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Projects: Red Rover Goes to Mars
Student Astronaut Camillia Zedan
Cheng-Tao, Nomathemba, Kristyn, and Camillia with Bob Anderson
Bob Anderson shows Cheng-Tao, Nomathemba, Kristyn, and Camillia the coolest new images from Mars. Created: 20 February 2004.
Credit: The Planetary Society
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Spirit Sol 47 / Opportunity Sol 27
Friday, February 20, 2004
Millie’s Scientific Definitions (Jan 2004)
- Einstein: white-haired dude, white lab coat, really smart.
- Newton: curly-haired dude, had apple chucked at him, also smart.
- NASA: home of the eggheads that are set to launch monkeys into space.
Before I arrived here, at JPL, my personal preconceptions about were as above.
In fact, I felt unequivocally irritated by the “Great Ones”, such
as Einstein and Newton whose fault it was for the many formulas that weren’t
presented in the Formula booklet handed out at the beginning of each exam,
and so had to be learnt in advance.
I am still irritated with them, though my view about NASA scientists has
been altered since my arrival.
Millie’s Scientific Definitions (February 2004)
- Einstein: white-haired dude, white lab coat, really smart
- Newton: curly-haired dude, had apple chucked at him, also smart.
- NASA: home to a collection of real people (no cardboard cut-outs here!),
ranging from charismatic and funny, to quietly confident and collected, with
one thing in common; when it comes to science, they ooze enthusiasm.
Having arrived at JPL (the Jet Propulsion Laboratory – I just love
using TLAs (Three Letter Acronyms)), I was taken to see the “Magnet
Dudes”; Morten Madsen and Walter Goetz, along side others. It was interesting
to hear the happy banter of those who weren’t just working together,
but were friends too. Just as I was relaxing, and learning that Martian dust
is completely different to that found anywhere on Earth, Matt Golombek, the
head of the Mars Pathfinder mission and Science Operations Working Group (SOWG)
chair for Spirit walked in, taking a tour group round. So, I, along side my
NAFs (Newly Acquired Friends), joined in to hear what was going on. And lo,
I learned of the similarity between flies and the Mars Exploration Rovers;
the Rovers must do one thing at a time; similarly, flies cannot fly whilst
their feet are on the ground.
Later, we attended the Science Context Meeting, during which we heard all
involved freely interchanging ideas with such enthusiasm that there was always
something to hold your interest (the jokes helped as well). Despite my “vast” knowledge
on Mars (oh, the hilarity) I had expected to understand relatively little
in the meetings. Luckily, however, as there are so many specialist branches
that come together at each meeting, before they would suggest anything, they
explained their ideas well for the benefit of others…which was nice.
As my teachers would say, we love explanations as much as our mothers!
Having spent a long time in the flashlight of a million cameras, we took
a short time out before attending this sol’s SDAM (Science Downlink
Assessment Meeting), which was livelier than ever! The room was fuller than
earlier, and so the level of buzz kept climbing, though whether that was due
to the scientists’ excitement or the number of Dell computers has yet
to be found. The meeting was just a constant interchange of ideas about Opportunity’s
current and future functioning, during which a representative from each group
was called upon to report their current state of operation. This constant
discussion, hosted by Steve Squyres, was full of light laughs, none so distracting
as the mention of a “Middle RAT” – like Middle Earth. Here
my brain dawdled, as thoughts of Orlando Bloom, Karl Urban and David Wenham
enveloped me! And so it was that Dell-City, as I came to call it, became the
Middle Earth of JPL.
Perhaps the most shocking thing about JPL is the startling noises you can
hear when casually walking around. Some people might call it “laughter”,
but they haven’t heard Matt Golombek! Or, for that matter, Mr. Chappell,
my physics teacher, back in England.
The SOWG meeting took place in what was dubbed the Callas Palace, in honour
of John Callas, the science manager, and technically, there was a lot going
for it. There were laptops galore as the various members of each team discussed
how to best utilize the rover’s instruments, prioritizing certain ideas,
whilst working within the time constraints of the mission. With some instruments,
the longer you spend on one measurement, the less error you get, though unfortunately,
the time constraints are still prominent, and so prioritizing is a key issue.
My first day concluded with the end of Sol science discussion where the speakers
focused on possible explanations for the various features that had become
apparent on Mars via the many pictures that had been brought back.
The overall message from all meetings is one of enthusiasm; just keep on
truckin’.
I must admit that I still can’t believe that I’m actually here,
and after such a fantastic day as today, I can’t wait to see what tomorrow
will bring. This is Camillia Zedan, beginning the countdown to the conclusion
of the Student Astronaut mission at JPL!
Spirit Sol 48 / Opportunity Sol 28
Saturday, February 21, 2004
Well, the countdown is continuing over here, and with the great must unfortunately
come the annoying. Today is Kristyn and Cheng-Tao's last day at JPL, and so
to celebrate, and have a wonderful send-off, the remaining Student Astronauts
have all decided to go out to CALTECH tonight to see Macbeth (wahey!), and
tomorrow meet for brunch. Even though we've only really known each other for
about 48hrs, we've all become friends really fast. This friendship between
us is typical to that at JPL in general, and has been witnessed by us all
when walking around. And so, you see, friendships can alight over many things;
films such as the Lord Of The Rings, actors and actresses such as Orlando
Bloom and--um--now, my mind begins to wander (PAY ATTENTION MILLIE!!!), oh
yes, so, Orlando Bloom, or, in the case of everyone here, a thirst for knowledge
and clarity about the universe surrounding us. Clearly, currently, Mars is
a major source for this.
My time at JPL today began by a speedy trip in the scarily-fast lifts (American "elevators")
to floor 5; home of the Opportunity dudes and dudettes. Here, the three "I's" rein
supreme across the floor; people sift through information, using their initiative,
whilst eating their ice-creams. The interesting and little-known fact about
JPL is that the institute is fully equipped to serve the ice-cream needs of
the diligent and often comical scientists. Eying up the ice-cream freezer
on my way in, I entered the Context meeting, where upon I got underway watching
the excitable members busily swapping and suggesting ideas, and pulling in
opinions from all present.
After the meeting, my many hours of playing the Sims and Civilization came
in handy as Marc Powell, one of several software dudes within the mission,
explained some of the 3D data view images that we were seeing, the basis of
which is used for most, if not all, 3D computer games. The basic template
can be found by taking a look around Maestro Headquarters online. Marc brought
us up to date on the theory of how they match up features common to the different
photographs taken by the rover and combine them; stereo-correlation. From
the photos, the scientists can then use distance data and view data to ultimately
create the 3D image, which can be navigated to make it even more realistic
to look at.
Later, we returned to our area and began to work on some of the Mars Sundial
images sent back from the rover. So far, Nomathemba and I have been focusing
our efforts on Opportunity, and with the wonderful tutorage of Kristyn and
Cheng-Tao, and under the watchful eye of KJ Walsh, we have managed to learn
how to use new software to study the received images.
Walking around JPL is a real treat and, as I mentioned in my last journal,
when sat observing the scientists in their natural habitats, it is not unusual
to hear little giggles and laughs from all around.
Being here, the time really flies by, in fact, the time has now come to conclude
this journal. So farewell, and to all those familiar with Shakespeare, bye
now, dearest chuck!
Spirit Sol 49 / Opportunity Sol 29
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Well, even though it says it's Sol 29, it's actually day 3 for me at this
snug place named JPL. Despite the time changes each day (about 40 minutes),
I am managing to settle into the routine of life here.
Each sol for me begins with a Science Context meeting; discussing the general
progress the mission has had so far, the plans for the sol, and concluding
with what's been taken out from previous plans due to resource constraints.
As per usual, the scientists were eager to get to work and, as soon as the
meeting ended, they began moving about and discussing their varying ideas
on different subjects.
Some of the faces on the Opportunity floor are now becoming familiar. There's
Matt Golombek; geology guy, Walter Goetz; magnet guy, just moved up a floor
from Spirit, and Steve Gorevan; the RAT (Rock Abrasion Tool) payload element
lead and idea enthusiast. Of course there are more, but I'd frankly rather
refer you to the Athena website than spend hours and hours spouting off names
to you like some sort of Duracell rabbit gone wrong.
At the end of each Science Context meeting, there is an Atmosphere suggestion
about what the sol should be like. Today was planning ahead and preparing
for future observation.
Back at Leicester High (my school), I usually make it into school about 7.45
every morning. Mornings that I'm not there, I'm either ill or doing voluntary
work at a nearby nursery. Upon arriving to school every morning I generally
pass my physics teacher's office and hear rock music blasting from inside
(as you can imagine, he has no taste! The Darkness I can let slide, but some
of the others--kersplut!). Leaving the school at the end of the day, I can
sometimes hear the cleaners listening to music as they clean, or the choir
practicing. Walking around JPL, however, is a completely different story.
The rooms are often quiet, or filled with discussions about the rovers' movements.
The gentle hum of the computers allow for clear thought, and hilarity, at
the same time.
Today, after the meeting had ended, we retired to our cubicle and decided
to raid the food cupboard before embarking on our day's work. Calibrating
the images sent back from the two rovers of the Marsdials aboard each, (later
pet named by the four of us as "Bob" and "Rara"), is thirsty
work, and so, after a drink, we made it back to the Opportunity floor to attend
the Science Downlink Assessment Meeting (SDAM), another daily ritual.
I sat cross-legged on the floor of Dell-City (see previous journals for reference)
I realized for possibly the first time in my life that science and research
technology is the most interesting thing around. And then, I thought to myself,
hey, what ways are there to encourage people to take another look at science
and realize its full potential. Some of the ideas I came up with are listed
down below:
Remove all boring teachers who suck the life out of science.
Create more competitions for students that allow students to take part
in what science is like after school (such as this Red Rover Goes To Mars
Student Astronaut Mission).
And finally, and probably most importantly, get some lead heartthrob such
as, and this is totally off the top of my head here, Orlando Bloom (wahey!)
to play a budding young (and incredibly attractive) scientist (slash Baywatch
impersonator) recently moved to the States, or wherever, because he's the
only person who has been able to crack this scientific code to save the world--or
something!
Well, this concludes my transmission for today on a rather interesting
note, as I remember the times I have spent "prioritizing" my time,
just like the scientists do, ensuring that I have a few laughs, take on board
some of the information I'm hearing, and soak in the atmosphere. Thank you,
and goodnight!
Oooh! I nearly forgot! At JPL there are deer!!! Not inside at the desks wearing
lab coats and glasses--hmmm, a thought--but in fact, munching on the green.
There's truly nothing like the majestic stroll of a deer amongst the plants,
apart from maybe the majestic stroll of four Student Astronauts filled with
free ice cream.
Spirit Sol 50 / Opportunity Sol 30
Monday, February 23, 2004
Sol 30, i.e. today, commenced for us at about 1.30pm. After an annoying and
somewhat bumpy taxi trip (cab, for all you Americans) we arrived at our destination…the
Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL). Quick warning for all those who have been following
my journal: today’s entry shall contain TLAs and general A’s…acronyms
that is!
The Times Educational Supplement, a newspaper in my home country, wanted
to interview Nomathemba and me today. One of the gentlemen who came was taken
with me to Floor 4, an oddity for me during my time here; the Spirit Floor.
Having been used to the Opportunity Floor when bustling with scientists fresh
from the mill, I was surprised to find the floor almost derelict of such things.
The explanation of this strange occurrence, I believe, is due to the difference
in time between the two missions. Whilst I am here working on Opportunity,
the Spirit scientists are having their sleep (there is a 12hr and 1min difference
between the two rovers).
As I returned to the Opportunity Floor, I pondered for a while on such bizarre
oddities as scientists; willing to work strange hours to obtain a result,
thinking laterally to explain things and dressing in sandals and trainers
for work. I reiterated to myself, once more (as that is what reiterated means),
that it is one of these specimens that I wish to become.
Without Kristyn and Cheng-Tao with us, Nomathemba and I first braved the
cheerful storm of scientists together. Before Context began, we wove in and
out among the desks and tables, listening to conversations, asking questions,
and looking for seats, all the time being photographed by photographer Gerard
Burkhart.
Today was dubbed RAT Day and will go down in history neigh and forever as
such! For those who don’t know what RAT’ing is, I shall explain
it to you now. The RAT, or Rock Abrasion Tool, is a small drill on the rover.
It is generally used to drill a small hole into a rock to remove the damaged
or weathered layers that surround it. This allows the APXS and Mössbauer
(various spectrometers, also onboard) to take more accurate readings of the “fresh” rock
underneath.
The Context today was as quick and efficient as ever, being concluded neatly
about twenty minutes after it commenced. Afterwards, Nomathemba and I walked
around to view what new turns were taking place around DELL City. It was on
our rounds that we met atmosphere dude, Michael Smith, who took time out to
talk and explain to us the various projects within Opportunity that he was
involved in. These he managed to condense down into Clouds, Temperature, and
Dust. As I am sure, dear reader, you are well aware, there is no surface water
on Mars. So, one may ask, how can there be clouds and ice with no in-between?
Well, the answer comes now, my friend; on Mars, the water vapor turns directly
into ice with no in-between. ‘Nuff said.
In one corner of the room, some of those present held huge grins on their
faces. And so, Nomathemba and I set out into this before uncharted region
of the room. Those present were excited by a 3D-view of part of Mars, with
heat maps on top. The mingling of the two was truly amazing.
Seeing our reaction to this, Jascha Sohl-Dickstein took us to view an interesting
artifact that had been found the previous night via the MI (Microscopic Imager)
images.
Dear Reader,
For those of you who have been following this journal, I feel it imperative
to explain my actions over the last few entries. As you have probably noted,
Orlando Bloom’s name crops up in everyone so far. Just to clarify,
the reason for this is due to a little bet (or wager, if you will) between
myself and Kristyn Rodzinyak, one of the previous Student Astronauts. As
you can probably guess, due to a certain…how shall I put this…interesting
discussion, I stupidly said that I might be able to uphold a new-formed
tradition, and mention his name in all my entries. I shall uphold said tradition,
and so, need venture no more on the subject, as I have already mentioned
his name once today.
I now must, unfortunately, bring this entry to a close; the SDAM (Science
Downlink Assessment Meeting) takes place in about 17 minutes, and afterwards
I may be unable to write more till tomorrow. Read postscript for more!!! And
so, I bid thee, farewell!
Spirit Sol 51 / Opportunity Sol 31
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Well, as weather goes, today hasn’t been quite so aggravating as the
rest. Usually, it rains and rains until we’re inside JPL, and then the
Sun comes out to laugh at us. But today, it was quite the reverse.
Yesterday, I wrote that I would be attending the Science Downlink Assessment
Meeting and going straight home from there, and so wouldn’t have time
to continue with my journal. Well, the time has now come for me to bestow
upon you the wisdom of my time at the aforememtioned meeting. The meeting
flowed smoothly, like a silver stream flowing over conglomerates (smooth pebbles).
As is the pattern with all of these meetings, each aspect of MER B’s
instruments onboard were discussed, in particular the Rock Abrasion Tool.
The Rock Abrasion Tool, or “RAT,” has been a particularly busy
instrument these last few sols, as RATing has been most frequent in the agenda.
Upon arriving today, I asked if it would be possible to visit the JPL shop
before I go, as my days were getting increasingly later and the shop was soon
to be closed before I arrived. Kindly, Joe Oliver, one of my mentors whilst
staying here at JPL, let us dump off our bags in the cubicle, grab our money,
and follow him to the shop…or store, if you will. And so it was that
we turned up late for the Context meeting, sporting several nifty JPL pens
and a mug (don’t ask). Instead of being shunned, we were welcomed to
sit and listen, as the sol’s expectations were announced. Everyone seemed
confident about what they had to do, and what they were interested in doing
for that day. Confidence, I am finding, is another large part of being a scientist;
you listen to things, make suggestions and back them up, explaining to others
why you feel what you feel…ah, say those that know me, just another
conversation with Millie.
After the meeting, people are usually raring to go and get to work, and so
it is often hard to stem the tide of ideas flowing from them, and ask them
questions such as what aspect are you working on right now, or did you always
dream of becoming a scientist, and finally (though perhaps most importantly)
what is your opinion on Orlando Bloom? Today, however, Bradley Jolliff (another
of the many hardworking, ice-cream eating geology dudes) stopped and explained
to us all about flash memory.
Now, for those of you who are like me, the word flash holds many meanings
and derivatives. First, the FLASH on a camera (fair enough); second, the FLASH
player on a computer; a piece of software that allows mini-movie things to
be viewed; third, FLASHman, nana nana nana nana FLASHMAN!!! For those of you
who don’t know, “Flashman” is a character made up by my
skilled-self (hah! I make myself chuckle sometimes) and others at one of the
schools I used to go to. Finally, Flash Gordon; if you don’t know him,
you should.
Well, the Flash that Brad told us about is a type of memory within the Rovers
on Mars, similar to that within a digital camera. Opportunity and Spirit have
a certain amount of memory that is used to store images and other data that
it obtains whilst on the surface of Mars. The data stays inside flash until
it has sent the data to the orbiters Mars Global Surveyor or Odyssey, or direct-to-Earth
(DTE) using the high gain antenna (HGA). Once the data is obtained on Earth,
the scientists decide whether or not it is still important to keep a copy
on the rover or delete it accordingly.
The final meeting for me today was the Science Downlink Assessment Meeting,
where generally there was a positive message going out. All the scientists
were determined and optimistic about what was going to go ahead.
As the others have said, working here, the time really does fly by. I can’t
believe it’s the end of the day already. Sol 31, 23rd Feb, and 4 days
left till the end of the Studast Broadcast. ‘Night!
Spirit Sol 52 / Opportunity Sol 32
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Today, the unknowing and un-news watching Brit is going to get a taste of
what it means to live in California with its fluctuating weather patterns.
By the time I leave JPL today, there is going to be a storm waiting for me.
Luckily I have been given a brolly (American = umbrella) by my fabulous mentor,
K.J. Walsh, though even with this, I would not be surprised if I was blown
into the fountain on my way out. Even Orlando Bloom, when playing Legolas,
would be unable to brave such a breeze (a big cheesy grin spreads itself across
my face as thoughts of the gorgeous elf envelope me!). Sure, he managed to
fight billions of orcs and Uruk-Hai, but when it comes to the elements, no
one is strong enough to withstand themexcept maybe Heath Ledger in Ned Kelly
(cheesy grin continues)!
My day patterns at JPL are getting later and later, in correspondence with
the longer sols on Mars. At first I thought Wahey! I can have a lie in, but
in time came to realize that starting later means leaving later. In fact,
on Friday, I wont be walking out of here until the wee hours of the morning
(some time after 2am oh, my kingdom for a bed!). If I can still stand, that
is, otherwise theyll be wheeling me out in a bin (American = trash can).
Being Sol 32, and as I have explained in every other journal entry, there
was a Context meeting, bright and late, to discuss the plans for the day.
Discussions, clarifications, explanations and well-defined targets filled
up the meeting, culminating in the usual few jokes at the end, generally at
the expense of whoever is leading the meeting, though all with good spirit
(hey! Sprit dyou get it? Oh, sometimes I think Im so funny I might just marry
myself!).
Looking around the room at the concentrating and cheerful faces, I noticed
that the room was sincerely lacking in chocolate; something that no room should
ever do without (except perhaps the bathroom). Good job, I continued to think,
that I had brought sustenance for the scientists and all on the MER B floor
in the form of the afore-mentioned nutrient-packed snacks.
After working on creating some MarsDial Movies for some time (from scratch,
I might addhow about that!), I piled the chocs and took them downstairs, just
in time for SDAM (the Science Downlink Assessment Meeting). Most had at least
one, and seemed to enjoy them. I, of course, sacrificed myself and tried one,
just to ensure that it was not poisoned or something. I truly am the most
caring and considerate person in the worldand incredibly modest too!
The good thing about no press is that the day can be divided up into the
more exciting things, such as attending the meetings, chatting with the scientists,
and, of course, returning to our cubicle.
On top of each rover is a sundial. Images of the sundial are taken at various
intervals and transmitted back to Earth. These images are then given to us,
and we calibrate them and work with them using various software. Having completed
much of the calibration and manipulation of the data sent with the images,
I was able, today, to work on making a MarsDial Movie. This one has now turned
into several pretty, and if I may say, nifty movies, which I can put my name
behind and sell to Paramountone day!
Well, Id love to chat, but chocolate and duty calls! Another brilliant, if
not stormy, day at JPL, with Nomathemba, K.J. and the gang!
Spirit Sol 53 / Opportunity Sol 33
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Sol 33…3 3…a palindrome of numbers…divisible by 3. Today
is that day.
For all those who were wondering, no, I did not get drenched yesterday whilst
going out in the “storm.” Also, I would like to add that this “storm” was
nothing more than a light drizzle of rain. Or at least, it was to me; someone
who has grown up in the constantly flooding city and area of Yorkshire (hence
the whole “Yorkshire lass” thing).
The fabulous Joe Oliver met us today at the front gate and took us directly
to the “Women On Mars” webcast; a chance for some of the women
working on the Mars Exploration Rovers to talk to a mainly female audience
about what it’s like to work at JPL, how they got there, and various
other little snippets of useful information. Waiting to sign in, I noticed
the screen saver on a computer flashing. Those who have read my previous journal
entries may wish for clarification as to precisely what kind of flashing it
was. To them I say: this kind of flashing is the kind where different images
appear, one after the other, on the computer screen. At first what met my
gaze was a sporting young chap whose name I don’t know, but whose face
I liked the look of, so I kept looking. Immediately following came several
pictures of the lovely Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn, in Lord Of The Rings. Thusly
it was that my day began with a flashing Orlando Bloom (dude…nice!).
The webcast was truly a chance to get to get a woman’s view on science
and working at NASA, and so immediately stole my attention from the gorgeous
OB!
Soon after arriving in the usual Space Fight Operations Facility building
at JPL, it was time to attend the day’s Science Context meeting. Much
was discussed, though generally there was an overall message to plan, plan,
plan…oh, and prioritize.
Looking around the room, the morning’s webcast had prompted me to think
further about stereotypes and question why the computer mice have lights in
them. Stereotypes are really pointless and, since my time at JPL, have been
completely re-written in my book. Granted, I still think of pirates as doing
the whole “oo’ arr, matey” and elves being incredibly attractive
(*cheesy grin, again*), but scientists, once more, have shocked me. Tracing
the range of mice with lights inside them, I saw, slung over a chair, a leather
jacket. Dude, I said to myself, someone here wears leather…nice!
Another thing that the webcast had prompted me to do, was to engage in more
conversations with the female staff. And so, after chatting for a while with
friendly and familiar Walter Goetz, I walked around the room, and singled
out Wendy Calvin. As soon as I approached her, she welcomed me to sit down.
Hazaaah! I thought to myself, having expected to be told not to bother her
when she was working. Hazaaah, once more!
Wendy works mainly on Infra-Red Spectroscopy and with data brought back from
the Mini-TES. She spoke to me for a while about her role in the mission, and
how it all came to be. It was interesting to learn what sacrifices have to
be made to work on the mission, though even after hearing it, she was still
adamant that there is nothing better than making sacrifices for a brilliant
result.
At one point in the conversation, she mentioned that she could get pretty
homesick spending so much time away. This prompted me to mention to you how
the hilarious, intelligent, modest, and England-loving Millie became the hilarious,
intelligent, modest, and England-missing Millie.
Teamwork is a big thing around JPL. At the Science Downlink Assessment Meeting
(SDAM) today, I noticed three things. First, how well someone from each group
would explain to the others so that they would be able to understand what
other things are going on with the rover. Second, how well each group functioned
and interacted within their teams. And finally, I noticed how comfortable
the chairs are within JPL, prompting the question: “Where d’you
get them chairs, Peter?” So, now, I must find Peter.
Walking around JPL today, I was horrified to discover that the ice-cream
freezer was empty!!! Do not be alarmed, dear reader, as this did not affect
the normal running of the day (though it was brought up in both of the meetings!).
Dear Reader,
It is becoming depressingly realistic now that my days here at JPL are
coming to a close. My only hope of returning is getting a job here, and
so I call to anyone to HIRE ME NOW!!! Also, I bid farewell to Joe, one of
my mentors, whose last day it is today. Fare thee well, my friend, fare
thee well.
And now, to the rest of you…night!
Spirit Sol 54 / Opportunity Sol 34
Friday, February 27, 2004
Before attending the Context meeting this morning, Shonte Wright, one of
the speakers at the Women Working On Mars webcast, came down to meet us and
have a chat. She explained to us what exactly she worked on with the heating
on the Rovers. It was slightly overwhelming to think that after finally completing
the masses of criteria that had to be met, the components created were then
shaken and cleaned to the nines!
Since my time here at JPL, I have begun to realize that Science is a completely
different language to that spoken anywhere on Earth…or Mars for that
matter. I like to consider myself quite well spoken, owning both a dictionary
and a thesaurus (oh, the hilarity!). Despite this, the Science language specific
to the Mars Exploration Rover mission, or “Rover Speak” as I have
come to dub it, still manages to dazzle me with new TLAs (Three Letter Acronyms).
The Context meeting, as always, outlined the current mission progress, as
well as ideas and plans for the sol ahead. The sheer magnitude of the planning
that must get underway before anything can happen does, I must admit, seem
a little daunting. Nevertheless, the workers here at JPL (I’m never
gonna get tired of saying that…wahey!) never seem to tire of working
hard for even the most minimal of results (go them!).
Whilst sitting and watching the array of conversing scientists after Context,
I noticed the word “ICK” crop up several times. Now it is my turn
to dazzle you, dear reader, with views of what ICK can mean. Firstly, there
is “ICK’le” meaning “little”…baby language
(enough said). Secondly, there is “ICK’y”, meaning ewwww;
meaning nasty…slang-ish! And finally, the scientific meaning, which
was later disclosed to me by one of the ice-cream lacking scientists. ICK;
Incremental Counter Keeper (just saying it makes you sound important…but
try saying it three times in a row). Granted, one-word answers aren’t
always fantastic: Why is the sky blue? Nitrogen. But still, more than one
word answers, when you’re tired and faced with a 2.15am home time, can
be very slightly, but very completely, infuriating (!!!).
Having concluded the meeting, Jascha Sohl-Dickstein, one of the people from
Cornell on the Pancam team (see more on Sol 30), talked to us about what he
was doing. Just to clarify, he’s currently working on merging Microscopic
images to end up with an image with a much higher resolution than that which
the camera would have been able to take. All very complex stuff.
Returning from the meeting, Emily made some popcorn. And, as the room slowly
filled with the sweet scent of the carefully cooked corn, I couldn’t
help but chuckle to myself in memory of when Kristyn tried to make popcorn,
and nearly set off the sprinklers at JPL. This memory immediately prompted
me to question exactly how I was going to include Orlando Bloom in my second-to-last
entry (once again, this necessity to include him in every journal entry is
due to a friendly wager between Kristyn and myself). Never fear, I think as
I write this, I’ve already done it (wahey!).
Downlink (SDAM) was begun today by a round of applause for the RAT (Rock
Abrasion Tool) team, as eating into the energy really paid off; some important
MI (Microscopic Imaging) images were received of an area before and after
RAT’ing.
Unfortunately, the time is ticking on and my brain is turning into mush,
yet there is still another four hours before clocking off. Trying to stay
awake is almost as difficult as trying to hide from the lens of the nerd paparazzi
(term courtesy of Jim Rice), otherwise known as Emily Lakdawalla, another
of our fantastic (though a little camera-happy) mentors whilst here at JPL.
People I see walking around here move with a somewhat gravid ease as they
make their way to and from places, in a sleepy stupor. For those of you who
don’t know, the windows at JPL are blacked out, and so night and day
mingle freely. This can, however, make you feel perpetually tired…
Entering the Science Operations Working Group meeting, or SOWG for more letters,
we found ourselves amidst an in-depth discussion between the scientists on
Oreos…ok? Though, soon after our arrival, the meeting truly got underway.
Often during such meetings, I feel that the scientists are just making up
words to confuse me. And so, I was thankful to hear some of them pointing
out that “dis-obscurate” is not a word!!!
Unfortunately, the time is drifting on…fortunately, this means that
I will soon be reacquainted with my bed. And so, I conclude to-sol’s
diary entry (to-sol being the equivalent as today on Mars), by saying goodnight,
and keep watching the skies!!!
Spirit Sol 55 / Opportunity Sol 35
Saturday, February 27, 2004
Well, the countdown is well and truly over, and the Red Rover Goes To Mars
Student Astronaut Mission has completed its phase. We’ve laughed; we’ve
slept; we’ve eaten ice-cream (!). But now it is time to bid thee, oh,
happy place, adieu.
My final day began with the Context meeting, before which, I spoke again
with Walter Goetz (magnet dude) who has become a friendly and familiar face.
I showed him the three MarsDial movies I have made; a black and white movie
showing the shadow pass at a certain azimuth with a certain filter, a color
movie showing similar views (only in color), and a Dust movie showing the
way the dust gathered on one of the magnets from sols 1-25. Little did I know,
at this point, that I would be shortly showing these movies to the whole Opportunity
floor (I kid you not). When all the usual Context discussions had concluded,
K.J., my mentor, led the way center stage and hooked his Mac up to one of
the primary screens. What followed was amazing, as the final two Student Astronauts
addressed the whole room in a concluding message…and got a round of
applause (wahey!).
After our address, Nomathemba and I did the usual thing (for the last time)
of walking around and chatting with those present. We met another magnet dude,
Morten Madsen, and chatted with Alex Hayes about the sundial software we’d
been using that he had helped to write. Later we met Roxana Wales and Zara
Mimalek; the people whose job it is to design pretty much everything to aid
in the scientist’s research…from software to chairs (well done
to you – claps all round).
Well, despite this being my last day here, I can’t tell you how relieved
I am to not have to find ever more ingenious ways of including Orlando Bloom
in every entry. Needless to say, I think I have done well, and have won the
bet between Kristyn and myself…mwahahah!
Before returning to our cubicle, KJ borrowed some 3D glasses and showed us
one of the more recent images from Mars. Dude! It was so cool – you
could almost touch the soil…I revel in memory!
Attending my final Downlink meeting, I realized how diverse the roles and
people are. This probably makes it easier to get on with the masses of amounts
of teamwork that has to go on if anything is to be done. The only people that
weren’t there were the RAT team, who were taking a well-earned vacation
after the vigors of the past sol-week type thing. Other than that, the show
went on!
Today has certainly touched a more somber note, and although we all are glad
not to have to shift our sleeping patterns around every day, it will be hard
to not jump on a plane to come back to “work” on the computers
and attend the meetings. I’m really grateful to The Planetary Society,
K.J. Walsh, Emily Lakdawalla, Joe Oliver and everyone else who made this possible…thanks
you guys!!!
Well, I must away now, happy to return to tell my tale to my mum, Nadia (my
sister), Gurjit, Antonia, Emma, Helen (the list goes on) and even…dare
I say it…Mr Chappell (physics teacher). This is Camillia Zedan, concluding
the Red Rover Goes To Mars Student Astronaut Mission here, at JPL.
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