NASA people

American Public University System and Policy Studies Organization to Host Two-Day Virtual Conference on Space Studies

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Spaceflight, Discovery and exploration of the Solar System, Exploration of Mars, Mars, Outer space, NASA people, Astronomy

The free event will feature speakers from NASA, the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Johns Hopkins University, Georgetown University, and American Military University (AMU) among others.

Key Points: 
  • The free event will feature speakers from NASA, the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Johns Hopkins University, Georgetown University, and American Military University (AMU) among others.
  • The two-day virtual conference, which starts at 8 a.m. Eastern on October 15, will include discussions on space exploration, space entrepreneurship, space medicine, Mars exploration rovers, among other related topics.
  • "We are excited to bring together so many forward-thinkers in both commercial and military space to amplify the global conversation.
  • To read content on space education, visit the Space Education and Strategic Studies Journal .

Global Alliance of Telcos Signs Deal with Felix & Paul Studios to Distribute Upcoming Season of Space Explorers in Immersive 360-Degree Mobile Format

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Space programs, Canadian Space Agency, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Space station, International Space Station, Astronauts, Aquanauts, Spaceflight, NASA people

Additionally, several Alliance members have signed on to distribute the experience to their subscribers in immersive mobile 360-degree format with more distribution partnerships to follow.

Key Points: 
  • Additionally, several Alliance members have signed on to distribute the experience to their subscribers in immersive mobile 360-degree format with more distribution partnerships to follow.
  • Felix & Paul Studios is the leader in immersive entertainment and the next season of their Space Explorers series--chronicling life aboard and outside the International Space Station--will be groundbreaking.
  • Space Explorers is an EMMY-nominated immersive entertainment series, chronicling the lives of astronauts as they adapt to life in space.
  • The latest season of Space Explorers is produced by Felix & Paul Studios and TIME Studios in collaboration with the ISS U.S. National Laboratory, NASA, the Canadian Space Agency and other space agencies involved with the International Space Station.

Riverside Research Welcomes Dr. Lisa Porter to its Board of Trustees

Retrieved on: 
Monday, August 31, 2020
Lisa Porter, NASA people

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Riverside Research welcomes Dr. Lisa Porter to its Board of Trustees.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Riverside Research welcomes Dr. Lisa Porter to its Board of Trustees.
  • "I am excited to have Dr. Porter back on the Riverside Research Board," said Dr. Steve Omick, President and CEO.
  • Dr. Porter returned to her Riverside Research Board of Trustee duties effective August 1, 2020.
  • Riverside Research conducts independent research in machine learning, trusted and resilient systems, optics and photonics, electromagnetics, plasma physics, and acoustics.

NASA Names Robyn Gatens Acting Director for International Space Station

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Kathy Lueders, NASA people, NASA, International Space Station programme, DIRECT, Science and technology in the United States, Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kathy Lueders, NASA's associate administrator for Human Exploration and Operations, has named Robyn Gatens as acting director of the International Space Stationat NASA Headquarters.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kathy Lueders, NASA's associate administrator for Human Exploration and Operations, has named Robyn Gatens as acting director of the International Space Stationat NASA Headquarters.
  • "Robyn has demonstrated her leadership and strategic vision for the International Space Station and our efforts to enable a robust low-Earth orbit economy, and I am confident she will continue to do so as acting director," said Lueders.
  • In this role, Gatens will lead strategy, policy, integration, and stakeholder engagement for the space station program at the agency level, working closely with International Space Station Program Manager Joel Montalbano at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
  • Gatens has been the deputy director for the International Space Station, sharing responsibility with the director for day-to-day management.

NASA's Johnson Space Center to Close for Hurricane Laura

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Huntsville-Decatur-Albertville, AL Combined Statistical Area, Spaceflight, Outer space, Space technology, NASA, NASA people, Mission control center, Huntsville, Alabama, Space Shuttle Columbia, Marshall Space Flight Center, International Space Station

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston will close Wednesday, Aug. 26, to all but essential personnel and will remain closed until the threat of Hurricane Laura has passed.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston will close Wednesday, Aug. 26, to all but essential personnel and will remain closed until the threat of Hurricane Laura has passed.
  • It also allows the center to focus on the highest priority mission activities, including the crewmembers currently aboard the International Space Station.
  • The Flight Control Room supporting the space station closed Tuesday as the hurricane neared the Texas coast.
  • Flight operations teams deployed to NASA's Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in northeast Texas and the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, will continue to support the space station and its crew.

NASA Administrator Statement on the Passing of Mike Freilich

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Jim Bridenstine, Freilich, NASA, Military of the United States, Agencies of the United States government, Washington, D.C., NASA people

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine on the passing of Mike Freilich, passionate explorer and former director of NASA's Earth Science Division:

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine on the passing of Mike Freilich, passionate explorer and former director of NASA's Earth Science Division:
    "Our planet has lost a true champion with the passing of Mike Freilich.
  • NASA sends our condolences to his loved ones, and the entire NASA Family shares their loss.
  • "As the head of NASA Earth Science, Mike was known for his diligence and an unwavering commitment to accuracy and making sure the science was strong.
  • More information about Mike Freilich and the upcoming mission that bears his name is available at:
    View original content to download multimedia: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-administrator-statement-on-...

Mars Rover Set to Launch With Motiv Space Systems Technology on Board

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 30, 2020
California, States of the United States, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, La Cañada Flintridge, California, NASA, NASA people, Vandi Verma

Motiv Space Systems was honored and excited to partner with NASA and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to design and build the robotic arm.

Key Points: 
  • Motiv Space Systems was honored and excited to partner with NASA and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to design and build the robotic arm.
  • Motiv also had the pleasure of partnering with Malin Space Science Systems on the development of several camera elements.
  • The robotic arm built by Motiv is the most sophisticated robotic arm that NASA has ever sent to Mars.
  • As the respected team who provided the robotic arm for NASA's JPL Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, Motiv Space Systems leverages technologies from both earth and space to offer cost-effective solutions for robotics in a variety of industries.

Governor General Welcomes New Heads of Mission in Virtual Ceremony

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 20, 2020
Monarchy in Canada, Honorifics, Government of Canada, Government, Canadian heraldry, Julie Payette, NASA people, Governor General of Canada, Rideau Hall, The Honourable, Excellency, High commissioner

OTTAWA, ON, July 20, 2020 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, received the letters of credence of two new heads of mission during a virtual ceremony on Thursday, July 16, 2020.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, ON, July 20, 2020 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, received the letters of credence of two new heads of mission during a virtual ceremony on Thursday, July 16, 2020.
  • The following new heads of mission presented their credentials:
    To ensure the health and safety of the new heads of mission, their families and government officials, the format of these presentations which usually occur in person at Rideau Hall was adapted to take place virtually.
  • Upon their arrival in Canada, and before they can carry out their duties as heads of mission, new ambassadors, as well as new high commissioners of countries for which Her Majesty QueenElizabeth II is not head of State, must be officially welcomed by the governor general of Canada.
  • Photos of the virtual ceremony can be provided for publication upon request.

Virgin Galactic Announces Michael Colglazier as Chief Executive Officer in Preparation for Commercial Service

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Air, Transport, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Outer space, Space industry, Private spaceflight, Space tourism, George T. Whitesides, NASA people, Virgin Galactic, George M. Whitesides, Virgin Group, Virgin Airlines

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) (Virgin Galactic), a vertically integrated aerospace and space travel company, today announced the appointments of Michael Colglazier as Virgin Galactics new Chief Executive Officer and George Whitesides as Chief Space Officer, effective July 20, 2020.

Key Points: 
  • Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) (Virgin Galactic), a vertically integrated aerospace and space travel company, today announced the appointments of Michael Colglazier as Virgin Galactics new Chief Executive Officer and George Whitesides as Chief Space Officer, effective July 20, 2020.
  • Michael assumes the CEO role at an exciting time for Virgin Galactic as the Company progresses through its test flight program and prepares for commercial service.
  • Michael Colglazier said, I am thrilled to join the talented team at Virgin Galactic at this inflection point in the Companys journey.
  • At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Michael as the new Chief Executive to lead Galactic into commercial operations.

NASA Awards SETI Institute Contract for Planetary Protection Support

Retrieved on: 
Friday, July 10, 2020
NASA people, Astronomy, Astrobiology, Radio astronomy, Search for extraterrestrial intelligence, NASA, Lisa Pratt, SETI Institute, Space science, Physical sciences

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA has awarded the SETI Institute in Mountain View, California, a contract to support all phases of current and future planetary protection missions to ensure compliance with planetary protection standards.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, July 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA has awarded the SETI Institute in Mountain View, California, a contract to support all phases of current and future planetary protection missions to ensure compliance with planetary protection standards.
  • The SETI Institute will work with NASA's Office of Planetary Protection (OPP) to provide technical reviews and recommendations, validate biological cleanliness on flight projects, provide training for NASA and its partners, as well as develop guidelines for implementation of NASA requirements, and disseminate information to stakeholders and the public.
  • "The depth of mission experience and breadth of knowledge on the SETI Institute team will help NASA meet the technical challenges of assuring forward and backward planetary protection on the anticipated path of human exploration from the Moon to Mars," said Lisa Pratt, NASA's planetary protection officer at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
  • NASA and the SETI Institute have worked together on planetary protection for more than a decade and have developed a strong relationship and core competency in this area.