Assisting Those Fighting the California Wildfires on This Week @NASA – November 17, 2018 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Satellites capture imagery and data of California wildfires, helping officials identify heavily damaged areas and allocate resources.

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🚒 Satellites have provided crucial data and imagery in the fight against California wildfires.
• 👾 The European Service Module plays a vital role in Orion spacecraft's deep space exploration.
• 💋 Restored Historic Mission Control consoles mark a significant milestone in preservation for future explorers.

Transcript

Data from space are informing those fighting the California wildfires … A U.S. commercial resupply mission launches to the space station … And showcasing the powerhouse for our Orion spacecraft … a few of the stories to tell you about – This Week at NASA! Satellites in space have captured imagery and data of wildfires that have continued to plague ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How have satellites helped in fighting the California wildfires?

Satellites have provided imagery and data that were used to create damage maps, assisting officials and first responders in identifying heavily damaged areas and allocating resources.

Q: What is the significance of the recently arrived European Service Module for Orion spacecraft?

The European Service Module is a crucial component that will power, propel, and cool Orion on its first uncrewed flight test in deep space, demonstrating international cooperation and collaboration for exploration.

Q: What is the purpose of the restored Historic Mission Control consoles?

The restored consoles, which helped land humans on the Moon, are a significant milestone in the ongoing restoration of Historic Mission Control, preserving it as a National Historic Landmark for future explorers.

Q: How is NASA testing quiet supersonic technologies?

NASA is conducting research flights off the coast of Galveston, Texas, using F-A/18 aircraft to test the "quiet thump" technique, designed to reduce loud sonic booms associated with supersonic flight and pave the way for the future X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology X-plane.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Satellites in space have captured imagery and data of the deadly and destructive wildfires in California, including the Woolsey Fire near Los Angeles and the Camp Fire in Northern California.

• Our Advanced Rapid Imaging and Analysis team used the satellite data to create damage maps, aiding officials and first responders in identifying heavily damaged areas and allocating resources.

• Northrop Grumman launched its Cygnus cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station on a commercial resupply mission, delivering research, crew supplies, and hardware.