HSFNEWS Digest - 3 Dec 2011 to 6 Dec 2011 (#2011-139)

From: "[NASA REPORTS]" <list.admin@aus-city.com>

Date: December 6th 2011

There are 3 messages totalling 156 lines in this issue

Topics of the day:

NASA CHALLENGES STUDENTS TO TRAIN LIKE AN ASTRONAUT
MEDIA INVITED TO ORION SPACECRAFT WATER LANDING TEST AT LANGLEY
VETERAN SPACE SHUTTLE COMMANDER CHRIS FERGUSON TO LEAVE AGENCY

Date: Mon, 5 Dec 2011 13:41:07 -0600 From: info@JSC NASA GOV Subject: NASA CHALLENGES STUDENTS TO TRAIN LIKE AN ASTRONAUT

Dec 05, 2011

William Jeffs Johnson Space Center, Houston 281-483-5111

J D Harrington Headquarters, Washington 202-358-5241

Report #H11-395

NASA CHALLENGES STUDENTS TO TRAIN LIKE AN ASTRONAUT

WASHINGTON -- An engaging new NASA program brings the excitement of space exploration to children learning to live a healthy lifestyle Inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, NASA's Train Like an Astronaut program aims to increase opportunities both in and out of school for kids to become more physically and mentally active

The program uses the excitement of space exploration and astronaut training to challenge, inspire and educate kids to set physical fitness goals and practice fitness and proper nutrition Kids will explore mission challenges, learn the science behind nutrition and learn to train like an astronaut

The activities used in the Train Like an Astronaut program were developed in cooperation with NASA scientists and fitness professionals who work directly with astronauts Although designed for 8-12 year olds, the program is for anyone who is curious about space exploration and what it takes to be an astronaut

"A part of the human space exploration mission is to inspire our youth to stay in school and master professions in the sciences and engineering fields to carry on this important work well into the 21st century," said Charles Lloyd, NASA's Human Research Program Education and Outreach Project manager "We believe this starts with our youth in elementary school, and hope this ongoing fitness challenge will assist them with that lifelong endeavor "

The activities align with national education standards and are part of the physical education and health curriculum in schools throughout the country Teachers easily can modify the activities to create an environment that supports all learners

No special equipment is required and while adult supervision is suggested, the activities are routine and involve no heavy-lifting so children are free to play alone Participants simply visit the website, find a favorite exercise and get started

For more information about the program, visit:

http://go nasa gov/spacefit

For more information about the Mrs Obama's Let's Move! initiative, visit:

http://www letsmove gov/

For more information about other NASA education programs, visit:

http://www nasa gov/education

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Date: Mon, 5 Dec 2011 13:44:09 -0600 From: info@JSC NASA GOV Subject: MEDIA INVITED TO ORION SPACECRAFT WATER LANDING TEST AT LANGLEY

Dec 5, 2011

Josh Byerly Johnson Space Center, Houston 281-483-5111

Michael Braukus/J D Harrington Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1979/5241

Amy Johnson Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va 757-864-7022/272-9859 (mobile)

Report #M11-244

MEDIA INVITED TO ORION SPACECRAFT WATER LANDING TEST AT LANGLEY

HAMPTON, Va -- Reporters are invited to watch a test version of the Orion crew capsule take its final splash of the year Tuesday, Dec 13, at the Hydro Impact Basin of NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va

Testing began this summer to certify the Orion spacecraft for water landings Orion will carry astronauts deeper into space than ever before, provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and ensure a safe re-entry and landing

Since July, engineers have conducted six tests from different angles, heights and pitches to simulate varying sea conditions and impacts Orion could face upon landing in the Pacific Ocean

The Hydro Impact Basin is 115 feet long, 90 feet wide and 20 feet deep It is located at the west end of Langley's historic Landing and Impact Research Facility, where Apollo astronauts trained for moon walks

Journalists must arrive by 2:30 p m EST at Langley's main gate The test will occur between 3-4 p m Because of the nature of the testing, an exact drop time cannot be given If the test date changes because of weather or technical reasons, NASA will issue an advisory

To ensure access and badging, reporters must contact Amy Johnson at 757-272-9859 or at amy johnson@nasa gov by 4 p m Monday, Dec 12

For video and still imagery of the Hydro Impact Basin groundbreaking Orion testing, visit:

http://www nasa gov/centers/langley/exploration/hib html

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Date: Mon, 5 Dec 2011 13:46:52 -0600 From: info@JSC NASA GOV Subject: VETERAN SPACE SHUTTLE COMMANDER CHRIS FERGUSON TO LEAVE AGENCY

Dec 5, 2011

Nicole Cloutier-Lemasters Johnson Space Center, Houston 281-483-5111

Michael Curie Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100

Report #H11-404

VETERAN SPACE SHUTTLE COMMANDER CHRIS FERGUSON TO LEAVE AGENCY

HOUSTON -- Astronaut Chris Ferguson, the last commander of a space shuttle mission, has announced his plans to retire from NASA on Dec 9 He will leave for a new job in the private sector

"Chris has been a true leader at NASA," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said, "not just as a commander of the space shuttle, but also as an exemplary civil servant, a distinguished Navy officer and a good friend I am confident he will succeed in his next career as he brings his skill and talents to new endeavors "

Ferguson, a retired U S Navy captain, served as the commander for STS-135, the final flight of space shuttle Atlantis and the 135th and final mission of America's 30-year Space Shuttle Program

Atlantis' flight was Ferguson's third trip to space During the 13-day mission, he and his crew delivered approximately 10,000 pounds of supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station Before his assignment to STS-135, Ferguson served as deputy chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston

"Chris has been a great friend, a tremendous professional and an invaluable asset to the NASA team and the astronaut office," said Peggy Whitson, chief of the Astronaut Office "His exceptional leadership helped ensure a perfect final flight of the space shuttle, a fitting tribute to the thousands who made the program possible "

Ferguson first flew in space as the pilot of Atlantis on STS-115 in 2006, during which the P3/P4 truss segments were delivered to the station He next flew as commander of Endeavour on STS-126 in 2008

During the mission, Ferguson and his crew delivered water recycling and habitation hardware to the station and exchanged station crew members In total, Ferguson logged more than 40 days in space

Ferguson joined the astronaut corps in 1998 After completing his initial training, he performed technical duties related to the shuttle's main engines, external tank, solid rocket boosters and flight software He also served as a spacecraft communicator in mission control for four shuttle missions

For Ferguson's complete biography, visit:

http://www jsc nasa gov/Bios/htmlbios/ferguson html

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End of HSFNEWS Digest - 3 Dec 2011 to 6 Dec 2011 (#2011-139)

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