The Observation Deck

What a great show this was!

I got to meet Sy Liebergot, who was an EECOM controller on the Apollo 13 mission (and one of those responsible for its rescue), and Andrew Chaikin. Chaikin's book 'A Man on the Moon' was the basis for the HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon (note to Ken Warren: PLEASE add it on DVD to the library's inventory!).

It was truly an honor meeting one of the heroes in our space program. I also learned quite a bit on the next-generation space program, after the shuttle being retired in 2010.

If you're interested in space, or fuel cell/jet engine design, definitely pay NASA Glenn a visit. They are doing a lot of research in both fields.

David, (this may sound like a silly question) I occasionally hear what sounds like a rocket engine being fired / tested. Does NASA test engines at the facility near Hopkins? Do you work for NASA?



PS I live near the valley / Emerald Canyon.

I wish I worked for NASA!

I do know that GRC is doing a lot of R&D work with the ORION space exploration vehicle, which will be replacing the Space Shuttle when it is retired in 2010. GRC also does a lot of research with Jet engines, especially fuel systems and fuel cells (which I learned today), so it could be part of that as well.

This might tell you what kind of R&D and testing they do at GRC:

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/testf ... index.html

Thanks for the link! Do you ever go to the ESA site?

How about the Opportunity and Spirit? Amazing!

I haven't, but I'll definitely check it out.

There's a big to-do going on @ Glenn on Oct. 20 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Sputnik. Speakers from the JPL and NASA Aerospace are going to speak!

EDIT: I also found this site...lots on upcoming projects at the GRC:

http://spaceflightsystems.grc.nasa.gov/

Side note: David, I bought "Roving Mars" (Disney flick) for my children. Two thumbs up!