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  The Changing Maritime Arctic: Space Needs for Future Marine Operations

  Lawson W. Brigham

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  From Northern Village to Global Village: Satellite Communications for Development in the Arctic

  Heather E. Hudson

  This presentation will examine the role of satellites in linking isolated communities in the Arctic, particularly in Alaska, with examples also from Northern Canada and Greenland. It will include a review of telemedicine, distance education, e-commerce, e-government, and indigenous cultural applications.

  Also covered will be current projects in Alaska funded by Stimulus grants from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Rural Utilities Service. Current policy issues including technology trends, expansion of broadband, and universal service fund support for rural areas will also be addressed.

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  Serving the Arctic – CSA Polar Communications and Weather Mission

  Guennadi Kroupnik

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  The Vital Role of ICESat Data Products

  Douglas D. McLennan

  Changes in Ice sheet thicknesses, sea level, and sea ice extent have been explicitly identified as a current priority in the President’s Climate Change Science Program, the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, the 4th Assessment Report of the IPCC and other national and international policy documents. In response the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) formulated the Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) mission to continue the exploration and understanding of our planet. The ICESat-2 is a remote sensing satellite mission providing coverage of the Earth’s surfaces.

  The ICESat-2 mission will provide multi-year elevation data needed to determine ice sheet mass balance. It will also provide topography and vegetation data around the globe, in addition to the polar-specific coverage over the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets.

  The ICESat-2 observatory is comprised of one instrument, a laser altimeter called ATLAS (Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System). ATLAS is a laser altimeter, utilizing a measurement technique known as photon counting, which is designed to measure ice-sheet topography and associated temporal changes.

  This presentation will focus on the role of ICESat-2 mission as we monitor the changes in the global cryosphere and the generation and subsequent distribution of data products to the user community. An overview of the mission will also be presented.

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  Constellation Program Cancellation

  James Casler, David Whalen, and Michael Gaffey

  Panel discussion on the NASA 2010 budget with a focus on the constellation program cancellation.

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  Extravehicular Activities for Mars Exploration

  Pablo de León

  Extravehicular activity is one of the most critical areas for planetary exploration. On Mars, due to gravity conditions, dust contamination and a specific thermal scenario, a special kind of suit is required to protect the astronauts. Since 2005 the Department of Space Studies at UND has been researching in the area of planetary space suit systems and developed the NDX-1 a Mars suit demonstrator which was tested on Earth under analog conditions.

  As a result of these studies new developments are taking place and a series of design improvements have been done to prepare a suit that can cope with the Mars conditions. Since a space suit is just part of the extravehicular system, an integrated design of the mission contemplating all different aspects of the tasks to accomplish, is required. A new NASA grant is allowing the Department of Space Studies to develop a complete minimal mission scenario including inflatable habitat, airlocks, rovers and space suit, to attempt to address all the different problems related to a human mission to Mars.

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  The Planet Mars

  Michael Gaffey

  The planet Mars has been long identified as a target for human space missions and possible human settlements. Since the 1986 discovery of possible – but very controversial – microbial fossils in the Martian meteorite ALH 84001, a fleet of unmanned spacecraft from several nations have visited the Red Planet. Although many questions remain to be resolved, we now know a great deal more about Mars than we did in 1989 when NASA, at the request of the President, outlined a scenario for a manned Mars mission.

  In this presentation we will outline the present state of knowledge concerning the nature and history of the planet Mars, with a special focus on aspects which would impact planning for a manned Mars mission and future human settlements.

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  National Security Space: Opportunities and Challenges

  Peter Hays Lt. Col. (Ret)

  Recent military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo indicate space capabilities have become a foundational enabler of most U.S. military actions and an increasingly important component of U.S. national security. Worldwide, there is growing recognition and focus on the broad and ubiquitous contributions space capabilities make to global prosperity and security. The 2001 Space Commission Report found that because U.S. military and economic security has become so dependent on space capabilities, the nation could face a “space Pearl Harbor.”

  The U.S. National Space Policy released in October 2006 stated: “In this new century, those who effectively utilize space will enjoy added prosperity and security and will hold a substantial advantage over those who do not. Freedom of action in space is as important to the United States as air power and sea power.” And the National Space Policy of the United States of America released in June 2010 indicates: “Space systems allow people and governments around the world to see with clarity, communicate with certainty, navigate with accuracy, and operate with assurance.

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  Steps Towards the First Human Missions to Mars

  Pascal Lee

  The first human mission to Mars will likely be humanity’s greatest undertaking in space exploration in the 21st century. As with all expeditions, its success will depend on planning. The first steps towards a human journey to the Red Planet are already underway, as we explore extreme environments on Earth and prepare for new journeys to the Moon, near-Earth asteroids, and the moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos.

  Dr Pascal Lee will discuss progress being made around the world, from the Arctic to Antarctica, to achieve these milestones. He will examine in turn the what, why, when, who, and how of a human mission to Mars. Specific lessons learned from the NASA Haughton-Mars Project will be discussed.

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  Due Diligence vs. 'Wishin & Hopin': The True Believer Space Industry

  David Livingston

  Developing space resources or a space business venture requires capital. Lots of it. Especially early on in the life cycle of a new business. While there are some differences in a space business as compared to a terrestrial business, there are many more similarities than one might believe. In fact, business rules are pretty much business rules be it a space business of some type or a terrestrial business in an established industry.

  While business planning and due diligence are common, even routine in evaluating and managing terrestrial businesses, this is not so in some areas of space, particularly with the NewSpace industry. What makes NewSpace different? Why is it so hard to do real due diligence regarding all aspects of the business, not just for management or potential markets, but also technical and engineering due diligence regarding the end product of the company in question.

  Why does the wish list mentality prevail and why are those applying real standards to claims, rhetoric, and Power Points often attacked and accused of not being with the program?

  These and other issues such as assumptions making and commonly used foolish terminology and rhetoric will be discussed in this presentation.

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  Space Policy Today

  David Livingston

  Guest: Derek Webber. Topics: Space tourism, aviation and rocket history per his book, The Wright Stuff: The Century of Effort Behind Your Ticket to Space.

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  What the Heck is Going on at NASA

  Wendell Mendell

  On February 1, 2010, the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2011 was released. NASA received an increase, unlike almost any other federal agency. At the same time, the budget revealed that the Constellation Program would be cancelled and that NASA would look to private sector providers for transportation of cargo, and eventually crew members, to the International Space Station. The Constellation Program had included a human return to the Moon by the year 2020, and the program plans called for a permanent surface facility capable of supporting human explorers. In the FY2011 announcement, the prescription of a lunar objective was replaced by a concept called “flexible path” that was advertised to open possibilities of other types of human missions beyond low Earth orbit.

  The policy direction has polarized the U.S. space community, where the reactions have been swift and polemical. The new policy has been described both as the death knell of human space exploration and as the only hope to save human space exploration. Some members of Congress have threatened legal action based on the current law regarding appropriation of funds to NASA, which states that Constellation cannot be cancelled without prior consultation with Congress. As might be expected, some of the reaction is directly related to losses or gains of jobs in districts associated with NASA facilities.

  However, various statements show high emotional content, suggesting that personal belief systems have been challenged. Meanwhile, many details of the new policy are not yet clear; and some aspects seem to be shifting in response to political reaction. The final direction for NASA will not be known until the FY2011 budget has been passed by Congress and signed by the President. I will draw upon my 28 years’ of studying, writing, and speaking on the topic of future human exploration beyond low Earth orbit to discuss the various issues at stake and the historical context for the debate.

  My own work has had a central theme of lunar exploration and development, but I have also come to believe that human exploration will never be more than a political sideshow until a significant economic sector can be created in space off of the Earth. Disclaimer: The views presented will be my own and in no way reflect official policies of the NASA.

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  NASA's Technology Development for Human Exploration Missions to Mars

  Christopher Moore

  Current plans call for the first human missions to Mars to be launched around 2030. The recently completed "Mars Design Reference Mission 5.0" study defines a conceptual mission architecture and identifies enabling technologies. NASA is beginning long-range development on key technologies needed for these missions because it will take many years for them to reach maturity. The ISS and the lunar outpost will be used as test beds for these technologies to reduce risk and prepare for human exploration of Mars.

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  Critical Human Factors in a Manned Martian Mission

  Vadim Rygalov

  A mission to Mars and return to Earth will take more than two years, possibly a lot more. The travelers will be exposed to microgravity, radiation, and sensory deprivation, and other space phenomena in amounts which have never been experienced or tested before. For example, the longest stay in space microgravity on board the Russian space station Mir performed by Russian cosmonaut-physician Valery Polyakov was 438 Earth days.

  Rygalov will address questions such how can astronauts survive this long duration trip in hostile environments of space? How can they maintain their health for an acceptable level of performance? What are those natural mechanisms which help people to survive in extreme environments? Rygalov also will discuss available techniques and current research trends in human factors in space.

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  Mars Direct: Humans to the Red Planet within a Decade

  Robert Zubrin

  In July 1989, on the 20th anniversary of the Apollo Moon landing, the first President Bush called for America to renew its pioneering push into space with the establishment of a permanent Lunar base and a series of human missions to Mars. While many have said that such an endeavor would be excessively costly and take many decades, a small team at Martin Marietta drew up a daring plan that could sharply cut costs and send a group of American astronauts to the Red Planet within ten years.

  The plan, known as "Mars Direct", has attracted international attention and broad controversy, including coverage in such publications as Newsweek, Fortune, The Economist, Air and Space Smithsonian, the New York Times, the London Times, the Boston Globe and Izvestia. It has also been covered by the Discovery Channel, PBS, ABC, NBC, CBS, National Public Radio, and the BBC. Its principal author, Robert Zubrin, has presented it to such fora as the International Astronautical Federation congress in Germany, and the blue ribbon "Synthesis Group" headed by former Apollo astronaut General Thomas Stafford, the Augustine Committee, as well as to various government officials, including House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former NASA Administrators Dan Goldin and Mike Griffin.

  Now, with nation debating how to proceed with human space exploration, the “Mars Direct” plan is more relevant than ever: Can Americans reach the Red Planet in our time?

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  Remote Sensing in India

  Aishwarya Narain

  In his two talks beginning at 4.00 PM, Dr. Narain will first trace the history of India's remote sensing program and then follow it up with a presentation on India's recent unmanned moon mission. India's space program has made significant progress over the years in launch vehicle development, pay loads for communication and remote sensing, and recently joined an exclusive club of few countries that have capabilities to orbit and study the moon.

  Much of this has been achieved by the various centers of the Indian Space Research Organization and technology transfer to the private industries. The talks will cover how India's space program has resulted in societal benefits through management of natural resources, tele-education and tele-medicine.

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  Overview of the Current Programs at Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX)

  Jeff Richichi

  SpaceX is revolutionizing access to space by developing a family of launch vehicles and spacecraft intended to increase the reliability and reduce the cost of both manned and unmanned space transportation. This presentation will highlight the details of the Falcon 1 (F1), Falcon 9 (F9) and Dragon programs that SpaceX is currently undertaking.

  Falcon 1
  On September 28, 2008, the Falcon 1, designed and manufactured from the ground up by SpaceX, became the first privately developed liquid fuel rocket to orbit the Earth. Details of the F1 vehicle will be presented along with video from the first flight.

  Falcon 9

  As a winner of the NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation Services competition (COTS), SpaceX is in a position to help fill the gap in American spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS) when the Space Shuttle retires in 2010. The Falcon 9 Launch Vehicle is the platform that will be used to provide access to the ISS. Details of the design, manufacture and testing of the F9 vehicle will be presented along with a video of the nine-engine, full duration test performed in our McGregor, TX test site.

  Dragon
  The Dragon spacecraft is made up of a capsule and trunk used for Earth to LEO transport of cargo and/or crew members. Details of the design, manufacture and testing of the Dragon capsule will be presented along with samples of PICAX (a SpaceX developed heat shield material).

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  Physiological, Environmental and Operational Risk Factors for Crews and Passengers of Future Commercial Space Vehicles

  Melchor Antuñano

  This presentation will discuss a number of physiological,operational, and environmental risk factors (actual and potential) for the occupants of commercial space vehicles. Actual risks include exposure to: 1) High acceleration of flight profiles, 2) Decreased barometric pressure, 3) Microgravity, 4) Solar and galactic cosmic radiation, 4) Noise and vibration. Of particular concern are the effects of exposure (short-term and long-term) to microgravity on the cardiovascular, neurological, endocrinological, muscleskeletal, and gastro-intestinal systems, among healthy and diseased passengers.

  Furthermore, U.S. and Russian experience regarding space physiology and medicine involve short-term and long-term space flights but does not address the effects of: 1) Frequent repetitive exposure (several times a week) to flight profiles involving: normal gravity (pre-flight) - acceleration (launch/take off) - microgravity (space) - deceleration (return) - normal gravity (post-flight), 2) Frequent repetitive exposure to solar and cosmic radiation, and 3) Exposure to microgravity among individuals who have medical pathology. Other potential risk factors include unexpected exposure to: temperature extremes, in-flight cabin fire, cabin air contaminates, electricity, non-ionizing radiation, mechanical hazards, impact forces during crash landings, post-crash fire, emergency evacuation, and post-evacuation survival.

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  Shedding Light on Dark Energy

  Wayne Barkhouse

  One decade ago, the astrophysics community was shaken to its core with the announcement that the expansion rate of the Universe was speeding up rather than slowing down due to gravity. This discovery - corroborated at the time by two independent teams searching for supernovae -indicates that the Universe is filled with a mysterious negative pressure or "Dark Energy". For the past 10 years, theorists have invoked numerous mechanisms to help explain this force, including Einstein's cosmological constant, extra dimensions, quintessence, and even hypothesizing the breakdown of General Relativity on cosmological scales.

  To acquire a deeper understanding of dark energy, the Dark Energy Task Force (jointly commissioned by NASA, DOE, and NSF) has recommended that an aggressive program be established to fully characterize dark energy. A part of this process includes support for a new large-area, ground-based optical survey to chart the position and brightness of several hundred million galaxies out to a redshift of order unity. The leading contender that will satisfy these requirements is the Dark Energy Survey (DES).

  The DES is a 5000 square degree photometric survey that will image the South Galactic Cap in multiple filters (griz), using a new 3 sq. deg. CCD camera mounted to the Blanco 4-meter telescope in Chile. The nature of dark energy will be probed utilizing four independent but complementary techniques: the redshift distribution of galaxy clusters, weak gravitational lensing by large-scale structure, the angular correlation of galaxies as imprinted in the baryon acoustic oscillations, and supernova distances. As a member of the DES, I will explain how these techniques will allow us to unravel the mystery of dark energy.

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  Election 2008: Does Space Matter? - Space policy discussion of the U.S. presidential candidates

  Paul Harderson

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  The Magnetic Fields on T Tauri Stars

  Christopher M. Johns-Krull

  T Tauri stars are low mass, pre-main sequence stars, many of which are still surrounded by active accretion disks where it is believed planet formation is currently under way. Stellar magnetic fields including a strong dipole component on these newly formed stars are believed to play a critical role in the early evolution of the young star plus disk system. It is currently believed that the stellar magnetic field truncates the accretion disk several stellar radii above the star.

  This action forces accreting material to flow along the field lines and accrete onto the star at high stellar latitudes. It is also thought that the stellar rotation rate becomes locked to the Keplerian velocity at the radius where the disk is truncated. I will review recent efforts to measure the magnetic field properties of T Tauri stars, focussing on how the observations compare with the theoretical expectations.

  A picture is emerging indicating that quite strong fields do indeed cover the majority of the surface on young stars; however, the dipole component of the field appears to be alarmingly small. I will also briefly discuss recent work on the origins of magnetic fields in fully convective stars such as T Tauri stars.

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  Why Go to the Moon? The Many Faces of Lunar Policy

  Roger D. Launius

  Why Go to the Moon? The Many Faces of Lunar Policy. What is it about the Moon that captures the fancy of Humankind? A silvery disk hanging in the night sky, it conjures up images of romance and magic. It has been counted upon to foreshadow important events, both of good an ill, and its phases for eons served humanity as its most accurate measure of time.

  This paper discusses the Moon as a target for Human exploration and eventual settlement. This paper will explore the more than 50-year efforts to reach the Moon, succeeding with space probes and humans in Project Apollo in the 1960s and early 1970s. It will then discuss the rationales for spaceflight suggesting that human space exploration is one of the least compelling of all that might be offered. The paper will then discuss efforts to make the Moon a second home, including post-Apollo planning, the Space Exploration Initiative, and problems and opportunities in the 2004 Vision for Space Exploration.

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  Exploring a New World: Titan as Revealed by Cassini's Radar

  Chuck Wood

  Saturn's moon Titan is larger than the planet Mercury and has a dense atmosphere like a planet. Until Cassini and its atmosphere-piercing radar got to Saturn little was known of Titan. Now with ~30% of the surface revealed Titan is seen to have a very young surface, with deserts of dunes, rivers, and hundreds of lakes and a few large seas of liquid methane/ethane.

  We can infer that Titan is dynamically active, possibly with erupting volcanoes, blowing sediments, rainfall and rising and falling lake levels. In the debate about what is a planet, Titan would be considered a planet in all ways - except that it orbits another one.

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  South America Space Programs and Development of Satellite Pehuensat-1

  Pablo de León

  At the same time that the U.S. and the Soviet Union started their space programs, several countries in South America were also willing to enter the space race to a lesser degree. In the 1960s, Argentina started launching its own sounding rockets. In the 1970s, Brazil did the same. Today, despite the economic setbacks common to the region, several countries in South America have their space projects with advanced high altitude rockets, several satellites in orbit and strong research and development programs.

  Cooperation between the countries of the region and international partners is also very important and reaffirms the peaceful purposes of the space research in South America.

  A sample case of the non-governmental educational satellite Pehuensat-1 will be presented.

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  NASA's International Space Cooperation

  P. Diane Rausch

  Since its inception, NASA has pursued a broad range of international cooperative endeavors with foreign countries. The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 established international cooperation as a fundamental objective of the Agency. To achieve this objective, NASA operates within broad U.S. Government policies, including economic, scientific and foreign policies, and has established Agency guidelines for international cooperation.

  Potential benefits of international space cooperation include access to unique capabilities or expertise, increased mission flight opportunities, access to program-critical locations outside of the United States, cost-sharing, and building or reinforcing positive international relations among nations. To date, NASA has concluded thousands of agreements with over 100 nations and international organizations.

  In January 2004, President Bush announced the new Vision for Space Exploration, and NASA was directed to pursue opportunities for international participation in support of the U.S. Government's new goals for human exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond. As NASA implements the Vision, the Agency is promoting new international space cooperation with its foreign space partners in areas of mutual interest, through a variety of bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. At the same time, NASA will continue to develop and implement international cooperative missions, projects and activities in its longstanding Agency program areas of space science, earth science, aeronautics and space operations.