Barb T. live on NASA TV

[Barb T]

Hi all,

I've had the honor and privilege of spending the last week as part of the science team for the 2010 NASA Desert RATS test, where NASA is testing geologic field operations using its two prototype lunar exploration rovers in a volcanic field north of Flagstaff, Arizona. It has been a truly remarkable experience - I've been part of the "geologic back room", and my job has been to run the imaging acquisition and documentation systems for both the rover traverses and the crew EVAs (extravehicular activities - i.e., simulations of space walks), and I'm going to be part of the strategic science planning team for the next couple of nights.

The rovers are quite remarkable vehicles - if you want to see something about them and about the Desert RATS test, you can go to http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/anal...sert_rats.html

The publicity people decided that they wanted to do a live interview with me for NASA TV about what I'm doing, and the interview is folded into a half hour program that's viewable on the web. The whole program is great and will give you a feel for the rovers and the testing we've been doing. If you want to see what I had to say, it starts at about 17:40 into the program at the following link:

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9473544

Barb

[SteveB]

Awesome public relations segment. Well handled.


Slainte

[Whidbey78]

You have been given an opportunity to take part in some incredible and amazing stuff. The exploration of space is, in my mind, the greatest achievement and the greatest adventure in our history.

Actually, it was my fascination with space and science and my desire to explore it that pushed me to join the Navy. I figured that since I couldn't join Starfleet and see other worlds I'd do the next best thing and see other lands.

To get to take part in extraterrestrial exploration at any level is something I envy. Well done.

[xman]

Lookin' good Professor Barb. Thanks for the links.

[ThistleDown]

Superb, Barb.

[KFCarter]

You're a natural on camera, Barb. I'm more convinced than ever that you need your own TV show... I'm just not sure whether it needs to be on the Travel Channel or the Science Channel!

[BEEDEE]

That was cool and so interesting! Since your daughter is there as well, does that mean piping together in the evening? And inquiring minds want to know which kilt you are working on out there in the Arizona wilds.

Brian

[Barb T]

Since your daughter is there as well, does that mean piping together in the evening? And inquiring minds want to know which kilt you are working on out there in the Arizona wilds.

Yup, but I'd forgotten how much work it is to play the pipes at 7000 feet elevation!

I have three kilts with me, including one for Standard (a Black Watch regimental weight kilt).

Love the "Scotland Rugby" shirt too!

I actually had my "Airborne Pipes - Piobaireachd from Above" t-shirt underneath, but it was too gaudy for an interview.

I just saw a "James T Kirk" tartan you might be interested in for a future kilt

There's actually a lunar tartan...!

http://www.tartansauthority.com/tart...n_name_search=

From STA site:

"..designed in 1970 by Ian Maxwell, a director of Eskvalley Knitwear of Langholm in the Scottish Borders. The black, brown and grey were from the lunar rock brought back to earth by the Apollo missions and the red was for the rocket flame.
The tartan was extremely poplar at the time and was sold in Harrods, Scotch House etc and Ian Maxwell relates (2009) that many hundreds of kilts and ties were made in it. Eskvalley originally produced three mohair stoles in it, one of which was presented to Neil Armstrong’s wife."

[herminator]

But you can see it´s not a kilt site:
They call Barb a "Geoligist" in the description!

We would have known better!

[RockyR]

Lookin good, Barb. Love the "Scotland Rugby" shirt too!