NASA unveils new programs

• http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/space/04/09/cnet.nasa.new.programs/index.html?hpt=Sbin

First Airplane on Mars

Galveston Island

Here are some shots of the Bolivar Ferry ride and Galveston Island.

Unfortunate change of plans...

There's been a family emergency back in Iowa, and I'm going to have to leave the competition. It's very unfortunate, but unavoidable. I will be catching a plane out of Houston tomorrow (Saturday) at 2:45.

Mike will be staying to complete the competition. Two teachers from two area schools (Patti Winkler from Galva-Holstein, and Susie Maas from OA-BCIG) have volunteered to take over as Mike's chaperones. Mike is in very good hands, and I can't thank them enough.

I'm hoping that Mike will find the time to continue posting updates to this blog throughout the next couple days of the competition. I will continue to post until I have to leave for the airport tomorrow morning.

Arriving at Gilruth

We've arrived at Gilruth Center in Johnson Space Center.

Here, we get unpacked and freshened up, and then we head out to the Bolivar Ferry and Galveston Island. We'll see the sights, walk the beach along the Seawall, do some souvenir shopping and eat some good food. Then, back to Gilruth for the opening ceremonies.

Entering Houston

We're still on the road, coming in to the outskirts of Houston right now. It's a beautiful, clear, sunny day. The forecast for the area is temps in the upper 60s to lower 70s with not a cloud in the sky. Perfect day for walking the seawall on Galveston island.

When we come into Houston, we'll stop for some fast-food breakfast, then check in to the Gilruth Center at Johnson Space Center. Gilruth is the conference center/fitness center for the facility, and it's what we're using as our hotel for the competition. Everyone will have a chance to unpack and shower up before we get back on the bus and head for Galveston Island. We'll take a ride on the Bolivar Ferry that connects the mainland to the island, and then we'll spend the afternoon walking the Galveston Seawall, shopping at the souvenir shops and having some good local food.

This evening, we'll head back to Gilruth Center for the opening ceremonies. Teams will be formed, leaders will be elected, and some NASA people will give some speeches.

Stay tuned for pictures, videos and more updates.

NASA SSDC 2010

Hitting the road to Houston!

Mike and I are in the opening meeting at the Northwest AEA building in Sioux City, hearing instructions and motivational information from Jim Christensen, who runs this show.

Soon, we'll be boarding buses to head South to Johnson Space Center.

Stay tuned for more pictures, video and info!