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July 10, 1998 Communication for the information technology age Astrogram — 1
The Ames
Technology
Arctic crater expedition to seek Resident partner
Mars science insights agreement signed
NASA scientists soon will explore post-doctoral research advisor. Ames has signed an agreement
a barren Arctic meteorite impact crater Scientists will use a field spectrom- with Arkenstone, Inc., establishing the
to attempt to learn more about Mars eter to determine the site's reflective Sunnyvale nonprofit corporation as its
and its early history, while testing qualities and better understand the first industry resident partner at the
technologies useful for future robotic crater's compositional evolution. In sprawling Ames Moffett Complex.
and human exploration of the planet. another experiment, scientists will use a Arkenstone is a leading provider of
From June 22 to July 26, a 20- portable drill to obtain core samples technology for people with visual or
member science team from NASA and from ten feet deep in the frozen ground. reading disabilities. Ames Research
several other research organizations will Core samples of sediments from a lake Center Director Dr. Henry McDonald and
Roberta Brosnahan, Arkenstone’s chief
explore the Haughton Impact Crater that once occupied the crater will operating officer, signed a Reimbursable
and its surroundings on Devon Island in provide information about local climate Space Act Agreement that provides the
the Arctic Circle. evolution. Since the use of liquid drilling framework for partnership between the
Scientists consider the site a lubricants might be precluded on Mars, two organizations. Under the terms of
potential Mars analog because many of none will be used in this test. the agreement, Arkenstone will locate its
its geologic features, such as the crater's A portable stereo camera system offices in Building 23 at the Ames Moffett
ice-rich terrains, its ancient lake previously used by Carnegie Mellon's Complex in July.
sediments and nearby networks of small Nomad rover during its unprecedented “Arkenstone is the first industry
valleys, resemble those reported at the 133-mile wheeled trek through Chile's partner to locate at the Ames Moffett
surface of Mars. The site may shed Atacama Desert last summer will provide Complex,” McDonald said. “We hope it
light in particular on the early history of high-resolution images of the site, and will be the first of many new tenants that
Mars, when the planet's climate may produce images for a 360-degree photo- move here to partner with our research
have been wetter and warmer. realistic virtual reality project being and development activities. We are
"The cold, relatively dry, windy developed by Ames' Intelligent Mecha- pursuing industry partners to help
and unvegetated environment at the nisms Group. develop the Ames Moffett Complex into a
Haughton site is milder and wetter than Using laptop computer systems world-renowned, federally owned
present-day Mars, but it may give us an and "mobile workstations" developed by research and development complex.”
idea of what early Mars was like and Ames' Intelligent Mobile Technologies “We are delighted to be NASA’s
first industry resident partner at the Ames
how some of its surface features were Team, scientists will communicate with Moffett Complex,” said Arkenstone
formed," said Principal Investigator Dr. other field team members and send live President and CEO James Fruchterman.
Pascal Lee of Ames. images via a wireless link. Team mem- “Arkenstone will benefit by tapping into a
During the expedition, Dr. bers will operate from a base camp on a source for technology solutions and NASA
Omead Amidi and other engineers from terrace of the Haughton River within the expertise to serve our clients. In addition,
Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics crater's perimeter and explore the site we may also benefit through NASA’s
Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, will conduct with All-Terrain Vehicles. Supplies will be broader network of industry, academic
field tests of an experimental, robotic brought in by Twin Otter airplane, while and other external partners which may
helicopter. "The mission provides a a helicopter will aid exploration of provide future resources for our clients,”
great opportunity to demonstrate the remote sites. Fruchterman said.
feasibility and the value of robotic As part of the expedition's educa- The agreement also supports
aircraft for mapping and surveying tional outreach program, the following NASA’s mission to utilize the agency’s
applications," Amidi said. website will be updated regularly with unique competence in science and
Carnegie Mellon's small, 160- new data and images as available: http:/ engineering systems to assist bioengineer-
pound autonomous helicopter has /www.arctic-mars.org ing research, development and demon-
vision-based stability and position The total cost of the project is stration programs designed to alleviate
control, as well as an onboard naviga- $80,000. NASA is partially funding the and minimize the effects of disability.
tion computer, laser rangefinder and project through a National Research Additionally, the agreement promotes
NASA’s Agenda for Change by dissemi-
video system for site mapping. More Council grant. Additional support is nating Ames technology and expertise to
information about the unpiloted provided by Ames; NASA's Johnson the community through external partner-
helicopter may be found at the follow- Space Center, Houston, TX; the Geologi- ships for humanitarian and possible
ing website: http://www.ri.cmu.edu/ cal Survey of Canada; the Polar Conti- economic purposes.
project/chopper nental Shelf Project of Canada; the Arkenstone is a nonprofit organiza-
In addition to the tests with the Nunavut Research Institute, Canada; the tion dedicated to developing and
autonomous helicopter, scientists also Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon distributing adaptive technology to
will conduct experiments with a University; NovAtel Communications, people with visual and reading impair-
ground-penetrating radar system, a Calgary, Alberta, Canada; and the ments. Arkenstone products are distrib-
field spectrometer, drilling equipment National Geographic Society. uted in the U.S. and abroad by a network
and a stereo camera. BY MICHAEL MEWHINNEY of more than 100 dealers. The company
The radar system will be de- also provides information and technical
ployed in an attempt to map ground- support directly to people with disabilities
ice and other subsurface conditions through its phone number (800) 444-
within and outside the crater's 12-mile 4443, which supports all of the U.S. and
(20-kilometer) diameter. "The ability to Canada. Further information about
find underground ice, both for human Arkenstone, Inc., is available on the
consumption and geologic studies, will Internet: info@arkenstone.org and on its
Website: http://www.arkenstone.org.
be critical in the exploration of Mars,"
said Dr. Aaron Zent of Ames, Dr. Lee's BY MICHAEL MEWHINNEY
Above: (From left to right) Deborah Renick, Exchange Operations Manager, stopped by to view
the NFFE exhibit, while members Robert Trent and Joe Hanzel are on hand to answer questions.
'84 Ford Bronco XLT. Auto, air, power windows/ Two white tree frogs free to good home. Heated
Ames Asian American Pacific locks. Runs and looks good. Very clean. All XLT options terrarium and cricket house included. Sandy (408) 249-
Islander Advisory Group Meeting, and accessories plus alarm and cover. $5,000. Call (408) 0920.
July 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., N-213/Rm. 342-9055 and lv. msg. Twin-sized bunkbeds, walnut finish in gd. cond.,
261. POC: Daryl Wong at ext. 4-6889 or $200 or B/O. Call (408) 251-0436 eves.
Brett Vu at ext. 4-0911. '87 Nissan Sentra, white, 4-dr, 130K mi., auto/AC/
AM-FM, $2,200. Call (510) 278-2601. Apple Power PC 8500/150; 5Gig HD, 80Meg RAM;
JUG Meeting, July 16, 2 p.m., ‘88 Honda CIVIC DX, 4-dr, 4-cyldr, automatic, 92K color printer, 33kbs modem; lots of prof. graphics
N-258 Auditorium. POC: S. Marcacci at mi., AC, AM/FM, cassette, CD, exc. cond., orig. owner, software; $1,000. Sherry (650) 968-4040.
ext. 4-1059 $4,250. Call (408) 741-0524. 14k gold diamond ring, certificate of appraisal
‘88 Cadillac Eldorado Briarritz,Gold Series. Fully $3,195, make an offer. 18k gold earrings, 14k gold
Native American Advisory loaded,125K mi., asking $5,300 or B/O. Bob (408) 736- earrings, 14k gold band w/diamond cross, two 14k gold
Committee Meeting, July 28, 12 noon to 4039. bracelets. Becky (408) 226-5932.
1 p.m., Ames Café. POC: Mike Liu at ext.
4-1132. '89 Toyota 4-Runner SR5, V6, 5 speed, 93K mi., Vacation rental
loaded, $9,800. Call (408) 738-0524. Houseboat for rent on Claire Engle Lake ("Trinity"
Ames Contractor Council ‘92 Honda VFR 750 motorcycle, 21K mi., black with Lake) in N. CA. Sleeps 8, kitchen, bathroom w/shower.
Meeting, Aug 5, 11 a.m., N-200/Comm. silver wheels, clean, serviced, 2-helmets and full cover Unbelievable stargazing. See www.wildhorses.com/
Rm. POC: Greg Marshall at ext. 4-4673. $4,850 or B/O. Larry (408) 738-1447. houseboat.html. $1,200 week. Call (650) 941-3396.
‘94 Mercury Sable LS, exc. cond., 3.8L, Low Lake Tahoe-Squaw Valley-Townhse, 3bd/2ba,
Hispanic Advisory Committee for mileage, $8,495 or B/O. Call (408) 946-2440. balcony view, horseback riding, hiking, biking, golf, river
Employees, Aug 6, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 rafting, tennis, ice skating, and more. Summer rates. Call
p.m., N-239/Rm. 177. POC: Carlos Torrez Miscellaneous (650) 968-4155 or email: DBMcKellar@aol.com
at ext. 4-5797. Mogul exercise machine, U.S. Olympic ski team Carpool
"Skier's Edge", $50; professional rowing machine, Avita
Looking for someone to carpool with from
Environmental, Health & Safety 950-SL w/AccuTimer, $50; Solid oak desk, 32"x68" w/4
Campbell to Ames. If interested, please email at:
regular drawers and 2 file drawers, $250. Patrick (408)
Monthly Information Forum, Aug 6, jfung2@mail.arc.nasa.gov or Janice, at ext.4-5825.
296-8182.
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Bldg. 19/Rm.
1078. POC: Linda Vrabel at ext. 4-0924. ‘94 Travelark electric cart with basket, battery Lost & Found
charger, cane holder, and swivel seat with tilt arms.
Ames African American Advisory Good cond. Orig. price: $2,100; selling price $750. Found in N-233: small, expensive bracelet. Call to
Group Meeting, Aug 6, 11:30 a.m. to Jeanette (408) 378-1447. identify. Naz Haghbin at ext. 41494.
12:30 p.m., N-241/Rm. 237. POC: Original windsurfer, 12 ft board, mast, boom, one
Antoinette Price at ext. 4-4270 and Mary sail. Exc. beginner package, $200 or B/O. Bruce (650)
Astrogram deadlines
Buford Howard at ext. 4-5095. 969-4118.
Nat’l Association of Retired Large solid oak desk, $40; convertible sofa, $55. All Ames employees are invited
Federal Employees, S.J. Chapter #50, Call (408) 971-6624. to submit articles relating to Ames
Meeting, Aug 7, at the Elk’s Club, 44 W. For sale or trade: membership in Thousand Trails/ projects and activities for publication
Alma Avenue, San Jose. Social hour: NACO with home campground in Morgan Hill. Good for in the Astrogram.
10:30 a.m. Program & business mtg. all TTN campgrounds in US. Will consider all offers.
follow lunch at 11:30 a.m. POCs: Mrs. When submitting stories or
Hank (408) 923-2231.
Leona Peery, President, (650) 967-9418 ads for publication, please check the
Dogloo, paid $165 for it, will sell for $90; Nikon EM publication deadline and submit
or Earl Keener, Public Relations, (408)
manual 35mm camera w/52mm lens, very gd. cond.,
241-4459. $150; Rosignol sport skis w/o bindings, 190's, $55; Scott your material, along with any
ski poles, 122cm, Scott grip, good cond., $35; small dog questions, in MS word by e-mail to
Professional Administrative travel cage, $25; tennis racquet, Wilson Pro 6.5si, Hi astrogram@ mail.arc.nasa.gov on or
Council (PAC) Meeting, Aug 13, 10:30 Beam series, 96 sq. in, new strings, $65. Shari (408) 259- before the deadline.
a.m. to 11:30 a.m., N-244/Rm. 103. 7465.
DEADLINE PUBLICATION
POC: Janette Rocha, ext. 4-3371. 70 feet of 5 ft. high wrought iron fencing, including
3 gates. Used 2 years for pool fencing. Orig. cost $1,000,
MON, JUL 13 FRI, JUL 24
Ames Sailing Club Meeting, make offer. Call (408) 323-0327. MON, JUL 27 FRI, AUG 7
Aug 13, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., N-262/Rm. Maple coffee table, exc. cond., $85. Call (650) 961- MON, AUG 10 FRI, AUG 21
100. POC: Greg Sherwood at ext. 4-0429. 7581.
Astrogram
part of our goal. We ask that you bear THE AMES
BBQ C - The Ames Café caters the
main course (hamburgers, hot dogs, with us while we look at ways to make
sausages, and chicken breast) and will the process, including the on-line
provide a choice of side salads. Price registration more responsive and efficient.
Making appointments to donate is a great The Ames ASTROGRAM is an official
includes one canned soda, chips, dessert
and paper products. $6.00 per person. way for you to help us in this effort. publication of the Ames Research Center,
As always, the Ames Café offers Those of you who donated are a National Aeronautics and Space
catering to all your events at any site. real special group of people. We hope Administration.
Box lunches and deli platters are also you will continue to make blood donation
popular. From a continental breakfast or a regular part of your life. Thank you once Managing Editor.........David Morse
an office meeting to an elegant dinner, again. Editor..........................Astrid Terlep
we welcome the opportunity to serve BY CHAZ CZAPLICKI
Astrogram
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