Subject: Off-Topic: Science and Technology Discussion

Hey all,
So I've had lots of people ask me questions related to the current Curiosity mission and other science and technology stuff. I thought we could create a thread dedicated to discussing anything exciting in the science and technology world since chances are there are likely many others on here that would appreciate and enjoy the topic as well.

As far as my background goes, I'm a month or so away from my second physics degree and I collaborate with NASA/JPL/CalTech on the MSL Curiosity mission. Any nerdy space questions fire away.

Thanks and happy chatting folks!

I may as well start this off as well. Yestersol (sol = Martian day) we fed ChemMin with Martian soil. We should have the first XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) measurement of a Martian sample in the next few days! Exciting scientific times ahead!

www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/new...

awesome, do you expect any info on the bright particles out of this scoop of soil?

The first one, the big piece of plastic, was from the landing event. The bright little pieces have been determined and officially stated as of Martian origin in the latest video with my boss from last night giving the report: www.youtube.com/watch?v=n... .

Given we just fed an ChemMin for some XRD analysis the wakeup song for the rover yesterday was this:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2...

I was laughing hysterically for much of that time. This gig is full of surprises.

ahahaha, quality wakeup song.

yah, I heard the little bright pieces are of martian origin, what I'm curious about is what they are. Here's to hoping they're diamonds, maybe they can be used to pimp your rover. (insert xhibit meme here)

I'm no meteorologist but they'd just be some crystalline mineral or something. Though imagine the value of those if they were diamonds. NASA wants to land men on Mars in the 2030s. The diamond companies would be there in 10.

didnt work... lol!

Frankie what the heck are you doing!?!?!

i wanted to put a soccer ball in the discussion!!

That is very science and technological. Trying to hijack a thread are you? Careful I have moderator rights!

i saw that.. lol.. my ball got directly kicked out..
so i will let u know if we find a heart for my 12yo girl patient who really need one in the next few weeks..
i have plenty of science to talk about.. but well, all i learn you can learn.. lol!

So, what exactly is your job in regards to Curiosity?

Also, space is cool. Im a little bit jealous.

Thanks for the question. I had a long reply written but as I hit "Reply" the internet here where I'm staying cut out and lost it all.

There are three roles with respect to staffing instruments from a tactical stand point:
1) PDL - Payload Downlink Lead: Checks instrument health and downlinks any data products from the previous plan.
2) PUL1 - Payload Uplink Lead: Plans tactically any instrument activities with the rover planners and tactical "big wigs" who are in charge of that sol
3) PUL2 - "Trigger Puller" of the instrument commands. Takes what is developed in the plan and makes the sequences (code) that is delivered to the rover and instrument.

There are many many other roles in the mission but those are the three that I could be staffed in on any given sol (Martian day). Sadly, operations are transitioning to being done remotely in the coming days so my time in sunny and warm Pasadena CA is coming to an end.

Thanks for the question. What is your science and tech background?

Umm... Google and YouTube? Haha, i have no education beyong the typical Canadian high school, so really i have no background. Just a fascination with space and science, and pick up bits here and there from the internet.