NASA.gov Nominated for 2014 Webby Award

The NASA.gov team was very happy today to learn that the Agency’s website has been nominated for the sixth time for the Webby for government sites. It’s always an honor when any group compliments the site, but we get really pumped when it comes to the People’s Voice Award.

webby award
NASA.gov’s 2010 People’s Voice Webby

The Internet community has awarded us five People’s Voice Awards, including four in a row from 2009 to 2012. We take that as a significant endorsement that we’re running NASA.gov effectively for its primary audience – you, the public. We’ve got various metrics, including traffic and customer-satisfaction data, that tell us we are generally, but a direct vote of confidence like this is even better.

NASA.gov represents the work of dozens of people across NASA, including content editors, infrastructure vendors and staff from our CIO office, Communications and all NASA offices and centers.  Together we are a 24/7/365 news operation working to bring you news on all of NASA’s programs whenever it happens.

(Don’t believe me? Join the Marshall Space Flight Center for it’s Up All Night chat on next week’s lunar eclipse. The chat room opens at 1:45 a.m. EDT on April 15.)

Now you have the opportunity to speak your mind again, by voting in the 2014 People’s Voice Awards.

(You will have to create a user account and presumably allow a cookie or other tracking technology to be used, as the Webby organizers are trying to prevent multiple votes from any account.) Once you’re signed in, you can search for NASA or find us under the Web > Government category.

NASA.gov is up against other worthy sites, of course, including our federal-government colleagues at NOAA for climate.gov. All of the nominated sites reflect a lot of hard work on someone’s part, so give them a look and cast your vote for the one you think best represents government on the web. And whether you vote for us or not, thank you for your support over the years.

Ares I 1st Stage Motor Test Delayed… But NOT forgotten

NASA EDGE addresses their experience at the recent ATK Ares I 1st Stage Motor Test in Promontory, UT.

PROMONTORY, UT (NASA EDGE Press) – It is true.  The original test time for the Ares 1st Stage Motor Test was postponed approximately 20 seconds from firing on August 27, 2009.  Obviously, many people who were in attendance at ATK to witness this amazing event were sad to miss this spectacular demonstration.  It did, however, give the NASA EDGE Co-Host the opportunity to reflect on the importance of tests and data collection.

“We were poised to witness a two minute, intense rocket test that is ‘rumored’ to turn sand into glass,” said the perspiration covered NASA EDGE Co-Host.  “Not getting an opportunity to collect some fresh glass souvenirs, certainly makes you stop and think.”

AKT, NASA Officials and even the NASA EDGE Host were eventually able to explain to the Co-Host how important safety and integrity of the data collected are to the success of a given test.  The delay, while not a result of a safety concern, was made to insure that the necessary data would be measured at firing of the rocket motor.

 

“I get it.  I really do,” rambled the Co-Host.  “It is kind of like taking pictures with cameras without any film.  You can get a lot of things right, but have nothing to analyze in the end.”

 

Clearly, the Co-Host’s comprehension needs work, but ATK, NASA and everyone involved in making the test a success is working toward rescheduling the test to insure that they will learn everything they can to make Ares I NASA’s next launch vehicle.

Ares I 1st Stage Motor Test Delayed… But NOT forgotten

NASA EDGE addresses their experience at the recent ATK Ares I 1st Stage Motor Test in Promontory, UT.

PROMONTORY, UT (NASA EDGE Press) – It is true.  The original test time for the Ares 1st Stage Motor Test was postponed approximately 20 seconds from firing on August 27, 2009.  Obviously, many people who were in attendance at ATK to witness this amazing event were sad to miss this spectacular demonstration.  It did, however, give the NASA EDGE Co-Host the opportunity to reflect on the importance of tests and data collection.

“We were poised to witness a two minute, intense rocket test that is ‘rumored’ to turn sand into glass,” said the perspiration covered NASA EDGE Co-Host.  “Not getting an opportunity to collect some fresh glass souvenirs, certainly makes you stop and think.”

AKT, NASA Officials and even the NASA EDGE Host were eventually able to explain to the Co-Host how important safety and integrity of the data collected are to the success of a given test.  The delay, while not a result of a safety concern, was made to insure that the necessary data would be measured at firing of the rocket motor.

 

“I get it.  I really do,” rambled the Co-Host.  “It is kind of like taking pictures with cameras without any film.  You can get a lot of things right, but have nothing to analyze in the end.”

 

Clearly, the Co-Host’s comprehension needs work, but ATK, NASA and everyone involved in making the test a success is working toward rescheduling the test to insure that they will learn everything they can to make Ares I NASA’s next launch vehicle.

Last Mission to Hubble: STS-125

Reflection of the STS-125 crew

What a great mission so far for the crew of Atlantis.  It’s been fun the past week watching John Grunsfeld, Drew Feustel, Mike Massimino, and Mike Good work on Hubble.  It was also great to see the entire crew (including Scott “Scooter” Altman, Greg “Ray J” Johnson, and Megan McArthur) during the live press conference from space.  The NASA EDGE team will never forget this mission because we had the chance to hang out with the crew, especially Drew Feustel and Mike Good.  It started back in 2008 when we first met Drew during the Hot Laps event at Daytona International Speedway.  NASA was celebrating its 50th anniversary and Daytona was celebrating the 50th running of the Daytona 500.  We shot Drew for our “Last Mission to Hubble” vodcast.  If you haven’t seen it, go to https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/podcasting/nasaedge/NE00_Last_Mission_Hubble.html.


Chris, Drew, and Blair change a tire at the Daytona Experience.  Credit: NASA EDGE/Ron Beard

I still think the training in the above pic helped Drew muscle a tough bolt loose during EVA 1.  A couple of weeks later we met Mike Good at the Daytona 500 race.  We also shot him for the Hubble vodcast.  Mike hung out with us all day and he had a chance to sign autographs.


Chris, Mike Good, and Ron pose for a picture along the track wall. Credit: NASA EDGE/Blair Allen

Mike actually signed the track wall and we have some good close-ups of it.  In fact, we are convinced this was part of his training to actually sign his name on Hubble during his last EVA.  Still waiting to hear from Mike if he did this.

We shot the rest of the crew at NASA Johnson Space Center.  I don’t have a picture of it but Mike Massimino scared the daylights out of Blair.  Imagine a 6’4″ broad shoulder guy standing in front of a 5’0″ red headed co-host (very intimidating).  But seriously, we all had fun and the crew was very accomodating with our needs.


STS-125 Crew walk out.  Credit: NASA EDGE/Chris Giersch

The crew walk out was really a huge deal for us because we heard Mike Good give us a shout out.  In fact you can hear it on our latest NASA EDGE vodcast on STS-125.  Download it today at https://www.nasa.gov/nasaedge.


STS-125 launch.  Credit: NASA EDGE/Chris Giersch

The launch says it all.  We have been very privileged to have worked with this fine crew and get the chance to spend some time with each of them.  I know we’ve covered other shuttle missions in the past and probably will cover more in the future but I believe this will be a NASA EDGE favorite.  This is our adopted crew and mission.  They did it right and everyone should be proud of their accomplishments.

I do have one final wish.  Scooter is responsible for “buzzing the tower” during the movie “Top Gun.”  Will he buzz the tower or VAB one final time?

Congratulations to the STS-125 crew and have a safe reentry and landing on Friday.

The Host

Last Mission to Hubble: STS-125

Reflection of the STS-125 crew

What a great mission so far for the crew of Atlantis.  It’s been fun the past week watching John Grunsfeld, Drew Feustel, Mike Massimino, and Mike Good work on Hubble.  It was also great to see the entire crew (including Scott “Scooter” Altman, Greg “Ray J” Johnson, and Megan McArthur) during the live press conference from space.  The NASA EDGE team will never forget this mission because we had the chance to hang out with the crew, especially Drew Feustel and Mike Good.  It started back in 2008 when we first met Drew during the Hot Laps event at Daytona International Speedway.  NASA was celebrating its 50th anniversary and Daytona was celebrating the 50th running of the Daytona 500.  We shot Drew for our “Last Mission to Hubble” vodcast.  If you haven’t seen it, go to https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/podcasting/nasaedge/NE00_Last_Mission_Hubble.html.


Chris, Drew, and Blair change a tire at the Daytona Experience.  Credit: NASA EDGE/Ron Beard

I still think the training in the above pic helped Drew muscle a tough bolt loose during EVA 1.  A couple of weeks later we met Mike Good at the Daytona 500 race.  We also shot him for the Hubble vodcast.  Mike hung out with us all day and he had a chance to sign autographs.


Chris, Mike Good, and Ron pose for a picture along the track wall. Credit: NASA EDGE/Blair Allen

Mike actually signed the track wall and we have some good close-ups of it.  In fact, we are convinced this was part of his training to actually sign his name on Hubble during his last EVA.  Still waiting to hear from Mike if he did this.

We shot the rest of the crew at NASA Johnson Space Center.  I don’t have a picture of it but Mike Massimino scared the daylights out of Blair.  Imagine a 6’4″ broad shoulder guy standing in front of a 5’0″ red headed co-host (very intimidating).  But seriously, we all had fun and the crew was very accomodating with our needs.


STS-125 Crew walk out.  Credit: NASA EDGE/Chris Giersch

The crew walk out was really a huge deal for us because we heard Mike Good give us a shout out.  In fact you can hear it on our latest NASA EDGE vodcast on STS-125.  Download it today at https://www.nasa.gov/nasaedge.


STS-125 launch.  Credit: NASA EDGE/Chris Giersch

The launch says it all.  We have been very privileged to have worked with this fine crew and get the chance to spend some time with each of them.  I know we’ve covered other shuttle missions in the past and probably will cover more in the future but I believe this will be a NASA EDGE favorite.  This is our adopted crew and mission.  They did it right and everyone should be proud of their accomplishments.

I do have one final wish.  Scooter is responsible for “buzzing the tower” during the movie “Top Gun.”  Will he buzz the tower or VAB one final time?

Congratulations to the STS-125 crew and have a safe reentry and landing on Friday.

The Host

NASA EDGE: LRO and LCROSS

NASA EDGE releases a new vodcast on LRO and LCROSS


Here is a nice little piece of advice.  Download the LRO/LCROSS vodcast (https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/podcasting/nasaedge/NE00_LRO_LCROSS.html), watch intently, save up some money, go buy a nice lawn chair, a good 10-12 inch telescope and invite over some friends for one of the coolest scientific events since JJ Abrams decided to make the prequel to the Star Trek TV series.  My friends, witness LRO and LCROSS.

Of course, the LCROSS impact won’t happen for a few months, and by that time LRO will have plowed through many of its objectives.  But what you might be able to see (I’m probably not correct about the specifics of my party preparation advice) is the impact plume of LCROSS’s Centaur module after it slams into the surface of the Moon.  Ordinarily this kind of destructive behavior is limited to Mythbusters, but NASA stands to gain tons of scientific data that will help us understand more about our Moon.  Perhaps we will bust a few myths in the process.

When you see the show, you’ll know a little bit more about what I mean.  Be sure to check it out.  Of course, if you have questions and comments, please leave them here.  I’ll be checking.  I’m trying to plan my own LRO/LCROSS impact party, and I could use a few good ideas.

The Co-Host

BTW, for more info:

LRO: http://lunar.gsfc.nasa.gov/
LCROSS:  http://lcross.arc.nasa.gov/

NASA EDGE: LRO and LCROSS

NASA EDGE releases a new vodcast on LRO and LCROSS


Here is a nice little piece of advice.  Download the LRO/LCROSS vodcast (https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/podcasting/nasaedge/NE00_LRO_LCROSS.html), watch intently, save up some money, go buy a nice lawn chair, a good 10-12 inch telescope and invite over some friends for one of the coolest scientific events since JJ Abrams decided to make the prequel to the Star Trek TV series.  My friends, witness LRO and LCROSS.

Of course, the LCROSS impact won’t happen for a few months, and by that time LRO will have plowed through many of its objectives.  But what you might be able to see (I’m probably not correct about the specifics of my party preparation advice) is the impact plume of LCROSS’s Centaur module after it slams into the surface of the Moon.  Ordinarily this kind of destructive behavior is limited to Mythbusters, but NASA stands to gain tons of scientific data that will help us understand more about our Moon.  Perhaps we will bust a few myths in the process.

When you see the show, you’ll know a little bit more about what I mean.  Be sure to check it out.  Of course, if you have questions and comments, please leave them here.  I’ll be checking.  I’m trying to plan my own LRO/LCROSS impact party, and I could use a few good ideas.

The Co-Host

BTW, for more info:

LRO: http://lunar.gsfc.nasa.gov/
LCROSS:  http://lcross.arc.nasa.gov/

Everyone's a Goofy Co-Host

NASA EDGE Fans at Everest Base Camp


 AstroJournalist Keith Cowing and Astronaut Scott Parazynski at Everest Base Camp.  Photo: Yeti
 
Wow!  Apparently, we have a small contingent of fans in Nepal! 

Or course, they are not there for NASA EDGE.  These two Everest Insiders and Outsiders are at Mount Everest base camp preparing to make their epic ascent to the summit.  You can follow their progress, along with their entire team, at http://OnOrbit.com/Everest.  And even though they have their very own goofy co-host, we expect nothing but success.

Stay safe guys!

The NASA EDGE Goofy Co-Host   

Everyone's a Goofy Co-Host

NASA EDGE Fans at Everest Base Camp


 AstroJournalist Keith Cowing and Astronaut Scott Parazynski at Everest Base Camp.  Photo: Yeti
 
Wow!  Apparently, we have a small contingent of fans in Nepal! 

Or course, they are not there for NASA EDGE.  These two Everest Insiders and Outsiders are at Mount Everest base camp preparing to make their epic ascent to the summit.  You can follow their progress, along with their entire team, at http://OnOrbit.com/Everest.  And even though they have their very own goofy co-host, we expect nothing but success.

Stay safe guys!

The NASA EDGE Goofy Co-Host   

Everyone's a Goofy Co-Host

NASA EDGE Fans at Everest Base Camp


 AstroJournalist Keith Cowing and Astronaut Scott Parazynski at Everest Base Camp.  Photo: Yeti
 
Wow!  Apparently, we have a small contingent of fans in Nepal! 

Or course, they are not there for NASA EDGE.  These two Everest Insiders and Outsiders are at Mount Everest base camp preparing to make their epic ascent to the summit.  You can follow their progress, along with their entire team, at http://OnOrbit.com/Everest.  And even though they have their very own goofy co-host, we expect nothing but success.

Stay safe guys!

The NASA EDGE Goofy Co-Host