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Here are some pics of the Ares 1-X Crew Module/Launch Abort System (CM/LAS) being loaded into an Air Force C-5 cargo plane.  Enjoy.

Credit:  Ron Beard, NASA EDGE

Credit: TBD

**Before I begin this post, let me warn you ahead of time that anything typed in another color other than black should be taken very lightly.  The Co-host has been color happy lately.**

The NASA EDGE team is in Promontory, Utah at the ATK Test Facility covering the Orion Launch Abort Motor full-scale test firing.  If you’ve never been to the test facility here’s what you see as you drive up to the main entrance.   I actually suggested that they refer to this event as a test hiring rather than a test firing.  I got nothing.

ATK Test Facility, Promontory, Utah.  Credit: NASA EDGE/Chris Giersch

On November 20, NASA, ATK, and the Orion Project team will conduct the first full-scale test fire of the Launch Abort Motor for the Orion crew exploration vehicle.  A full-scale test like this has not been conducted since the days of the Apollo Program.  This test and earlier motor and component tests are paving the way for the Pad Abort-1 Flight Test scheduled for the spring of 2009. 

The Abort Motor stands over 17 feet tall, spans three feet in diameter and is equipped with a manifold that has four nozzles and turns the flow of the flames to create a pulling motion.

Abort Motor attached to the vertical test stand.  Credit: NASA EDGE/Chris Giersch

It is the primary motor in the Orion Launch Abort System (LAS).  The LAS will be able to pull the crew module to safety away from the Ares I launch vehicle in the event of an emergency on the pad or during the initial phase of ascent up to 300,000 feet.  Speaking of scale, this thing is huge.  It always seems smaller in the animations we use on the show.

In the picture above, the Abort Motor is fitted into the vertical test stand, with the nozzles pointed skyward.  The burn time for the test is five seconds.  I believe the flames exiting the nozzles may reach a height of 100 feet.  So we’ll see what happens during burn time.  Should be fun.

Today we had a chance to view the dry test run from the control room.  The dry run took about 45 minutes and involved a series of checks before a they ignited a small charge.   Import Dry Run Note: Remember not to drink a 64 oz. cafe latte before the test.  The script doesn’t call for bathroom breaks.

Control room for the Abort Motor test firing.  Credit: NASA EDGE/Chris Giersch

The team from ATK did a great job and I think everyone is ready for the test on Nov. 20.  Our coverage of the Abort Motor test is part of a NASA EDGE vodast we are doing on the Orion Launch Abort System.  Today we had a chance to conduct a few interviews for the vodcast. 

Chris and Blair interviews Heather Angel from Lockheed Martin.  Credit: Linda Singleton
WHAT!?!?!?!  Ron is a set therapist for ATK too!

Heather Angel is a propulsion engineer for Lockheed Martin.  She’s been with the company for a little over six months and has done an outstanding during her short tenure.  We expect big things from her in the years to come.

Blair, Steve Gaddis, Barry Meredith, and Chris.  Credit: NASA EDGE/Ron Beard
Did you notice the gradual increase in height from left to right?  For the record, we were on a slant.

We can’t produce a LAS vodcast without interviewing the head honcho for LAS, Barry Meredith.  Barry currently works at NASA Langley Research Center and has been with NASA for 40 years.  He works in the same directorate as me at Langley.  I can’t say enough about Barry.  He’s a straight shooter who knows how to get the job done.  Unfortunately Barry is leaving us in December and is retiring from NASA.  I am definitely looking forward to his retirement party.  And for his final act before retirement, Berry Meredith names Blair Allen as the nations top Medianaut with an emphasis in Magnetospherence!  If that doesn’t work, I can always emcee his retirement party.  I just bought a new karaoke machine.

Anyway enough rambling for one day.  Hey, the test firing is right around the corner and I think Ron is setting up the cameras.  We’ll be back to give you our take on the test firing and see if Blair’s hotdogs survived the burn.

All the best,
Chris
 

**Before I begin this post, let me warn you ahead of time that anything typed in another color other than black should be taken very lightly.  The Co-host has been color happy lately.**

The NASA EDGE team is in Promontory, Utah at the ATK Test Facility covering the Orion Launch Abort Motor full-scale test firing.  If you’ve never been to the test facility here’s what you see as you drive up to the main entrance.   I actually suggested that they refer to this event as a test hiring rather than a test firing.  I got nothing.

ATK Test Facility, Promontory, Utah.  Credit: NASA EDGE/Chris Giersch

On November 20, NASA, ATK, and the Orion Project team will conduct the first full-scale test fire of the Launch Abort Motor for the Orion crew exploration vehicle.  A full-scale test like this has not been conducted since the days of the Apollo Program.  This test and earlier motor and component tests are paving the way for the Pad Abort-1 Flight Test scheduled for the spring of 2009. 

The Abort Motor stands over 17 feet tall, spans three feet in diameter and is equipped with a manifold that has four nozzles and turns the flow of the flames to create a pulling motion.

Abort Motor attached to the vertical test stand.  Credit: NASA EDGE/Chris Giersch

It is the primary motor in the Orion Launch Abort System (LAS).  The LAS will be able to pull the crew module to safety away from the Ares I launch vehicle in the event of an emergency on the pad or during the initial phase of ascent up to 300,000 feet.  Speaking of scale, this thing is huge.  It always seems smaller in the animations we use on the show.

In the picture above, the Abort Motor is fitted into the vertical test stand, with the nozzles pointed skyward.  The burn time for the test is five seconds.  I believe the flames exiting the nozzles may reach a height of 100 feet.  So we’ll see what happens during burn time.  Should be fun.

Today we had a chance to view the dry test run from the control room.  The dry run took about 45 minutes and involved a series of checks before a they ignited a small charge.   Import Dry Run Note: Remember not to drink a 64 oz. cafe latte before the test.  The script doesn’t call for bathroom breaks.

Control room for the Abort Motor test firing.  Credit: NASA EDGE/Chris Giersch

The team from ATK did a great job and I think everyone is ready for the test on Nov. 20.  Our coverage of the Abort Motor test is part of a NASA EDGE vodast we are doing on the Orion Launch Abort System.  Today we had a chance to conduct a few interviews for the vodcast. 

Chris and Blair interviews Heather Angel from Lockheed Martin.  Credit: Linda Singleton
WHAT!?!?!?!  Ron is a set therapist for ATK too!

Heather Angel is a propulsion engineer for Lockheed Martin.  She’s been with the company for a little over six months and has done an outstanding during her short tenure.  We expect big things from her in the years to come.

Blair, Steve Gaddis, Barry Meredith, and Chris.  Credit: NASA EDGE/Ron Beard
Did you notice the gradual increase in height from left to right?  For the record, we were on a slant.

We can’t produce a LAS vodcast without interviewing the head honcho for LAS, Barry Meredith.  Barry currently works at NASA Langley Research Center and has been with NASA for 40 years.  He works in the same directorate as me at Langley.  I can’t say enough about Barry.  He’s a straight shooter who knows how to get the job done.  Unfortunately Barry is leaving us in December and is retiring from NASA.  I am definitely looking forward to his retirement party.  And for his final act before retirement, Berry Meredith names Blair Allen as the nations top Medianaut with an emphasis in Magnetospherence!  If that doesn’t work, I can always emcee his retirement party.  I just bought a new karaoke machine.

Anyway enough rambling for one day.  Hey, the test firing is right around the corner and I think Ron is setting up the cameras.  We’ll be back to give you our take on the test firing and see if Blair’s hotdogs survived the burn.

All the best,
Chris
 

Blair had a problem with a power converter on his T-34 heading to Tashi Station, and Mos Nocohost was the nearest place that sold power converters.   As we approached Black Point Lava Flow, we happened to see a bunch of tents in the distance.  Using stealth like techniques, we decided to investigate.  Avoiding all imperial entanglements, we managed to get some cool pics of a very cool looking small pressurized rover concept.

Small Pressurized Rover Concept.  Credit: NASA EDGE

NASA is now testing a new generation of rovers that will be used when we return to the moon by the end of the next decade.  One of these rover concepts is the Small Pressurized Rover or SPR.  The SPR consists of a Mobility Chassis and an SPR cabin module. 

SPR showing the “crab style” movements.  Credit: NASA EDGE

The SPR concept offers many advantages over the rovers of the Apollo days.  It will increase the potential range of exploration, provide protection for the astronauts, reduce the amount of time astronauts must wear pressurized suits and allow for more scientific research.

The SPR in action.  Credit: NASA EDGE

Another unique advantage of the SPR system is the crew lock concept, providing a rapid EVA ingress/egress.  The crew lock will allow the crew to enter and exit the EVA suit while never having to bring the suit inside, keeping the internal space mostly free of dust.

EVA mock-up suit. Credit: NASA

Well, the second power converter died on the T-34 and we were stuck out on the lava flow with no transport to get to Mos Nocohost.  As the Sun drifted away below the horizon and temperatures falling near freezing, I asked Blair if we had a back up plan.  “Back up plan?” responded Blair.   Have no fear, SPR is here.   The SPR team is a great group of engineers and technicians. They definitely have the “right stuff” and have been working hard the past couple of years on lunar rover concepts.  In fact, they managed to find time to bail us out and provide a lift into town.

SPR in action at night.  Credit: NASA

We had a great time covering the SPR test at Black Point Lava Flow in Arizona.  Look for an NE@ segment in the next month or so featuring Astronaut Mike Gernhardt taking us on a test drive in the SPR.

All the best,
Chris
Host

Blair had a problem with a power converter on his T-34 heading to Tashi Station, and Mos Nocohost was the nearest place that sold power converters.   As we approached Black Point Lava Flow, we happened to see a bunch of tents in the distance.  Using stealth like techniques, we decided to investigate.  Avoiding all imperial entanglements, we managed to get some cool pics of a very cool looking small pressurized rover concept.

Small Pressurized Rover Concept.  Credit: NASA EDGE

NASA is now testing a new generation of rovers that will be used when we return to the moon by the end of the next decade.  One of these rover concepts is the Small Pressurized Rover or SPR.  The SPR consists of a Mobility Chassis and an SPR cabin module. 

SPR showing the “crab style” movements.  Credit: NASA EDGE

The SPR concept offers many advantages over the rovers of the Apollo days.  It will increase the potential range of exploration, provide protection for the astronauts, reduce the amount of time astronauts must wear pressurized suits and allow for more scientific research.

The SPR in action.  Credit: NASA EDGE

Another unique advantage of the SPR system is the crew lock concept, providing a rapid EVA ingress/egress.  The crew lock will allow the crew to enter and exit the EVA suit while never having to bring the suit inside, keeping the internal space mostly free of dust.

EVA mock-up suit. Credit: NASA

Well, the second power converter died on the T-34 and we were stuck out on the lava flow with no transport to get to Mos Nocohost.  As the Sun drifted away below the horizon and temperatures falling near freezing, I asked Blair if we had a back up plan.  “Back up plan?” responded Blair.   Have no fear, SPR is here.   The SPR team is a great group of engineers and technicians. They definitely have the “right stuff” and have been working hard the past couple of years on lunar rover concepts.  In fact, they managed to find time to bail us out and provide a lift into town.

SPR in action at night.  Credit: NASA

We had a great time covering the SPR test at Black Point Lava Flow in Arizona.  Look for an NE@ segment in the next month or so featuring Astronaut Mike Gernhardt taking us on a test drive in the SPR.

All the best,
Chris
Host

Last week the NASA EDGE team traveled to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD to shoot a segment on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO).  LRO is the first mission in the US Space Exploration Policy, a plan to return to the moon and then to Mars and beyond.

LRO in the clean room at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.  Credit: Chris Giersch, NASA EDGE

You can learn more about LRO at www.nasa.gov/LRO.   Special thanks goes to Stephanie Stockman, Education and Public Outreach Lead for the mission.  She handled all the logistics from her end and made our life very easy during the shoot. 

Stephanie Stockman and Chris Giersch discuss LRO’s mission objectives. Credit: Ron Beard, NASA EDGE

Below are a couple of pics from the shoot.

The Host interviewing Noah Petro, Planetary Geologist and Expert Lunar Guru (ELG). Credit: Franklin Fitzgerald, NASA EDGE

The NASA EDGE Team (Ron, Chris, Blair, and Franklin) in front of LRO.  Credit: Cindy Taylor

Finally, here’s a pic for the LRO team.  We found this in their conference room.  We need to look into getting one for NASA EDGE.

Even LRO has their own neon sign.  Pretty cool.  Credit: Chris Giersch, NASA EDGE

We look forward to now producing a segment on LCROSS because LRO and LCROSS are going up on the same spacecraft.  I guess we are off to Ames in the near future.  Thanks again to the LRO team for a great time up at NASA Goddard!

Chris
NASA EDGE Host

Last week the NASA EDGE team traveled to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD to shoot a segment on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO).  LRO is the first mission in the US Space Exploration Policy, a plan to return to the moon and then to Mars and beyond.

LRO in the clean room at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.  Credit: Chris Giersch, NASA EDGE

You can learn more about LRO at www.nasa.gov/LRO.   Special thanks goes to Stephanie Stockman, Education and Public Outreach Lead for the mission.  She handled all the logistics from her end and made our life very easy during the shoot. 

Stephanie Stockman and Chris Giersch discuss LRO’s mission objectives. Credit: Ron Beard, NASA EDGE

Below are a couple of pics from the shoot.

The Host interviewing Noah Petro, Planetary Geologist and Expert Lunar Guru (ELG). Credit: Franklin Fitzgerald, NASA EDGE

The NASA EDGE Team (Ron, Chris, Blair, and Franklin) in front of LRO.  Credit: Cindy Taylor

Finally, here’s a pic for the LRO team.  We found this in their conference room.  We need to look into getting one for NASA EDGE.

Even LRO has their own neon sign.  Pretty cool.  Credit: Chris Giersch, NASA EDGE

We look forward to now producing a segment on LCROSS because LRO and LCROSS are going up on the same spacecraft.  I guess we are off to Ames in the near future.  Thanks again to the LRO team for a great time up at NASA Goddard!

Chris
NASA EDGE Host

The following proposal was offered officially during our most recent Vodcast, NASA EDGE: Daytona 500.  I am posting it here in order to officially begin my campaign.

Here we go:

As of today, June 17, 2008, I am officially putting my medianaut pursuits on hold.  Instead, I am offering my talents, gifts and insight to NASA in a new capacity.  I am starting my own campaign to become NASA’s first Commissioner of Astronautics.  My campaign features four platforms designed to help NASA engage the public more directly in the exploration of Space.  As commissioner, I propose the following:

1.    Institute an annual Astronaut Draft (similar to professional sports drafts) wherein each directorate or division would receive a predetermined number of draft picks to fulfill their missions each year.  The draft would not be limited to rookie selections.  Veteran Astronauts would be eligible in the first year, but directorates could hold onto their best astronauts just like keeper leagues.

2.    Create a series of Astronaut Scouting Combines to help the various directorates/divisions gauge the skills within the NASA Astronaut talent pool.  These combines would be occur prior to the draft at key training facilities such as the NBL, Desert RATS, M113 Obstacle Course, etc.

3.    Merge the Mission schedule with a solid Playoff Model.  This is the most difficult, so I am willing to look at more of a merge between the Mission schedule and the bowl game system.  Each Directorate, based on performance, would receive a mission bid, just like bowls.  Those missions are then sponsored by commercial entities.  For example, the Lens Crafter Hubble Mission, or the Home Depot ISS Servicing Mission are possible.

4.    Developing a marketing manifesto to manage the huge amount of Public Relations opportunities.  Fantasy NASA.  Mission Play-by-play and color commentary, where you actually have the missions called by a team of broadcasters – live.  Another idea, again from professional sports, might include a live concert at NASA Kennedy Space Center for the fans just prior to launch.

I know that these ideas are radical, but I think I am on to something big.  Can I count on your support?

Get out and vote!  Photo Credit: A valued Blair 08 Campaign Volunteer

Blair
Commissioner of Astronautics (elect)