NASA Sets Launch Date For Final Space Shuttle Mission

Stephanie Schierholz

Headquarters, Washington

Candrea Thomas

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis' Commander Chris Ferguson and his three crewmates are scheduled to begin a 12-day mission to the International Space Station with a launch at 11:26 a.m. EDT on July 8, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The STS-135 mission is the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program.

The launch date was announced Tuesday at the conclusion of a flight readiness review at Kennedy. During the meeting, senior NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle and station's equipment, support systems and personnel are ready.

Atlantis' STS-135 mission will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module filled with supplies and spare parts to sustain space station operations after the shuttles are retired.

The mission also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM), an experiment designed to demonstrate and test the tools, technologies and techniques needed to robotically refuel satellites in space - even satellites not designed to be serviced. The crew also will return an ammonia pump that recently failed on the station. Engineers want to understand why the pump failed and improve designs for future spacecraft.

The crew consists of Commander Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim. They are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy on Monday, July 4, for final launch preparations. STS-135 is the 135th shuttle mission, Atlantis' 33rd flight and the 37th shuttle mission to the station.

For more information about the STS-135 mission, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.

For more information about the space station, visit http://www.nasa.gov/station.

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NASA, NSF Collaborate to Develop Advanced Robotics

David E. Steitz

Headquarters, Washington

 

Lisa-Joy Zgorski

National Science Foundation, Arlington, Va.

 

WASHINGTON -- The National Science Foundation (NSF) will take the lead with NASA and two other federal agencies to support the administration's National Robotics Initiative.

The initiative complements the administrations' Advanced Manufacturing Initiative and technology transfer efforts and supports the development and use of robots in the United States that work beside, or cooperatively, with people and that enhance individual human capabilities, performance and safety.

"To help everyone from factory workers to astronauts carry out more complicated tasks, NASA and other agencies will support research into next-generation robotics," President Obama said during a speech Friday at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

Over the past five years, tremendous advancements in robotics technology have enabled a new generation of assistive systems and devices in industries as diverse as manufacturing, logistics, medicine, health care, military, agriculture, and consumer products.

"NASA has been focused on human-robotic interaction for more than a decade, leading to flight of our newest crew member on the International Space Station, Robonaut2," said NASA's Chief Technologist Bobby Braun. "Our challenge today is to develop robotics technology that can increase the effectiveness and safety of humans in space and deliver cutting-edge science. Through our participation in the National Robotics Initiative, NASA will create the new knowledge, technology and capabilities needed for our future space missions while benefiting life here on Earth, today."

It is becoming increasingly evident that these early, next generation products are a harbinger of numerous, large-scale, global, robotics technology markets likely to develop in the coming decade. The robotics initiative, which pays particular attention to fundamental research and education by academia and industry, seeks to engage our next generation of scientists and engineers in fields essential in the new global technology economy.

"It's exciting to be on the forefront of creating new knowledge and to play a catalytic role in the development of smart technology that enhances America's productivity and ultimately the quality of life of Americans," said NSF Director Subra Suresh. "It's also an opportunity to harness the expertise of our colleagues in several government agencies to tackle a major challenge and to bolster creative science and the U.S. economy. NSF is proud to lead this effort."

The purpose of the initiative is to encourage innovative collaborative research that combines computer and systems science with mechanical, electrical and materials engineering and social, behavioral and economic sciences to tackle the most important and challenging problems in producing this class of human-assisting co-robotics.

Investments in the initiative from NASA, NIH, NSF and United States Department of Agriculture may reach $40 to $50 million in the first year, with anticipated growth in funding as other agencies and industry partners engage.

NIH has used robotics for the rapid screening of potential drugs and the subsequent discovery of new drugs. NIH anticipates robotics will play an important role in rehabilitation, home health care, and advanced robotic surgery in the near future.

The USDA encourages automated systems and improved robotics for inspection, sorting, processing or handling of animal or plant products, as well as multi-modal and rapid sensing systems for detecting defects, ripeness, physical damage, microbial contamination, size shape and other quality attributes of such products.

NSF will manage the solicitation and peer review selection process. All participating federal agencies will work with partners to foster the exchange of ideas and technologies that will directly benefit American today and well into the future. For more information about the National Science Foundation, visit http://www.nsf.gov.

For more information about NASA, visit

http://www.nasa.gov.

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NASA To Highlight Robotic Refueling Mission Payload, Communication Support On Final Shuttle Flight

Joshua Buck

Headquarters, Washington                                        

 

Dewayne Washington

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

GREENBELT, Md. -- NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., will host a media event to highlight its role in the final space shuttle flight, currently targeted for launch on July 8. The media day will be held from 9 a.m. to noon EDT on Tuesday, June 28.

At 9 a.m., Goddard managers and engineers will give an overview of the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) module, which shuttle Atlantis will deliver to the International Space Station. RRM will use the station's two-armed robotic system, known as Dextre, to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing spacecraft in orbit. The Canadian Space Agency built the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, or Dextre, to perform intricate maintenance and servicing tasks on the station.

Reporters also will visit Goddard's Exploration and Space Communications area to learn how Goddard provides tracking, data and voice communications for every shuttle mission. Reporters then will have the opportunity to see the Network Integration Center and the Flight Dynamics Facility, which also support shuttle flights.

To attend, reporters must contact Dewayne Washington at 301-286-0040 or dewayne.a.washington@nasa.gov or Malissa Reyes at 301-286-0918 by June 27 to reserve space and provide names for security badges. Reporters should meet at the Goddard Visitor's Center, located off Greenbelt Road (State Route 193) and ICESat Road no later than 8:45 a.m. on June 28 to allow sufficient time for everyone to receive badges. A shuttle will take reporters to the various sites.

For information about NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, visit http://www.nasa.gov/goddard.

For information about RRM, visit http://ssco.gsfc.nasa.gov.

For information about ESC, visit http://esc.gsfc.nasa.gov.

For information about the STS-135 mission, visit http://go.nasa.gov/STS-135.

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NASA and DARPA Offer Students Chance to Support Future Missions

Rachel Hoover

Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.

Joshua Buck

Headquarters, Washington

Eric T. Mazzacone

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Washington

MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. -- NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are offering high school students the opportunity to design experiments that will be tested in space.

The 2011 Zero Robotics challenge is a continuation and expansion of a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education program using bowling ball-sized spherical satellites aboard the International Space Station.

The Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites, or SPHERES, are used inside the station to test maneuvers for spacecraft performing autonomous rendezvous and docking. The three satellites that make up SPHERES fly in formation inside the station's cabin. Each is self-contained with power, propulsion, computing and navigation equipment. Test results support satellite servicing, vehicle assembly and spacecraft that fly in formation.

The challenge requires high school student teams to write their own algorithm to fly the satellites in the station. Teams must register before Sept. 5 at http://zerorobotics.mit.edu.

Entries will be evaluated using simulations. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Mass., will host a final ground testing competition in October. The top 27 teams will have their code sent to the station, where an astronaut will program the SPHERES satellites to run their tests.

The Zero Robotics challenge, facilitated by MIT, continues the STEM focus of the SPHERES program. The 2011 challenge expands on a pilot program performed in 2009 and 2010. By making the benefits and resources of the space program tangible to high school students, Zero Robotics is designed to inspire future scientists and engineers. Students will have the opportunity to push their limits and develop skills in STEM. This program builds critical engineering skills for students such as problem solving, design thought process, operations training, team work and presentation skills.

MIT's Space Systems Laboratory developed SPHERES in 2006 to provide DARPA, NASA and other researchers with a long-term test bed for validating technologies critical to the operation of future satellites, docking missions and satellite autonomous maneuvers. The satellites provide opportunities to test a wide range of hardware and software at an affordable cost. NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., operates and maintains the SPHERES National Laboratory Facility on the station for NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate in Washington.

For additional information about NASA and MIT's Zero Robotics program, visit http://go.nasa.gov/zero-robotics.

For additional information about DARPA, visit http://www.darpa.mil.

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NASA And DARPA Offer Students Chance To Support Future Missions

Joshua Buck

Headquarters, Washington

 

Eric T. Mazzacone

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Washington

WASHINGTON -- NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are offering high school students the opportunity to design experiments that will be tested in space.

The 2011 Zero Robotics challenge is a continuation and expansion of a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education program using bowling ball-sized spherical satellites aboard the International Space Station.

The Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites, or SPHERES, are used inside the station to test maneuvers for spacecraft performing autonomous rendezvous and docking. The three satellites that make up SPHERES fly in formation inside the station's cabin. Each is self-contained with power, propulsion, computing and navigation equipment. Test results support satellite servicing, vehicle assembly and spacecraft that fly in formation.

The challenge requires high school student teams to write their own algorithm to fly the satellites in the station. Teams must register before Sept. 5 at http://zerorobotics.mit.edu/.

Entries will be evaluated using simulations. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Mass., will host a final ground testing competition in October. The top 27 teams will have their code sent to the station, where an astronaut will program the SPHERES satellites to run their tests.

The Zero Robotics challenge, facilitated by MIT, continues the STEM focus of the SPHERES program. The 2011 challenge expands on a pilot program performed in 2009 and 2010. By making the benefits and resources of the space program tangible to high school students, Zero Robotics is designed to inspire future scientists and engineers. Students will have the opportunity to push their limits and develop skills in STEM. This program builds critical engineering skills for students such as problem solving, design thought process, operations training, team work and presentation skills.

MIT's Space Systems Laboratory developed SPHERES in 2006 to provide DARPA, NASA and other researchers with a long-term test bed for validating technologies critical to the operation of future satellites, docking missions and satellite autonomous maneuvers. The satellites provide opportunities to test a wide range of hardware and software at an affordable cost.

For additional information about NASA and MIT's Zero Robotics program, visit http://go.nasa.gov/zero-robotics.

For additional information about DARPA, visit http://www.darpa.mil.

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NASA Announces Lunabotics Mining Competition Winners

Ann Marie Trotta

Headquarters, Washington

 

Tracy Young

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Cape Canaveral, Fla. -- Thirty-six teams of undergraduate and graduate students from around the globe tested their robot designs in a challenge at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida from May 26-28.

During the competition, teams remotely controlled excavators, called lunabots, to determine which could collect the most simulated lunar soil during a specified timeframe. The first place mining competition team was Laurentian University in Ontario, Canada. The Joe Kosmo Award for Excellence winner was the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

Winners in other competition categories are:

-- On-Site Mining Award Winners: University of North Dakota and West Virginia University

-- Judges Innovation Design Award: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Ariz.

-- Arizona Communications Efficiency Award: Laurentian University

-- Team Spirit Award: University of Alabama

-- Slide Presentation Award: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla.

-- Outreach Project Award: Montana Tech, University of Montana

-- Systems Engineering Paper Award: John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Ark.

The competition is designed to engage and retain students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines critical to NASA missions.

For more information about the competition, visit http://www.nasa.gov/lunabotics.

For information on NASA's education programs, visit http://www.nasa.gov/education.

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Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 Installed

At 5:46 a.m. EDT, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) was installed successfully on the outside of the International Space Station's right side. Mission Specialists Andrew Feustel and Roberto Vittori used the space shuttle’s robotic arm to extract it from Endeavour's payload bay. They handed it off to the space station’s Canadarm2, and Pilot Greg Johnson and Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff then used the robotic arm to install AMS on the starboard side of the station’s truss.

The AMS team will monitor the experiment 24 hours a day, gathering data for as long as the space station is in orbit. Using a large magnet to create a magnetic field that will bend the path of the charged cosmic particles already traveling through space, eight different instruments will provide information on those particles as they make their way through the magnet.

Armed with that information, hundreds of scientists from 16 countries are hoping to determine what composes the universe and how it began, as the AMS searches for clues on the origin of dark matter and the existence of antimatter and other unusual matter. AMS also could provide information about pulsars, blazers, gamma ray bursts and any number of other cosmic phenomena.

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STS-134 Crew Completes First Full Day in Space

Endeavour’s astronauts performed an inspection of the orbiter’s thermal protection system. They also checked out spacesuits and rendezvous tools in preparation for Wednesday’s docking with the International Space Station, scheduled for 5:16 a.m. CDT.

The shuttle and its crew of six, Commander Mark Kelly, Pilot Greg H. Johnson and Mission Specialists Mike Fincke, Roberto Vittori, Andrew Feustel and Greg Chamitoff are delivering the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2, other experiments and critical spare parts to the station.

The crew members took turns monitoring and using the shuttle’s robotic arm and its orbiter boom sensor system to look at the reinforced carbon-carbon on the spacecraft’s nose and wing leading edges, and some of its heat-resistant tiles.

Vittori and Johnson then latched the shuttle robotic arm onto the Express Logistics Carrier 3 to prepare for its installation shortly after arrival at the station.

Fincke and Feustel spent several hours preparing spacesuits for transfer to the station’s Quest airlock, where the mission’s four spacewalks will originate. The spacewalks are aimed at getting the International Space Station in the best possible shape for the retirement of the space shuttle fleet, through a variety of different tasks.

Feustel completed a checkout of the Sensor Test for Orion Rel-nav Risk Mitigation, or STORRM, equipment. The system is flying aboard Endeavour to examine sensor technologies that could make it easier for future space vehicles to dock to the International Space Station. It will gather data during the initial rendezvous and docking to the station, during the nominal undocking, and again during a dedicated re-rendezvous.

The next shuttle status report will be issued after crew wake up, or earlier if warranted. The crew is scheduled to be awakened at 9:56 p.m.

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ONR Sponsorship Aims to Inspire Students in STEM Disciplines

By ONR Corporate Strategic Communications

Arlington, Va. (NNS) -- The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is co-sponsoring two regional events aimed at encouraging student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), during National Robotics Week, April 9-17.

More than 100 students from 20 Baltimore middle schools are expected to participate in the SeaPerch competition, held April 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Johns Hopkins University's Homewood campus. The SeaPerch program introduces pre-college youth to engineering, science and ship/submarine design by teaching students how to build an underwater robot from a low-cost kit.

The SeaPerch partnership with National Robotics Week has helped the program advance into more rural communities, said Dr. Kam Ng, deputy director of research for ONR. "As a result of the successful National Robotics Week promotion, we have gained 55 new teams," Ng said. "During 2010, the SeaPerch program reached 36 states, delivered 3,500 kits, trained more than 1,800 teachers/mentors and 16,000 students."

ONR also co-sponsored the Greater D.C. Botball Tournament on April 9 at W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, Va., where more than 38 teams participated in a mini robotic competition. The Botball Educational Robotics program engages middle- and high school-age students in a team-oriented contest based on national science education standards.

Part of a nationwide effort to encourage student interest in STEM disciplines, Robotics Week is the result of a 2009 initiative by leading universities and companies to create a "national road map" for robotics technology. That industry has yielded a broad array of next-generation products and applications in fields as diverse as manufacturing, health care, national defense and security, agriculture and transportation, according to the organizers' website.

ONR has a history of investing in the next generation of naval scientists and engineers with its many programs that nourish K-12 and university students. For the past two years, ONR has backed Washington, D.C.'s McKinley Technology High School and Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School at the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition.

At this year's local contest, held March 24-26, 14 schools from the district were among 63 battling it out to advance in the national event. Although the two ONR-sponsored schools did not progress to the national level, students said the experience helped develop their knowledge and understanding of robotics.

About the Office of Naval Research

The Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.

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NASA And Boy Scouts Of America Unveil New Merit Badge

Dwayne C. Brown

Headquarters, Washington

 

Brandi Dean

Johnson Space Center, Houston

 

Renee Fairrer

Boys Scouts of America, Dallas

 

WASHINGTON -- Boy Scouts now have the opportunity to work with NASA and other technology professionals to design, build, and demonstrate a robot to earn the new Robotics merit badge.

NASA and BSA developed the badge because of the wide-reaching impact of robotics and its role in science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM careers. The badge is now part of the BSA's new curriculum emphasizing STEM activities and will help young men develop critical skills relevant and needed in today's competitive world. The new merit badge is one of 31 STEM-related merit badges. Scouts will have access to engineering software and work with professional mentors worldwide to earn the badge.

"This unique partnership is another clear example of NASA looking at new and creative ways to inspire our youth to consider STEM careers," said Lyndon Bridgwater, NASA aerospace engineer and lead badge contributor from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The badge involved approximately 14 months of development and input from 13 organizations and more than 150 BSA youth members and leaders and industry professionals from across the nation. To earn the Robotics merit badge, a scout is required to understand how robots move, sense the environment and understand how to perform an operation. Scouts will spend approximately 14 hours meeting the requirements of the badge, during which they will design a robot and demonstrate how it works. The BSA anticipates more than 10,000

Robotics merit badges will be earned the first year.

"While the guiding principles of Scouting -- service to others, leadership, personal achievement, and respect for the outdoors -- will never change, we continue to adapt programs to prepare young people for success in all areas of life," said BSA Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca.

For more information on BSA and a full list of the requirements to earn the badge, visit http://www.scouting.org and http://www.boyslife.org/robotics.

To view the badge, visit http://go.nasa.gov/g1aCiV.

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