October 2012 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

New star party site
by Wiggins Patrick 12 Oct '12

12 Oct '12

I was out flying over the GSL yesterday and while exploring the dry area southeast of Stansbury Island I came across a spot that ought to qualify as an excellent star party site. And what makes this just a great place? Well, it's far from SLC, has excellent horizons and there's little chance of being disturbed by passing vehicles. Oh, and there's one other thing which I have indicated by the red arrow in this picture: http://users.wirelessbeehive.com/~paw/temp/newsite/newsite1.jpg Surely every star party site needs one of those. Can't tell what it is? Well here's the same image but with an inset featuring a telephoto view from closer in of the star party "necessity": http://users.wirelessbeehive.com/~paw/temp/newsite/newsite2.jpg Grins, patrick

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] pretty panoramas
by D P Pierce 12 Oct '12

12 Oct '12

It sure looks like southern Utah, maybe near the Mars Project Deloy

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Pretty panoramas: Curiosity's scenic views of distant hills
by Wiggins Patrick 12 Oct '12

12 Oct '12

Not just geologists may like these: http://www.planetary.org/blogs/emily-lakdawalla/2012/10111730-curiosity-pan… patrick

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Sacred Order of the L & O
by Ray Druian 11 Oct '12

11 Oct '12

The 20th at noon sounds good to me. -- Thanx, *Ray *

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Secret Order of L&O
by Chuck Hards 11 Oct '12

11 Oct '12

Saturday Oct. 20th, Left Fork Grill. How does noon sound to the esteemed members of the group? We need a secret handshake. I've also given some thought to a ceremonial hat, sash, and sword. ;-)

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Satellite writes in the night sky - Electronic Products
by Daniel Holmes 11 Oct '12

11 Oct '12

Anyone want to try seeing this? http://www2.electronicproducts.com/Satellite_writes_in_the_night_sky-articl… Dan -- Sent from my iPhone. Please pardon any mispelings or errors.

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Secret Order of L&O
by Joe Bauman 11 Oct '12

11 Oct '12

Great! Noon on the 20th it is! ------------------------------ On Thu, Oct 11, 2012 9:11 AM MDT Richard Tenney wrote: >A sword sounds nice! Not sure if I can make it yet (major remodeling going on at my house currently), but I may show up with the spousal unit. >/Rich > > > >________________________________ > From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards(a)gmail.com> >To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> >Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2012 7:32 AM >Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Secret Order of L&O > >Saturday Oct. 20th, Left Fork Grill. > >How does noon sound to the esteemed members of the group? > >We need a secret handshake. I've also given some thought to a ceremonial >hat, sash, and sword. ;-) >_______________________________________________ >Utah-Astronomy mailing list >http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy > >Send messages to the list to >Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com > >The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. > >To unsubscribe go to: >http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy >Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options". >_______________________________________________ >Utah-Astronomy mailing list >http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy > >Send messages to the list to >Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com > >The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. > >To unsubscribe go to: >http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy >Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options".

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Curiosity detects "bright object" in Martian soil
by Chuck Hards 10 Oct '12

10 Oct '12

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/694811main_pia16225-43_full.jpg I enlarged the image and it sure likes like a pin or bolt sticking up out of the soil. When they were building this thing, I hope NASA didn't send someone to Harbor Frieght for Chinese cotter pins...

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Mark your calendars
by Chuck Hards 10 Oct '12

10 Oct '12

And cross your fingers. http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/Meteor-Storm-Brewing-for-2014…

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Fw: ATK and NASA Showcase Cost-Saving Upgrades for Space Launch System Solid Rocket Boosters
by Joe Bauman 10 Oct '12

10 Oct '12

FYI ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: "Helquist, Trina" <Trina.Helquist(a)atk.com> To: Sent: Tuesday, October 2, 2012 11:06 AM Subject: ATK and NASA Showcase Cost-Saving Upgrades for Space Launch System Solid Rocket Boosters NEWS RELEASE Corporate Communications 1300 Wilson Boulevard Suite 400 Arlington, Virginia 22209 Phone: 703-412-3231 Fax: 703-412-3220 For Immediate Release Media Contact: Investor Contact: Trina Helquist Steve Wold Phone: 801-699-0943 Phone: 952-351-3056 E-mail: trina.helquist(a)atk.com E-mail: steve.wold(a)atk.com ATK and NASA Showcase Cost-Saving Upgrades for Space Launch System Solid Rocket Boosters Upgrades Reduce Assembly Time By 46 Percent ―Paving the Way for America’s Future Space Exploration Missions Promontory, UT, Oct. 2, 2012 – ATK (NYSE: ATK) and NASA held an event to highlight progress made in manufacturing the first ground test motor and cost-saving process upgrades for manufacturing the solid rocket booster for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). These changes have reduced assembly time by approximately 46 percent, saving millions of dollars in projected costs for the SLS system. ATK’s Value Stream Mapping (VSM) process, which is a company-wide business practice, allowed the employees to identify inefficient processes, procedures and requirements to help reach the target condition. Through this process, ATK identified more than 400 changes and improvements, which NASA approved. “As we were challenged with decreased budgets and a more streamlined workforce, we knew we had to make changes in order to stay competitive, but we also know the importance of ensuring we deliver a safe and reliable product for America’s human space flight program,” said Charlie Precourt, general manager and vice president of ATK’s Space Launch Division. “Through the VSM process we are delivering an even higher-quality product for less cost than originally envisioned for the SLS program.” Many of the process improvements identified through ATK’s VSM approach reduced the number of product moves and other redundant processes, limiting exposure and reducing the risk of anomalies during manufacturing. For example, in one area a segment was previously moved 47 times during manufacturing; the ATK teams were able to reduce those moves to seven, saving labor costs and improving reliability. Another lean manufacturing change involved eliminating some of NASA’s requirements for redundant inspections by incorporating ultrasound technology in place of X-ray and other inspection tools. NASA approved all of ATK’s recommended VSM changes. “NASA support and encouragement through this process shows its commitment to building the Space Launch System more affordably to ensure a safe, reliable and―most important―sustainable program for this nation,” said Precourt. VSM improvements have been implemented throughout the manufacturing of Qualification Motor-1 (QM-1). Four segments have now been cast, and ATK will start integration of the motor in the test stand next month in preparation for a ground test in spring 2013. “America’s next steps in deep space exploration build on the lessons learned from our nation’s rich human spaceflight history. By using the best-of-the-best from shuttle and improving on previous investments, we will produce the needed solid booster for the first SLS flights,” said Dan Dumbacher, NASA’s deputy associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development at NASA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. “We are encouraged by the progress being made at ATK. Their commitment to deliver a safe and high-quality rocket booster is vital as we build SLS to enable exploration to new frontiers in the solar system.” As part of the event, representatives from NASA Headquarters and Marshall Space Flight Center thanked the ATK workforce for their successful VSM efforts and continued work in producing the first booster for the Space Launch System. “Our workforce stepped up to the challenge, and our employees brought cost-saving ideas forward that were accepted by our NASA customer,” said Precourt. “These changes also pave the way for ATK in producing an Advanced Concept Booster that could be used to support missions throughout our solar system.” In July, ATK was awarded one of four contracts to help reduce risk in the development of a new booster system for the Space Launch System. The ATK Integrated Booster Static Test consists of a ground test of an advanced booster design featuring advanced, high-performance propellant; a low-cost, lightweight composite rocket motor case; and an innovative and more affordable nozzle. NASA’s Space Launch System will provide an entirely new capability for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and will back up commercial and international partner transportation services to the International Space Station. Designed to be flexible for crew or cargo missions, the SLS will be safe, affordable and sustainable, to continue America’s journey of discovery from the unique vantage point of space. The SLS will take astronauts farther into space than ever before, while engaging the U.S. aerospace workforce here at home. ATK is under contract for six solid rocket boosters for the SLS program, including two for each of the first two, 70-metric-ton-flights of the SLS and two ground tests (QM-1 and QM-2). ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 21 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com. Certain information discussed in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although ATK believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Among those factors are: changes in governmental spending, budgetary policies and product sourcing strategies; the company’s competitive environment; the terms and timing of awards and contracts; and economic conditions. ATK undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For further information on factors that could impact ATK, and statements contained herein, please refer to ATK’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. # # #

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