The January/February 2014 issue of Horizons is now online (42 pages in an 8 MB PDF file). Horizons is the newsletter of the Houston Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). The cover story is, “GAIA Leaps Past Hipparcos,” by Wes Kelly, Triton Systems LLC. This issue also contains, Physics-Based Optimization Methods, by Dr. Patrick E. Rodi (with two animated figures), “In Memoriam: Robert L. Sackheim, 1937 – 2013,” two book reviews (Space Elevators and The Case for Space Solar Power), “History as Science: Megatons to Megawatts” (Kelly’s Corner), “The First French International Dark Sky Reserve: Pic du Midi,” climate change articles, and much more.
Author Archives: Irene Chan
AIAA Houston Technical Committees
As you know, the AIAA Houston Section has several Technical Committees. In order to facilitate greater involvement from the Membership with the Technical Committees, we felt it would be beneficial to provide a list of the many disciplines, the Chair of each Technical Committee, and their @aiaahouston.org email. If interested in participating or fully joining any of these committees drop the Chairs a line. We’re always looking for Lunch and Learn topics as well so feel free to make a suggestion as well.
The structure and contact information can also be found on the Organization Chart
Astrodynamics – Dr. Albert Jackson – astro2013@aiaahouston.org
Automation and Robotics – Dr. Zafar Taqvi – autorobo2013@aiaahouston.org
Extra-Vehicular Activity – Evelyn Miralles – eva2013@aiaahouston.org
Guidance, Navigation, and Control – Dr. Steven E. Everett – gnc2013@aiaahouston.org
History – Ted Kenny – history2013@aiaahouston.org
In-Space Imaging and Crew Observations – Dr. Kamlesh Lulla – imaging2013@aiaahouston.org
International Space Activities – Ludmila Dmitriev-Odier – international2013@
Life Sciences, Space Processes, and Human Factors – Liz Warren, PhD – lifesciences2013@aiaahouston.
Program Management & Integration – Dr. Satya Pilla – pmi2013@aiaahouston.org
Propulsion and Power Systems – Sheikh Ahsan – propulsion2013@aiaahouston.
Safety and Mission Assurance – Roger Kleinhammer – sma2013@aiaahouston.org
Space Commercialization – Kavya Manyapu – commercial2013@aiaahouston.
Space Operations – BeBe Kelly-Serrato – spaceops2013@aiaahouston.org
Systems Engineering – Gary Brown – systems2013@aiaahouston.org
Special Collaboration Event with SWAPRA: Gene Kranz
AIAA Houston Section in collaboration with the South Western Aerospace Professional Representatives Association (SWAPRA) invites you to a luncheon with a special speaker, Mr. Gene Kranz, Former NASA Flight Director. His talk, “Failure is Not an Option” will be at Bay Oaks Country Club on January 29th, 2014 at 11:30am and will discuss the Apollo 13 crisis, the stresses and challenges, and how it was all overcome.
RSVP before Monday, January 27 to Chris Elkins at celkins@atec.com 281-276-2792 to make sure you have a seat at this special engagement. AIAA Members will also need to reserve their seat through PayPal unless also a part of SWAPRA. For those and further event details please see the event page.
Reminder: Volunteers Needed for 12th Annunal Mars Rover Celebration
AIAA members are encouraged to volunteer as a judge, tour guide, or a logistics/operations volunteer on Saturday, January 25 for the 12th annual Mars Rover Celebration at UHCL. More details can be found on the event page.
Spirit of Apollo Scholarship
The Houston Section of the AIAA is pleased to announce the Spirit of Apollo Scholarship for the 2014-2015 school year in the amount of $1000. Applicants must be pursuing a course of study in any field of engineering, math, or science (i.e., physical science, physics, or computer science) that is pertinent to the technical activities of the AIAA. For detailed eligibility requirements and an application see the Spirit of Apollo Scholarship page. The application deadline is March 7, 2014.