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This Week at NASA | Extreme Underwater Mission; more

Uploaded 07/29/2016

Extreme Underwater Mission; more

The 21st NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations got underway July 21 in the Florida Keys. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman and Megan McArthur are part of the international crew of NEEMO-21 aquanauts performing research during the 16-day mission, which takes place about 60 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, in the Aquarius habitat – the world’s only undersea science station. Simulated spacewalks are designed to evaluate tools and mission operation techniques that could be used on future space missions. NEEMO-21’s objectives include testing a mini DNA sequencer similar to the one NASA astronaut Kate Rubins also will test aboard the International Space Station, and a telemedicine device that will be used for future space applications. The mission also will simulate communications delays like those that would be encountered on a mission to Mars. Also, Space Launch System Work Platforms, All-Electric X-Plane Arrives, Asteroid Mission Technology, and NASA @Comic-Con International.

 

TRANSCRIPT

 

Extreme Underwater Mission

The 21st NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations got underway July 21 in the Florida Keys. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman and Megan McArthur are part of the international crew of NEEMO-21 aquanauts performing research during the 16-day mission, which takes place about 60 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, in the Aquarius habitat – the world’s only undersea science station. Simulated spacewalks are designed to evaluate tools and mission operation techniques that could be used on future space missions. NEEMO-21’s objectives include testing a mini DNA sequencer similar to the one NASA astronaut Kate Rubins also will test aboard the International Space Station, and a telemedicine device that will be used for future space applications. The mission also will simulate communications delays like those that would be encountered on a mission to Mars.

Space Launch System Work Platforms

NASA’s Ground Systems Development and Operations Program has reached the halfway point in retrofitting Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) with new work platforms. The platforms will provide workers with access to the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft during prelaunch processing before their first test flight in 2018. Five of the 10 levels of platforms now are in place inside the iconic building. Installation of the rest should be completed by spring 2017.

All-Electric X-Plane Arrives

Engineers from Armstrong Flight Research Center and Langley Research Center were on hand at a small airport near Pismo Beach, California for the arrival of the Tecnam P2006T, that will be converted into NASA’s X-57 aircraft named, “Maxwell” – the first manned X-plane to feature a distributed electric propulsion system. The event signifies a large step toward NASA’s goal of developing and validating technologies that will make aviation more efficient, quieter and more environmentally friendly. We’ll update the progress of the work and testing of the all-electric-powered X-57 on future episodes of This Week at NASA.

Asteroid Mission Technology

NASA’s Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security – Regolith Explorer — OSIRIS-REx — spacecraft is scheduled for launch Sept. 8 to retrieve a surface sample of the near-Earth asteroid Bennu. One of the science instruments aboard the spacecraft — the OSIRIS-REx Visible and Infrared Spectrometer or (OVIRS) – uses visible and near-infrared imaging technology to find areas of the asteroid potentially rich in organic molecules. The science team will rely on OVIRS to identify possible sample sites of high science value. OVIRS works in tandem with another instrument — the Thermal Emission Spectrometer, or (OTES), which images in the thermal infrared. Using both instruments enables the spacecraft to map the entire asteroid over a range of wavelengths that are most interesting to scientists searching for organics and water.

NASA @Comic-Con International

Astronaut Kjell Lindgren was one of several NASA representatives at Comic-Con International, July 21-24 at the San Diego Convention Center. Lindgren and others participated in several activities and panel events, including a discussion about mobile gaming being used to inspire and educate future explorers and NASA technology. NASA also teamed with representatives of Star Trek – to mark the 50th anniversary of the television and motion picture franchise – and to discuss its influence on the infinite possibilities of space exploration, including NASA’s Journey to Mars.

And that’s what’s up this week @NASA.

 

(c)2016 NASA | SCVTV
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