![\"Astrogram](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/astrogrambanner2016v2_1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nTIME Recognizes the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System<\/h3>\n
In October, the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System a project managed at NASA Ames, was recognized by TIME Magazine as a \u201cTop Invention of 2024<\/a>\u201d! TIME Magazine also recognized two other NASA missions this year: Europa Clipper, and the Deep Space Optical Communications experiment.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n The\u00a0Advanced Composite Solar Sail System<\/a>\u00a0is a demonstration of technologies that enable spacecraft to \u201csail on sunlight,\u201d using solar radiation for propulsion. Results from this mission could provide an alternative to chemical and electric propulsion systems and guide the design of future larger-scale spacecraft for space weather early warning satellites, near-Earth asteroid reconnaissance missions, or communications relays for crewed exploration missions at the Moon and Mars. \u00a0<\/p>\n This twelve-unit (12U)\u00a0CubeSat<\/a>\u00a0features a reflective sail held taut by composite booms made from flexible polymer and carbon fiber materials\u202fthat are stiffer and lighter than previous designs. The square-shaped solar sail measures approximately 80 square meters, but the new boom technology could support future missions for solar sails up to 500 square meters.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n The mission launched on April 23 via a Rocket Lab Electron rocket and met its primary objective in August by\u00a0deploying the boom and sail system in space<\/a>. Next, the team will attempt to demonstrate maneuverability in orbit using the sail.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n Congratulations to the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System team and the Small Spacecraft Technology program office, based at Ames, for this well-earned recognition. Their contributions continue to push the boundaries of what we can achieve at NASA, and this acknowledgment highlights the capabilities and vision of our center.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n On Oct. 29, Ames hosted a recognition event for Representative Anna Eshoo to honor her 32 years of public service and to thank her for her enduring support for NASA and our center. Representative Eshoo announced her retirement from Congress in 2023.<\/p>\n Representative Zoe Lofgren, public officials from across the Bay Area, and colleagues from around the center were in attendance to celebrate Representative Eshoo\u2019s decades of tireless support. During the formal program, Ames Center Director Dr. Eugene Tu presented her with a replica of a\u00a0Pioneer Plaque<\/a>\u00a0(photo above) as a token of appreciation for her many years as a champion for NASA Ames \u2013 from Hangar One, to the USGS Building, and the Moffett Field Museum.<\/p>\n On Oct. 1, a Safety Day Organizational Silence Town Hall was held that focused on employee feedback and insights from prior Safety Culture, Federal Employee Viewpoint, and DEIA Organizational Climate surveys.<\/p>\n Fostering a psychologically safe culture of open communication at NASA and Ames is imperative for the safety of our team and for the collective success of our missions. This is a topic of particular interest and concern to Ames center leadership.\u00a0<\/p>\n Acting Director of the NASA Safety Center, Bob Conway,\u00a0presented in person at Ames to conduct the hybrid town hall event in the N201 auditorium on Organizational Silence.\u00a0In addition to valuable insights and tactics, there was the opportunity for employees to ask questions via a Conference I\/O channel and in person during the event.\u00a0<\/p>\n On Sept. 16, Ames welcomed NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy to the center. Having toured the facilities at Ames on past visits, Melroy visited the center to engage in several roundtable discussions with employees focused on procurement, NASA 2040, and leadership. She also greeted a delegation from the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, with Australia being among the original eight international partners to sign on to the\u00a0Artemis Accords<\/a>\u00a0in 2020. Across all of her conversations, Melroy voiced her appreciation for the Ames workforce for their steadfast dedication. She also consistently expressed her admiration for the diverse array of foundational work being done at Ames to advance NASA\u2019s mission.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The President of Latvia Edgars Rink\u0113vi\u010ds visited Ames on Sept. 18 to learn about our aeronautics research and some of the center\u2019s technical capabilities. Accompanied by a delegation of Latvian business representatives, the president visited the Airspace Operations Lab and FutureFlight Central.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n During the visit, he was briefed on the center\u2019s air traffic management simulation capabilities aimed at solving the challenges \u2013 present and emerging \u2013 of the nation\u2019s air traffic management system. Center experts discussed innovative work in airspace management, including commercial and public safety drone operations that extend from local incidents to large-scale disaster response.\u202fThrough these international visits, we are showcasing NASA to the world.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The 2024 Aeronautics Innovation Forum was held Sept. 17 \u2013 19, supporting aeronautics research and innovation. A panel discussion, \u201cAeronautics & Space Economy\u201d was held the first day with Dr. Parimal Kopardekar, Director of the NASA Aeronautics Research Institute (NARI) acting as the moderator. Panelists were Dr. Alex MacDonald, Chief Economist, NASA; Peter Shannon, Radius Capital, AAM Investor; Julia Black, Director of Range Operations, Stoke Space; and Dr. Yewon Kim, Professor, Stanford Graduate School of Business. Facility tours were also given during the forum. Lightning pitches were presented, along with an All Hands meeting, an aeronautics taco fiesta picnic and games at the Ames Park, and an ice cream social and Aeronautics Innovation Center (AIC) discussion.<\/p>\n by Hillary Smith<\/p>\n NASA, in partnership with AeroVironment and Aerostar, recently demonstrated a first-of-its-kind air traffic management concept that could pave the way for aircraft to safely operate at higher altitudes.<\/p>\n This work seeks to open the door for increased internet coverage, improved disaster response, expanded scientific missions, and even supersonic flight. The concept is referred to as an Upper-Class E traffic management, or ETM.\u00a0 There is currently no traffic management system or set of regulations in place for aircraft operating 60,000 feet and above. There hasn\u2019t been a need for a robust traffic management system in this airspace until recently. That\u2019s because commercial aircraft couldn\u2019t function at such high altitudes due to engine constraints.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n However, recent advancements in aircraft design, power, and propulsion systems are making it possible for high- altitude, long-endurance vehicles \u2014 such as balloons, airships, and solar aircraft \u2014 to coast miles above our heads, providing radio relay for disaster response, collecting atmospheric data, and more.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n But before these aircraft can regularly take to the skies, operators must find a way to manage their operations without overburdening air traffic infrastructure and personnel.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe are working to safely expand high-altitude missions far beyond what is currently possible,\u201d said Kenneth Freeman, a subproject manager for this effort at NASA\u2019s\u00a0Ames Research Center<\/a>\u00a0in California\u2019s Silicon Valley. \u201cWith routine, remotely piloted high-altitude operations, we have the opportunity to improve our understanding of the planet through more detailed tracking of climate change, provide internet coverage in underserved areas, advance supersonic flight research, and more.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Current high-altitude traffic management is processed manually and on a case-by-case basis. Operators must contact air traffic control to gain access to a portion of the Class E airspace. During these operations, no other aircraft can enter this high-altitude airspace. This method will not accommodate the growing demand for high-altitude missions, according to NASA researchers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n To address this challenge, NASA and its partners have developed an ETM traffic management system that allows aircraft to autonomously share location and flight plans, enabling aircraft to stay safely separated.\u00a0<\/p>\n During the recent traffic management simulation in the Airspace Operations Laboratory at Ames, data from multiple air vehicles was displayed across dozens of traffic control monitors and shared with partner computers off site.<\/p>\n This included aircraft location, health, flight plans and more. Researchers studied interactions between a slow fixed-wing vehicle from AeroVironment and a high-altitude balloon from Aerostar operating at stratospheric heights.<\/p>\n Each aircraft, connected to the ETM traffic management system for high altitude, shared location and flight plans with surrounding aircraft.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n This digital information sharing allowed Aerostar and AeroVironment high-altitude vehicle operators to coordinate and deconflict with each other in the same simulated airspace, without having to gain approval from air traffic control.<\/p>\n Because of this, aircraft operators were able to achieve their objectives, including wireless communication relay.\u00a0<\/p>\n This simulation represents the first time a traffic management system was able to safely manage a diverse set of high-altitude aircraft operations in the same simulated airspace.<\/p>\n Next, NASA researchers will work with partners to further validate this system through a variety of real flight tests with high-altitude aircraft in a shared airspace.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n The Upper-Class E traffic management concept was developed in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and high-altitude platform industry partners, under NASA\u2019s\u00a0National Airspace System Exploratory Concepts and Technologies subproject<\/a>\u00a0led out of Ames.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n by Lee Mohon<\/p>\n NASA and its industry partners continue to make progress toward Artemis III and beyond, the first crewed lunar landing missions under the agency\u2019s Artemis campaign. SpaceX, the commercial\u00a0Human Landing System (HLS)<\/a>\u00a0provider for Artemis III and Artemis IV, recently tested a 1.2% scale model of the Super Heavy rocket, or booster, in the transonic Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at NASA Ames. The Super Heavy rocket will launch the Starship human landing system to the Moon as part of Artemis.<\/p>\n During the tests, the wind tunnel forced an air stream at the Super Heavy scale model at high speeds, mimicking the air resistance and flow the booster experiences during flight. The wind tunnel subjected the Super Heavy model, affixed with pressure-measuring sensors, to wind speeds ranging from Mach .7, or about 537 miles per hour, to Mach 1.4, or about 1,074 miles per hour. Mach 1 is the speed that sound waves travel, or 761 miles per hour, at sea level.<\/p>\n Engineers then measured how Super Heavy model responded to the simulated flight conditions, observing its stability, aerodynamic performance, and more. Engineers used the data to update flight software for\u00a0flight 3 of Super Heavy and Starship<\/a>\u00a0and to refine the exterior design of future versions of the booster. The testing lasted about two weeks and took place earlier in 2024.<\/p>\n After Super Heavy completes its ascent and separation from Starship HLS on its journey to the Moon, SpaceX plans to have the booster return to the launch site for catch and reuse. The Starship HLS will continue on a trajectory to the Moon.<\/p>\n To get to the Moon for the\u00a0Artemis missions<\/a>, astronauts will launch in NASA\u2019s Orion spacecraft aboard the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket from the agency\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Once in lunar orbit, Orion will dock with the Starship HLS or with Gateway. Once the spacecraft are docked, the astronauts will move from Orion or Gateway to the Starship HLS, which will bring them to the surface of the Moon. After surface activities are complete, Starship will return the astronauts to Orion or Gateway waiting in lunar orbit. The astronauts will transfer to Orion for the return trip to Earth.\u00a0<\/p>\n With Artemis, NASA will explore more of the Moon than ever before, learn how to live and work away from home, and prepare for future human exploration of the Red Planet. NASA\u2019s SLS, exploration ground systems, and Orion spacecraft, along with the human landing system, next-generation spacesuits, Gateway lunar space station, and future rovers are NASA\u2019s foundation for deep space exploration.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n NASA astronauts, scientists, and researchers, and leadership from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) met with cancer patients and gathered in a discussion about potential research opportunities and collaborations as part of President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden\u2019s Cancer Moonshot initiative on Oct. 4.<\/p>\n Roundtable discussions centered conversation around the\u00a0five hazards of human spaceflight<\/a>: space radiation, isolation and confinement, distance from Earth, gravity, and closed or hostile environments. Many of these hazards have direct correlations to a cancer patient\u2019s lived experience, like the isolation of a hospital room and long-term effects of radiation.<\/p>\n During the visit with patients at the UCSF Benioff Children\u2019s Hospital San Francisco, NASA astronaut Yvonne Cagle and former astronaut Kenneth Cockrell answered questions about spaceflight and life in space.<\/p>\n Patients also received a video message from NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station, and met with the Director of NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston Vanessa Wyche, Ames Center Director Dr. Eugene Tu, and other agency leaders.<\/p>\n By connecting the dots between human space research and cancer research, NASA and the University of California hope to open doors to innovative new research opportunities. NASA is working with researchers, institutions, and agencies across the federal government to help cut the nation\u2019s cancer death rate by at least 50% in the next 25 years, a goal of the\u00a0Cancer Moonshot Initiative<\/a>.<\/p>\n Learn more about the Cancer Moonshot at: https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/cancermoonshot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n by Gianine Figliozzi<\/p>\n NASA recently evaluated initial flight data and imagery from Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator-4\u00a0(PTD-4), confirming proper checkout of the spacecraft\u2019s systems including its on-board electronics as well as the payload\u2019s support systems such as the small onboard camera. Shown below is a test image of Earth taken by the payload camera, shortly after PTD-4 reached orbit. This camera will continue\u00a0photographing the technology demonstration during the mission.\u00a0<\/p>\n Payload operations are\u00a0now underway for the primary objective of\u00a0the\u00a0PTD-4\u00a0mission \u2013 the demonstration of\u00a0a new power and communications technology for future spacecraft. The payload, a\u00a0deployable solar array with an integrated antenna called the Lightweight Integrated Solar Array and anTenna, or LISA-T, has initiated deployment of its central boom structure. The boom supports four solar power and communication arrays, also called petals. Releasing the\u00a0central\u00a0boom pushes the still-stowed petals nearly three feet (one meter) away from the spacecraft bus. The mission team currently is working through an initial challenge to get LISA-T\u2019s central boom to fully extend before unfolding the petals and beginning its power generation and communication operations.<\/p>\n Small spacecraft on deep space missions require more electrical power than what is currently offered by existing technology. The four-petal solar array of LISA-T is a thin-film solar array that offers lower mass, lower stowed volume, and three times more power per mass and volume allocation than current solar arrays. The in-orbit technology demonstration includes deployment, operation, and environmental survivability of the thin-film solar array.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe LISA-T experiment is an opportunity for NASA and the small spacecraft community to advance the packaging, deployment, and operation of thin-film, fully flexible solar and antenna arrays in space. The thin-film arrays will vastly improve power generation and communication capabilities throughout many different mission applications,\u201d said Dr. John Carr, deputy center chief technologist at NASA\u2019s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. \u201cThese capabilities are critical for achieving higher value science alongside the exploration of deep space with small spacecraft.\u201d<\/p>\n The Pathfinder Technology Demonstration series of missions leverages a commercial platform which serves to test innovative technologies to\u00a0\u00a0increase the capability of small spacecraft. Deploying LISA-T\u2019s thin solar array in the harsh environment of space presents inherent challenges such as deploying large highly flexible non-metallic structures with high area to mass ratios. Performing experiments such as LISA-T on a smaller, lower-cost spacecraft allows NASA the opportunity to take manageable risk with high probability of great return. The LISA-T experiment aims to enable future deep space missions with the ability to acquire and communicate data through improved power generation and communication capabilities on the same integrated array.<\/p>\n The PTD-4 small spacecraft is hosting the in-orbit technology demonstration called LISA-T. The\u00a0PTD-4 spacecraft deployed into\u00a0low Earth orbit\u00a0from SpaceX\u2019s Transporter-11 rocket which launched from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Aug. 16.\u00a0NASA\u2019s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama\u00a0designed and built the LISA-T technology as well as LISA-T\u2019s supporting avionics system. NASA\u2019s Small Spacecraft Technology program, based at NASA\u2019s Ames\u00a0Research Center in California\u2019s Silicon Valley\u00a0and led by the agency\u2019s Space Technology Mission Directorate, funds and manages the PTD-4 mission as well as the overall Pathfinder Technology Demonstration mission series. Terran Orbital Corporation\u00a0of Irvine, California,\u00a0developed and built the PTD-4 spacecraft bus, named\u00a0Triumph.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n On Oct. 24, Astronaut Nicole Mann presented the Silver Snoopy Awards in the Syvertson Auditorium at the center. The Silver Snoopy best symbolizes the intent and spirit of Space Flight Awareness.\u00a0 An astronaut always presents the Silver Snoopy because it is the astronauts\u2019 own award for outstanding performance, contributing to flight safety and mission success.\u00a0 Fewer than one percent of the aerospace program workforce receive it annually, making it a special honor to receive this award.<\/p>\n by Maria C. Lopez<\/p>\n Jordan Kam, a rising star at NASA Ames and a dedicated member of the Ames Hispanic Advisory Committee for Employees (HACE), recently received the prestigious Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Undergraduate Research Competition Award at the SHPE 50th National Convention held in Anaheim, California.<\/p>\n Currently pursuing an engineering degree at UC Berkeley, Jordan also is interning at NASA Ames through the Volunteer Internship Program, supporting the Intelligent Systems Division. Jordan\u2019s award-winning research, entitled \u201cDevelopment of The Wireless Prototype \u2018STAMPS\u2019 for Data Acquisition, Analysis, and Visualization,\u201d focuses on the System for Telemetry Amalgamation of Multimodal Prognostics. This innovative project plays a crucial role in diagnostics and prognostics for the Earth Independent Operations (EIO) Domain, which is essential for NASA\u2019s Mars Campaign efforts.<\/p>\n The SHPE National Convention is the largest annual gathering of Hispanic STEM students and professionals, with more than 20,000 members dedicated to promoting Hispanic leadership in STEM fields. Jordan\u2019s achievement is not only a testament to hard work and dedication but also an inspiration to all of us.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n by Maria C. Lopez<\/p>\n In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Newsweek En Espa\u00f1ol has released a special October\/November edition that highlights Hispanics around the globe who are making significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence. NASA Ames\u2019 very own Ignacio Lopez-Francos has been featured in this prestigious publication!<\/p>\n Ignacio is a principal research engineer with the Intelligent Systems Division at NASA Ames, working through the KBR Wyle Services, LLC contract. Ignacio\u2019s groundbreaking research focuses on applied AI for robot autonomy, encompassing core areas such as vision-based navigation, 3D scene reconstruction, geospatial mapping, edge computing, and foundation models. In addition to Ignacio\u2019s impressive technical work, Ignacio is an active member of the Ames Hispanic Advisory Committee for Employees (HACE), further demonstrating his commitment to community and representation.<\/p>\n Congratulations, Ignacio! Your pioneering efforts in AI are not only advancing technology but also making a global impact. It is inspiring to see you representing the NASA workforce and serving as a role model for future generations. We celebrate your passion and dedication!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n by Maria C. Lopez<\/p>\n On Sept. 16, the Ames Veterans Committee (AVC) proudly celebrated the promotion of Crystal A. Armendariz to the rank of United States Army Major during a ceremony at NASA Ames. This momentous occasion was organized by AVC and the Asian American Pacific Islander Advisory Group (AAPIAG), bringing together colleagues and friends to honor Major Armendariz\u2019s exceptional service and dedication.<\/p>\n Major Armendariz is a distinguished military graduate of California State University-Sacramento, where she earned a degree in Health Science with a focus on Community Health Education, as well as her commission in the United States Army. After completing the Army Military Intelligence Basic Officer Leader Course, she began her career with the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade at Wheeler Army Airfield in Hawaii, quickly deploying to Afghanistan as the Brigade Assistant Intelligence Officer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Her career has since seen her take on key leadership roles, including Battalion Intelligence Officer in Charge and Company Executive Officer, where she demonstrated remarkable skill and commitment to her missions.<\/p>\n Following her completion of the Army Military Intelligence Captain\u2019s Career Course, Major Armendariz served at Fort Carson, Colorado, and took part in Operation Atlantic Resolve in Germany. Her leadership extended to managing complex security programs and providing critical intelligence support in joint operational environments. In 2021, she served as the Battalion Security Officer for the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, ensuring safety compliance and advising command on security matters across multiple operational theaters.<\/p>\n In 2023, Major Armendariz transitioned to the 397th Reserve Engineer Battalion in Marina, California, as the Battalion S2. Shortly thereafter, she was selected as the Battalion Executive Officer and promoted to Major, overseeing staff operations and ensuring effective communication and planning. Her impressive accolades include the Knowlton Award, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and several other commendations that highlight her unwavering commitment to excellence in military service. Congratulations Major Crystal Armendariz on a well-deserved promotion and remarkable achievements!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cFrom my earliest childhood, flight had always captivated me. I lived out in the boonies and the farmlands, so I didn\u2019t have neighbors to go and play with. If I wasn\u2019t working, I was left to my own devices, and often, I would just be captivated by the wildlife and in particular, the birds of prey that I would see.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/figure>Representative Anna Eshoo Recognized for 32 Years of Distinguished Public Service<\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/a><\/figure>Safety Day Organizational Silence Town Hall<\/strong> Held <\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/a><\/figure>Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy Visits Ames, Attends Roundtable Discussions<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/figure>President of Latvia, Edgars Rink\u0113vi\u010ds Visits Ames<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure>Discussions, Lightning Pitches Presented at Ames\u2019 Aeronautics Innovation Forum<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/a><\/figure><\/a><\/figure><\/a><\/figure>NASA and Partners Scaling to New Heights\u00a0in Air Traffic Management<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure>Starship Super Heavy Breezes Through Wind Tunnel Testing at NASA Ames<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure>2024 NASA SmallSat In-Person LEARN Forum<\/strong> Held<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/a><\/figure><\/a><\/figure>NASA Astronauts, Leadership Visit Children\u2019s Hospital, Cancer Moonshot Event<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/a><\/figure>NASA Begins New\u00a0Deployable Solar Array Tech Demo on Pathfinder Spacecraft<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure>2024 Silver Snoopy Awards Presented by Astronaut Nicole Mann<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/a><\/figure>Jordan Kam Receives a Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Undergraduate Research Competition Award<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure>Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Ignacio Lopez-Francos Featured in Newsweek En Espa\u00f1ol<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure>Congratulations to Major Crystal A. Armendariz on her Promotion to Army Major!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure>Faces of NASA \u2013 Ames\u2019 Dr. Donald Mendoza, Chief Engineer<\/h3>\n