50 YEARS OF THE U.S. IN SPACE

John Glenn, standing next to his Friendship 7 capsule in which he made his historic orbital flight, meets with President John F. Kennedy. Mrs. Glenn stands next to her husband. Earlier that day, President Kennedy presented the NASA Distinguished Service Award to Glenn. Image Credit: NASA

OLDEST DOCUMENTED SUPERNOVA

This image combines data from four space telescopes to create a multi-wavelength view of all that remains of RCW 86, the oldest documented example of a supernova. Chinese astronomers witnessed the event in 185 A.D., documenting a mysterious "guest star" that remained in the sky for eight months. X-ray images from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton Observatory were combined to form the blue and green colors in the image. The X-rays show the interstellar gas that has been heated to millions of degrees by the passage of the shock wave from the supernova. Infrared data from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and WISE, Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer, shown in yellow and red, reveal dust radiating at a temperature of several hundred degrees below zero, warm by comparison to normal dust in our Milky Way galaxy. By studying the X-ray and infrared data, astronomers were able to determine that the cause of the explosion was a Type Ia supernova, in which an otherwise-stable white dwarf, or dead star, was pushed beyond the brink of stability when a companion star dumped material onto it. Furthermore, scientists used the data to solve another mystery surrounding the remnant -- how it got to be so large in such a short amount of time. By blowing away wind prior to exploding, the white dwarf was able to clear out a huge "cavity," a region of very low-density surrounding the system. The explosion into this cavity was able to expand much faster than it otherwise would have. This is the first time that this type of cavity has been seen around a white dwarf system prior to explosion. Scientists say the results may have significant implications for theories of white-dwarf binary systems and Type Ia supernovae. RCW 86 is approximately 8,000 light-years away. At about 85 light-years in diameter, it occupies a region of the sky in the southern constellation of Circinus that is slightly larger than the full moon. This image was compiled in October 2011. Image Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO & ESA; Infared: NASA/JPL-Caltech/B. Williams (NCSU). The above picture and excerpt is from the NASA website:

NASA TO DELIVER CENTRIFUGE TO INVESTIGATE PLANT AND ANIMAL CELLS

The following excerpt is from the NASA website: 

"HOUSTON -- NASA, Astrium Space Transportation and NanoRacks LLC are 
teaming up to expand the research capability of the International 
Space Station through delivery of a small commercial centrifuge 
facility that will conduct molecular and cellular investigations on 
plant and animal tissue. 

The centrifuge enhances NanoRacks' existing suite of lab equipment 
aboard the space station, which includes microscopes and a plate 
reader used to detect biological, chemical or physical activity in 
samples. 

Astrium Space Transportation handed over the research centrifuge to 
NanoRacks LL, during a ceremony Tuesday, Feb. 14 in Houston. Astrium 
North America adapted the centrifuge -- originally built by Kayser 
Italia for use on space shuttle missions -- for use in the station's 
NanoRacks Platform-3. The commercial research team funded the 
centrifuge. 

NASA will deliver the centrifuge as part of its responsibility to 
provide transportation for U.S. National Laboratory research and 
facilities to the space station. 

Under its partnership with Astrium, NanoRacks will add the centrifuge 
to the two racks of laboratory support equipment already on the 
station. The centrifuge is sized to fit the standard NanoRacks 
architecture, which can fly on any launch vehicle. 

"This is an important step in the expansion of National Lab facilities 
aboard the space station," said Marybeth Edeen, U.S. National 
Laboratory manager at NASA's Johnson Space Center. "Having companies 
develop research and facilities for the National Lab with their own 
funding demonstrates the beginnings of the commercial space 
marketplace that the National Lab was created to serve." 

The platform and centrifuge were produced in a short time at low cost. 
Both NanoRacks and Astrium expect announcements in the near future 
about more joint projects. 

NASA has manifested the NanoRacks-3 platform and the Astrium 
centrifuge on a Russian Progress cargo ship scheduled for launch in 
summer 2012 under its cargo agreements with the Russian Federal Space 
Agency." 

NASA'S $17.7 BILLION BUDGET WILL SUPPORT "AMBITIOUS" SPACE EXPLORATION PROGRAM

The following excerpt is from the NASA website: WASHINGTON -- NASA announced Monday a $17.7 billion budget request for fiscal year 2013 supporting an ambitious program of space exploration that will build on new technologies and proven capabilities to expand America's reach into the solar system. Despite a constrained fiscal environment, the NASA FY13 budget continues to implement the space science and exploration program agreed to by President Obama and a bipartisan majority in Congress, laying the foundation for ground-breaking discoveries here on Earth and in deep space, including new destinations, such as an asteroid and Mars by 2035. "This budget in-sources jobs, creates capabilities here at home -- and strengthens our workforce, all while opening the next great chapter in American exploration," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "And as we reach for new heights in space, we're creating new jobs right here on Earth, helping to support an economy that's built to last." The NASA budget includes $4 billion for space operations and $4 billion for exploration activities in the Human Exploration Operations mission directorate, including close-out of the Space Shuttle Program, and funding for the International Space Station, $4.9 billion for science, $669 million for space technology and $552 million for aeronautics research. "This budget puts us on course to explore farther into space than ever before, revealing the unknown and fueling the nation's economy for years to come," Deputy Administrator Lori Garver said. "We are committed to ensuring that our astronauts are once again launched from U.S. soil on American-made spacecraft, and this budget provides the funds to make this a reality." The budget supports NASA's continued work to develop the Space Launch System, a new heavy-lift rocket to carry astronauts to destinations such as an asteroid and Mars, and the Orion crew capsule in which they will travel. Included are resources for final preparation and manufacturing milestones for Orion's 2014 Exploration Flight Test 1 and preliminary design reviews of major Space Launch System elements. NASA has prioritized funding for its partnership with the commercial space industry to facilitate crew and cargo transport to the station. The $830 million for this work in the FY13 budget advances progress towards a vibrant space industry that will create well-paying, high-tech jobs to the U.S. economy, and reduce America's reliance on foreign systems. The budget also enhances use of the International Space Station to improve life on Earth and help make the next great leaps in scientific discovery and exploration. NASA's science budget supports a balanced portfolio of innovative science missions that will reach farther into our solar system, reveal unknown aspects of our universe, and provide critical data about our home planet. The agency will continue to develop and conduct critical tests on the James Webb Space Telescope leading to its planned launch in 2018. As the successor to Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb again will revolutionize our understanding of the universe. NASA also is developing an integrated strategy to ensure the next steps for the robotic Mars Exploration Program will support science as well as long-term human exploration goals. Space Technology work supported in the budget will drive advances in new high-payoff space technologies such as laser communications and zero-gravity propellant transfer, seeding innovation that will expand our capabilities in the skies and in space, supporting economic vitality, lowering the cost of other government and commercial space activities, and helping to create new jobs and expand opportunities for a skilled workforce. NASA supports its commitment to enhancing aviation safety and airspace efficiency, and reducing the environmental impact of aviation by helping to accelerate the nation's transition to the Next Generation Air Transportation System through investments in revolutionary concepts for air vehicles and air traffic management. "The 2013 budget moves us forward into tangible implementation of a sustainable and affordable exploration program," NASA's Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Robinson said.

SPACE COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION TESTBED WILL BE SENT TO SPACE STATION

The following excerpt and photo are from the NASA website: "In this image from late 2010, software engineers worked in the background as Glenn Research Center technician, Joe Kerka, rotated the SCaN Testbed flight enclosure assembly. The Space Communications and Navigation, or SCaN Testbed will be launched on a Japanese H–IIB Transfer Vehicle and installed on the International Space Station and will provide an on-orbit, adaptable software-defined radio facility with corresponding ground and operational systems. This will permit mission operators to remotely change the functionality of radio communications and offer the flexibility to adapt to new science opportunities and recover from anomalies within the science payload or communication system. This effort is sponsored by the SCaN Program as part of the , CoNNeCT, or Communications, Navigation, and Networking reConfigurable Testbed Project led by Glenn Research Center. The Glenn Research Center will host a media event at 10:30 am on Friday, Feb/. 10, to showcase the SCsN Testbed before it is shipped to Japan. Image Credit: NASA/Quentin L. Schwinn."

NASA SEEKS PROPOSALS FOR SMALL SUBORBITAL PAYLOADS

The following excerpt is from the NASA website: “WASHINGTON -- NASA is seeking proposals for small technology payloads that could fly on future NASA-sponsored suborbital flights. These future flights will travel to the edge of space and back, testing the innovative new technologies before they're sent to work in the harsh environment of space. "NASA's Game Changing Development Program focuses on maturing advanced space technologies that may lead to entirely new approaches for the agency's future space missions while providing solutions to significant national needs and adding to our nation’s innovation economy," said Michael Gazarik, director of NASA's Space Technology Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "This solicitation offers an opportunity to develop potentially transformative technologies that take advantage of our Flight Opportunities Program platforms, which allow frequent and predictable commercial access to near-space, with easy recovery of intact payloads." NASA's Game Changing Opportunities research announcement seeks proposals for payloads, vehicle enhancements and onboard facilities for payload integration that will help the agency advance technology development in the areas of exploration, space operations and other innovative technology areas relevant to NASA's missions. Sponsored by NASA's Space Technology Program, the agency expects proposals from entrepreneurs, scientists, technologists, instrument builders, research managers, and vehicle builders and operators. "This call for proposals is a great opportunity to develop innovative technology development payloads for flight on commercial suborbital, reusable vehicles which have novel ideas and approaches have the potential to revolutionize future space missions," said Stephen Gaddis, Game Changing Development program manager at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. Special emphasis will be given to proposals that address basic and applied research as well as development for advanced technologies and the development of test articles and techniques for evaluating the articles. Following development, selected payloads will be made available to NASA's Flight Opportunities Program for pairing with appropriate suborbital reusable launch service provider flights. In August 2011, NASA selected seven U.S. companies that can provide flight services and platforms to test innovative technology payloads through the Flight Opportunities Program. Under this solicitation, the selected Flight Opportunities suborbital reusable launch vehicles could be modified to facilitate integration and payload engineering of future payloads in support of specific research needs. Proposals will be accepted from U.S. or non-U.S. organizations including NASA centers and other government agencies, federally funded research and development centers, educational institutions, industry and nonprofit organizations. NASA expects to make approximately 20 awards this summer, with the majority of awards ranging between approximately $50,000 and $125,000 each. Several awards may be made for up to $500,000 in the area of vehicle integration and payload engineering technology enhancements and onboard research facilities to improve platform capabilities. The Game Changing Opportunities in Technology Development research announcement is available through the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System website at: http://tinyurl.com/7xk52wa NASA's Langley Research Center manages the Game Changing Development Program and NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards, Calif., manages the Flight Opportunities Program for the agency's Space Technology Program. For more information on the Game Changing Development activities and information on this solicitation for payloads, visit: http://go.usa.gov/RPS “

SECOND ANNUAL WHITE HOUSE SCIENCE FAIR INCLUDES NASA OFFICIALS

The following excerpt is from the NASA website:

“WASHINGTON -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and other senior
agency officials joined President Obama in honoring student science
fair winners from across the country at the second annual White House
Science Fair today in the East Wing of the White House. The event
highlighted student achievement and excellence in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM.

In November 2009, the president announced his "Educate to Innovate"
campaign and emphasized the importance of encouraging students to
pursue STEM studies and careers. NASA has developed a wide variety of
education programs that use the inherent excitement of space
exploration and science to inspire students and generate interest in
STEM.

"Programs like this science fair help students develop critical skills
and get hands-on experience that will serve them and our nation well
in the future," Bolden said. "These talented students are tomorrow's
science leaders, and their skills will be critical to helping us make
an American economy built to last."

Joining Bolden at the event were NASA's Associate Administrator for
Education Leland Melvin and Associate Administrator for Science John
Grunsfeld. Both Melvin and Grunsfeld also are veteran space shuttle
astronauts who frequently use their flight experiences as catalysts
for engaging students' interest in space and science. NASA Chief
Technologist, Mason Peck, NASA Chief Scientist Waleed Abdalati, and
Paul Hertz, chief scientist for the agency's Science Mission
Directorate, also attended the fair and met with student honorees.

Among the winning science experiments displayed at the White House
today were two that related directly to NASA's mission, including
entries from a girls' rocket team and a FIRST Robotics alliance.

The "Young Women Rocketing to Nationals" team featured Janet and Ana
Karen Nieto of Presidio, Texas, who are members of the Presidio High
School Rocketry Team that competed as a national finalist in the Team
America Rocketry Challenge in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Gwynelle Condino,
a 7th grade student at Lucy Franco Middle School in Presidio, is the
team's leader this year.

"A Winning Robotics Alliance, with Astronauts Cheering Them On" team
was comprised of John Drake of Schaumburg, Ill., Sean Murphy of
Atascadero, Calif., and Eric Bakan of San Jose, Calif. They
represented the winning alliance of the 2011 FIRST Robotics
Competition Championship and were mentored by engineers at NASA's
Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif.

Two other NASA-related education programs also were represented at
today's event.

Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE),
is a hands-on, primary and secondary school-based science and
education program where students, teachers and scientists worldwide
collaborate on investigations of the environment and the Earth
system. Participants work in close partnership with NASA and other
federal agencies.

The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) was launched in
June 2010 by the National Center for Earth and Space Science
Education, in partnership with NanoRacks, LLC. Student teams in
grades 5-12 propose microgravity experiments for flight in a research
minilab that may be flown to the International Space Station. SSEP is
enabled through a space act agreement as part of the International
Space Station's use as a National Laboratory.”

NEW NASA PUBLICATION SHOWS BENEFITS OF NASA TECH

The following excerpt is from the NASA website: "WASHINGTON -- NASA's Spinoff 2011 publication, now available online, reveals how the space agency's ingenuity and partnerships have saved thousands of lives, generated billions of dollars, and created thousands of American jobs. The latest edition of Spinoff records 44 journeys of NASA's most innovative technologies. It chronicles their origins in NASA missions and programs and their transfer to the public in the form of practical commercial products and benefits to society. "This year's Spinoff demonstrates once again how through productive and innovative partnerships, NASA's aerospace research brings real returns to the American people in the form of tangible products, services and new jobs," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "For 35 years, Spinoff has been the definitive resource for those who want to learn how space exploration benefits life on Earth." NASA spinoffs have proven benefits in health and medicine, transportation, public safety, consumer goods, energy and the environment, information technology, and industrial productivity, stimulating the economy and creating new jobs and businesses. In Spinoff 2011, readers can discover: - A new firefighting system, influenced by a NASA-derived rocket design that extinguishes fires more quickly than traditional systems, saving lives and property. - Software employing NASA-invented tools to help commercial airlines fly shorter routes and help save millions of gallons of fuel each year, reducing costs to airlines while benefiting the environment. - A fitness monitoring technology developed with the help of NASA expertise that, when fitted in a strap or shirt, can be used to measure and record vital signs. The technology is now in use to monitor the health of professional athletes and members of the armed services. - An emergency response software tool that can capture, analyze and combine data into maps, charts and other information essential to disaster managers responding to events such as wildfires, floods or Earthquakes. This technology can save millions of dollars in losses from disasters and, more importantly, can help save lives when tragedy strikes. This year's Spinoff includes a special section to celebrate the commercial technologies that resulted from NASA's 30-year Space Shuttle Program. Also featured are spinoffs that have come from the construction of the International Space Station and work aboard the orbiting outpost. An additional section discusses the potential benefits of NASA's future technology investments. "NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist has more than a thousand projects underway that will create new knowledge and capabilities, enabling NASA's future missions," NASA Chief Technologist Mason Peck said. "As these investments mature, we can expect new, exciting spinoff technologies transferring from NASA to the marketplace, providing real returns on our investments in innovation." Spinoff 2011 includes features about NASA's aeronautics and space research; award-winning technologies; diverse partnerships; and support for science, technology, engineering, and math education. The publication also provides reference and resource information about NASA. Spinoff 2011 is available online at: http://spinoff.nasa.gov An archive of Spinoff features and a searchable database of more than 1,750 NASA-derived technologies featured in past issues of the publication also are available at the Spinoff site."

STEPHEN COLBERT SUPPORTS NASA

The following excerpt is from the NASA website:

“HAMPTON, Va. -- Stephen Colbert, host of the nightly 'The Colbert
Report,' said in a new NASA public service announcement released
today that he's always been a huge fan of space.

The talk show host tells his Colbert Nation -- and the world -- that
he now likes space even more "because NASA is doing great things on
the International Space Station (ISS)."

The completion of the ISS ushered in a new era of research and
discovery in a near gravity-free environment. Research on the orbital
laboratory is focused on four areas: human health and exploration;
basic life and physical sciences; earth and space science; and
technology development to enable future exploration.

Colbert specifically mentions the agency's work aboard the space
station to develop new vaccines to fight infectious and deadly
diseases, such as salmonella and pneumonia. As resistance toward
current antibiotics becomes more common, there is an increasing need
for alternative treatments.

The Comedy Central comedian has had a continuing interest in the ISS.
In 2009, when NASA asked the public to help name the station’s Node
3, Colbert urged his followers to submit the name "Colbert." The name
received the most entries and astronauts continue to exercise on the
most famous treadmill in the world, the Combined Operational
Load-Bearing External Resistance Treadmill or COLBERT, in the
station’s Tranquility module.”

NASA SPONSORS ANNUAL BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION

The following excerpt is from the NASA website:

“MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. -- NASA’s Ames Research Center, in conjunction
with NASA’s Office of the Chief Technologist’s Emerging Space Office,
is continuing its support for the Space Frontier Foundation’s annual
Business Plan Competition by funding this year’s awards totaling
$110,000.

The Space Frontier Foundation Business Plan Competition will be held
during a three-day event at NASA Ames in July 2012. The NASA
supported Emerging Space Grand Prize will include an award of
$100,000 for the best business plan with the potential to contribute
to space development. NASA also is supporting a second prize of
$10,000.

“As NASA’s Silicon Valley center, we’re continuing our tradition of
supporting entrepreneurs and encouraging the venture capital
community to become familiar with the new opportunities that are
emerging in space,” said NASA Ames Research Center Director Pete
Worden. “Part of our role is to encourage economic growth and
development and at NASA, we look to build on some of the nation’s
strongest assets to do so – including our skilled technical
workforce, our commercial creativity and our entrepreneurial spirit.”

The Business Plan Competition is designed for new, independent
companies in the seed, start-up, or early growth stages. The
competition simulates the real-world process of entrepreneurs
soliciting for start-up funds from early stage investors and venture
capital firms.

The competition traditionally includes a review of business plan
submissions by space industry experts and investors and a ‘Boot Camp’
where the finalist teams will receive expert training in promoting
and developing business plans.

In order to be eligible, competing companies should have technologies
or products that potentially could contribute to the expansion of
economic activity in space. Competition finalists will pitch their
business plans publicly and be judged by a panel of world-class
entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and finance professionals.

The Space Frontier Foundation is an organization dedicated to opening
the space frontier to human settlement as rapidly as possible. Its
goals include protecting Earth's fragile biosphere, creating a freer
and more prosperous life for each generation by using the unlimited
energy and material resources of space, and unleashing the power of
free enterprise to establish a permanent human presence in space.

For more information about NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/oct

For more information about the Space Frontier Foundation Business Plan
Competition and how to participate, visit:

http://newspacebpc.com

For more information about Space Frontier Foundation, visit:

http://spacefrontier.org”

ASTRONAUT APPLICATIONS ARE SECOND HIGHEST EVER

The following excerpt is from the NASA website:

“HOUSTON -- More than 6,300 individuals applied to become a NASA
astronaut between Nov. 15, 2011 and Jan. 27, the second highest
number of applications ever received by the agency. After a thorough
selection process, which includes interviews and medical
examinations, nine to 15 people will be selected to become part of
the 21st astronaut class.

"This is a great time to join the NASA family," NASA Administrator
Charles Bolden said. "Our newest astronauts could launch aboard the
first commercial rockets to the space station the next generation of
scientists and engineers who will help us reach higher and create an
American economy that is built to last."


The Astronaut Selection Office staff will review the applications to
identify those meeting the minimum requirements. Next, an expanded
team, comprised mostly of active astronauts, will review those
applications to determine which ones are highly qualified. Those
individuals will be invited to Johnson Space Center for in-person
interviews and medical evaluations.

"We will be looking for people who really stand out," said Peggy
Whitson, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center
and chair of the Astronaut Selection Board. "Our team not only will
be looking at their academic background and professional
accomplishments but also at other elements of their personality and
character traits -- what types of hobbies they have or unique life
experiences. We want and need a mix of individuals and skills for
this next phase of human exploration."

NASA expects to announce a final selection of astronaut candidates in
the spring of 2013.

The selected astronaut candidates will have two years of initial
training. Subjects will include space station systems, Russian
language and spacewalking skills training. Those who complete the
training will be assigned technical duties within the Astronaut
Office at Johnson and, ultimately, missions.

Typically, the agency receives between 2,500 and 3,500 applicants for
astronaut vacancy announcements. The highest response occurred in
1978 with 8,000 applicants.”

SATURN AND THE LITTLE MOON DIONE

“Saturn and Dione appear askew in this Cassini spacecraft view, with the north poles rotated to the right, as if they were threaded along on the thin diagonal line of the planet's rings. This view looks toward the anti-Saturn side of Dione (698 miles, or 1,123 kilometers across). North on Dione is up and rotated 20 degrees to the right. This view looks toward the northern, sunlit side of the rings from less than one degree above the ring plane. The image was taken in visible green light with the Cassini spacecraft wide-angle camera on Dec. 12, 2011. The view was obtained at a distance of approximately 35,000 miles (57,000 kilometers) from Dione and at a Sun-Dione-spacecraft, or phase, angle of 41 degrees. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute.”

The above excerpt and picture are from the NASA website:

FIRST AMERICAN IN ORBIT, JOHN GLENN, TO HOST 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A TWEETUP

“CLEVELAND -- NASA's Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland will host
a special event on March 2 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of John
Glenn's first orbital flight by an American. NASA also will invite
100 people for a behind-the-scenes Tweetup at GRC in advance of the
celebration event.

The Tweetup activities begin at 7:30 a.m. EST with a tour of Glenn's
world-class flight research and ground test facilities that support
aeronautics and space exploration. Participants will speak with
scientists and engineers about technologies being investigated and
developed.

Following the tours, the Tweetup will move to downtown Cleveland for
the Glenn tribute event. "Celebrating John Glenn's Legacy: 50 years
of Americans in Orbit," will be held at 1 p.m. at Cleveland State
University's Wolstein Center. The program will include a video
tribute and remarks by Glenn and agency and political officials.
Tweetup participants also will meet astronaut Greg "Box" Johnson and
other special guests.

On March 1, 1999, the Lewis Research Center was officially renamed the
NASA John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field in recognition of
Glenn's contributions to science, space and the State of Ohio. As one
of the original seven Mercury astronauts, Glenn trained in 1960 at
Lewis in the Multiple Axis Space Test Inertia Facility.

Today, the center's research and technology development work focuses
on air-breathing propulsion; communications; in-space propulsion and
cryogenic fluids management; power, energy storage and conversion;
materials and structures for extreme environments; and physical
sciences and biomedical technologies in space.

Tweetup registration opens at noon on Friday, Feb. 3, and closes at
noon on Monday, Feb. 6. NASA will select 100 total participants,
including Twitter followers and their guests, by lottery from those
who register online. Because Glenn is a government facility with
restricted access, the event is open only to U.S. citizens and legal
permanent residents.

For more NASA Tweetup information and to sign up, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/tweetup"

26 NEW PLANETS ANNOUNCED BY NASA'S KEPLER PROGRAM SCIENTISTS

The following excerpt is from the NASA website:

NASA'S KEPLER ANNOUNCES 11 PLANETARY SYSTEMS HOSTING 26 PLANETS

"MOFFET FIELD, Calif. -- NASA's Kepler mission has discovered 11 new 
planetary systems hosting 26 confirmed planets. These discoveries 
nearly double the number of verified planets and triple the number of 
stars known to have more than one planet that transits, or passes in 
front of, the star. Such systems will help astronomers better 
understand how planets form.

The planets orbit close to their host stars and range in size from 1.5 
times the radius of Earth to larger than Jupiter. Fifteen are between 
Earth and Neptune in size. Further observations will be required to 
determine which are rocky like Earth and which have thick gaseous 
atmospheres like Neptune. The planets orbit their host star once 
every six to 143 days. All are closer to their host star than Venus 
is to our sun.

"Prior to the Kepler mission, we knew of perhaps 500 exoplanets across 
the whole sky," said Doug Hudgins, Kepler program scientist at NASA 
Headquarters in Washington. "Now, in just two years staring at a 
patch of sky not much bigger than your fist, Kepler has discovered 
more than 60 planets and more than 2,300 planet candidates. This 
tells us that our galaxy is positively loaded with planets of all 
sizes and orbits." 

Kepler identifies planet candidates by repeatedly measuring the change 
in brightness of more than 150,000 stars to detect when a planet 
passes in front of the star. That passage casts a small shadow toward 
Earth and the Kepler spacecraft.

Each of the new confirmed planetary systems contains two to five 
closely spaced transiting planets. In tightly packed planetary 
systems, the gravitational pull of the planets on each other causes 
some planets to accelerate and some to decelerate along their orbits. 
The acceleration causes the orbital period of each planet to change. 
Kepler detects this effect by measuring the changes, or so-called 
Transit Timing Variations (TTVs

Planetary systems with TTVs can be verified without requiring 
extensive ground-based observations, accelerating confirmation of 
planet candidates. The TTV detection technique also increases 
Kepler's ability to confirm planetary systems around fainter and more 
distant stars.

Five of the systems (Kepler-25, Kepler-27, Kepler-30, Kepler-31 and 
Kepler-33) contain a pair of planets where the inner planet orbits 
the star twice during each orbit of the outer planet. Four of the 
systems (Kepler-23, Kepler-24, Kepler-28 and Kepler-32) contain a 
pairing where the outer planet circles the star twice for every three 
times the inner planet orbits its star.

"These configurations help to amplify the gravitational interactions 
between the planets, similar to how my sons kick their legs on a 
swing at the right time to go higher," said Jason Steffen, the 
Brinson postdoctoral fellow at Fermilab Center for Particle 
Astrophysics in Batavia, Ill., and lead author of a paper confirming 
four of the systems.

Kepler-33, a star that is older and more massive than our sun, had the 
most planets. The system hosts five planets, ranging in size from 1.5 
to 5 times that of Earth. All of the planets are located closer to 
their star than any planet is to our sun.

The properties of a star provide clues for planet detection. The 
decrease in the star's brightness and duration of a planet transit, 
combined with the properties of its host star, present a recognizable 
signature. When astronomers detect planet candidates that exhibit 
similar signatures around the same star, the likelihood of any of 
these planet candidates being a false positive is very low.

"The approach used to verify the Kepler-33 planets shows the overall 
reliability is quite high," said Jack Lissauer, planetary scientist 
at NASA Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif., and lead 
author of the paper on Kepler-33. "This is a validation by 
multiplicity." 

These discoveries are published in four different papers in the 
Astrophysical Journal and the Monthly Notices of the Royal 
Astronomical Society. 

Ames manages Kepler's ground system development, mission operations 
and science data analysis. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 
Pasadena, Calif., managed the Kepler mission's development." 

THE ORION SPACE VEHICLE

01/24/2012 12:00 AM EST

The Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV), or Orion, being assembled and tested at Lockheed Martin's Vertical Testing Facility in Colorado. Drawing from more than 50 years of spaceflight research and development, Orion is designed to meet the evolving needs of our nation's space program for decades to come. As the flagship of our nation's next-generation space fleet, Orion will push the envelope of human spaceflight far beyond low Earth orbit. Orion may resemble its Apollo-era predecessors, but its technology and capability are light years apart. Orion features dozens of technology advancements and innovations that have been incorporated into the spacecraft's subsystem and component design. A test version of the Orion spacecraft makes a stop at the Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City today, giving residents the chance to see a full scale test version of the vehicle that will take humans into deep space. Image Credit: Lockheed Martin

The above excerpt and picture are from the NASA website: