NASA Weekly Update from the Administrator – Aug. 10, 2020
Lots of exciting work is happening across the agency. The Green Run test team completed the fourth test on the core stage of the Space Launch System rocket last week. These mission milestones are continuing to build great momentum for our Artemis program. The test firing of all the RS-25 engines later this fall will be an event we’ll never forget.
COVID Update: Next week, I will participate in a recorded town hall with other agency leaders. We will provide an update on the agency response and answer your questions. The recorded video will be made available online Thursday, Aug. 20. Look for more information this week, including a link to submit questions this Friday, Aug. 14.
· Top News: Tomorrow, Aug. 11, OSIRIS-REx will conduct a second and final rehearsal to practice the sample collection procedure before carrying out the mission on the asteroid Bennu in October. The dedication of this team is inspiring, and I can’t wait to see them execute NASA’s first asteroid sample collection!
· Next Up: Also tomorrow, I am thrilled to hold a virtual event with Rep. Derek Kilmer of Washington to discuss our Artemis program, how an education in STEM can help today’s students, and the many ways NASA’s missions are spurring economic and small business growth.
· Shout Out: These last few weeks, as I’ve visited a few different centers, I was reminded that our coworkers in NASA’s Office of Protective Services (OPS) have continued to secure our agency through this challenging pandemic. Whether during a pandemic or at any time, I know we can rely on OPS Assistant Administrator Joe Mahaley and his team of dedicated men and women to ensure our centers and facilities are kept safe.
Last Friday, Aug. 7, scholars in Bhutan working with NASA’s Earth Science DEVELOP Programpresented their projects on modeling Asian elephant habitats, and assessing precipitation and climate trends to inform climate mitigation. The scholars used publically available NASA satellite data to complete their projects — proving how our agency’s efforts to provide innovative and transparent science help improve life around the globe.
Ad astra,
Jim Bridenstine
