Report from Headquarters
HazNet – All Hazards Network Earns Certification
The HazNet – All Hazards Network, a web-based emergency management system provided by NVision Solutions Inc., has been designated a Certified Space Service by the Space Foundation. HazNet combines the visual power of satellite-based Graphic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and analysis with the Department of Homeland Security-mandated reporting and organizational requirements of the National Incident…
Space Artist Robert McCall Dies at 90
Space Artist Robert McCall, whose work graces the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum and the Space Foundation’s headquarters building, died in Scottsdale Arizona on Feb. 26 at the age of 90. McCall created concept sketches for Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Disney’s The Black Hole, designed the poster art for Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece 2001:…
Moorman Named Director Emeritus
Outgoing Space Foundation Chairman Gen Thomas S. Moorman, USAF (Retired), has been made a lifetime director emeritus of the Space Foundation. The former vice chief of staff of the United States Air Force served on the Space Foundation Board from 1997-2010. he served as secretary from 2004-2006, as vice chairman from 2006-2008, and as chairman of the Board…
AGI Funds Missions Simulator
A generous donation from Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI) has launched a new space education lab in Colorado Springs – the AGI Space Missions Simulator at the Space Foundation Discovery Institute. AGI, headquartered in Exton, Pa., donated software, licensing, and new computer equipment valued at more than $3 million to establish the education lab, which will…
Lawrence Lecture Inspires Girls
In January, the Space Foundation brought former astronaut and Navy captain Wendy B. Lawrence to Colorado Springs to speak to all-girl audiences at several local schools, part of an outreach effort to inspire girls’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). CAPT Lawrence spoke to girls at Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy, Galilio School of…
Space Foundation Pilots PreK-2 Program
The Space Foundation just completed its second pilot of a new Space Across the Curriculum educator professional development course specifically for teachers of PreK-2nd grade students. Beginning in the summer of 2010, the new week-long course – PreK-2 Early Childhood Space Exploration – will join the Space Foundation’s other six classes for grade PreK-high school teachers.…
First Festival of Science a Success
In January, the Space Foundation Discovery Institute, located on the campus of the Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., hosted its first free Festival of Science. The after-school event featured hands-on science exhibits and two presentations by former astronaut Wendy B. Lawrence. Some Swigert Academy students had heard Lawrence’s lecture earlier in the…
Richard Truly: Space is Worth the Risk
It was a warm, sunny Saturday afternoon, but the appeal of meeting a former astronaut drew a crowd away from the beautiful weather and into a softly lit gallery at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Surrounded by an exhibit of space art, more than 100 people settled into folding chairs in the gallery to…
Certified Space Technology Saves Manatees
An invention that originally protected astronauts, spacecraft, and heat-sensitive equipment from the extreme temperatures in space is now being used to save an endangered sea mammal from excess cold. AFMInc is donating Heatsheets® Silver Lining™ Blankets to the Save the Manatee Club in Maitland, Fla., to help in manatee rescues and to use when private and government…
Historic Words ‘Hello Twitterverse!”
Social media became truly universal this year when on Jan. 22 flight engineer T.J. Creamer, of NASA Expedition 22 on the International Space Station, posted the first tweet from somewhere other than Earth. In his first tweet Creamer wrote: “Hello Twitterverse! We r now LIVE tweeting from the International Space Station — the 1st live…