NASA TV airs a variety of regularly scheduled, pre-recorded educational and public relations programming 24 hours a day on its various channels. Programs include “NASA Gallery”, which features photographs and video from NASA’s history; “Video File”, which broadcasts b-roll footage for news and media outlets; “Education File”, which provides special programming for schools; “This Week @ NASA”, which shows news from NASA centers around the country; and “NASA Edge” and “NASA 360″, hosted programs that focus on various projects and activities within NASA. Live ISS coverage and related commentary is aired in hour-long segments throughout the day.

The network also provides an array of live programming, such as 24-hour coverage of Space Shuttle missions, ISS events (spacewalks, media interviews, educational broadcasts), press conferences and rocket launches. These often include running commentary by members of the NASA Public Affairs Office who serve as the “voice of Mission Control”, including Rob Navias, Josh Byerly, Nicole Cloutier and Brandi Dean.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article NASA TV, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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Morabito has been awarded the following honors during her career:

*NASA Group Achievement Award for Voyager Flight Operations, Navigation Team

*NASA Group Achievement Award for Voyager Mission Operations System Design, Ground Data Systems Development

*NASA Group Achievement Award for Voyager Mission Design, Ephemeris Development

*Individual Certificate of Appreciation from NASA for contributing substantially to the mission of NASA by advancing image processing techniques and make the discovery of the volcanic activity on Io

*Named by Aviation Week & Space Technology as on the individuals deserving special recognition for the advancement of aerospace

*Honored by the International Astronomical Union by the designation of Asteroid 3106 Morabito for her discovery of volcanic activity on Io

Adapted from the Wikipedia article Linda A. Morabito, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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space probe is a scientific space exploration mission in which a robotic spacecraft leaves the gravity well of Earth and approaches the Moon or enters interplanetary or interstellar space (see list of probes by operational status for a list of active probes); The space agencies of the USSR (now Russia and Ukraine), the United States, the European Union, Japan, India and China have in the aggregate launched probes to several planets and moons of the solar system as well as to a number of asteroids and comets.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article Space probe, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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Unlike NASA in the United States, Onera is not an agency for space science and exploration. However, Onera carries out a wide range of research for space agencies, both CNES in France and the European Space Agency (ESA), as well as for the French defense procurement agency, DGA (Délégation générale pour l’armement). Onera also independently conducts its own long-term research to anticipate future technology needs. It focuses on scientific research, for example in aerodynamics for concreteapplications on aircraft, the design of launchers and new defense technologies, such as drones (unmanned aerial vehicles).

Onera also uses its research and innovation capabilities to support both French and European industry. Onera’s customer-partners include EADS (Airbus, Eurocopter), Safran (Snecma, Turbomeca, Sagem), Dassault Aviation, Thales and other major industry players. Innovative small businesses are also encouraged to call on the expertise of Onera’s scientists and engineers, and to take advantage of technology transfer opportunities.

Onera has contributed to a number of landmark aerospace and defense programs in recent decades, including Airbus, Ariane, Rafale, Falcon, Mirage and Concorde.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article Office National d’Études et de Recherches Aérospatiales, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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Paresev (Paraglider Research Vehicle) was an experimental NASA glider aircraft based upon the kite-parachute studies by NASA engineer Francis Rogallo.

The tests performed between 1961 and 1965 were designed to study the ability of the Rogallo wing, also called ”Parawing”, to descend a payload such as the Gemini space capsule safely from high altitude to ground. Specifically, the Paresev was a test vehicle used to learn how to control this parachute-wing for a safe landing at a normal airfield.

Publicity on the Paresev and the Ryan XV-8 “Fleep” aircraft inspired hobbyists to adapt Rogallo’s flexible wing airfoil onto elementary hang gliders, soon producing the most successful hang glider configuration in history.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article NASA Paresev, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article Astronaut, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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Space Superiority Systems Wing

The Space Superiority Systems Wing equips US forces with offensive and defensive counterspace and space situation awareness systems to gain, maintain, and exploit space superiority. It directs the planning, development, testing, deployment, and sustainment of a complex and dynamic portfolio of space-superiority capabilities of the highest national priority.

“The visible sensor on the SBSS satellite will be used to provide critical information vital to the protection of US military and civilian satellites,” said Lt Col Robert Erickson, squadron commander for Space Based Space Surveillance within the Space Superiority Systems Wing.

Global Positioning Systems Wing

The Global Positioning Systems Wing manages the fleet of NAVSTAR GPS satellites as well as their associated ground control equipment and end-user technologies for the entire Global Positioning System. In addition to the not-yet-launched GPS Block IIF produced by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, the GPS Systems Wing recently awarded the design and production of GPS Block IIIA satellites to Lockheed Martin under the GPS modernization program. Day to day operations of the constellation are provided by the 50th Space Wing at Schriever AFB, Colorado.

Launch and Range Systems Wing

The mission of the Launch and Range Systems Wing is to develop and acquire launch vehicles under the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, manage launch integration, mission assurance and launch campaigns, and provide range systems for space launch operations

Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing

The Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing (MILSATCOM Wing) is responsible for the development, acquisition, and sustainment for all space-based, global communications links for the Department of Defense and National Command Authority. The Wing currently maintains two constellations, both developed by Lockheed Martin: the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) and the Milstar system. In addition to these two existing systems, they are also responsible for the development and acquisition of four follow on systems intended to replace or augment current systems. These systems are the Wideband Global SATCOM system which will replace the DSCS system, the Advanced Extremely High Frequency and Enhanced Polar Satellite system which will augment the Milstar system. The fourth system, the Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) was meant to provide Internet-like connectivity; recently this system appears to have been canceled. Day-to-day operations of the military satellite communications systems are handled by the 50th Space Wing at Schriever AFB.

Space-Based Infrared Systems Wing

The mission of the Space-Based Infrared Systems Wing is develop and manage the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) for space-based surveillance. The SBIRS program is intended to complement and eventually replace the Defense Support Program spacecraft originally developed to provide early warning for global ICBM launches. The Space-Based Infrared Systems Wing is responsible for the development and acquisition of the SBIRS-High spacecraft and the advanced mission control station. On August 5, 2008 Lockheed Martin announced that the first SBIRS Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) payload (HEO-1) had been handed over on-orbit to the Air Force, along with its associated ground system. The HEO-2 payload was announced to be on-orbit June 20, 2008.

Space Development and Test Wing

The Space Development and Test Wing co-located with AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate and the Operationally Responsive Space Office at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico develops, tests and evaluates Air Force space systems, executes advanced space development and demonstration projects, and rapidly transitions capabilities to production quality space systems. The Wing is organized into to primary groups. The Space Test Group is responsible for the on-orbit operation of experimental space systems and operates two Satellite Operations Centers (at Schriever AFB and Kirtland AFB). The Space Development Group administers the Space Test Program for the Department of Defense and conducts research into advanced and responsive space systems.

526th ICBM Systems Wing

The 526th ICBM Systems Wing located at Hill AFB, Utah maintains responsibility for the entire Minuteman ballistic missile weapon system from creation through decommissioning. The Minuteman III system is the only land-based ICBM still in service in the United States based on actions taken due to the START II and SORT arms control treaties. These treaties led to the decommissioning of the entire Peacekeeper weapon system. It has been proposed that all nuclear weapons systems be transferred to a new major command which would include all ICBM weapons.

DMSP Systems Group

The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Systems Group provides United States armed forces with weather and space environmental data for planning and executing aerospace, ground, and naval operations. The program develops, acquires and sustains satellites, sensors and ground systems to meet Defense needs. The group provides launch support, early orbit operations and spacecraft anomaly resolution for the program with the Department of Commerce gaining day-to-day operations responsibility in 1998. The successor to the DMSP system is the NPOESS program which is being jointly developed by NASA with oversight from the DoD, NOAA, and NASA.

Satellite Control and Network Systems Group

The Satellite Control and Network Systems Group’s mission is to modernize and sustain the $1.2B Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) systems including two control nodes and nine worldwide remote tracking stations to assure responsive, effective, satellite support to Defense forces. The group provides highly reliable command and control to support DoD, Civil and NRO satellite launch and satellite operations in surveillance, navigation, communications and weather.

Missile Defense Space Systems Group

Missile Defense Systems Group’s mission objectives include developing space technologies that support the Missile Defense Agency’s space assets. These technologies include sensors, space qualified components, optics and algorithms. The Space Applications Center of Excellence will play a lead role in any future space initiatives undertaken by MDA and facilitate the integration of External ONIR Sensors. MDA develops and acquires national missile defense systems for defense of the U.S. while maintaining technology options for future missile defense needs.

Space Radar Office

Space-Based Radar is a system that will provide a range of radar-generated products from space to enhance the nation’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The Space Radar Office acts as the Integrated Program Office for managing the development and acquisition of the system for both the Department of Defense and the United States Intelligence Community.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article Space and Missile Systems Center, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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*1964-68 Swarthmore College Open Scholarship (honorary)

*1967 William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition, 30th place nationwide

*1968-70 NSF Fellowship and honorary Woodrow Wilson Fellowship

*1970-74 Fellow, Hertz Foundation

*1974-76 Postdoctoral Fellow, NRC

*1990 NASA GSFC John C. Lindsay Memorial Award

*1991 Rotary National Space Achievement Award

*1991 National Air and Space Museum Trophy

*1992 Aviation Week and Space Technology Laurels for Space/Missiles

*1993 Discover Magazine Technology Award finalist

*1993 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Space Science Award

*1993 American Astronomical Society and American Institute of Physics Dannie Heineman Prize for Astrophysics

*1994 Fellow, Goddard Space Flight Center

*1994 Doctor of Science, ”honoris causa”, Swarthmore College

*1995 City of Philadelphia John Scott Award

*1996 American Academy of Arts and Sciences Rumford Prize

*1996 Fellow, American Physical Society

*1997 Aviation Week and Space Technology Hall of Fame

*1997 Member, National Academy of Sciences

*1998 Marc Aaronson Memorial Prize

*1998 Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences

*1999 Franklin Institute Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics

*2005 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers George W. Goddard Award

*2006 Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation Prize in Cosmology

*2006 Nobel Prize in Physics

*2007 Fellow, SPIE – The International Society for Optical Engin

*2008 [http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/news/topstory/2007/space_awards_prt.htm Robinson Prize]

*2008 Doctor of Science, ”honoris causa”, University of Maryland

*2010 [http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=56583 India General President Gold Medal]

*2010 Fellow, Optical Society of America

Adapted from the Wikipedia article John C. Mather, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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NASA M2-F1 was a lightweight, unpowered prototype aircraft, developed to flight test the wingless lifting body concept. It looked like a “flying bathtub,” and was designated the M2-F1, the “M” referring to “manned” and “F” referring to “flight” version. In 1962, NASA Dryden management approved a program to build a lightweight, unpowered lifting body prototype. It featured a plywood shell placed over a tubular steel frame crafted at Dryden. Construction was completed in 1963.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article NASA M2-F1, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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