From Science Fiction to Science Fact 2024
Space is limitless. Our panel time, sadly, was not.
However, our presenters have been kind enough to answer more questions that couldn't be covered in our live Q&A. Since questions often inspire more questions, you can continue to explore by contacting our partners at the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program:
Katherine Reilly: katherine.reilly@nasa.gov
NIAC Program main: hq-niac@mail.nasa.gov
Panelist Q&A
Answers from:
Katherine Reilly, NIAC Strategic Partnerships Manager
Frank Spellman, NIAC Bryce Analyst
What's bend forming?
Frank Spellman: Bend-forming is a super cool new way to build structures in space.
Kathy Reilly: Learn more here about Bend-Forming of Large Electrostatically Actuated Space Structures.
To become an astronaut and be eligible to enter NASA, what are the specific requirements?
Frank: Caitlin, check this link out for requirements for the astronaut program.
Kathy: Do you have what it takes to #BeAnAstronaut? 1) U.S. citizen, 2) Master's degree in STEM field, 3) 2 years related, professional experience, 4) Pass the NASA astronaut physical.
How long have you been working for NASA?
Frank: Kathy has worked for NASA for 20 years, myself for 4, and Peter and Zach’s studies were each 9 months long.
In the projects NASA makes, do the projects needs Java script (code) hand typed?
Frank: NASA projects often do use code, we use all sorts of programs and languages like Java!
How many people work for NASA?
Frank: Around 18,000 people, including me and Kathy!
Kathy: Frank's correct: there are approximately 18,000 civil servants who work at NASA with thousands of contractors supporting the agency as well.
Where is the [lunar oxygen] coming from?
Frank: The O2 is coming from water ice that's trapped frozen on and underneath the lunar surface. Peter [Curreri] also plans to get O2 directly from metal compounds in the regolith.
How are you going to extract O2 from the water ice. With what technology?
Frank: The O2 will primarily be extracted using MRE (Molten Regolith Electrolysis).
Of the 1B people estimated to be in space by 2050, where will they reside? On the Moon or in LEO habitats, or a combination of the two?
Frank: No one knows for sure. One of the biggest risks is radiation from the Sun in addition to intergalactic cosmic rays. So wherever we live it needs to be protected from those rays. We have supported concepts for living on the Moon, Mars and in deep space.
In several decades, once manufacturing is prolific on the Moon, is there even a slight danger of altering its orbit around earth, even just a tiny bit?
Kathy: While unknown at this time, it's unlikely that lunar mining and manufacturing would impact the Moon's orbit. Related Facts: Our Moon is impacted by tons of meteorites each year, its orbit is continually changing due to tidal friction, and the Moon gets further and further from Earth by about 1-2 inches per year.
Have you started building on the Moon?
Kathy: Not yet- there will be an Artemis Space Base built- see more info here.
When is NASA planning on sending astronauts to the Moon?
Kathy: September 2025 for Artemis II- this will be the first crewed Artemis mission around the Moon. Then, September 2026 will be Artemis III, to LAND the first astronauts on the Moon near its South Pole.
Have you been to Griffin MSI? If so, what is your favorite part of the Henry Crown Space Center? If not, what space exhibit/museum do you recommend visiting?
Kathy: Yes, I adore everything about Griffin MSI... so much, that I've been an exhibit advisor for many years. Favorites = Apollo 8 Command Module, Mercury Aurora 7 capsule, Dr. Jemison's garment/belt, space shuttle tire (not sure if it's currently on exhibit) and so much more! If you like space exhibits, you definitely need to go to the incredible U.S. Air & Space Museum which is part of the Smithsonian.
Do you do any partnerships with schools or special programs for the middle school classroom? What can be done with 6th Grade?
Kathy: Yes, please contact me: katherine.reilly@nasa.gov
You all have amazing careers and future forward vision. What advice would you give to young scientists that you wish you would have done/known early in your careers?
Kathy: I'm SO glad you asked this question! NIAC has partnered with World Book, Inc. in Chicago for many years and we've pulled together a book series (24 books) exclusively for young scientists. It's called Out of This World, and available online and at any library. Take a peek inside the second series here.
If you need more info, contact me directly: katherine.reilly@nasa.gov
Would either of you be looking for graduate students/new employees?
Kathy: You can look into being an intern for NASA which many times turns into full time employment, or you can learn more about how to apply here.
