1 00:00:06,890 --> 00:00:09,790 This Week at NASA… 2 00:00:09,790 --> 00:00:15,990 A changing of the guard onboard the International Space Station as Expedition 31 Commander Oleg 3 00:00:15,990 --> 00:00:21,520 Kononenko handed over the reins of the orbiting outpost to cosmonaut Gennady Padalka during 4 00:00:21,520 --> 00:00:23,749 a change of command ceremony. 5 00:00:23,749 --> 00:00:29,090 The start of Padalka’s tenure as the lead of Expedition 32 makes him the first three-time 6 00:00:29,090 --> 00:00:31,159 commander of the station. 7 00:00:31,159 --> 00:00:36,060 He’s joined on the crew by NASA Flight Engineer Joe Acaba and Russian Flight Engineer Sergei 8 00:00:36,060 --> 00:00:37,060 Revin. 9 00:00:37,060 --> 00:00:41,370 “Alright see you – see you guys in September.” 10 00:00:41,370 --> 00:00:47,010 Two days later, Kononenko and Flight Engineers Don Pettit of NASA and Andre Kuipers of the 11 00:00:47,010 --> 00:00:52,899 European Space Agency climbed into their Soyuz spacecraft and departed the station for the 12 00:00:52,899 --> 00:00:55,030 trip back to Earth. 13 00:00:55,030 --> 00:01:01,559 “Touchdown … the Expedition 31 crew , Oleg Kononenko, Don Pettit, Andre Kuipers – home 14 00:01:01,559 --> 00:01:04,750 after 193 days in space.” 15 00:01:04,750 --> 00:01:10,210 The trio made a successful parachute-assisted landing on the steppe of Kazakhstan to cap 16 00:01:10,210 --> 00:01:19,360 off a six month stay onboard the ISS. 17 00:01:19,360 --> 00:01:24,010 Senator Barbara Mikulski, chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, 18 00:01:24,010 --> 00:01:30,659 Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, visited NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility recently. 19 00:01:30,659 --> 00:01:36,229 Joined by officials from NASA, Orbital Sciences Corporation and others the Senator was updated 20 00:01:36,229 --> 00:01:41,799 on the status of Orbital Sciences Corporation’s Antares rocket and the Mid-Atlantic Regional 21 00:01:41,799 --> 00:01:45,170 Spaceport’s new pad, from which the vehicle will launch. 22 00:01:45,170 --> 00:01:50,520 Antares is slated to carry Orbital’s Cygnus pressurized cargo module on a demonstration 23 00:01:50,520 --> 00:01:56,810 flight under NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program in December 2012 and begin 24 00:01:56,810 --> 00:02:00,119 carrying supplies to the International Space Station in 2013. 25 00:02:00,119 --> 00:02:09,880 The first steps in preparing for NASA’s Exploration Flight Test-1, or EFT-1 in 2014 26 00:02:09,880 --> 00:02:13,770 are underway at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. 27 00:02:13,770 --> 00:02:18,319 As the Orion team completes its welding of the crew module, the spacecraft will next 28 00:02:18,319 --> 00:02:23,060 move to the Kennedy Space Center’s Operations & Checkout Facility, where its processing 29 00:02:23,060 --> 00:02:25,790 will continue through final assembly and testing. 30 00:02:25,790 --> 00:02:30,690 “We’ve been here probably working on this for the last six or eight months and they’ve 31 00:02:30,690 --> 00:02:37,260 spent a lot of weekends and nights trying to get us to this point in the program.” 32 00:02:37,260 --> 00:02:41,000 Engineers at Marshall Space Flight Center tested a Composite Crew Module (CCM) in the 33 00:02:41,000 --> 00:02:46,180 Environmental Test Facility vacuum chamber to gauge how a space structure fabricated 34 00:02:46,180 --> 00:02:51,230 with composite materials will react in a simulated space environment. 35 00:02:51,230 --> 00:02:56,209 During the test, the crew module was pressurized and filled with helium to allow engineers 36 00:02:56,209 --> 00:02:57,700 to inspect it for leaks. 37 00:02:57,700 --> 00:03:03,130 “Once we understand what that leak rate is we can then start to pursue understanding 38 00:03:03,130 --> 00:03:08,580 what’s contributing to that leak rate, whether it’s the fittings that are bolted through 39 00:03:08,580 --> 00:03:13,299 the surface or through the thickness of the crew module or whether it’s coming through 40 00:03:13,299 --> 00:03:14,549 the skin.” 41 00:03:14,549 --> 00:03:20,069 The crew module was designed to test new materials and fabrication techniques that might be used 42 00:03:20,069 --> 00:03:24,440 to construct future space structures from both metals and composites. 43 00:03:24,440 --> 00:03:33,209 The Composite Crew Module Project is led by NASA's Engineering and Safety Center at Langley. 44 00:03:33,209 --> 00:03:38,870 Expedition 31 flight engineer Don Pettit is nothing if not, A. passionate about conducting 45 00:03:38,870 --> 00:03:44,580 science research in space, and B. in possession of a healthy sense of humor. 46 00:03:44,580 --> 00:03:50,769 Combine the two and you have “Diary of a Space Zucchini,” Pettit’s spaceblog authored 47 00:03:50,769 --> 00:03:55,890 from the point of view of a squash growing from seed aboard the International Space Station. 48 00:03:55,890 --> 00:04:00,610 While the chronicles of the space zucchini may constitute an entertaining and educational 49 00:04:00,610 --> 00:04:03,799 novelty, (see the June 9th entry: “Great news! 50 00:04:03,799 --> 00:04:09,000 I have a baby brother sprout!”), important plant studies have long been conducted in 51 00:04:09,000 --> 00:04:10,000 space. 52 00:04:10,000 --> 00:04:15,159 Vegetation investigations on the ISS have had real scientific goals for Earth and space 53 00:04:15,159 --> 00:04:17,130 exploration benefits. 54 00:04:17,130 --> 00:04:22,470 From improved crop production on the ground to one day providing fresh produce on orbit, 55 00:04:22,470 --> 00:04:27,440 sprouts in space provide a bumper crop of data for research. 56 00:04:27,440 --> 00:04:35,580 You can now use the Internet and a smart-phone for an inside look at the groundbreaking science 57 00:04:35,580 --> 00:04:40,700 and technology research being done onboard the International Space Station! 58 00:04:40,700 --> 00:04:43,080 Log on to the agency's Space Station Live! 59 00:04:43,080 --> 00:04:46,550 Web page, or download the companion ISSLive! 60 00:04:46,550 --> 00:04:52,290 mobile app to get up-to-the-minute information on experiments NASA astronauts are conducting 61 00:04:52,290 --> 00:04:56,820 240 miles in space for the benefit of all on Earth! 62 00:04:56,820 --> 00:05:02,140 You can also take a virtual tour of the station and get a peek at the operator consoles inside 63 00:05:02,140 --> 00:05:07,680 ISS Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center! 64 00:05:07,680 --> 00:05:14,520 NASA’s Ames Research Center hosted about 30 elementary school students for a one-week 65 00:05:14,520 --> 00:05:18,230 learning experience as part of the Greene Scholars Program. 66 00:05:18,230 --> 00:05:24,220 The Program is focused on developing and highlighting the academic skills of African American students 67 00:05:24,220 --> 00:05:26,880 with the goal of inspiring them to pursue higher education. 68 00:05:26,880 --> 00:05:33,510 “It’s very fun I get to learn more about science and I really like science so, I think 69 00:05:33,510 --> 00:05:36,020 this have been a very good experience.” 70 00:05:36,020 --> 00:05:41,530 Ames Deputy Director Lew Braxton met with the students to give them advice and encouragement. 71 00:05:41,530 --> 00:05:45,910 During the week, the scholars participated in various math and science projects and at 72 00:05:45,910 --> 00:05:53,250 the end of the week each student received a graduation certificate to mark their achievement. 73 00:05:53,250 --> 00:05:58,100 Preparations for the launch of NASA’s Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer, 74 00:05:58,100 --> 00:06:02,100 or LADEE, are in full gear at the Wallops Flight Facility. 75 00:06:02,100 --> 00:06:08,070 Erected on the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad Zero-B, a mock-up of the vehicle allowed 76 00:06:08,070 --> 00:06:13,500 technicians to check out how the spacecraft will fit with its Air Force Minotaur V rocket 77 00:06:13,500 --> 00:06:15,160 and launcher. 78 00:06:15,160 --> 00:06:19,400 Additional fit and procedural checks were conducted at other Wallops facilities that 79 00:06:19,400 --> 00:06:21,380 will be used to process the vehicle. 80 00:06:21,380 --> 00:06:29,440 LADEE is scheduled to be launched from Wallops in mid-2013. 81 00:06:29,440 --> 00:06:34,000 Speaking before an enthusiastic crowd at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum 82 00:06:34,000 --> 00:06:39,540 in Washington, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden delivered this year’s John H. Glenn 83 00:06:39,540 --> 00:06:41,930 Lecture in Space History. 84 00:06:41,930 --> 00:06:47,470 Bolden reflected on his career as a Marine aviator, a Space Shuttle pilot and commander, 85 00:06:47,470 --> 00:06:50,350 and his tenure as the leader of the nation’s space agency. 86 00:06:50,350 --> 00:06:55,520 “It's been my honor to be a part of one of our nation's greatest successes and to 87 00:06:55,520 --> 00:06:57,930 help shepherd NASA to its next destinations. 88 00:06:57,930 --> 00:07:03,740 There are many bright days ahead for the nation's space program, and for civilization's progress 89 00:07:03,740 --> 00:07:04,740 into space. 90 00:07:04,740 --> 00:07:11,130 I hope every one of you here tonight is as excited and passionate as am I about ensuring 91 00:07:11,130 --> 00:07:16,440 we realize every potential of our times.” 92 00:07:16,440 --> 00:07:20,690 Bolden was also presented the Excellence in Public Service Award by former Senator and 93 00:07:20,690 --> 00:07:25,750 astronaut John Glenn on behalf of the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at The Ohio 94 00:07:25,750 --> 00:07:27,380 State University. 95 00:07:27,380 --> 00:07:32,300 The Award honors a person who demonstrates outstanding dedication to public service. 96 00:07:32,300 --> 00:07:36,430 The award ceremony was held at the Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of 97 00:07:36,430 --> 00:07:41,000 Sciences in Washington, D.C. 98 00:07:41,000 --> 00:07:48,060 And Bolden and Glenn were joined by another former Marine to take in some art at Air and 99 00:07:48,060 --> 00:07:49,060 Space. 100 00:07:49,060 --> 00:07:54,130 The museum’s director, General Jack Dailey led the tour of the exhibit gallery featuring 101 00:07:54,130 --> 00:07:55,910 “Fly Marines! 102 00:07:55,910 --> 00:07:58,820 The Centennial of Marine Corps Aviation: 1912-2012." 103 00:07:58,820 --> 00:08:03,740 “That’s a pretty picture, that’s a good shot.” 104 00:08:03,740 --> 00:08:07,910 The 91 works of art were selected from the more than 8-thousand pieces in the Marine 105 00:08:07,910 --> 00:08:09,620 Corps Art Program collection. 106 00:08:09,620 --> 00:08:14,490 “Take each string and hold it like this.” 107 00:08:14,490 --> 00:08:20,240 NASA teamed up with Vanderbilt University's Dyer Observatory in Brentwood, Tenn., to host 108 00:08:20,240 --> 00:08:25,240 a Summer of Innovation event for rising fifth and sixth graders from the Nashville area. 109 00:08:25,240 --> 00:08:30,900 The students enjoyed hands-on, Mars-related activities, and got to speak with NASA Associate 110 00:08:30,900 --> 00:08:37,600 Administrator for Education and former astronaut, Leland Melvin. 111 00:08:37,600 --> 00:08:42,570 The young attendees were also treated to an evening concert and stage presentation. 112 00:08:42,570 --> 00:08:48,720 Summer of Innovation aims to inspire and engage middle school students in science, technology, 113 00:08:48,720 --> 00:08:51,360 engineering and math, the STEM fields. 114 00:08:51,360 --> 00:09:02,500 This is the second year Dyer Observatory has partnered with NASA for Summer of Innovation. 115 00:09:02,500 --> 00:09:11,280 Aboard the International Space Station, Expedition 31 Flight Engineer Joe Acaba, a lifelong fan 116 00:09:11,280 --> 00:09:16,050 of the Los Angeles Angels, recently chatted with Angels’ outfielder Torii Hunter, who 117 00:09:16,050 --> 00:09:20,850 was on the field at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, CA preparing for the team’s game that night. 118 00:09:20,850 --> 00:09:21,850 “Station this is Torii Hunter, how do you hear me?” 119 00:09:21,850 --> 00:09:22,850 “Torii, this is Joe Acaba aboard the International Space Station, I hear you loud and clear.” 120 00:09:22,850 --> 00:09:25,560 “I always encourage kids to go out and take away fear, worry and doubt and don’t listen 121 00:09:25,560 --> 00:09:28,640 to anybody that’s negative and tell you that you can’t do anything. 122 00:09:28,640 --> 00:09:32,760 You can be an astronaut, you can be a Major League Baseball player – anything you want 123 00:09:32,760 --> 00:09:35,390 to be just put your mind to it and your heart into it.” 124 00:09:35,390 --> 00:09:40,230 “Amen, I agree with you’re a hundred percent and I know you and I are pretty good examples 125 00:09:40,230 --> 00:09:44,410 of people that you know, dreams can come true and we’re living that right now.” 126 00:09:44,410 --> 00:09:49,420 The conversation between Acaba and Hunter was replayed for the fans in Anaheim before 127 00:09:49,420 --> 00:09:57,540 the June 22 game with the L.A. Dodgers and was also aired on the Angels television network. 128 00:09:57,540 --> 00:10:06,020 15 years ago on July 4, 1997 the Mars Pathfinder landed on The Red Planet, seven months after 129 00:10:06,020 --> 00:10:07,440 it was launched. 130 00:10:07,440 --> 00:10:13,080 Pathfinder landed on Mars' Ares Vallis, in a region called Chryse Planitia in the Oxia 131 00:10:13,080 --> 00:10:14,790 Palus quadrangle. 132 00:10:14,790 --> 00:10:19,560 The mission carried a series of scientific instruments to analyze the Martian atmosphere, 133 00:10:19,560 --> 00:10:23,690 climate, geology and the composition of its rocks and soil. 134 00:10:23,690 --> 00:10:27,160 It was the second project from NASA's Discovery Program. 135 00:10:27,160 --> 00:10:32,920 Pathfinder consisted of a lander, renamed the Carl Sagan Memorial Station, and a lightweight 136 00:10:32,920 --> 00:10:35,650 robotic rover named Sojourner. 137 00:10:35,650 --> 00:10:40,300 In addition to scientific objectives, the mission was also a "proof-of-concept" for 138 00:10:40,300 --> 00:10:47,050 various technologies, such as the airbag-mediated touchdown and automated obstacle avoidance, 139 00:10:47,050 --> 00:10:51,570 both later used by the Mars Exploration Rovers. 140 00:10:51,570 --> 00:10:53,680 And that’s This Week @NASA! 141 00:10:53,680 --> 00:10:58,710 For more on these and other stories, or to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and other social