To be a little cheeky I also decided I would allow my fans to submit words I would then use in the poem I am going to read.
I thought it would be fun. I thought it would be interesting. I thought it would be a unique experience.
I didn’t realize it would be like threading a needle with an anchor chain.
Within 10 minutes of putting out the request for words I received “entredentolignumologist.”
It means, someone who collects toothpick boxes. Why we need a nine-syllable word for the most ridiculous hobby I have ever heard of, is beyond my reckoning.
As I was scouring the dictionary for the meaning of that monstrosity, other wonderful words came pouring in.
Like, “orange.”
Now that’s just plain cruel. How am I going to put “entredentolignumologist” and “orange” in the same poem?
Thankfully, I have received, more natural sounding words. Words like “apple,” “taco,” ‘fantastic,” “compliant,” “fancy” and “package.”
Of course I will need to fit them in alongside other far less appealing words like “alliteration” “vampiric” and “loquacious.”
And let’s not forget “harumph.”
Despite the fact I asked for one word per person, some folks are submitting two. But rules are rules, so I am choosing the easiest of the two from those folks.
(Hey, it’s my poem.)
This is already quite a challenge and I told folks they could continue to contribute until midnight tonight. I can’t even imagine what I might end up with.
The lesson I have learned here is simple: If you are looking for a fun way to engage your community in a team building creative exercise, find something better to do with your time.
People, it seems, even the ones who claim to be your fans, are downright cruel.
If you would like to see how it all turns out; what I can do with a bunch of strange words I received from a bunch of even stranger people, come visit the Bluffton Creative Arts Centre Open Mic Poetry Night, Monday, 7 p.m.
I will be there. With my newly crafted poem of submitted words.
I have no idea what it will sound like, but I do know what it will be called:
Entredentolignumologist.

jerryb@news-banner.com
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Breakfast. It’s what’s for dinner

2010-04-11T19:26:00.000-04:00

April 9, 2010

(This column originally appeared in The News-Banner, April 9, 2010)

By Jerry Battiste

I am not one to stand on formality, which might explain why I enjoy eating oatmeal for dinner.

If I had my way I might just eat oatmeal three times a day.
Today, I had a banana and a glass of V8.
I never set out to eat healthy. In fact I love a greasy pork chop with a side of bacon as much as the next guy.
But then I see myself on video talking to the Junior Achievement class at Ossian Elementary School. I noticed when I turned sideways I looked, well, rounder than I once did.
That spurred me to switch from Slim Jims and donuts for breakfast to fruit and granola.
The oatmeal thing has been that way since I was a kid. You would think, given how much I like oatmeal, I could retain my athletic physique as I grew older.
That would be true if I didn’t supplement my oatmeal with birthday cake every chance I got.
Thursday I had cake for breakfast.
That wasn’t my fault. Natasha had a birthday (clearly without regard for the rest of us) and Chris brought her a birthday cake (also without regard for the rest of us.)
What else was I to do except eat some of it? To make matters worse I had to have a piece while Chris was watching me. Then I had to have a piece when Natasha was watching. Then, when Paul went for a piece, I had to have a third piece so Paul wouldn’t have to eat alone.
I disgust myself.
To make up for all the cake I decided to jog home from work. I made it as far as the Pak-A-Sak across the street where I stopped for a Twinkie.
So today I am having a banana and a glass of V8.
I am also having a granola bar. Probably a cup of coffee or two. Maybe a burrito for lunch. Then some sort of pasta for dinner.
If the girls are good today I will likely take them to Dairy Queen. But I will only eat one Peanut Buster Parfait, not two.
I work the late shift which means I’ll be eating supper at my desk. Probably going to grab a Spanish Dog and onion rings at Bummies.
But after work, around midnight probably, when everything is quiet and I can focus my mind again, I will have a big heaping bowl of oatmeal.
That has got to be good for me, right?

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‘Joe Schmo Show' enough to make a grown man cry

2010-02-09T20:09:00.001-05:00

(This column originally appeared in The Republic, October 2, 2003)

Has anyone seen the rabbit ears for Jerry Battiste's 10-inch black-and-white TV? He can be reached at 379-5691 or at jbattiste@therepublic.com.

In "The Joe Schmo Show," (8 p.m. Tuesdays, Spike TV) poor unsuspecting Matt thinks the whole thing is real; a chance to win $100,000 by being the last person standing on a show called "Lap of Luxury."

The catch is, the entire show is rigged, staged to make Matt believe the whole thing is real.

And he falls for it, like all those boys who paid $5 for a pair of "X-ray specs" only to discover they didn't work at all.

(And I'm still waiting for my full refund.)

Last week, Matt became very upset after his friend was voted out. He wept.

We're talking his shirt was drenched with real tears. In fact, at one point he looks at the camera and laments, "These are real people with real emotions."

(Those exact same words, uttered by Charla on "Paradise Hotel" the next night, had none of the conviction or honesty of Matt's and elicited nothing but a sneer and guffaw from me.)

But little does Matt realize what's really going on.

The next day (on the show) the producers, upset because they made Matt cry, decide to take his mind off things by having two of the characters suddenly shack up together.

Great idea. Too bad Matt had a crush on the woman and utterly despised the guy. He cried again.

"She smells so nice, and he's just nasty," he sniffed.

Brian, a writer for the show and also one of the actors pretending to be a contestant, said, "The one thing we promised ourselves was that we wouldn't make him cry again. And then I look over and see a single tear in the corner of his eye."

These people are walking advertisements for sensitivity training. Do they know this guy at all or are they just pretending?

The only saving grace for the show is that, unlike some other reality shows, they want to show Matt in the best possible light.

The fact he appears to be a true gentleman doesn't hurt either.

Fox at it again

In an effort to undermine U.S. foreign relations, Fox, in its infinite wisdom, has decided to bring back Joe Millionaire.

"Joe Millionaire: An International Affair" (check local listings) starts this month and the catch is, none of the women speaks English!

OK, so I'm exaggerating. Actually, they all speak some form of broken English, and each one has her own handbook of easy English phrases like, "Get me out of here" and "I'm calling a lawyer."

In this edition of the show made famous last season by the slurping sounds of Sarah, the foot fetishist, and Evan Marriot, the bumbling construction worker who turned down the pervert for the prude, the producers had to find women who weren't familiar with the con game.

The show consists of one running gag: The women think they are there to marry a millionaire. The catch is, he's just another loser.

To find these women, Fox producers left no stone unturned and no mail-order bride advertisement unread.

They collected a bevy of beautiful foreign women who can be heard to "oooo" and "aaaahhh" at the sight of their "millionaire."

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this seems to have the potential for calamity.

Of course, since it's airing on Fox, who would expect it to be any other way?

Something really different

Adoption is perhaps the most potentially painful and personal experience anyone can enter into.

With "Adoption" (Check listings) The Hallmark Channel has tried hard to open the experience up to the world.

The series follows families of international and domestic adoptions as they plan, prepare, travel and try to live their lives.

The show does not sugarcoat the truth of some international adoptions. Orphanages with too many children and too little food are regular visits.

It also provides a glimpse into the world of private domestic adoptions, although in my opinion, producers try too hard to push their belief in the "open adoption" process.

Whatever. The fact is, it's good to see more reality television that informs and enlightens while it makes money off advertisers, instead of just churning out the usual excrement.

And if this show convinces just one family to adopt a child in need of a home, it was well worth my time to review it.

Home is where Mellencamp hangs his hat

2010-02-09T20:05:00.000-05:00

(This column originally appeared in The Republic, February 1, 2004)

Jerry Battiste

A sign at the edge of town has me wondering about something: Has John Mellencamp moved back home to Seymour?

I noticed a sign on U.S. 50 touting Seymour as the "Home of John Mellencamp."

Last I heard Mellencamp was living on a big spread outside Bloomington.

Granted Seymour is his hometown; the "smalltown" Mellencamp sang about is certainly Seymour, and his love for the area is reflected in his many contributions to arts in the community.

But he doesn't actually live here.

A friend of mine said "It's just a sign, what difference does it make?"

He has a point, surely, but so do I. Let me reiterate: John Mellencamp doesn't actually live in Seymour. So why does the sign state that he does?

I'm sure whoever put the signs up thought this was a good idea. Jackson County receives thousands of visitors every year who come to the area because of its connection to Mellencamp. Why not play that aspect of the area up?

But we also have an obligation to these out-of-town visitors to treat them fairly and honestly. Let's not sully Mellencamp's name by creating an image that isn't quite true.

Besides, I believe there is no need to stretch the truth when it comes to Mellencamp's connection to the city.

All the locals know the man; who he is, where he came from and what he has done is part of the fabric of local history.

But Mellencamp doesn't live here anymore. He moved away. Not too far, just a little west, about 40 miles as the crow flies.

He still visits the community, has a few relatives here and speaks very highly of Seymour when the subject comes up publicly.

But that doesn't change the fact he does not live here anymore.

Unfair to fans

I think it's unfair to all the fans who visit Jackson County to make them believe something that is not true.

And do we really want devoted fans wandering the back roads aimlessly searching for his secret mansion?

I can imagine the questions from fans who traveled halfway around the world just to see the Southern Indiana Center for the Arts Mellencamp exhibit.

They will want to know when he moved back, where his new house is and how long it takes to get there. Oh, and can anyone draw a map in German?

No, I think it makes much more sense to tout Seymour as Mellencamp's hometown … the place where he learned as a child what kind of man he wanted to be.

Seymour is the city that gave birth to a superstar, not the place that star came to rest, but there is no shame in that.

There is a sense of pride to be felt for being the origin, the starting point if you will, for a great and glorious journey.

When Mellencamp is asked where he discovered his sense of family pride; where he learned the value of a hard day's labor; and the price to be paid for maintaining a family farm, he can answer truthfully: Seymour.

But when someone asks him where he lives, what else can he say but Bloomington?

No, claiming to be the hometown of John Mellencamp should be enough of a feather in anyone's cap.

Because claiming Seymour as his home is just not the truth.

Locals inspired by love of aircraft

2010-02-09T20:02:00.000-05:00

(This story originally appeared in The Republic, February 29, 2004)

By Jerry Battiste

jbattiste@therepublic.com

SEYMOUR -- At least once a week Bruce Cochran comes to Freeman Field to perform regular maintenance on his airplane and talk shop with other pilots.

"I always dreamed of flying, when I was a kid right on through as I grew up," he said.

"One day I realized if I didn't get busy doing it soon, I would never get around to it."

So, in 1999, Cochran started flying lessons in a Cessna 150 and not long after getting his pilot's license, bought the Cub.

"It's a little cold in the winter. The heater doesn't work real well," he said.

But lack of heat doesn't stop him from getting in the air every chance he gets.

"There's just nothing like it," he said.

Charlie Gokey, of Louisville, is an airplane enthusiast who takes great pride in building his own planes and keeping them running.

His Volksplane uses a 4-cylinder Volkswagen engine he salvaged from a junkyard more than 20 years ago.

He said many pilots today build experimental aircraft using prefabricated kits, but his plane is all original.

"The design plans are from the late '60s, and I had to build every part you see, or get it from somewhere," he said.

Converted engine

The Volksplane is an all-wood homebuilt aircraft that was designed in the 1960s by W.S. "Bud" Evans. Hundreds have been built around the world, and most are powered by a converted Volkswagen "Boxer" engine.

All homebuilt aircraft are classified as experimental by the Federal Aviation Administration, and the builders themselves are given a repairman's certification that allows them to do all needed maintenance on their planes.

Certified aircraft, those approved for commercial or private use by the FAA, must be serviced by a certified aircraft repair crew every year.

"I think that's why a lot more people are choosing to build their own airplanes," Gokey said. "They can work on it themselves and it's a lot less expensive than buying a plane and keeping that running."

Forget about the complexity of building an airplane, just finding time to do the work required to keep an aircraft "airworthy" can be a challenge.

David Timbers, a Seymour resident, has been a pilot since 1945. He keeps the 1939 J4 Cub he bought 20 years ago in the same hangar as Gokey, but hasn't flown it in almost a decade.

"It takes a lot of work to keep these planes going, and I just haven't had the time," he said.

High hopes

"Maybe this year I'll have it flying, but I've been saying that every year for the past several years, so I don't know."

When his plane was new, Timbers said it probably sold for about $1700. Today the plane is worth more than 10 times that amount.

"That is the good thing about antique aircraft," he said. "You don't have to fly them to keep them valuable. Just sitting right where it is it increases in value every day I own it."

Timbers and Gokey are members of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Timbers attends the Columbus chapter, and Gokey the chapter in Louisville.

Both men say flying gives them a sense of freedom most people do not get to experience, an experience they share with as many children and adults as they can.

The EAA's Young Eagles program offers free airplane rides to young children who might normally never have a chance to fly in a small aircraft. Members volunteer their time, money, fuel and aircraft to provide the rides.

Timbers said there is great satisfaction in providing the rides and even makes room for adults every now and then.

"Several times a year the EAA meets at air shows and events around the country," Timbers said.

"We both (Gokey and Timbers) participate in the Young Eagles program. It's a great feeling to watch a kid's face light up when you take them for their first plane ride," he said.

"There's nothing else like it."

Food bank fund founded

2010-02-09T19:57:00.001-05:00

(This story originally appeared in The Republic, March 26, 2004)

Hope citizens must match former resident's pledge of $25,000

By Jerry Battiste

jbattiste@therepublic.com

HOPE -- Former resident Tim Andrews announced the formation of the Hope Area Food Bank Fund with a pledge of $25,000.

Andrews, who two years ago helped form the Hawcreek-Flat Rock Endowment Fund, said the money would eventually support the operating costs of the food bank but is primarily designed to help the bank provide for families.

"The idea is that, over time, the contributions will grow to such a large balance that income from the balance will be sufficient to support operating expenses of the food bank," he said.

"Building this much money up will take a lot of time and a lot of hard work, but we have to start somewhere."

He made the announcement Thursday at a recognition dinner for volunteers and supporters of the food bank and the Hope Community Center.

Andrews, a former resident of St. Louis Crossing, is a graduate of Hauser High School and Ball State University, and president of Advertising Specialty Institute of Philadelphia.

Almost 150 residents, many who have spent years working to raise money to support programs there, gathered for a meal and to listen to praise for the work they have done.

Andrews wasted no time in explaining why he was there and what he was doing.

"I don't know if it was the events of 9/11 or what it was, but recently I've started looking back on my life and thinking of the people that really meant something to me," he said.

One of those people, he said, was Stanley Rose, a grocer in St. Louis Crossing who often gave customers store credit and free food, including Andrews' family.

Andrews had kind words for Rose, his children, and his children's children.

"I don't know if Stanley's grandchildren, or even his great-grandchildren, realize what kind of man he was," Andrews said. "I just want to let them know right now, he was one of the greatest men I have ever met."

In honor of Rose, Andrews pledged $5,000 per year to the new fund for five years, with the stipulation the community provide matching funds. If at the end of five years the community has raised $200,000, Andrews has promised an extra $25,000 contribution.

All contributions will be used as seed money in the fund, and only the income from investments will be used for the food bank.

Heritage Fund of Bartholomew County manages all three funds created for residents of the Hope area.

Sherry Stark, Heritage Fund president and CEO, said she is constantly amazed at the giving nature of the people of Hope and the success of previous funds established there.

"It blows me away to see what you all are able to accomplish," she said.

"It really brings tears to my eyes."

Julie Glick, executive director of Community Center of Hope, said she had so many generous supporters to thank, she hardly knew where to start.

"You are the ones who give your time, your energy to make these things work," she said.

"I want to offer my personal thanks to all those who volunteer; you make a privilege for me to come to work every day."

Finding our place in your multimedia world

2010-01-20T22:24:00.001-05:00

(This editorial ran in The News-Banner recently. I couldn't miss an opportunity to self-promote. Especially when someone else does all the work!--jb)

January 18, 2010
By Dave Schultz

What you have in your hands, or (if you’re reading online) on the computer screen in front of you, is a medium. No, the News-Banner is not channeling something from the spiritual world, like the woman on the TV show; the N-B is a means of conveying information.

The plural of medium is media. That’s right, all; we’re the media. We’re as local as you can get, and we’re quite proud of that.

We’re also adapting to a changing world, right in front of your eyes. There is a need to be met, and we’re trying to meet it.

Now. Quickly.

There is no longer a radio station in town — at least, its studios are vacant on Main Street. For that matter, radio news in our regional hub, Fort Wayne, isn’t what it used to be either. Fort Wayne TV stations aren’t going to give you ongoing coverage of a Wells County situation.

You’ve changed, too. You no longer want to wait to find out what’s going on. We’re trying to respond.

We’ve had some interesting events here during the past few weeks, literally within a few feet of each other. There was a gas leak at the corner of Johnson and Walnut streets on Nov. 17 (I will forever remember the photo by Glen Werling) and then the Morrow Block fire eight days ago.

Both times, we were posting information online.

Allow me to give a shout-out to Jerry Battiste right here. He took photos of the fire and reported on what he saw, providing first-hand accounts of the fire, its scope, and what was being done. Mayor Ted Ellis told me he appreciated it; he wanted people to get information from us rather than relying on conversations with their friends, neighbors, or relatives. I know firsthand that those conversations can be misleading; as I was at the scene of the Jan. 9 fire, two young men told me that a kerosene heater had started the fire. That was wrong.

To be honest, we’re still trying to feel our way into things here. Yet our mission is clear: When you want to know what’s going on, the place you need to go is to the News-Banner. Our print edition, for sure; we’re working harder than ever to make our print edition better than ever. We also want you to remember to go to the news-banner.com Web site.

We are professionals at reporting the news. We know who to ask. We know the questions to ask. We know Wells County and what’s important to Wells County. We are accountable to you, our readers — and believe me, you let us know if something got past us or if we didn’t get it right the first time.

If there’s another gas leak, we’ll post it quickly. If there’s another major fire, we’ll post it quickly. (If there’s another gas leak and a major fire at the same time, we may all be running for our lives.)

I’m particularly thinking what will happen if we’re buried under a major blizzard. One of the first major stories of my career, when I was at another newspaper, was being the lead reporter on the 1978 storm. No one had an online option then. Every county seat had its own radio station. That’s no longer the case. And a print edition can only tell you what the situation was at press time; it can’t tell you what the situation is now.

Perhaps we’ll video a report and post it online, updating it every hour or so as warranted. That’s just an idea I have. Jerry, who is our online guy, will — as he did a week ago Sunday — certainly have a hand in on what we do.

We want to be the definitive source of news for Wells County. When you want to know what’s going on, we want to be who you turn to.

Now. Quickly.

by DAVE SCHULTZ
daves@news-banner.com

Earth Discovery Center takes shape

2009-12-28T12:30:00.005-05:00

Once complete, the center will provide five times the classroom space and serve more than twice as many visitors each year. Jerry Battiste/Flyer photo/

Once complete, the center will provide five times the classroom space and serve more than twice as many visitors each year. Jerry Battiste/Flyer photo/

First Published: The Flyer, October 20, 2006 12:56 pm

By Jerry Battiste

INDIANAPOLIS — Excitement is building at Eagle Creek Park as construction on the new Earth Discovery Center enters its final phases.

Buried in the forest overlooking the reservoir, the building blends nicely with the surrounding greenery, despite the mud and construction equipment. In front, sidewalks are being poured; the parking lot will be next and the landscaping will follow shortly after that. By December, the center will be complete and programming is expected to be in full swing by spring of 2007.

Jim Weir is executive director of the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, a non-profit group formed in 1978 to support the park through volunteer and fundraising work. Membership now numbers more than 2,000. That’s twice as many as they had in 2001, but Weir said he expects that number to grow as the park continues to make itself more attractive to guests of all types.

Eagle Creek Park is already a popular destination for boaters, anglers and naturalists, but Weir said they want it to be a destination for everyone seeking an outdoor adventure in an urban setting.

“As we started to look into this, we discovered one of the larger user groups at Eagle Creek are runners and joggers,” Weir said.

Drive through the park just about any clear day, he said, and someone can be spotted cruising the paths. And regardless of the weather, someone is likely fishing somewhere too, he said. In fact, most of the members of the foundation are themselves regular users of the park who turned to volunteer work as a form of penance.

“One member told me he spent so much time at the park, every day riding his bicycle up and down the trails, that he felt guilty not doing something to help,” Weir said.

At 5,200 acres, Eagle Creek Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the nation and the only Indianapolis park tasked with funding itself. A $4 daily admission fee only goes so far, Weir said.

What foundation members felt they needed was a world class facility to build on its existing nature programming. The only question was, what sort of facility should it be?

Weir said the old Visitor Center at the park would see about 40,000 guests every year, half of which were school children from kindergarten to fifth grade. With this in mind, they set about designing the new Earth Discovery Center to better serve that group, and anyone else interested in having a learning experience during their visit to the park.

The foundation formed focus groups and queried local educators on what type of facility would best suit their needs. Soon, a plan was created and fundraising work began in earnest. Foundation members have so far secured more than $3.5 million for building the new center, but are still seeking another $1 million to cover the cost of programming.

Walking through the nearly-finished center, Weir makes no effort to hide his enthusiasm for the project. Students at all levels, from kindergarten through college to those attending adult-learning programs, are expected to study the environment using the park as their living laboratory.

“We call it ‘come in and get out’ because they can come into one of our labs, the wet lab or the dry lab, learn about a sector of the environment like the wetland, then go out into the park and actually experience that environment firsthand,” he said.

In the $650,000 exhibit area, four habitats will be represented: The forest, meadow, wetland, and reservoir. Lab tables and equipment for group study, interactive computer displays and remote cameras for observing specific park habitats up close, provide a variety of learning tools for teachers and students alike. It is expected the new Earth Discovery Center will see more than 100,000 visitors each year.

The old nature center, which sits along a protected bird sanctuary, will become an ornithology center, focusing specifically on the abundant species that call the park home.

Weir said the new center will be “much more science oriented as opposed to the traditional park nature center” but stopped short of calling it a school. Currently, the park offers a variety of learning programs but only has the capacity for one class at a time. The new center will have room for up to four simultaneous classroom groups. Student attendance at park programs is expected to rise from 22,000 visitors a year to closer to 50,000.

“We don’t expect to have that many students right at the get-go,” Weir said. But he said he expects the center “will easily reach that number” once the programming is in full swing.

The new center is a subtle addition to the quiet forest in which it sits, but Weir hopes it will be a powerful force in the community.

“It is the first of its kind,” Weir said of the center and the proposed programming. “But what we believe is that once finished, it will become the model for what a nature center should be at parks all across the nation.”

This story originally appeared in The Hendricks County Flyer, 2006.

Indianapolis airport terminal on schedule

2009-12-22T21:32:00.004-05:00

Eventually standing six stories high, the glass enclosed Civic Plaza at the terminal is expected to be a central gathering poing. Jerry Battiste/ Flyer photos

First Published: The Flyer, December 12, 2006 03:13 pm

By Jerry Battiste

INDIANAPOLIS ’ The people responsible for construction of the new Indianapolis International Airport want everyone to know the $1.07 billion project is on budget and on schedule.

During a recent media tour of the unfinished facility, John Kish, project director for the Indianapolis Airport Authority, said the new airport was having an impact on everyone in the community, regardless of whether they were even aware of the project.

’With the scope and cost of this project, it’s as if we are spending $1 million a day for three years,’ he said. ’And 75 percent of that money is staying in Indiana.’

Construction on the project began in earnest in 2003 when the Federal Aviation Administration and the IAA broke ground on the new air traffic control tower. This past summer all operations were transferred to the new tower, the third tallest in the nation, and the old tower was recently demolished in a controlled explosion.

The new 1.2 million square foot terminal building is scheduled to open in late 2008 and is expected to serve the air transportation needs of the state for the next 30 years.

Kish said weather could still be a factor in estimating the exact completion date, but if the facility cannot be opened by October of that year, airport officials would likely wait until 2009, after the holidays pass, before holding a grand opening.

More than 1,000 doors, 10,000 light fixtures and 11,000 tons of steel are required for the project. The state-of-the-art facility will have 10 moving sidewalks and 23 elevators and escalators.

Kish said a glass enclosed ’Civic Plaza,’ with a ceiling six stories high, abundant retail space, and room for public gatherings is the jewel of the new terminal.

’This will truly be a facility we, as a city, can be proud of,’ he said. ’With the new Civic Plaza, passengers can sit in a beautiful area, with the best view of downtown around, and have a latte while they wait for their plane.’

More than 7,000 parking spaces will spread across 2.5 million square feet of available parking and a ground transportation hub will provide commercial shuttle, bus, and limousine service to and from local hotels.

This is the first commercial airport built in the United States since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the extensive changes to FAA airport regulations that followed. New guidelines, like a new baggage terminal with a special room for workers to immediately pull and isolate any suspicious packages, have been incorporated into the plan. Also, an underground fuel delivery system will mean fewer fuel trucks on the taxiways.

Chris Walter, project safety director for Hunt/Smoot, tasked with completing the Midfield building, said despite the new security measures and the pressure of building the first airport under stricter FAA guidelines, the job is much the same as any other building project.

He said most of the workers hired for the project are local contractors, people who have grown up in central Indiana and have a stake in the community. They know how important the airport is to the local economy, what the project means for their friends and family, he said, but they are more concerned about doing the best possible job than they are about dealing with imagined pressure.

’Most of these guys don’t even know it’s the first airport being built since 9/11,’ Walter said. ’Working on a big project like this means taking a certain sense of pride in what you do, and they have that. But to them, it’s just another project ’ nothing out of the ordinary.’

This story originally appeared in The Hendricks County Flyer, 2006.

Barnstorming Red Barons delight air show crowds

2009-12-22T21:22:00.004-05:00

Pilots Jayson Scott Wilson (left) and Bryan Regan discuss the flight path before taking a group of reporters for a short flight. (Jerry Battiste/Flyer photo)

Soaring over cornfields, the view is similar to what barnstorming pilots saw in the 1920s. (Jerry Battiste/Flyer photo)

By Jerry Battiste

First Published: The Flyer, August 25, 2006 02:36 pm

MT. COMFORT — Just two decades after the Wright brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk, barnstorming was sweeping the nation, elevating daredevil pilots to the heights of celebrity.

Today, few aerobatics teams of this type remain. Of course stunt pilots abound, but true barnstorming has all but vanished from the landscape.

But not quite. Barnstorming lives on in the 21st century, compliments of an unlikely sponsor: Frozen pizza.

The legend goes something like this: Prior to the 1970s, pizza was considered a purely ethnic food, so giving your product an Italian sounding name made good business sense. Then Tombstone Pizza came along and changed that business model, opening the door for companies to call themselves whatever they wished. As it happened, one of the Red Baron Pizza founders was fond of biplanes, and saw a potential marketing bonanza. So the company bought and refurbished a few vintage aircraft, hired some pilots, and started pulling banners through the skies above every outdoor event they could. A few years later, the Red Baron Pizza Squadron team started doing aerobatics displays at air shows nationwide, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today Red Baron Pizza is owned by the Schwan Food Company, but the squadron remains an integral part of the company’s marketing plan.

Since 1979, the Red Baron Pizza Squadron has been astounding crowds with fantastic displays of aerobatics showmanship. It now boasts a team of four fully restored Boeing Stearman biplanes built between 1941 and ‘43. During World War II, U.S., Canadian, and European pilots trained in these exact aircraft. In fact, more pilots have trained in a Stearman than in any other type of plane.

In the past 27 years, the Red Baron Pizza Squadron has logged more than six million miles and lofted more than 80,000 passengers, taking awe-struck guests through a lightning fast series of loops, hammerheads and barrel rolls; flying formation just a few short feet apart, sometimes with wingtips overlapping, dangerously close but never quite touching.

The seven Red Baron Squadron pilots are among the most highly-trained in the world, with nearly 50,000 hours of flight time among them. The planes themselves are never trailered from site to site. Pilots fly them cross country, about 250 miles between fuel-ups, landing at small airstrips in small communities and meeting the local folks like a barnstormer would have done in 1927.

The most noticeable changes in barnstorming are all safety related: Pilots train rigorously throughout the year and each crew chief maintains the highest rating granted by the FAA; Performance standards are among the highest in the world.

Twenty years ago, lead pilot Bryan Regan had a little college money left over and was itching to take flying lessons. He said he doubted at the time that it would lead to anything, but felt it was something he just had to do.

“I never dreamed I would make an occupation of it,” Regan said. “It was just something I had wanted to do my whole life. I really thought I would do it and get it out of my system, but it didn’t turn out that way.”

Regan wound up getting his license, taking a side job at a local airport, and meeting some people starting an air cargo service. A pilot job flying cargo led to his meeting and piloting for some folks doing a wing-walking act, which in turn led to his meeting the Red Baron Squadron and joining the team.

That decision, he said, was a no-brainer.

“Once you get in one of these airplanes, you realize they’re pretty spectacular,” he said.

Pilot Jayson Scott Wilson flies the left wing position for the squadron. Wilson’s father and an uncle both flew crop dusters professionally. He spent 23 years as a military pilot, flying three combat tours with the U.S. Army. Wilson has led squadrons as large as 260 aviators in both combat and non-combat situations. He is also the director of operations for the squadron, ensuring proper safety and professional standards are maintained during and between shows.

Despite his impressive resume, Wilson is coy about his time as a pilot.

“I’ve only been flying since I was about 11,” he said with a smile. “I’m 43 now, so I guess that’s a while.”

This story originally appeared in The Hendricks County Flyer, 2006.

Challenger Center welcomes astronaut and the community

2009-12-22T21:12:00.005-05:00

Former NASA astronaut Ken Reightler posed with fans and answered hundreds of questions about the past, present and future of space travel. Jerry Battiste/Flyer photo/

Nathan Shirley pauses at the NASA display table loaded with astronaut equipment, food, and actual pieces of the shuttle heat shield. Jerry Battiste/Flyer photo/

Brad Roberson and his daughter, Amanda, 7, use a step-ladder to test experimental aircraft during Saturday’s Open House. Jerry Battiste/Flyer photo/

Volunteer members of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. provided children with hands-on instruction in practical science. Jerry Battiste/Flyer photo/

By Jerry Battiste
First Published: The Flyer, November 15, 2006 05:43 pm

BROWNSBURG — Ken Reightler, former U.S. Navy test pilot and NASA astronaut, has been around the world more than 200 times, literally, but last weekend was his first visit to Brownsburg.

Reightler, currently the president of Lockheed Martin Space Operations in Greenbelt, Md., was in town for an open house at the Brownsburg Challenger Learning Center. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Challenger Shuttle disaster which inspired the creation of the center.

Hoosiers drove from near and far to shake hands with the astronaut, learn about space exploration, and have some fun with science. The open house began at 10 a.m. and lasted until 4 p.m., and throughout the day children and adults learned about space science from a variety of resources.

Brad Roberson brought his daughter Amanda, 7, and his son, Travis, 10, from Cloverdale for the day-long event. As Amanda built and tested experimental aircraft, Travis was getting a lesson in practical science from local members of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

Roberson said they knew in advance the event would be well worth the trip.

“The kids came up here once on a field trip and ever since then they’ve been wanting to come back,” he said.

IEEE member Blake Buescher was among the half dozen or so members volunteering their time to instruct children in how to build a flashlight, a rubberband racer, or a mission sample bag. Buescher said the group hoped to inspire future engineers by creating hands-on experiments that demonstrated practical scientific principles: Wind up a rubber band and store energy that can be controlled and channeled to a wheel for motion.

It all seemed like fun and games to the children, but the engineers hope it will leave a lasting impression.

“We are trying to give the kids a better idea of what engineering is and what it is an engineer does,” Buescher said.

Dave and Renee Shirley brought their son, Nathan, 10, from Whitelick to experience the hands-on space science. Mingling with Reightler and getting a close-up look at some actual NASA equipment was an added bonus.

Nathan, who said he wants to be a video game designer when he grows up, also harbors a secret desire to travel to space one day, but only if he knows he can come back home when he’s done.

“It’s pretty interesting, but I don’t want to go if there’s a chance it might explode,” he said.

In his two talks at the open house Reightler addressed some of those very concerns. As part of Lockheed Martin, the company responsible for designing and building the new Crew Exploration Vehicle, he is intimately aware of the pressure to make space travel as safe as possible and the importance of inspiring future generations of space explorers.

The new CEV, he said, will not even need a pilot. In the future, he said, working in space will be more about having a skill that can be used out there, rather than simply having the skills to get there.

“The vision is, when we go back to the moon, we go to stay,” Reightler said. “So it’s more important to think about it in terms of what you want to do rather than what you want to be. New navigation systems, new communication systems, new propulsion systems ... there are a lot of pieces to this thing.”

Allyson Santner, or Commander Santner as she is known at the center, spent a good portion of Saturday afternoon helping children make space-themed buttons. She said it was “standing room only” during Reightler’s first talk, with children seated on every inch of available floor space.

“The kids have been pretty enthusiastic,” Santner said. “But that’s what we wanted. We’d have been so disappointed if they weren’t.”

Emily Kniffin, 11, and Jamie Thompson, 10, colored their own space-themed buttons. Despite their common interest in coloring, they had decidedly different opinions when it came to space exploration.

Kniffin said she would be interested in giving zero-gravity a try, but Thompson said of space travel, “It’d be cool, but I still don’t want to go.”

Published: November 15, 2006 05:43 pm

This story originally appeared in The Hendricks County Flyer, 2006.

Why Do I do This? Stella Felix

2006-09-20T21:41:00.000-04:00

To be clear: I have never met Stella Felix, I cannot guarantee she even exists, but I rely upon these sources to be accurate in their storytelling and therefore, I am able to believe at the very least, the essence of her story is true.
She lives in a remote village in Nigeria. She believes space technology will empower her nation to great things. She studies physics by candlelight.

It takes me a fair amount of time to keep blogging. I don't get paid for this. I don't get paid for the stuff I do for SpaceBlogAlpha either.
I have two young daughters now. They take a fair amount of my time as well. I don't get paid for the work that goes into caring for them, but the love is payment enough.
Just to be clear.

I do get paid for my full time job at a newspaper I dare not mention, (though would not take long figure out) and that seems to intrude at the least convenient moments, pushing my schedule further and further back...
There's the wife. She needs attention every now and then. And there's sleep. I need eight hours now, if at all possible. It helps keep my mind clear. Even if I am not sleeping the entire time. Just to be calm and resting.

But it draws me back. This mission. This blog. It draws me back because I have something to say to America: Wake up. Wake up and smell the 21st century. It's a scary place.
But space holds our salvation. It holds endless possibility. It holds a future just like Star Wars, Star Trek and whatever other science fiction inspired future you have ever heard of or dreamed up in your wildest imaginings.
It is also our right now.

China, Russia, the EU, even Nigeria, are investing heavily in space technology. It's like the whole world is in on the secret except.
Oh sure, we have the shuttle. I know, I know. And the new Orion spacecraft on the drawing boards.
And we have SpaceShipOne and Virgin Galactic and Space Adventures, and dozens of other private space launch companies eager to build rockets faster, better and cheaper than ever before.

But they have Stella Felix. And that's a tough act to follow.

All I can do is my best. To keep up the word. To get it out there. Little bit by little bit. Every chance I get...

Guangzhou Needs More LPG Buses--And So Does The Rest of China

2006-02-24T16:50:00.000-05:00

I just returned from a two week stay in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. This is my second trip to the region in two years, but the change has been dramatic.

As anyone who travels to China regularly will tell you, the country is undergoing a firestorm of construction. Bicycles still used enmasse, are slowly being replaced by more convenient (i.e., more seating capacity) cars. Vacant lots are turning to forests of townhouses; entire city blocks converted to highrise condos in months. And still there is not room enough for everyone making the move from rural areas to city life; from agricultural living to the high-paying jobs of the cities.
It is believed China must build a city the size of Philadelphia each month just to accommodate its shifting population. I don't doubt that number. It might even be larger than Philly.

Another factor of shifting populations, beside the enormous amounts of raw materials required for all this building, is the environmental impact. Considering 70 percent of China still uses coal to meet its energy needs, and its become the largest oil importer in the world, that impact can be seen in every urban center in the country. Smog.

In Guangzhou, a city in the southern province of Guangdong along the Pearl River, a filthy yellow cloud hovers over the lush tropical locale 365 days a year. The air clings to your lungs, inducing sniffles and coughing and a constant dry throat that no remedy can remove. Even a relentless onslaught of piping hot tea cannot alleviate the symptoms.

Two years ago I breathed the air, heady from the exhaust fumes and felt the burning in my lungs. Now that the city has begun replacing its fleet of buses and taxis with clean burning liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) the air seemed less--well, it didn't actually seem any better, but it's a start. Other cities are following the example, converting their fleets to clean burning alternatives. On my next visit I expect the air will be decidedly different. Things there change fast.

In fact, all of China is embracing clean burning, energy efficient alternatives. Instead of choosing to continue using what is widely understood is a "dwindling natural resource" they are looking toward the future, making a grand attempt at reducing or eliminating their dependence on fossil fuels.

They still have a long way to go, but at least it's a start. And it's far more than is being accomplished in the United States, where automaker's continue to churn out fleets of SUVs with gas mileage little better than it was a century ago; Where Natural Gas is considered an alternative fuel source and its almost impossible to get anyone to use ethanol because--well, I don't know why people won't use ethanol, it comes from right here in the Heartland for cryin-out-loud. In fact, Brazil is poised to convert its entire economy to ethanol. Won't that be a kick-in-the-pants to farmers across the U.S.? They can't hardly give the stuff away at home, but at least they can export it to South America. No wait, Brazil is using their own crops to meet their energy needs. What a novel idea.

China, Brazil--Americans don't need to look far to find the answers to their energy needs. But they do need to open their eyes....

Bush Administration Ultimately Responsible for Sago Mine Tragedy

2006-01-13T15:27:00.000-05:00

I said, the Bush Administration is ultimately responsible for the Sago mining accident. Just so we're clear.

It seems a bit ridiculous to believe the President could somehow be responsible for what happened to the workers at the Sago Mine. But I feel it's true. And if you consider my point, I think you'll agree.

Probes are currently be conducted to determined exactly what happened. An explosion in a closed section of the mine, possibly a lightning strike, everything is being considered.
Some have pointed to the sloppy safety record at the mine stretching back years, but the place has changed ownership so many times it will be hard to pin fault on any one organization.

No, blame rests on those who continue to pursue an economic policy based on a fossil fuel infrastructure.

In this country we still burn things to get our energy. Despite the ability to make energy from sunshine, wind and hydroelectric, digging giant holes to extract dirty rocks and sludge to burn is the best method we can think of.
We put meager resources toward the expansion of renewable sources of energy and instead pursue international cooperation on technologies that advance the further reinforcement of the status quo.
Today's SUV gets about the same mileage as Henry Ford's original Model-T. Electric cars are shunned, solar panels and wind turbines are mocked for being aesthetically displeasing by groups claiming to serve the public good.

Then 12 guys die in a coal mine, hundreds of feet beneath the earth. Where only worms and grubs survive these guys give their lives to dig up rocks so the rest of us can burn them for energy.
In the ground. In a coal mine. That's where these guys go to make a living.

Am I the only person appalled by this notion? The fact we continue to use centuries old technology, the burning of coal, to generate electricity in the 21st Century is absolutely shameful.

They say in West Virginia, where jobs are scarce, mining jobs are the best there is for a family man.
I say anyone who thinks that's acceptable for the United States of America is not a patriot. And anyone who thinks it makes good economic sense to keep doing what we've always been doing is a turkey...

Ashden Awards Reward Energy Innovation

2005-12-29T21:31:00.000-05:00

It's seems easy for Americans to complain about the cost of gasoline, even as they line up to buy the latest eight-cylinder behemoth offered by one of the Big Three US Automakers. Of course, not as many of us are showing up at US dealerships as they once were, so maybe we are finally beginning to see the error of our ways.

Meanwhile, the US government has done little to offer its citizens any useful power alternatives. And it's not just about the price of gasoline.
It's how much it costs to heat our homes, schools and hospitals; how we have major power outages because it snowed too much and the power lines snapped, or because it was too windy.
How we have all the ugly power lines draped across our beautiful countryside in the first place--through every town, every city, from every church and school and hospital, and how we still don't have enough energy to make available to everyone.

Heating oil, natural gas, coal--every fossil fuel known to man has been tried, tested and integrated into our national infrastructure as surely as "Mom" and "apple pie." All while we look askance at any attempt to make things better. No electric cars or even mass public transportation systems are being floated as possible solutions to the US energy crisis.
And it is a crisis.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has created a fund for wealthier citizens to donate money to citizens unable to pay their heating bills as a way of keeping people from freezing to death this winter. But the city is only facilitating the giving, not offering any solutions to the long-term problem.

At this point people usually ask, "What can the city do?" My answer: PLENTY.

But if you don't believe me, look at what's being accomplished in places we commonly refer to as the "Third World."
Since 2003, The Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy have rewarded what they call "developing communities" for devising renewable sources of energy such as, micro-damming projects, solar energy and bio-gas plants.

Some villages in Northern India are now completely solar-powered; prisons in Kigali, Rwanda, totally supplied by renewable bio-gas for cooking; fuel efficient stoves for women in Pakistan; even a small roof-mounted wind turbine developed by a fellow in the UK that produces up to 80 percent of household power usage are all recent Ashden Award winners.

In Afghanistan, where US re-building efforts have seemed to do some good, the entire nation is using wireless communication networks to keep in touch, foregoing the need for wires strung from corner to corner of their mountainous nation. And while they might not have to worry about an errant snow-storm wreaking havoc in the desert, the effort has also prevented terrorist disruption of the communications grid.

It seems to me the US is in a dangerous place: Working so hard to maintain its edge against other "developed nations" it may soon find itself at the mercy of smaller nations with more technologically advanced infrastructure, and therefore, much lower fuel consumption bills.

In the meantime, I will continue my exploration of new, simpler energy alternatives by spotlighting some of the many previous Ashden Award winners at SpaceBlog Alpha. Maybe one of their ideas will appeal to one of my readers, and maybe that reader will revolutionize the way his small town gets its power and that will make neighboring towns jealous and seek to copy their ideas and maybe that will lead to a nationwide energy revolution...

We can only hope.

Welcome to Spaceport USA!

2005-12-20T22:19:00.000-05:00

The way people have been talking, it's as if spaceports are suddenly popping up on the American horizon like dandelions after a rainstorm in April.
Wisconsin, Florida, Oklahoma, California and New Mexico have all been in the news lately, announcing plans to pursue the investment of state funds in the development of private spaceports. Each claims the burgeoning "Space Tourism" industry will eventually provide jobs, businesses and tax revenue to states that make the initial investment.
Florida has plans for multiple private structures, plus Cape Canaveral, so let's hope the benefits of this not-even-fledgling (nobody has made a single penny, yet) industry come sooner rather than later.
But all this talk of new development and interest in space technology may be slightly misleading, however, because the United States had a wealth of spaceports before the space-tourism industry was even a dream. In fact, currently the US is crawling with sites to launch just about any kind of rocket, spaceship or experimental aircraft you can imagine.

As we begin the journey from Earth-bound life to being a Spacefaring economy, it's important we not put the cart before the horse. We can't just pin our hopes, dreams and valuable investment dollars on every crazy rocket-scientist who promises they can do it faster, better and cheaper.
Let's see the proof inside the pudding; You've shown me page after page of successful computer simulations, now build one and let's see it fly.
I realize it takes a substantial investment on the part of the designer, millions of dollars in fact, and that this money needs to have a return-on-investment high enough to warrant its risk. But, those risks are associated with successfully launching a craft and bringing it home, not establishing an industry.
How do we know what form this new industry will take? How do we know what type of launch and recovery system it will use? What type of fuel? How many ships will there be? How many will last, how many will fade away? How many spaceship companies can be supported by the people with enough disposable income to book a flight?
And before you attempt to answer any of those questions, consider this:
Currently teams are working to develop a Space Elevator. Even NASA believes the idea has merit. Were this to happen in the next decade, which is part of the plan, then spacecraft design would likely shift to things that don't require a ground-based launch.
They'll only need to build ships that are space-worthy, able to propel themselves through the vacuum, not break free from Earth's gravity. That's a complete paradigm shift from what we are doing now.
Who will use all the spaceports then? Will everyone switch to the new technology? Will we need so many spaceports, in so many places?
With that in mind, it might be wise for every politician eager to build a new spaceport to slow down, take a deep breath and see what happens in the next few years.
We already have an abundance of places to launch the next generation of space ships. What we really need now are the ships themselves....

US Opts Out of Kyoto Again: We Oughta Be Ashamed of Ourselves

2005-12-13T16:23:00.000-05:00

Some of you following the action at SpaceBlog Alpha might have wondered why I wrote a Post, Friday, on the US stance against the Kyoto Protocol. It's a fair question with a complicated answer.
In what amounted to an International incident, at last week's global summit on climate change, U.S. negotiator on climate change, Harlan Watson, walked out of a session designed only to create an agreement on international verbal cooperation.
In other words, the Bush Administration doesn't even want to talk about it. It's a non-starter.
That's a real shame. Especially when you consider much smaller nations such as Singapore, with much more limited resources, are enforcing stricter carbon emission regulations than us and will likely ratify the Kyoto Protocol very soon.
While emissions from the wealthiest nations participating declined about 5 percent over 1995 levels, ours grew by a whopping 13.1 percent.
You might wonder what the Kyoto Protocol has to do with Space exploration. Plenty.
The Kyoto Protocol is meant to deter the creation of new greenhouse gases, eventually reducing their production level to zero. These gases are known Ozone destroyers and trap heat close to the planet, thus creating the very real global warming effect we are currently suffering from. The busiest and most destructive hurricane season on record, no more icy Halloween nights in the Midwest (I know, I live there) and generally poor weather everywhere, all point to one thing: Our environment is changing.
Only Americans seem to have a problem with this scientific fact. They prefer to believe driving an SUV to the mini-mart is as ecologically safe as driving a Hummer, so what's the difference? Complete ignorance.
The sickening truth (as Bush sees it) is this: The net effect of the Kyoto Protocol creates a global economy that is powered by renewable energy sources; no more fossil fuels. Bush believes the US will lower its emissions levels through the use of advanced technologically. Not very likely given his push for more of the same-old, same-old.
It's nice to think you can get up from your computer, hop in your car and go wherever you want, at a moment's notice. But there is a price to be paid for this. Not to mention the incredulous notion that despite the fact 'Peking Man' discovered fire 500,00 years ago, it's still our main and sometimes only, source of energy.
Internal combustion engines were developed two centuries ago, and nobody seems to be able to build anything better--or more appealing; They create fantastic compressed-air cars, and nobody is interested.
This lack of interest in new technology is what keeps us tied to this planet. Launching a Spaceship requires a vast amount of energy, in the form of heavy fuel that costs almost as much to lift as the cargo it's carrying.
The USS Ronald Reagan has a power source on-board that will last 20 years but your car needs a fill-up about once a week. Doesn't that strike you as odd? Which one of those items has more of a direct impact on your daily life?
Not that we shouldn't have the ship--it's just our cars should be able to do the same thing. If we're as technologically advanced as Bush claims we are, we should have both.
Alas, we don't even come close to his promised technological prowess.
Wind, solar, bio-mass, tidal generators, even solar power stations in orbit or on the Moon with microwave beaming stations, these things represent the future, they will carry us to new worlds. Unfortunately it seems the United States is heading in the opposite direction.
Let's face it, the longer it takes us to develop NEW sources of energy--not just new coal mines or oil fields or natural gas reserves, but actual new forms of energy, the longer it will take us to get into Space.
And the more the international community develops the energy sources we ignore, the further ahead of us they will be.

Lights! Camera! Action!: Foam Still an Issue at NASA

2005-12-06T21:43:00.000-05:00

SpaceBlog Alpha is officially open for business! Horray!

Now, if we could just get a million hits between now and Christmas, my dreams will come true...

And to that end, I offer this nugget of info for anyone living under a rock: NASA still has foam problems.
I understand the difficulties of engineering the most complex machine ever built by human hands, but give me a break already. After more than one BILLION dollars spent on a retro-fit to keep the insulating foam securely attached to the fuel tank instead of impacting the fragile orbiter, the foam still cracks, breaks and comes loose in large, almost boulder-size pieces.

I don't know about any of you other US taxpayers, but let's do a little comparison shopping. The Russians are flying tourists to the International Space Station for $20 million a pop. That means the entire shuttle crew, all seven astronauts, could have flown on a Soyuz half a dozen times for the same amount of money.
And the Soyuz hasn't had a fatal accident in more than 30 years!

I realize you can't change horses in mid-stream, but this is getting a little ridiculous. It seems to me NASA engineers may be losing sight of the BIG picture, too busy trying to salvage their egos to realize they are fighting a losing battle.
The shuttle, still grounded though it is, is slated to be retired in about five years anyway. If we continue to shovel money at a potentially unfixable problem, all we'll do is put our next generation of Spacecraft in jeopardy: NASA needs to show the world it still matters.

Because right now all they are doing is showing a penchant for extravagance

SpaceBlog Alpha

2005-11-21T17:16:00.000-05:00

It takes a lot more to get a new Blogzine going than I once thought.
In the beginning, having met with some small success banging away at it all by myself, I believed it could be done with little or no interruption in the already busy lives of its contributors. But alas, that's not the case.

Not that it matters, we'll get it all together eventually.
You see, I believe in this project. I believe the world needs SpaceBlog Alpha; they need to be taught to care about Space exploration again, to worry about the fact the U.S. went to the Moon thirty years ago but can't put a spaceship in orbit today; that sooner or later someone, some nation, will conquer Space flight, and that nation will lead the world.
It doesn't matter to me who does it, only that it is done; That Space is open to anyone with the guts and the wits and the will to go there, not just a lucky few.
That's as it should be. Because the destiny of all humankind lies beyond the thin blue atmosphere that has blanketed us for eons. Our destiny is out there...somewhere...

Sorry to be gone so long...

2005-11-18T23:00:00.000-05:00

Look, I know what you were thinking: The Space Ace is finished. No Posts, no witty criticism of NASA, no insight into the connection between carbon nanotubes and mowing your lawn (robotics) and no updates on the status of Venus Express; Just when you finally got around to saving me in your favorites list, I stop writing.

Well, fear not! The Space Ace is coming back, with a vengeance.

I have hitched my wagon to a new Blogzine called SpaceBlog Alpha. It seems I am not alone in my quest to make Space news available (and understandable) for everyone. Worldwide.

So stay tuned, keep your eyes open and fear not...

The Space Ace is here. Brought to you by:

SpaceBlog Alpha

It's all about Space, mon

Venus Express To Launch November 9

2005-11-02T19:08:00.000-05:00

In today's Space Industry, no launch is a sure thing until it's over. So, when I say the Venus Express spacecraft is scheduled for launch Nov. 9, it means, tentatively, right?
Postponed once, the European Space Agency ship will eventually study Venus' atmosphere and magnetic field, helping unlock the mystery of why it's so darn hot.

Beyond that, it will simply expand our understanding of the worlds around us.

Russia, China Might Team-Up For Mars Mission

2005-11-02T18:56:00.000-05:00

It seems likely: Russia and China will join forces to explore both the Moon and Mars. To their credit, the Russians have made no secret of their desire to support anyone else interested in helping pay the bills for a Space mission. So why not China? The mutual benefits would be enormous.
Both countries are agressively pursuing advancements in Space Technology, joining forces means sharing costs and saving money for more missions. Eventually, they'll have an infrastructure in place, and then making a profit will become a whole lot easier.
Whether its mining Helium3 or beaming solar energy down from the lunar surface, somebody will be controlling these ventures. It only remains to be seen which flag that person will salute.

Two More Moons For Pluto

2005-11-02T18:42:00.000-05:00

Astronomers believe they have spotted two additional moons in orbit around Pluto, the most distant object in our Solar System. These photos are compliments of the Hubble Space Telescope.
It's hard to determine exactly what is going on at the edges of our Solar System, but scientists are increasingly finding more and more evidence it's much more crowded in the Kuiper belt than we had imagined. Good thing we have New Horizons.
Its mission is to scout Pluto and Charon (and now the two other potential satellites.) It will launch in 2007 and arrive sometime in 2015.
Not soon enough for me. I can't wait to see what new mysteries we discover right here in our celestial backyard...another atmosphere perhaps? Or liquid water in the freezing darkness, created by the tiny planets gravitational tug-of-war with its equally large moon.
Who knows?
We all will in 2015....

Five Year Mission Continues at ISS

2005-11-02T18:33:00.000-05:00

Break out the Champagne: Sixteen nations are celebrating the successful habitation of the International Space Station for five consecutive years.
Yes, some people claim it's a waste of money. But if all it ever does it bring nations together, it's still quite an accomplishment.
And just think about what it means. We can survive there, in Space, live in orbit like a character in a novel or movie, or on television. Only it's not just fantasy anymore. It's real, now. We can do it.
And to paraphrase the immortal words of Rob Schneider: We can do it, all night long!
Go ISS!

SSETI Express: Mission Failure?

2005-10-31T20:54:00.000-05:00

Come in SSETI Express...come in, over....
Just when everything was coming together, ground controllers have been unable to reach SSETI Express since its launch last week. Engineers suspect a power system problem and will attempt a fix, with results revealed later this week.
An ESA press release states the problem seems to be with the batteries not taking a charge, causing the satellite to shut down.
There were some mission successes: Amateur Radio Operators successfully downloaded a significant amount of housekeeping data, and all three CubeSats launched properly and are operating within assigned parameters.
Let's call it three steps forward, one step back. That's still a better record than most Space programs.

India Joins Elite Five Nations; Builds Cryogenic Engine

2005-10-31T20:41:00.000-05:00

Running a successful business ain't rocket science; Understanding the importance of having the capability to build your own parts is just common sense in India.
Hence their development of the nation's first indigenous cryogenic upper stage engine. This makes them the sixth nation, after the US, Russia, France China and Japan, able to build cryogenic engines on their own. It also means they are no longer required to purchase such engines from the Russians, creating new jobs, new industry and new potential for the future of their people.
Cheers to the Indian Space Research Organisation! Keep up the good work...

Asteroid 99942 Apophis To Impact Earth? Maybe Not, NASA Says

2005-10-31T20:28:00.000-05:00

It's not every day astronomers identify an asteroid on a near-collision course with Earth. Maybe once a week, but certainly not every day...
The folks at The B612 Foundation have some very real concerns about the potential for what they call an "unacceptable collision" sometime this century. Trouble is, unlike say a 100-year flood when thousands of people lose their homes, an "unacceptable collision" would destroy thousands of miles of coastal areas, possibly destroy a continent or even set our species' evolution back a few hundred thousand years--yep, makes us cavemen again.
NASA (at the urging of Congress) has been relying on the Spaceguard detection program for early detection and tracking of near-Earth objects since 1998.
Of course Spaceguard is only tracking 90 percent of NEAs 1km or larger in diameter.
Anything else is ignored.
Noticing a gaping hole in Space coverage, The B612 Foundation is filling the niche quite nicely.
Thank goodness.

Seven Asian-Pacific Nations Form Space Organization: APSCO

2005-10-31T20:13:00.000-05:00

Anyone interested in achieving Space Technology prowess should take note: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Mongolia, Peru, Thailand and China have officially joined forces to create the Asian-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (Apsco.)
Pakistan, China and Thailand have pursued the creation of Apsco since 1992. China has lead the way in the formation of a manned Space program but many other nations, including Iran, Pakistan and Thailand are vigorously pursuing advanced satellite technology on their own.
It remains to be seen if Apsco will create a surge in Space Tech development for its member countries, but at the very least, it should make everyone else in the world pause a moment and take serious stock of the situation.
When the ink dries on the charter Apsco will set up shop at Beijing.

Japanese Investor and "Gundam otaku" Next Space Tourist

2005-10-30T19:13:00.000-05:00

Daisuke Enomoto, a Japanese investor and former board director of the Livedoor Internet firm headed by Takafumi Horie, is the latest tourist to cough up $20 million for a week-long stay at the International Space Station.
He might be the fourth paid tourist to visit ISS, but if he has his way he will be the first one to go dressed as "Char Aznable" of Gundam fame.
The Russians have yet to approve his wearing of a phony uniform, but it's likely they will. After all, people may scoff and newscasters will likely have a field day, but there's really no such thing as bad publicity.
Especially when it comes to Space.

Next Generation Technology: "Space Tug" Built for Hardware That's Not Disposable

2005-10-30T18:59:00.000-05:00

The CX-OLEV or "Space Tug" built by Orbital Recovery has received its first contract to service an in-orbit telecommunications satellite. This marks a milestone in satellite technology: it's finally cheaper to re-fuel the old one than throw it away and build a new one.
With the exception of the mildly successful Shuttle Transport System (Shuttle) operated by NASA, and a couple multi-use components of the Soyuz program, most Space hardware is disposable. Not intended for re-fueling or re-using in any way.
More than one scientist has publicly lamented this "disposable" type of Space program, arguing non-renewable means non-sustainable.
With the "Space Tug", however, a company can extend the life of a satellite by up to eight years, through autonomous navigation and flight control. It remotely attaches to the craft and takes over all control flight functions, then is turned over to the operator of the satellite for regular control.
Of course it's a European Space Agency program. They seem to be mastering the art of recycling in all facets of modern society.

Mars Ready For Its Close-Up

2005-10-30T18:49:00.000-05:00

For only the second time in 60,000 years (or since 2003--depending on who you ask)Mars will be coming within 43 million miles of Earth. Plus, since it will be slightly higher above the eastern horizon, more people will get a glimpse. Look for a bright yellow "star" rising above in the eastern sky just after dark.
Try not to miss it but don't worry if you do. We'll all get another close-up in 2018. Or so they say...

Mars Needs Weather-Man

2005-10-30T17:27:00.000-05:00

Canadian Space Agency has written a check to MDA Space Missions to build a permanent extraterrestrial weather station which will be launched aboard NASA's Phoenix Lander Mission to Mars in 2007.
The mission is the first exploration of the planet's arctic region, where annual spring thaws create a moisture rich environment, which scientists believe is at least partially responsible for the formation of thick ice clouds in the lower atmosphere.
The probe will also perform tests for the existence of mircrobial life, the ability of the soil to sustain life and the existence of several other life-sustaining forces on the surface.

Titan Mysteries Slowly--Very Slowly--Revealed

2005-10-30T17:17:00.000-05:00

Titan has an atmosphere, unlike any other moon in our Solar System. It's atmospheric pressure is only one-and-a-half times as great as it is on Earth, but the hydrocarbon and carcinogenic orange-colored haze is thick as pea soup. Scientists believe they have even found a cloud covered, methane-filled lake.
Understanding why this happened there and no place else, is helping us better understand how the Solar System itself was formed. Analyzing all the data received so far from Huygens and Cassini will take years, and there's more data coming.
And in the meantime, mysterious convective cloud bands, liquid natural-gas rainfall and ice-volcanoes, are giving us all something to say "wow" about.

Liquid Metal: For Robots and racquets

2005-10-29T21:23:00.000-05:00

They call it Liquid Metal, and engineers everywhere can't wait to get their grubby little hands on it. And I can't blame them. The synthetic blend of metals is twice as strong as titanium and hardens at room temperature; it possesses all the strength of steel and the flexibility of plastic.
NASA engineers are using the stuff in an Electrostatic Levitator to test the materials in a contamination-free environment--no contact with a container.
Liquid Metal is just one of a whole host of new materials spewing out of labs all around the globe. A new metallic laminate may soon serve as a replacement for armor, given its higher strength and much lower density than steel.
Most applications for these new materials are mundane; everything from racquets to baseball bats to water skis.
Of course in my opinion, it's only a matter of time until its being used as Spaceship skin....aerospace applications are being devised even as you read these words...

Russia To Build New Space Transport System

2005-10-29T21:10:00.000-05:00

Energia administrators announced plans for a new Moon mission launch site, practice on long-term interplanetary flight missions and the development of a new "space transport system."

I don't really have anything to add to this story. Just my utter astonishment at how quickly some countries have not only grasped the importance of the advancement of Space Technology to their bottom line, but also managed to implement changes in their administration of that technology.
It seems to me NASA should have a reliable Space Transport System by now....or at least something close to one.

Iran Joins the Space Race; Launches First Satellite

2005-10-29T20:57:00.000-05:00

Iran has officially joined the Space Race.
Iranian officials claim the country's first satellite will be used strictly for telecommunciations; they plan to launch five more satellites, three in the next three years.
It is the 18th largest country, with almost 70 million people living on about 1 million square miles of land. Maybe they do need five telecommunications satellites.
Given the recent political battles over its nuclear future, I can't help but wonder if they view the ability to launch Spaceships as a matter of national security or simply as the next logical step toward the future.
After all, scholars claim astronomy is the national pastime in Iran so it only makes sense.

S.S.E.T.I. Express: Launch Successful!

2005-10-29T20:49:00.000-05:00

S.S.E.T.I. Express is currently happily transmitting signals from its place in low-Earth-orbit. It was launched without incident Thursday morning from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia, and university students from a dozen different European countries are probably still rejoicing--between e-mails and data crunching, that is.
Among the experiments currently taking place: testing a cold-gas attitude control system, and a networked ground control system using amateur radio operators. More than 400 students contributed directly to the project and hundreds more have been involved with or motivated by the project in other ways.
Congratulations S.S.E.T.I. Express!

Greatest Threat To US Homeland Security: Lack of Engineering Students

2005-10-27T14:34:00.000-05:00

It's no wonder the US House of Representatives is getting involved, aerospace engineering degrees for US students have become almost as scarce as the carrier pigeon. If this latest legislation passes, 11 US executive branches including NASA and the departments of Defense and Homeland Security, will be required to develop a task force which would find new aerospace workforce opportunities through scholarship and advanced training programs and in partnership with public and private organizations. Each year the taskforce would come before Congress and report on its progress.
The goal is to increase the talent pool in the US workforce when it comes to math, science, engineering and technology.
That's a great start! Now, if they could just guarantee those jobs will stick around...

Rocket-Fuel Producing Bacteria All the Rage in England

2005-10-27T14:22:00.000-05:00

I think it's only a matter of time until just about every chemical we need can be manufactured from excretions of some waste-eating bacteria.
Consider Brocadia anammoxidans, first discovered in a yeast plant in the late 1990s; it consumes ammonia, converting it to nitrogen gas, producing hydrazine (rocket fuel) in a process known as an anammox reaction. It's great for sewage treatment plants where ammonia waste is common and for handling industrial effluent, also high in ammonia.
Treatments utilizing the tiny ammonia-eating critters are already working effectively in England and scientists hope the new process, which they say consumes less fuel and is better for the environment, will become popular world-wide.

SpaceDev Merges With StarSys: Investors Cheer!

2005-10-27T14:12:00.000-05:00

The merger of SpaceDev with Starsys through an agreed upon buyout with cash and stock worth about $9 million, looks like a win/win all around, but you never know until all the chips have fallen.
Historically, both companies have performed very strong, with a long list of successful products and excellent reputations for performance within the Space Tech Industry between them. It remains to be seen how this acquisition will effect SpaceDev, although given Starsys' earning record (almost three times as high as SpaceDev for the same period) I think it will be positive.

S.S.E.T.I. Express Launch Imminent!

2005-10-27T13:53:00.000-05:00

Student Space Exploration and Technology Initiative (S.S.E.T.I.) members are waiting on pins and needles for the launch of S.S.E.T.I. Express which is expected at virtually any moment. (Watch it live, here.)
In cooperation with the European Space Agency, students from 12 European countries have joined forces to launch probes which will test the effectiveness of using a network of Amateur Radio Operators as a makeshift "mission control." If it works it will revolutionize the micro-satellite industry and they will move on to launching more complex Spacecraft.
S.S.E.T.I.'s larger goal, however, is to create a technologically advanced training program to develop the workforce of the 21st Century. If that works, it will revolutionize the future...At least for Europeans.

Pyrococcus Furiosus Makes Its Genetic Contribution

2005-10-26T17:46:00.000-05:00

Pyrococcus Furiosus or P. As it likes to be known by its friends, it being used to develop Space-tolerant plants.
For those of you who don't know, P. Is a little microbe that likes to live where it's really hot--like in a volcanic vent at the bottom of the ocean, or where it's really cold, like a glacier. Just one creature in the class of organisms scientists call extremophiles, because of their ability to survive in extreme environments.
Researchers at North Carolina State University, in their never-ending quest to find uses for tobacco other than smoking, are "transferring beneficial characteristics" from the little beastie to tobacco and mustard weed. The hope is that the plants will become more resilient and better able to survive in extreme environments on earth. But also to see if we can adapt them to grow places off Earth--like Mars, where the gravity, atmosphere and temperature are toxic.
If successful the effort could change everything about living in these places.
Farming on Mars (or anywhere conceivably) would become an industry of the future, rather than a somewhat neglected relic from the distant past.

Russian Space Budget Highlights: Clipper, Mars and ISS, Oh My!

2005-10-26T17:28:00.000-05:00

The Federal Space Program in Russia announced revealed pieces of upcoming programs budgeted through 2015. The Russian cabinet has already approved the total expenditure. Details include construction of its re-usable Clipper Spaceship and two new rockets. Building, launching and attaching a new compartment onto International Space Station is included, as is a sample retrieval mission to Mar's moon, Phobos.
It seems the Russians, as usual, are taking an aggressive stance when it comes to Space exploration. Of course it remains to be seen if any of these plans will come to fruition. It seems they've been talking about the Clipper (also, Kliper) forever. Whatever they call it, it sure sounds cool, but I guess the proof will have to be in the pudding.

Damaris Does Shuttle Tiles

2005-10-26T17:15:00.000-05:00

Future astronaut (I have that much confidence in her!) Damaris B. Sarria is continuing her explanation of the Shuttle tile inspection process that has been going on at NASA. She has shown us new tile repair techniques and some examples of the blood-red gap-filler application process. She also has some very cool photos, and a nice easy-going writing style that doesn't get bogged down in techno-babble.
And her dog's cute, too.
Check it out, here.

SpaceX Announces Falcon 1 Launch date

2005-10-26T17:00:00.000-05:00

The maiden voyage of Falcon 1 is scheduled for late November, early December from the SpaceX island launch pad in the Kwajalein Atoll. The mission carries FalconSat-2, a DARPA/ Air Force payload designed by the Air Force Academy to study Space plasma phenomena.
SpaceX just announced these dates today, so anything could happen to the oft-delayed launch. Despite a few minor set-backs they already have six Falcon 1 customers lined-up and two awaiting a Falcon 9, the heavy-lifting vehicle capable of placing just about any size satellite in orbit.
SpaceX has made no secret of its desire to be the low-cost leader in successful rocket launches--emphasis on successful.
With a total cost to launch of around $7 million for 550kg to low-Earth-orbit, I'd say they've got the low-cost part. Now they need to work on the successful...

See SpaceShipOne; US Flight Museum New Home For Historic Spacecraft

2005-10-25T21:03:00.000-05:00

National Air and Space Museum in Washington is the new home for SpaceShipOne, the first privately built Spacecraft ever successfully launched and recovered. (NASM here.)
It's new home is nestled right between Charles Lindberg's Spirit Of St. Louis and Chuck Yeager's supersonic Bell X-1.
The perfect spot for a classic ship.

Wisconsin: Home of Cheese Heads and Spaceships

2005-10-25T20:24:00.000-05:00

Wisconsin legislators are backing a plan to allow the development of a private inland Spaceport, near Sheboygan, using Lake Michigan as a crashpad.
A proposal (Senate Bill SB-352) is on the table to create the Wisconsin Aerospace Authority with a Sheboygan-based center acting as Mission Control for private rocket launches.
The idea has merit, especially considering the latest Space launch techniques employed by Scaled Composites (and perhaps one day by The DaVinci Project) that don't require equatorial launch sites.
Ironic Florida legislators don't chase the same money, but I guess people there are happy working in restaurants and nightclubs for minimum wage...

United Launch Alliance Threatens Free Enterprise; SpaceX Ready to Fight!

2005-10-25T20:05:00.000-05:00

Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX) is poised to revolutionize Space travel with its Falcon 9 rocket, and---big surprise--two major defense contractors have teamed up seemingly to prevent that from happening.
Lockheed Martin and Boeing's joint venture, dubbed United Launch Alliance, is clearly aimed at squashing the burdgeoning private Space-launch industry. SpaceX is offering better reliability and cheaper prices for government launches, as a taxpayer I feel like I am about to be deprived of an opportunity to possibly save a few dollars. These companies are former giants of industry--there's no reason for them to team-up other than to prevent newcomers from entering the market. It's a squeeze-play and it's not fair.
I expect the Federal Trade Commission will recognize this thinly veiled attempt at creating a monopoly as a blatant attack on Fair-Market Values and punish the participants swiftly and justly.
And NASA should be ashamed for not protecting its own interests by encouraging competition and innovation, not continuing to promote the good-ol'-boy system that has failed again and again and again.
How Un-American. In spirit anyway...

Tokyo Motor Show Goes Green!

2005-10-25T18:12:00.000-05:00

It's not new; during the period of back-to-back energy crisis' of the 1970s, the dream was to have an automobile engine powered with seawater by the year 2000. It seems we're still a long way off from the days of free power, but at least we're out of the realm of science fiction.
The Tokyo Motor Show is teeming with hot concept cars that require something other than standard unleaded gasoline to go.
SUVs and full size sedans are being equipped with hybrid powerplants faster than you can say "save a tree."
I know I keep harping on this same point--and it's not really Space-related--but we need to get behind these new technologies. It's imperative to our country's economic growth.
And the only way we can free enough resources to concentrate on Space exploration...

This Week In The Night Sky: Cool Stuff!

2005-10-24T22:16:00.000-05:00

At Universetoday.com, Tammy Plotner takes the time to guide us around the autumn night sky (for North America, anyway.) She has a day by day outline of what's best to be viewed this week and where it's to be viewed at.
If you enjoy Plotner's column check out a "Full Year of 'What's Up This Week?'" and see what you've been missing.
If you're new to astronomy there are several cool sites to run to for help choosing a telescope and finding your way around the Heavens.
So get busy--you might be the next Eugene Shoemaker...or David Levy...

NASA Tests New Shuttle Tile System;Engineers Cross Fingers

2005-10-24T21:57:00.000-05:00

Dr. Tribikram Kundu, Prof. at University of Arizona and researcher on the Shuttle thermal-protection tile project, thinks they have discovered a way to use "elastic wave propagation" to test heat tiles for defects and bondedness to the Shuttle hull, from on the ground or in flight.
Kundu is working in collaboration with research group leader Dr. Kumar Jata of the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
It's ground-breaking work that could lead to improved Shuttle performance, through ease of inspection.
But there's one thing I've been wondering: Do you suppose Kundu and Kumar ever made a road trip to White Castle?
Just a question...

Chinese Investors Know a Great Deal When they See It: Space Technology

2005-10-24T21:41:00.000-05:00

I have been to China. I have seen massive cities undergoing massive transformations; new high-rise buildings are springing up like mushrooms and everywhere is the hum and hustle of a burgeoning economy.
It's no wonder with all this new wealth, Chinese investors would turn their attention to the most "in-demand" thing ever: Space travel.

Spacedaily.com is reporting 10 astronautic companies have seen shares rise seven percent in a week on news of the successful launch and recovery of China's second and third taikonauts and the purchase by a Chinese businessman of the first ticket to Space for a Chinese civilian.

I believe it's a moot point that China may one day threaten US superiority in Space--because in my opinion, they have the superior program right now.
We still can't launch a darn thing....

Venus Express Delayed; Mars Express Lonely

2005-10-24T21:22:00.000-05:00

The European Space Agency's launch of Venus Express, sister ship to Mars Express, has been postponed for "several days" following detection of "contamination" inside the fairing--the hood that covers the payload.
The probes mission is to map the surface of Venus, study and track weather patterns and atmospheric composition, but perhaps most importantly to analyze the planet's magnetic field and determine if the lack of one has created such an inhospitable environment there.
The Soviets had some successful missions to the Venusian surface, with Venera landers that lasted several hours before succumbing to crushing pressure and blazing temperatures. And the United States collected some juicy data with the Magellan Mission, and the earlier flybys by Pioneer and Mariner.

It's not likely we'll ever take to living on the surface of Venus, where daytime temperatures reach a sweltering 450 degrees Celsius, but maybe we can learn why a planet so much like ours in so many ways, is also dramatically different.

Japanese Ahead of the Curve in Technology--Again

2005-10-23T20:33:00.000-05:00

Let it come as no surprise in a few years when American auto makers are facing yet another crisis because everyone is buying cars manufactured by Japanese companies.
Check out the latest electric sedan, made in Japan; an eight-wheeled vehicle that travels faster than 200 miles per hour!
Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will begin selling a new electric car in 2010. Priced around $19,000, it goes about 100 miles on a single charge, and can be re-charged at home from an outlet.
In 2002, Japanese toymaker Takara Co. unveiled a single-seat faux-vintage electric vehicle called a Q-Car with a range of around 50 miles, costing about $8,000. Yes, it's street legal.
Similarly, Subaru and Toyota Electric Power Co. will jointly develop an electric car with a 50-mile range that recharges in just 15 minutes. In two years TEPCO will replace all 3000 vehicles in its fleet with the new electric powered transports.
And I haven't even said a word about their fuel-cell vehicles, hybrid vehicles or solar powered vehicles...

In the meantime, Detroit is still focused on horsepower, Hummers and cargo room. You do the math...

Strickland Argues For Better Plan From NASA; Fear and Loathing of US Space Policy

2005-10-23T20:02:00.000-05:00

John K. Strickland Jr., Advocate with the Space Frontier Foundation, makes some compelling arguments for a better plan for America's future in Space in a recent op-ed.
His first point: Disposable Space hardware is not a sustainable Space exploration program. He posits this question: Why do we need to have a refueling station on the lunar surface if all the vehicles are one-way only?
His second point: The new CEV is too much like the Apollo 2 program, too similar for us to derive any benefit.
But most importantly, Strickland is of the opinion, like myself and many others, that being an isolated one-world species, we risk annihilation from one calamity or another at any given time, and therefore Space technology is critical to the survival of the species and should be continually advanced; we don't need to mine the past for obsolete hardware when we can build it better, faster, stronger right now.
But former Space scientist, and Space nut like myself, Jeff Bell believes too much reliance on scare tactics to force change in our Space program is working against us.

Somewhere in the middle is an honest, objective opinion that mixes just the right amount of logic with just enough fear to get the ball firmly rolling in the right direction.
Somewhere in the middle....

Spaceguard Foundation

2005-10-23T19:43:00.000-05:00

It hasn't been that long ago people thought the idea of an asteroid striking the Earth was a one-in-a-million, longshot-of-longshots, ain't-no-way-that's-gonna-happen-anytime-soon kind of thing.
Then in 1994 we watched comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 break into 22 giant pieces and crash into Jupiter, leaving a gaping scar larger than our planet.
Coincidentally, that same year some really smart people around the world got together and started the Spaceguard Foundation, devoted to finding asteroids that someday pose a threat to Earth.
They don't get much in the way of funding, but they are doing a great service for all humankind. No joke.
Cheers to you, Spaceguard Foundation members!

Star Wars Attacktix: A Fun Game For All Ages

2005-10-23T19:30:00.000-05:00

I admit it. I am a gaming junkie. Miniatures are my favorite. I think that comes from when I was a kid and couldn't afford the little D&D guys; Now I want every miniature game that comes out.

Star Wars Attacktix is not exactly a miniatures game. It's quite different. Your guys actually attack each other with plastic rocket launchers and spring-loaded lightsabers. It requires a touch of strategy and just a little luck to win.
The game is pretty hot right now. I believe this is mainly due to guys like me who buy it for their 2-year-olds as a precursor to more advanced games.
Check out this blog for more info: starwarsattacktix.blogspot.com If you already play and want to take it up a notch, here are some unofficial tournament rules.

And remember, the best games are 'missions', requiring a specific objective be met for a "pass" or "fail" grade.

So, any other gamers out there? It seems we gravitate to Space things too....

Tadar Takes Cue From Bats: X-Ray Vision Without the X-Rays!

2005-10-22T21:12:00.000-05:00

Leave it to the European Space Agency to revolutionize the world with Space technology. For instance, the same Tadar imaging system used on ESA satellites for years has now been adapted for use in security.
Tadar is based on the high frequency, millimetre-wave system used by the Tadarida bat, (AKA: Mexican Free Tailed bat)native to Brazil. It has been adapted into a millimetre-wave camera, for use at security check-points. The new technology makes it possible to see right through clothing, visualizing metallic and non-metallic objects alike, making them easily recognizable. Nothing is invisible to Tadar. The sensor detects energy naturally emitted by or reflected by any object.

Isn't it simply amazing, the stuff they come up with? Who would have imagined there would be a way to see through people without irradiating them?
Apparently some people in Ireland did. Brilliant!

Trained Wasps: Who Knew? 'Wasp Hound' Breakthrough Device

2005-10-22T16:00:00.000-05:00

I didn't even think it was possible, much less do I fully believe the technical description of the device: Essentially a PVC cup with miniature breathing holes for the half-dozen live wasps living inside; a miniature camera records their actions, notifying the human user when they react to a specific scent, say a corn fungus, or chemical agent.
Apparently, however, scientists at the University of Georgia have made the darn thing work, and promise commercial availability in just a few years. It's called a Wasp Hound.

It is worth noting the following facts: A dog's nose is about 100 times more sensitive than our own; a butterfly has an olfactory sense 10,000 times more sensitive than a dog's.
I have no idea where a wasp fits into that scale, but it must be closer to the butterfly than the dog.
It only takes about five minutes to train a wasp, by the way, and they are not the only animals tested for their unique noses: Rats, honeybees, fish and even yeast have also been tested with modest success.

Wow...The things I never knew.

New Desert Tent: Not For Martians--Yet

2005-10-22T15:44:00.000-05:00

What we have here is human ingenuity, tackling a problem and seeking the simplest answer. Introducing: Desert Seal.

Designed and created by Andreas Vogler (Switzerland) and Arturo Vittori (Italy), the Desert Seal is a one-person, inflatable tent for use in harsh, arid desert conditions. It utilizes a solar panel to charge a battery that powers a small electric fan, for cooling temps. in the days and warming temps. at night. It's ingenious, really.

The idea is to utilize the simplest materials and techniques possible to build similar structures for use on Mars. Trouble is, product testing there can be a real pain...Literally.
So instead, they develop similar things for use in Earth's harshest climates. This gives them a good idea of what techniques work and which still need a "breakthrough."

I realize it's just a tent, and not very glamorous or sexy like a Spaceship, but one day your great-grandchildren might use something just like for their Scout trip on the Red Planet.
It's worth day-dreaming about if nothing else...

Ulysses: Fifteen Years of Sun Worship

2005-10-22T15:22:00.000-05:00

The ESA/NASA joint mission responsible for the wildly successful Ulysses probe has been extended until 2008. The fastest probe ever built, it has been in a polar orbit around the sun for 15 years. That means the probe has had a chance to witness most of the Sun's 22 year cycle of activity.

Most of us think of the Sun as a big burning ball of gas, but in reality it is a much more complex, mysterious thing than that. Some scientists are right now debating whether the Sun has a solid surface. While many others consider that very notion utterly ridiculous.

For those of you completely in the dark about the composition of the sun, check this out. Just be sure to take everything you read with a grain of salt. After all, Ulysses has been studying the Sun for 15 years and it's barely scratched the surface...

Mars Express: 19% of Surface Imaged and No Giant Face

2005-10-21T22:14:00.000-05:00

The Mars Express mission, launched by the European Space Agency, has met with great success and has officially been extended one Martian year (23 months.)

The probe has collected reams of data on soil composition, water detection, atmospheric readings, weather patterns and seasonal climate changes. It's fair to say we've learned more from Mars Express than we have from all other orbiting Martian probes combined.
It even detected a very large, strange methane gas emission which some scientists theorize could be further signs of microbial life.
Unfortunately it did not find any giant stone sculptures or cities and no obvious signs of life.

It's interesting to note, we now know more about the surface of the Moon and Mars than we do about the bottoms of Earths ocean.

I wonder what sort of life we'll find down there?

Canadian Arrow: Spacediving Pioneers or Pipedreamers?

2005-10-21T21:55:00.000-05:00

They couldn't win the X-Prize with their re-vamped two-stage V-2 rocket design, but they are no less inspired for it. Despite the fact their rocket still hasn't seen the dark of Space.
Nonetheless, things at Planet Space are starting to heat up; Manned launches are planned for 2007 and work continues on possible Spacediving flights.

But like all things, the proof is in the pudding. Nothing has been launched yet, and until it is the Canadian Arrow is nothing more than a dream.
A sweet dream, to be sure, but still just a dream.

Space Tourist Reveals ISS is Pretty Boring

2005-10-21T18:12:00.000-05:00

American millionaire Space Tourist, Dr. Greg Olsen, recently returned to Earth to speak with CNN. He had only been visiting the International Space Station for about a week, but sounded as if it was 1960 all over again and nobody knows anything about zero-gravity or living in Space.

Is there anyone who doesn't know what astronauts eat? You can buy the stuff at the NASA gift shop, freeze-dried strawberries and ice cream are all the rage with 10-year-olds.
Sleeping in Space, using the restroom in Space and floating around doing nothing, that's basically what he got for his $20 million ticket to Space.
And to top it all off, he doesn't like being referred to as a "Space tourist" since he conducted a few experiments for the ESA.

Boy, am I jealous...

Chinese Chase Profit Into the Fourth Territory

2005-10-21T17:57:00.000-05:00

It's no wonder China has made the pursuit of Space technology a top priority. They have already made a handsome profit genetically engineering seeds in space, launching and operating telecommunications satellites and now stand poised to overtake the Russians and USA in manned Spaceflight capabilities.

The launch and full-time operation of an orbital Space Station would cement their place in Space, at least figuratively speaking...

In China it's called 'The Fourth Territory'; We call it 'Outer Space'...but whatever you call it, it still smells like money...

oh, and adventure! Let's not forget adventure...and money.

NASA Teams With Google for Techno-Double-Whammy!

2005-10-20T19:12:00.000-05:00

Google is setting up shop at NASA Research Park at Moffett Field, with an option to develop up to one million square feet of space.

The hope is that Google ingenuity will rub-off on stodgy NASA administrators, creating a new age of U.S. Space exploration and domination.
Or at least help broaden the mass appeal of technology by putting it within reach of more people than ever before. Faster, cheaper, better; Knowledge on demand.
A NASA Research Park sounds like a good idea to me.

NASA Sets Sights On Pluto, Readies The New Horizon Probe For Launch

2005-10-20T18:47:00.000-05:00

No probe has visited Pluto, its moon Charon or anything in the Kuiper Belt, though the Voyager crafts took some pictures, but that's all about to change with the launch of The New Horizons Spacecraft.

The ship, the first in NASA's New Frontiers program, carries seven specific scientific instruments to study surface features, temperature, geology, composition and atmospheric structure, which use a miniscule 28 watts of power combined, making this a hyper-efficient probe.

Now that the payload package has been configured for flight, all that's left if the lofting. Liftoff is scheduled for January 11, 2006, with arrival as early as 2015.

If successful, The New Horizons probe will expand our knowledge of how our Solar System was formed, and give us a better idea of what sort of "neighbors" live in the Kuiper Belt.

Miscanthus: Cash Crop of the Future

2005-10-20T14:51:00.000-05:00

What's interesting about Miscanthus or elephant grass are the low CO emissions when burned. Basically, set it on fire and it releases as much CO as it absorbed, so the net effect on the atmosphere is zero. It's also sterile (cannot become a weed,) grows in untilled soil with very little water and the energy input to output ratio is about .2--compared with more than .8 for ethanol or biodiesel.

The market for alternative fuels is beginning to show significant signs of growth. But that's no wonder given the wildly erratic petroleum and natural gas markets.
People want choices. They don't like being told what they have to pay for things and who they have to buy them from. They'd rather go out and do it for themselves, "cheaper."

Miscanthus may lead the way for some, for others it might be solar--Whatever--as long as it gets us all thinking about alternatives to fossil fuels.

Tethys: A Frozen Oasis in the Desert of Space

2005-10-20T14:27:00.000-05:00

I remember when scientists believed life would be found in Space when they found a water source someplace other than Earth. A distant planet, in some far away solar system, perhaps.

Today we know water is practically everywhere, including the giant ball of frozen water-ice known as Tethys. The Cassini probe recently brought us our first close-up views, confirming the content of the dirty snowball moon.
(Coincidentally, Tethys was first observed by Giovanni Cassini in 1684, for which the hardy probe was named.)

Now that we've found water, it's only a matter of time until we find extraterrestrial life.

Space Week at History Channel

2005-10-20T14:08:00.000-05:00

Wish I could have given you better notice, but I just found out myself. History Channel is hosting a variety of Space themed programs all week at 7 p.m. (Check your local listings.)
Their Web site boasts a plethora of Space resources (stuff for teachers too!) including an historical timeline, launch web casts, video and a brief history of the development of Spacecraft technology.
Check it out.

AIBO: The Next Generation

2005-10-19T20:48:00.000-05:00

Sony has sold 150,000 of the little AIBO robo-dogs since their release in 1999. Incredible, when you consider its price tag of around $1700.
Still, if I had the money I'd buy one. When ti comes to a usable robot, I prefer the new open-standards, upgradeable droids available at White Box Robotics. But for purely entertainment purposes, the Aibo intrigues me.
Eventually they will hit-on the idea of implanting wireless software, MP3 capability and the like, and then the little puppies should really take-off. It's just a matter of time.
After all, we'll need some sort of pets to take to the lunar base. Dogs and cats can't come until we have artificial gravity. Even then, it may not work.
Besides, the little 'droid dogs are neat.

Dione Frigid But Geologically Active

2005-10-19T18:23:00.000-05:00

A sister-world to Enceladus, Dione seems older and perhaps wiser, but no less interesting.
Cassini has new information on the tiny Saturnian moon after a brief 300 mile fly-by.

What scientists are beginning to understand about the Saturn moons, and the entire Saturn system for that matter, is just how much they do not know. Surprisingly to them (possibly not to sci-fi fans everywhere) the tidal forces of gravity have created warm spots in these little rocks, tectonic forces that churn up whatever minerals and gases might be trapped inside. Each one is a potential haven for mircrobial extra-terrestrial life.
If Enceladus can have an atmosphere, anything is possible.

Brazil Teams With Russians For Space Mission

2005-10-19T12:55:00.000-05:00

Not long ago the Brazilian Space program suffered a devastating launch pad disaster that cost the lives of dozens of scientists and engineers.
Somehow, they managed to pull themselves up by the bootstraps and today announced a joint Space mission with the Russians.

Actually, it's just a 10-day science trip to the International Space Station, but for Brazil, it's a step in the right direction; back from the brink of catastrophe.

CryoSat Loss Devastating Blow To Earth Sciences

2005-10-18T20:33:00.000-05:00

Last weeks loss of the polar surveyor CryoSat was a devastating blow to everyone concerned with shrinking polar ice caps and the effects of global warming. Designed by the European Space Agency at a cost of around $170 million, scientists hoped it would provide detailed measurements of ice thickness, track ice movement and provide answers to what is happening to our polar environment.
Now, it is the focus of an international inquiry into a failed launch.

Building and launching a CryoSat 2 would in fact cost far less than the original, but no plans have been announced, or even hinted at. This was the first satellite of ESA's Earth Explorer series, all designed to provide Earth scientists with better, and more detailed information on the planet we all share.

Liftport Has Big Success With Little Robotic Lifter; NASA Elevator Competition in 3 days!

2005-10-18T17:59:00.000-05:00

Liftport Space Elevator successfully tested a prototype robotic lifter designed to climb the carbon-nanotube Space Elevator, once constructed.

While many have outright scoffed at the idea, and others are still trying to figure out if it can even be done, Liftport is well on its way to perfecting the technology needed to make the Space Elevator a reality, including building the first carbon nanotube factory in Millville, New Jersey.
Once (yes, not "if") they are successful, Space travel will forever be changed.
I can envision fleets of Spacecraft fanning out across the Solar System, each launched for just a few dollars per pound.
Perhaps personal Spacecraft will finally become a reality too. You could build your own ship in your garage, and they will place it in orbit for you....cool.

In other Space Elevator News:

Starting Oct. 21, the Spaceward Foundation will help host the 2005 Elevator Games in Mountain View, California. NASA is putting up prize money from its Centennial Challenges program. Competitions will test Climbers and Tether strength. Their goal is to show the elevator is at least feasible and convince governments to start building one, by 2010.

I say the safe bet is on Liftport. They already have a Lifter and a plan for using it for something other than the Space Elevator.

Robotic Explorers Take Step Forward--In Theory Anyway

2005-10-18T17:00:00.000-05:00

I think robotic exploration is over-due for an overhaul. Why not use inflatables to explore from above while fleets of rovers cover the landscape, all transmitting captured data to an immobile base unit on the surface used to transmit the lot of it to an orbiting satellite and back to earth?

We already have the hardware. All that remains is writing the software to tie it all together. Relative piece of cake.

They call it being "tier-scalable" and consider it a revolutionary idea. I call it common sense and say Cracker Barrel has been doing it for years: First a restaurant, then add a store front, carry-out, catering, catalog sales, online retail outlet---everything designed with the same goal of adding to the bottom line. If one system fails, the others can shore up capital.

or, as Aesop called it:

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

Chinese Astronauts Return Safely!

2005-10-18T12:51:00.000-05:00

It's no surprise the Chinese Space program is racking up one success after the other. They use reliable, dependable hardware and systems based on the hugely successful Soyuz design created and used regularly by the Russians.
I am certain NASA will have the same success rate when they finally get back to business and start using technology that makes sense. As opposed to the shuttle, which is still basically a "test vehicle" even after two decades of use.

Britain To Re-Think Human Space Exploration?

2005-10-18T10:16:00.000-05:00

The Royal Astronomical Society has made it clear, human Space flight is important to national progress.
Britain is one of the few industrialized nations which does not participate in human Space flight, choosing instead to focus its efforts on robotic missions. This is a big mistake, according to the RAS.
It remains to be seen what changes, if any at all, will be made to the British Space program. But suffice to say, the wake-up call has been officially made.

Political Will Leads China To Space; Could Spark Asian 'Space Race'

2005-10-16T18:34:00.000-05:00

What's interesting to note is that China could care less about racing anyone to anything. China's mission to Space is all about long term profit potential. Who's going to make the first dollar from Helium3 mining? Who's going to operate the first orbiting commercial Space Station? Who's going to found the first colony on Mars?
My money is on the nation with the most 'political will' to make those things happen. And right now, that's China.
American political leaders better wake-up and smell the bottled oxygen, before we're the ones playing catch-up.

Iran's National pastime: Stargazing

2005-10-16T18:25:00.000-05:00

Yet another thing most Americans don't know about Islam: It encourages Astronomy.
So much so in fact, that people living in a small desert village about 400 miles south of Tehran, donated what few spare coins they had, with many women selling their jewelry, so local science teacher Asghar Kabiri could build an observatory.
He told CNN the structure is the "pride of the town."

Seems to me most Americans would rather build a Dairy Queen in their town than an observatory....

First X-Prize Cup A Rousing Success!

2005-10-16T18:20:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all of you who sent me letters and pictures from last weekend's X-Prize Cup...Although nobody sent me a darn thing.

Despite that dreary update, the X-Prize Cup was a success and showed public interest in Space technology is a growing business.
Next years event promises to be even bigger. Maybe somebody will send me pictures...(hint, hint.)

James Doohan's Ashes To Be Placed In Orbit: "Scotty" gets His Just Reward

2005-10-16T18:11:00.000-05:00

It seems only fair, James Doohan's request that his ashes be lofted into orbit (following Gene Roddenberry's example) is something we can do, so we should. Seems a little pointless to me, but if that's what the man wanted, it's the least we can do.

Think about it: Is there anyone you know who doesn't understand the phrase "Beam me up, Scotty?" or "I'm givin' her all she's got, captain."

James Doohan was a character actor, much like DeForest Kelley was before his role on Star Trek. But somehow Doohan, and the entire cast of the show for that matter, managed to turn what should have been no more than a flight of television fancy into something much more. Together, they changed the world.

Technological Breakthrough:"Nuller" Helps Find Planets

2005-10-15T15:40:00.000-05:00

Extra-Solar planets are all the rage these days. So far they've found about 150 of the things, all sizes and shapes, some with potential moons of their own. Everyone wants to be the first to image an Earth-like planet though, but nobody has. I know I wouldn't mind the honor, but being unemployed, I'm currently not involved in any projects loftier than vacuuming or changing diapers.
However, the people who are involved in such things have managed to dim the light from distant stars, allowing dimly lit dust particles to be seen. Basically, these dust clouds will help scientists choose which stars might harbor planets. In a few years, when the NASA Terrestrial Planet Finder mission is in full swing, they'll be selecting sights based on the findings acquired using the "nuller."
If you want to know more about the "nuller" ask the people who thought it up: NASA Engineers working at Hawaii's Keck Observatory.

More NASA Tax Dollars At Work

2005-10-15T15:30:00.000-05:00

NASA does much more than launch shuttles and service satellites; It's not all about Spaceships and Extra-solar planets, it's about Earth.
NASA's original goal was to launch satellites that could monitor the Earth, show us weather patterns and study the surface features of the planet we live on. And they still do.
Here 's a story talking about a NASA project many people are not familiar with. Called SERVIR, it helps Latin American countries protect valuable natural resources such as rain forests and shoreline by monitoring weather patterns, producing detailed topographical maps and providing extensive information on the physical environment.
It's about making use of technology to serve all of humankind--dummy.

Moon Landings Were Not a Hoax!

2005-10-15T15:25:00.000-05:00

I am continually astounded by just how stupid some people are.
It's 2005 and some people are still claiming the Moon landings were a hoax, perpetrated by NASA and the American government.
My response is simple: If it were a hoax don't you think the Russians would have called us on it? And why would the laser beacon they installed on the surface of the Moon have worked--and continue to work to this day?
As my grandfather would say, these guys need to "go soak their heads."
Crackpots....

NASA Chooses Lunar Lander Design Team

2005-10-15T15:13:00.000-05:00

The lunar lander/module always fascinated me as a kid. It just looked cool.
NASA has announced the team responsible for designing the next-gen lunar lander: NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., and Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., will lead the team.
Did you know Neil Armstrong performed the test flight on the first lunar lander? He narrowly escaped death by making a split second decision to eject, moments before the vehicle crashed to the desert below, bursting into flames.
Talk about "nerves of steel."

Hubble Finds Oxygen Source on Moon

2005-10-15T13:32:00.000-05:00

According to NASA an ultraviolet survey of the Moon's surface by the Hubble Space Telescope has revealed large quantities of titanium and iron oxides. A NASA press conference on the complete results of the survey will be held Oct. 19. The titanium can be mined, processed and used to build things--like spaceships or dwellings---and the oxides can be broken down, and the oxygen extracted for a lunar colony.
Check it out on NASA TV. For all you technology gurus, here's more detail.

Amateur Radio Operators

2005-10-14T19:44:00.000-05:00

The Space Ace is a bit under the weather today..It seems he has a virus. Any suggestions for making my head stop spinning?

By the way, I am still waiting to hear from all you Amateur Radio Operators. Who are you? Where are you? What have you been doing?
Anything...Interesting? I'd like to hear about it...Even if I'm so sick I can hardly type straight...

Forget Endor: Chewbacca is American

2005-10-14T19:38:00.000-05:00

Peter Mayhew, 60, that wonderfully cuddly, overly gangling, lovable ape in the "walking carpet" suit, has become an American citizen.

I don't think people appreciate what this guy has been doing for the past 30 years. Wearing that ridiculous suit everywhere he went, never taking it off, even in the shower--

Whoops! I just got a note from the editor: It appears Mayhew just happens to look like Chewbacca, and doesn't actually wear the suit all the time. My mistake.

Still--Congratulations Mr. Mayhew. And thank you--seriously--for all the joy you have brought to so many people by being the embodiment of such a lovable, yet enigmatic character.
And thanks George Lucas, for bringing him back for Episode III!

NASA Unveils Fantastic New Earth Image

2005-10-13T23:14:00.000-05:00

NASA has given us an image of Earth unlike any we have seen before. Using the most cutting edge digital satellite photography, and pasting together a years worth of those vivid images, they have captured a vision of beauty.
The only home of human kind.
You can check out the new photo, and a catelog of NASA Earth images from the past 50 years at the official site, here.
It's definitely worth a look.

Russia Runs the ISS and Nothing Bad Happens

2005-10-13T21:50:00.000-05:00

While everyone on the Gulf Coast of the U.S. was acting like they had no idea a hurricane was coming, NASA made plans with Russia for them to helm the International Space Station in case Johnson Space Center took a direct hit.
Not that anyone was scared they couldn't handle it, but there was some trepidation on the part of those of us who remember Mir...falling apart around the astronauts.
As it turned out, everything was fine.
Hard to believe it's been five years of permanent human presence in orbit. Quite an accomplishment.

Sowing the SEEDS of Space Superiority

2005-10-13T21:40:00.000-05:00

Unlike the United States, the European Space Agency (and everyone else in the world for that matter) recognizes the importance of Space exploration, understanding the important role technical advances will play in making our Space dreams reality.
To that end, they have Space Exploration and Development Systems (SEEDS), the first International Post-Graduate Masters Course for Space nuts.
The idea is to grab new technologies and make the most of them. Finding practical, space related, uses for the latest technological advances.
Sounds like a bunch of Big Brains will sit around and chew the fat about what they would do if they had unlimited financial resources. Of course, since it's the ESA they'll probably get all the money they need....

NASA Interstellar Mission Update

2005-10-13T21:25:00.000-05:00

Are you out there? Can you hear me running?
That's Voyager 1 up there, shouting back a description of what it's like to pass beyond the full strength of the solar wind into the heliosheath, where solar wind speed is sub-sonic (yes, Voyager proved that is a fact.) In another ten years it will pass beyond the boundary of our Solar System.
Voyager 2 is a little behind, but should be crossing the termination shock around 2008.
Since 1977 the little probes have proved they can go the distance by successfully completing their original mission of exploring Jupiter and Saturn and going on to Neptune and Uranus and now the edge of the Solar System. Both are part of the first NASA Interstellar Mission, tacked by the Deep Space Network and both should continue to send back usable data for at least another decade.
That's plenty of time for them to pass completely out of our Solar System.
And many of the Caltech scientists that launched the things are still running the mission.
Simply amazing.

If you'd like to listen to the electronic noise recorded as Voyager 1 crossed the termination shock, check this out:
Prof. Don Gurnett, University of Iowa, has a nice collection of Space sounds to choose from. Including Voyager 1.

The Future Is Now: Robotics

2005-10-13T21:13:00.000-05:00

Check this out: We've been hearing about the new robotic exo-skeletons for ages; I remember watching Ellen Ripley use a bright orange one to load cargo onto the Marine's Transport ship in the movie aliens. It was all science fiction then, but now it's time for the real thing.
In November Cyberdyne researchers in Tsukuba, Japan, will be releasing the first commercially available robotic exo-skeleton for use by the elderly and people with special needs. U.S. Researchers have a similar design in mind, but it's for DARPA use only, at this point.

Cyberdyne...Cyberdyne...That name rings a bell....Wait a sec'! That's the people who built the Terminator right? In the movie anyway...Wow, talk about life imitating art, imitating life...

What's next, Skynet?

Chinese Successfully Launch Two Taikonauts

2005-10-13T09:35:00.000-05:00

A second successful launch for China, this one coming two years after their first, and carrying two Taikonauts on a weeklong trip. (Well, nobody knows how long they'll be up there, Chinese officials won't say, but they have food and water for a week.)
This makes them the third nation capable of launching astronauts to Space on their own.
Pretty cool....

Amateur Radio Operator: Get Started Today

2005-10-12T17:24:00.000-05:00

There seemed to be increased traffic at the mention of Amateur Radio Operators (or maybe it was S.S.E.T.I.?) so I found a link for anyone interested in learning how to get started.

The National Association for Amateur Radio and the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) have everything you need to get started. Of course you need a few dollars to buy some equipment and whatnot, but learning to send Morse code or studying to take your licensing test is all free. And they say basic equipment is cheap but still offers plenty of potential. Save for your equipment and learn the tech first. You can always get fancy technical hardware later.
It sounds like fun. Maybe I'll join too....

Jeopardy! Back To School Week

2005-10-12T17:06:00.000-05:00

That old standby, Jeopardy! When there's nothing else on I can tune in and be reminded why college is a waste of money. All one really needs is a well-trained memory.
This week is Back To School Week, when they let Jr. High kids have a crack at answering questions with more questions.
Last night they had three bright young people, schooled in seemingly every conceivable category, save one: Space.
There was a Space category and it pretty much creamed them all.
Example: When asked to name the moon of Saturn recently explored by the Huygens probe, (Correct answer, What is Titan?) they were completely stumped.
One girl answered, "What is Venus?"

Shameful.

The Amazing Race Family Edition, U.S. Space and Rocket Center and Edward O. Buckbee

2005-10-12T14:40:00.000-05:00

U.S. Space and Rocket Center might see a boost in visitors given its recent 15-minutes-of-fame as a Roadblock on The Amazing Race: Family Edition.
For those of you who saw the episode, you might have noticed they found a clue at the Edward O. Buckbee Hangar.
In case you were wondering, Edward O. Buckbee has been a U.S. Space program advocate, lecturer, journalist, founder of the U.S. Space Camp, International Space Camp and Aviation Challenge programs, among other things.

NASA: Your Tax Money At Work

2005-10-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

It's amazing: With all the news coverage of fallout from Katrina and Rita, nary a word about the role NASA has played. From providing round the clock, up-to-the-minute satellite imaging of the storms, with imaging potential to watch the impact on a single home or structure; tracking the storm surge and flooding through advanced weather instrumentation, and even providing for families of workers at Michoud and Johnson Space Center who may have been adversely affected.
NASA is more than rockets. It's making a difference every day. Cool.

SuperString Theory and You

2005-10-12T11:16:00.000-05:00

String Theory can be explained thusly for dolts like me: Shrink everything in the universe down to its smallest part, or elementary particles, and we should find we're all the same stuff. Not particles of the same matter, smaller than that. Think about the stuff that makes an electron an electron and a neutrino a neutrino and a quark a quark.
Physicists call it String Theory and hope it will unite quantum physics with the rest of the mathematical world. It is hoped String Theory will be the unified theory of all four observed forces in nature: Electromagnetism, Gravity, Strong Force (Atom bombs go BOOM! When this bond is broken) and Weak Forces (radiation slowly leaks past this bond.)
Physicists suggest all matter in the universe is comprised of these minuscule, twisted, vibrating strings. Based on its vibrations and/or oscillations, a string could be anything--a positron or a proton. They also suggest these strings conceal (or create) alternate dimensions within them.
The fact is, something makes particles on a sub-atomic level function differently--for instance, gravity seems to have no effect on electrons circling the nucleus of an atom, so it's theorized there is another set of dynamics at play in the universe, and most people call them "Strings."
Anyway, nobody has been able to prove this is the case, but researchers are getting closer.

Two Physicists recently announced they might have discovered how and why the universe formed the way it did, revealing it had a choice of developing either three or seven dimensions.

Here's a cool story from scientific journalist Diana Steele. I know, it's hard for some scientists to believe a woman could get her pretty little head around such complex issues and write a compelling story, but here's the link anyway. Check it out!