This morning the students again rose early and readied
themselves to start their second day at the NASA Ames Research Center. After so
many exciting activities yesterday they knew to expect an engaging and
informing time during the presentations and tours that would be given and the
day did not disappoint.
The
students had the opportunity to hear from prominent scientist Chris McKay, a
member of the panel of scientists from the day before, who gave a presentation
about finding life on Mars. He gave more details about the three (of eight)
landing sites that the students were challenged to take core samples at, the
three he recommended. He also told students how millions of years ago each
could have been a textbook location for microorganisms and other life. Dr. McKay
shared a lot of information with the students that helped them better
understand their mission to Mars.
Students
then went to visit two human centrifuges. Among other things, these machines study how humans
react in conditions of up to 12 g’s. Daniel
Morgan explained that one end of the large centrifuge is used for human
experiments and the other for non-human ones. Students got the opportunity to
sit in the centrifuge chair, take pictures and explore the spinning
contraption. The smaller centrifuge used to be human powered, but has since
been modified to use an engine. The pedals are still used for experiments
studying exercise.
Students had the opportunity to sit in NASA’s largest
centrifuge where many experiments take place.
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The
students also visited the Space Shop, where ideas come to life as laser
cutters and 3D printers with various other
machines that cut or shape parts of machines for engineers to compile together. The Space Shop works as an open 3D printing lab where engineers, scientists and other professionals can prototype ideas for products. Matthew Reyes, from last night’s panel
of experts, explained how each machine worked and what its purpose was.
Soon
after, students were fortunate to see another renowned scientist from
yesterday’s panel, Pascal Lee, as he delivered a presentation on the specifics
of a mission to Mars. He explained what would have to happen for a mission to
mars to take place. Although Dr. Lee had various reasons he saw us going to
Mars, he said the most important one that would be necessary to get the funding
would be national interest; explaining how England didn’t travel the world
until France started, and the United States didn’t put a man on the moon until the
Soviet Union started pulling ahead in the space race. The people who travel to
Mars would be experienced people who are experts in many survival and research fields.
In explaining how we’d get to and live on Mars, Dr. Lee related Mars to Devon
Island and explained how experiments they are doing on this island up in the
artic and other locations worldwide are preparing them for the Martian
environment.
Enthralling the ISAS students, Pascal Lee shares his vision
for a Mars Mission.
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They
later paid a visit to the Fluid Dynamics Lab and were able to see the
"Life Saver" wind tunnel. They participated in an experiment
that involved the turbulence created by the flowing air rushing against the
walls of the wind tunnel. Around the walls the air slows down to a point where
the velocity is zero but as you move away from the wall toward the air stream
the velocity gradually increases. This allowed the students to listen
to a change of pitch in the airflow as they moved a tube near and away from the
wall.
Neon dye flows through a liquid around the plane, to show
the path the air follows.
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Listening to the wind tunnel, ISAS students hear the
difference between smooth and turbulent air.
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Students
visited the Crew-Vehicle Systems Research Facility for a tour led again by Lisa Grant. They were able to look at a full 747 simulator and a few students had the
opportunity to fly in the simulation as well. They were also able to see an
early simulator of a world war two plane made from organ-like air pumps. There
was also a visit to a radar room for air traffic controllers where research is
being done to see how computers can help with the increasing demands that air
traffic controllers face as the number of airplane flights rise.
ISAS students climb into a flight simulator of a Boeing
747.
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The
students left excited about what they had witnessed these past two days and
thinking and talking about the opportunities they would have to join these and
other scientists and engineers in just a few years. After this trip to NASA
Ames, students will have their sights set high for the future. We want to thank
Tony Leavitt, Adrianne Wilkinson and all of the other professionals at NASA
Ames Research Center who helped make this trip one of the most exciting and
engaging experiences the students have had at the Academy. Don't forget to
check out the Facebook and Twitter pages for
more frequent updates as well as all of the day’s pictures. We hope to see
you at the Saturday banquet for the final presentation of the students’ mission
plans. #ISASacademy
--Camille Eddy (ISAS 2012 alumna) and
Holly Palmer (ISAS 2013 alumna)
Holly Palmer (ISAS 2013 alumna)
ISAS Social Media Mentors
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