Engineers Branch Out at Rocket University

There was a launch March 15 that didn't make the news, but nonetheless set an accomplishment for engineers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The launch had everything one might expect: An open area, an expected course, antennas that could pick up signals and video from the craft as it soared into the sky, and a recovery team. The operation was even led by aerospace engineers.

But this was no rocket. Instead, it was a large balloon designed to climb high into the stratosphere carrying a 6-pound box of instruments and three cameras, plus a parachute and associated equipment.

That it was being launched by engineers accustomed to dealing with space shuttles was the point of the exercise: pushing accomplished specialists out of their comfort zones. By venturing into new areas, they will pick up new technological tips along the way that are expected to pay off for future NASA missions.

The mission was a project for the new "Rocket University," a program of courses, workshops, labs and projects offered to engineering and research pros of all stripes to keep their skills fresh and broaden their experiences. About 20 Rocket University students took part in the balloon launch.

For more info, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/rocketuniversity.html

Robotic Technology Lends More Than Just a Helping Hand

While Robonaut 2 has been busy testing its technology in microgravity aboard the International Space Station, NASA and General Motors have been working together on the ground to find new ways those technologies can be used.

The two groups began working together in 2007 on Robonaut 2, or R2, which in 2011 became the first humanoid robot in space. Now they are jointly developing a robotic glove that auto workers and astronauts can wear to help do their respective jobs better while potentially reducing the risk of repetitive stress injuries. Officially, it’s called the Human Grasp Assist device, but it’s generally called the K-Glove or Robo-Glove for short.

When engineers, researchers and scientists from GM and NASA began collaborating on R2, one of the design requirements was for the robot to operate tools designed for humans, alongside astronauts in outer space and factory workers on Earth. The team achieved an unprecedented level of hand dexterity on R2 by using leading-edge sensors, actuators and tendons comparable to the nerves, muscles and tendons in a human hand. In doing so, they realized that there was no reason that a robot should be the only one to benefit from their findings.

Research shows that continuously gripping a tool can cause fatigue in hand muscles within a few minutes, but initial testing of the Robo-Glove indicates the wearer can hold a grip longer and more comfortably.

For more info, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/robo-glove.html