We’re practically sleeping in NASA’s backyard and every day as we drive into Mountain View we pass the gigantic metal wireframe structure that is the Ames Research Center. It constantly reminds me that we should visit and see what they have for kids to explore (because space stations always have cool things for kids).
We finally made the journey to Moffett Field and it was a rather fun and educational hour or two… and free.
Ames Research Center is one of 10 NASA field Centers. Here they do research on supercomputing, air transportation, exoplanets, biology, robotics, lunar science, wind tunnels and developing better human/space shuttle interactions (which is what I am most interested in as an interaction designer).
One of the more known experiments that you learn from the shuttle tour is how frog embryos were once used to determine the effects of gravity (or lack of) on the process of embryonic development. Frogs were the first vertebrate species that reproduced in space. Apparently, they didn’t have a problem with weightlessness as long as had something to hold onto.
Two other things that make the visit worthwhile: the space shuttle flight simulator. La Niña saved the shuttle from at least 3-catastrophic disasters… and a 20-minute interactive presentation on planets and solar system. After these types of presentations, I always feel so insignificant and puny compared to the rest of the universe.
My only complaint is that what you learn isn’t completely modern space knowledge/technology; I find some U.S. space education rather simplistic and lacking visibility. As an alternative, we follow the Canadian Space Agency YouTube feeds, Popular Science, occasionally look at how far the Voyager spacecrafts have travelled, what the Mars Rovers have discovered, and Chris Hatfield’s Twitter space journeys. And, there’s my all-time favourite shocking conversational piece… the Canadian Minister of Defense admitting that aliens exist… and that there are four known factions of aliens that visit Earth regularly. Because PPRAT conversations always get people arguing (parenting, politics, religion, aliens, taxes).
Ames is a typical military facility meaning there’s no access beyond the gates manned by MPs wearing semi-automatic rifles searching cars and deciding whether people can enter or not. Once you see the gates, veer right and you’ll find the Exploration Center.
0 comments on “NASA Ames Research Center”Add yours →