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Site Admin
Joined: 05 May 2006
Posts: 8
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1. What is NASA's mission statement?
NASA's mission statement isn't exactly Star Trek's "to go where no human has gone before", but it is ambitious and has profound consequences for everyone on earth.
:::To advance and communicate scientific knowledge and understanding of the Earth, the solar system, and the universe and use the environment of space for research. To explore, use, and enable the development of space for human enterprise. To research, develop, verify, and transfer advanced aeronautics, space, and related technologies.
:::Moon: By going to the moon for extended periods of time, astronauts will search for resources and learn how to work safely in a harsh environment -- stepping stones to future exploration. The moon also offers many clues about the time when the planets were formed.
:::Mars: Robotic missions have found evidence of a watery past, suggesting that simple life forms may have developed long ago and may persist beneath the surface today. Human exploration could provide answers to some profound questions.
:::Beyond: As humans and robots work together exploring the Moon and Mars, NASA spacecraft will continue to send back scientific data from throughout the solar system, laying the groundwork for potential human journeys.
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2. What does the NASA space program do for you?
Look no further than your home, car or local golf course to find the thousands of ways space flight technology has found its way into everyday life. There are over 30,000 examples of how technology needed for space flight has been applied here on Earth. Some examples are:
aerodynamic golf balls
enhanced imaging software
sunglasses w uv and scratch resistant protection
satellites
pool purification
portable coolers and heaters
sports training techniques
running shoes
bar coding
ear thermometer
fire resistant fabric
smoke detectors
automobile design software
cordless tools
sports helmets shock absorbing material
ski boots
edible toothpaste
liquid crystal polymers - advanced plastics
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3. What are some of the most important NASA space missions?
Project Mercury single astronaut program (1961-63)
Project Gemini dual astronaut program (1965-1966)
Project Apollo Moon exploration program (1968-72)
Robotic missions to the Moon (Ranger, Surveyor, Lunar Orbiter)
Robotic missions to Venus (Pioneer Venus)
Robotic missions to Mars (Mariner 4, Viking 1 and 2)
Robotic missions to outer planets (Pioneer 10 and 11, Voyager 1 and 2)
Aeronautics research into hypersonic flight, propulsion, aerodynamics
Satellite development for information gathering (Landsat), communications (Echo 1, TIROS, Telstar) and weather
Orbital workshop for astronauts (Skylab)
Reusable spacecraft in Earth orbit (Space Shuttle)
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4. What are some of the current projects in development?
Crew Exploration Vehicle
Crew Launch Vehicle
Commercial Crew/Cargo transport to ISS
Exploration Communications and Navigation Project (ECANS)
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5. What are some links to NASA's website and current projects?
NASA - Home Page
NASA - Missions - Highlights
NASA - NASAcast (Podcasts) Page
Mars Exploration Rover Mission: Home Page
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6. What do i do if I'd like to work for NASA?
NASA - Want to Work at NASA?
NASA - NASA Jobs
NASA = Humanity's bridge to the Moon, Mars and Beyond . . . |
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