Sep 7 2011
From The Space Library
MEDIA ADVISORY: M11-186 NASA ANNOUNCES MEDIA TELECONFERENCE ABOUT SATELLITE RE-ENTRY
WASHINGTON -- NASA will host a media teleconference at 11 a.m. EDT on Friday, Sept. 9, to discuss the anticipated re-entry of the agency's decommissioned Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). Re-entry is expected late this month or early October. The teleconference participants are: -- Paul Hertz, chief scientist, NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington -- Nick Johnson, chief scientist, NASA's Orbital Debris Program, Johnson Space Center, HOUSTON --U.S. Air Force Maj. Michael W. Duncan, deputy chief, space situational awareness, U.S. Strategic Command, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
RELEASE: 11-292 NASA GIVES RACE CAR FANS A REASON TO CHEER
WASHINGTON -- NASA has launched a new interactive online program that allows race fans to learn about the many contributions the agency has made to the racing industry. The "Rockets to Race Cars" site allows users to navigate through the NASA garage and learn about heat-resistant paint, fire-resistant materials, the development of better brakes and several other agency spinoffs that have helped the racing community. NASA has partnered with several racing organizations to test their cars, while also using proven agency technology to make the racing industry safer and faster. For example, the Penske Racing team partnered with NASA in 1996 to find a way to keep their drivers more comfortable during races. Using scrap material from the Space Shuttle's Thermal Protection System (TPS) blankets, they were able to cool the driver's cockpit by 30 to 50 degrees. Race cars around the nation now regularly use the material. "NASA's exploration missions have a huge impact here on Earth," said David Weaver, associate administrator for NASA's Office of Communications in Washington. "This interactive website demonstrates the scope of NASA's space technology and research efforts." Visitors can navigate through NASA's racing contributions by selecting from icons that appear on the bottom of the screen. Users receive a quick and entertaining description of how the contribution was developed and where it is used in the racing industry. The interactive website complements a "NASA Rockets to Race Cars" exhibit that visits racetracks around the country. The exhibit features a scale replica race car that highlights some of the technology benefits NASA spinoffs provide to the automobile and racing industries. Visitors also can access the "Rockets to Race Cars" interactive feature through a touch screen monitor.
CONTRACT RELEASE: C11-039 NASA AWARDS CONTRACT MODIFICATION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE CORP.
WASHINGTON -- NASA has awarded Computer Science Corp. (CSC) of Falls Church, Va., a contract modification to exercise the second option year under the current contract. This one-year option period increases the NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) support contract by more than $41 million and provides services through Sept. 30, 2012. CSC will continue financial management, human resources, procurement and information technology support services to the agency. The NSSC is a partnership between NASA, CSC and the states of Mississippi and Louisiana. The NSSC also performs selected business activities for all ten NASA centers.
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