Tag: General

Two space suit engineers in the SCOUT rover head out to their field site.  Credit: Blair Allen

Two of the primary objectives we witnessed were for engineers to conduct a site survey for a lunar outpost using the SCOUT rover and to deploy some 200 meters of cable to enable a solar power system.  This system could potentially power important surface systems and lunar habitats on the moon.

Space suit engineer deploying simulated surface system hardware. Credit: Franklin Fitzgerald

Of course it wouldn’t be exploration without the goofy co-host conducting his own experiments.

Blair Allen completes his SCOUT drivers license test.  According to Frank Delgado, “The license will be sent by mail.”  Kudos to the goofy co-host.  Credit: Franklin Fitzgerald

From what I saw today, I am confident we have the best engineers and scientists working on the lunar architecture. The Desert RATS are very dedicated and passionate about their jobs.  Engineers who’ve been working for NASA’s space program since the 1960s are training the next generation of engineers who’ll be responsible for future moon missions.

Franklin, Blair, and Chris pose for a quick snapshot.  Credit: Ron Beard

Special thanks to Barbara, Joe, Beth, Brandi, Frank and the Desert RATS team for providing us the opportunity to observe the field test.  You guys rock!

Chris
NASA EDGE Host

Chris and Blair go for a ride in the M113 behind pad 39B. Credit: Don Morrison

Chris, Dick, and Blair inside the Space Power Facility at NASA’s Plum Brook Station, OH.  This is the largest vacuum chamber in the world.  Credit: Ron Beard, Set Therapist

I remember attending many meetings, participating in tons of discussions about how to get people excited about the space program.  Often times, these kinds of questions can leave you befuddled about how to get NASA’s message out.  The simple fact is that the best way to get people excited about NASA is to let them see it up close.  You can’t be indifferent to the achievement that is the NASA Space Shuttle when you are staring right at it. 

So, there we are, bug bitten, sweaty, dirty, grumpy, etc. wondering if the guys that cut in the line were going to get a better position to take pictures.  Suddenly,  everything comes to a stop.  Everything except the RSS itself, which is quietly moving at 20 feet per minute.  This slow but complex move finally reveals the Endeavour in all her glory.  Instantly, you’re a kid again.  I can taste the Tang I used to drink thinking about becoming an astronaut.  I remember creating astronaut costumes out of pajamas.  I remember building a structure out of chairs and blankets that simulated early versions of the Shuttle.  Like a quick rack focus, everything unimportant drops out of focus and all that is clear is brilliant engineering.

I don’t know much, but I know that anyone who has any doubts about what NASA is doing, simply hasn’t been to a space shuttle launch.

Blair

This is my absolute favorite photo from the upper atmosphere. 

I had no idea that the folks at Genesis II were such fans of the show… or of the Co-Host.

NASA EDGE is clearly breaking new ground here.  This is our first official recognition by the space tourism industry.  If they had contacted me, I could have provided them with a photo.  As it stands, I’ll take the name.

So what is Genesis II?  If you’re like me, you probably thought it was a device that turned small moons into planets that sustain life.  As it turns out, that is not the case.  Genesis II is an experimental space habitat launched by Bigelow Aerospace just last week.  Though it is unmanned, it does include pictures and items provided by paying customers as part of their “Fly Your Stuff” program.

The real purpose, however, is to test systems that will be available on future Bigelow projects… ultimately a space hotel. 

So, what does the future hold?  Clearly a front row seat to observe NASA’s missions from the marvelously appointed “Blair” observation pod.  Ok.  That isn’t true, but a Co-Host can dream, can’t he?

The Co-Host

We won. 

It wasn’t easy, but we kicked moonbuggy this morning.  Granted, I actually didn’t actually drive or ride in the winning buggy.  I was simply the coach, but I am extremely proud of both Chris and Brandon.  Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to ‘energy drinks’ paid dividends today.  As their coach, I want to celebrate them in pictures.

We have the best fans on the planet.

Brandon had his own subset of fans.  Nice picture, but has he listened to his coach?  We will see.

It was very tense at the starting line.  The time to beat…  2:28.

Nano seconds after this pic, the NASA EDGE Team recorded the winning time.

My son told me that our unofficial time was 2:21… turned out he was right.

Brandon, you didn’t just survive.  You rocked!  And so did Chris.  Good job guys.

Next year, we tackle the moon buggy track at Marshall Space Flight Center.  Kind of like coaching the college and the professional game.

Maybe they’ll make us honorary moon buggy testers for our return to the Moon.  Man, I love NASA.

The Co-Host.

Seriously, it is good to finally see the race vehicle.  Brandon is in the middle of intense training.  We discovered yesterday that he is extremely allergic to all energy drinks.  He was able to run a 40 yard dash in 3.9 seconds, but his calves ballooned up to the size of cantelopes.  So, for the record, NASA EDGE does not endorse the use of energy drinks of any kind.  We are water only from here on out.

Today, Brandon has refused to run.  Not a good sign for NASA EDGE, but a small window of opportunity for the competition.

On a lighter note, we are considering a funraiser.  You can sponsor Brandon and the NASA EDGE Team by the meter.  Anyone interested in supporting a good cause, call 757-864-1296.

The Co-Host

I must say I never expected it to manifest in this way. 

Of course, I realize I am on thin ice (criticizing a sitting NASA EDGE Host while he’s on foreign soil,) but something has to be said.  Chris, run a comb through the hair before the picture.  Do something.  Show some self respect…

It is clear.  You need to be schooled in the Art of Blair.  It is more than the hair.  Oh, so much more.