Presto Engineering Announces its Participation in the MACSPACE Consortium

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CAEN, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Presto Engineering, Inc., a world leader in semiconductor back-end turnkey production services, is pleased to announce its participation in the MACSPACE consortium. The consortium brings together some of the top European technology companies and universities to research and develop high-performance computer processors that can meet the specialized requirements of space flight and manage the massive amount of data generated during space missions.

The ability to analyze data in space, make real-time decisions and obtain better situational awareness will greatly enhance mission capabilities, said Ran Ginosar, CEO, Ramon Chips, an Israel-based semiconductor company that is coordinating the consortium. Consequently, we need higher-performance computing systems that can handle the massive amount of data being generated during modern space missions. The MACSPACE consortium is a major step for Europe toward developing onboard computing technologies that consume a fraction of the power used by current technologies.

Presto Engineering, along with Germany-based DSI Informationstechnik, will work on characterizing and testing the prototype computer system. According to Cdric Mayor, Vice President Technology and Marketing, Presto Engineering, Inc., We are very honored to be part of this very important initiative. The ambitious, multidisciplinary project involves the development of a computer system that combines very high performance with low power consumption, small size and light weight, so that it is practical for use on space craft. It needs to be robust enough to withstand the harsh environment of space, where temperatures range from -55 to 125 degrees Celsius and radiation accelerates aging. And, of course, it needs to be reliable, since space missions can last many years.

The collaborative project is funded by the European Commission under the FP7 SPACE programme (grant no 607212) and is managed by the Research Executive Agency. It is expected to last approximately three years.

The consortium includes a very complementary team, including: Thales Alenia Space Italia, the European leader for satellite systems and orbital infrastructure as an excellent representative of the customer base for this technology, which will drive requirements and subsequently test the system; CEVA, a leading IP DSP core provider, which will develop the computer processors specialized core; Technische Universitaet Braunschweig, the oldest institute of technology in Germany, which will be responsible for benchmarking and evaluating the work; and Arttic, a European specialist in the set-up and management of collaborative international research and development projects, which will assist with the operations of the consortium and the dissemination of its results.

Details of the research and results will be shared in a symposium and summer school in 2016. Prior to this, users will be able familiarize themselves with the onboard system through access to a web-based demonstration and emulation system.

For more information about Presto Engineering, please visit: http://www.presto-eng.com. For more information about MACSPACE, please go to http://www.macspace.eu.

Disclaimer

This text reflects only the authors views and the Union is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

About Ramon Chip, Ltd.

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Presto Engineering Announces its Participation in the MACSPACE Consortium

Smaller is better: Researchers at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., discover new technique to …

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Space dust might sound like something out of a 1950s-era science fiction novel, but such particles actually may hold some of the greatest secrets of our universe. The problem is that the material is extremely difficult to examine, especially when larger meteorites are more available.

In a Feb. 3 study done by researchers at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., it is now possible to analyze extremely small dust, comet particles and other extraterrestrial material for certain organic compounds such as amino acids: the building blocks of life.

Michael Callahan of NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center and lead investigator of the study said examining small materials almost as thoroughly as meteorites could prove useful in examining these organic components.

It started out kind of a technical challenge, he said. Looking at very small samples just is always difficult, even when its not even a meteorite sample If we knew that we could be successful doing these techniques and methods, [we could] look at very specific organic molecules which are the classes of amino acids.

The new analysis is made possible through a new technique aided by a previously used nanoflow liquid chromatography instrument, which separates mixtures into their components.

If we could do this on meteorite samples, we could do this on other very small extraterrestrial materials like interplanetary dust particles and potentially cometary particles that were returned from NASA missions, he said. These later types of samples are much less studied and really havent been studied for these biologically relevant molecules.

Researchers were motivated because current methods of analyzing small particles of extraterrestrial material did not prove successful in identifying organic compounds, Callahan said.

Existing methods are not well suited for these classes of organic compounds in extraterrestrial samples, he clarified in a subsequent email.

So Callahan and his team of researchers decided to build on previous techniques of analyzing organic molecules, but with a more specific focus.

Callahan says the technique is based on the dissection of a meteorite.

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Smaller is better: Researchers at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., discover new technique to ...

What does Space Station do with its trash?

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A private cargo ship is now packed with Space Station trash. The ship, Cygnus, is headed for Earth's atmosphere, where it will burn up on Wednesday.

The International Space Station has one less capsule and a lot less trash.

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A commercial cargo ship ended its five-week visit Tuesday morning. NASA astronaut Michael Hopkins used the space station's big robot arm to release the capsule, called Cygnus, as the orbiting lab sailed 260 miles above the South Atlantic.

Cygnus is filled with Space Station garbage and the trash-packed capsule will burn up Wednesday when it plunges through the atmosphere, over the Pacific.

Orbital Sciences Corp. launched the Cygnus capsule last month from Virginia under a $1.9 billion contract with NASA. The Cygnus delivered 3,000 pounds of goods, including belated Christmas gifts for the six-man crew and hundreds of ants for a student experiment.

The ants are still aboard the space station. They'll return to Earth aboard another company's cargo ship, the SpaceX Dragon.

SpaceX or Space Exploration Technologies Corp., based in Southern California will launch its next Dragon from Cape Canaveral on March 16 with a fresh load of supplies.

NASA is paying Orbital Sciences and SpaceX to keep the space station stocked. Russia, Japan and Europe also take turns making deliveries.

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What does Space Station do with its trash?

Molly Sims Dyes Her Hair Red! See the Exclusive Photos

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Stylewatch Style News Now

02/18/2014 at 06:32 PM ET

Francis Tulk-Hart for Nexxus

When we think of smokin hot Hollywood blondes, Molly Sims ranks high on the list. But the model, actress and jewelry designer just underwent a major hair transformation, trading her signature blonde locks for a fiery red hue. And by just underwent, we mean that Sims literally had the mane change a few hours ago; we were there, and we have the exclusive first images of the stars sexy new look.

So what inspired the dramatic makeover? I wanted to be vibrant, and I wanted a change, Sims tells PEOPLE. I wanted to do something bold. I thought about cutting my hair, but then I was like, Everyone is cutting their hair! I wanted to do something different and to look different in clothes.

And yes, Sims is already making a shopping list for outfits to offset her new do. Im excited to wear different colors. I was always doing cream and gold with the blonde. Now it will be nice to wear something black, and the red gives you that color, she says. I think Im going to buy myself a new jacket. A little Helmut Lang, maybe. Its like how a nice a new pair of heels or boots changes how you walk. Hair changes changes how you feel. Its so important for confidence.

RELATED PHOTOS: More celebrity hair changes that need your attention!

Speaking of confidence, Sims was so ready to make the change, she only gave her husband a heads up. He was like Are you sure? And I was like, Either that or Im going to to cut it. So he voted for the color. Regardless, hes sleeping with a different woman. Shes also curious to see how her son Brooks, 19 months, will react to her new do. I just FaceTimed with him as a blonde, and Im a little concerned he wont know who I am, but hell know me by my voice.

Though were used to seeing her as a blonde, Sims is a natural brunette and she started off her modeling career with black hair. And like any model, shes sported some styles that she regrets. I did this French braid cornrow that was way too tight, she shares. It was maybe good for an island or on vacation, but thats about it. You could see the lines in my scalp. And Im from the South, so of course I permed. I loved putting all those chemicals in my hair.

Francis Tulk-Hart for Nexxus

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Molly Sims Dyes Her Hair Red! See the Exclusive Photos

Area teams seeking success in girls conference tourney

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By WARREN RAPPLEYEA Correspondent

RED BANK CATHOLIC

R ed Bank Catholic (RBC) High

Schools girls basketball team heads into the Shore Conference Tournament as the seventh seed after losing three of its last four games.

The Caseys (15-6) fell to St. John Vianney High School, the top seed in the Shore Conference Tournament (SCT), twice recently. They fell to the Lancers, 55-32, on Feb. 8 and then again on Feb. 17 by a 55-26 score. They also fell to Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, 52-30, on Feb. 6.

In the first contest against St. John Vianney, RBC found itself on the wrong end of a 20-4 tally when the buzzer sounded to end the first quarter. It was a hole that proved too steep to dig out of.

The Rumson-Fair Haven game was a far cry from the teams previous matchup, which was won by the Caseys, 37-33. This time around, the Bulldogs jumped out to a 13-7 first-quarter lead. It was 25- 11 at the half thanks to a stifling defense that held Alex Barazotti to just five points. Grace Fallon led the Caseys with eight points.

Prior to the loss against Rumson-Fair Haven, RBC won four straight games, downing Archbishop Malloy High School (New York), Shore Regional High School, Raritan High School and Holmdel High School.

Coach Joe Montanos team scored a win over Monmouth Regional High School (3- 19), 57-26, on Feb. 11. Caitlin Conroy led RBC with 11 points, as 12 Caseys players saw action during the rout.

We have a lot of young players, but our strength is that they play as a team, said Montano, whose team won the SCT last season. The girls have had some very strong games, and theyre learning from their mistakes.

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PHOTOS: Molly Sims Dyes Her Hair Red! She Dishes to PEOPLE Exclusively About Her New Do

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Stylewatch Style News Now

02/18/2014 at 06:32 PM ET

Francis Tulk-Hart for Nexxus

When we think of smokin hot Hollywood blondes, Molly Sims ranks high on the list. But the model, actress and jewelry designer just underwent a major hair transformation, trading her signature blonde locks for a fiery red hue. And by just underwent, we mean that Sims literally had the mane change a few hours ago; we were there, and we have the exclusive first images of the stars sexy new look.

So what inspired the dramatic makeover? I wanted to be vibrant, and I wanted a change, Sims tells PEOPLE. I wanted to do something bold. I thought about cutting my hair, but then I was like, Everyone is cutting their hair! I wanted to do something different and to look different in clothes.

And yes, Sims is already making a shopping list for outfits to offset her new do. Im excited to wear different colors. I was always doing cream and gold with the blonde. Now it will be nice to wear something black, and the red gives you that color, she says. I think Im going to buy myself a new jacket. A little Helmut Lang, maybe. Its like how a nice a new pair of heels or boots changes how you walk. Hair changes changes how you feel. Its so important for confidence.

RELATED PHOTOS: More celebrity hair changes that need your attention!

Speaking of confidence, Sims was so ready to make the change, she only gave her husband a heads up. He was like Are you sure? And I was like, Either that or Im going to to cut it. So he voted for the color. Regardless, hes sleeping with a different woman. Shes also curious to see how her son Brooks, 19 months, will react to her new do. I just FaceTimed with him as a blonde, and Im a little concerned he wont know who I am, but hell know me by my voice.

Though were used to seeing her as a blonde, Sims is a natural brunette and she started off her modeling career with black hair. And like any model, shes sported some styles that she regrets. I did this French braid cornrow that was way too tight, she shares. It was maybe good for an island or on vacation, but thats about it. You could see the lines in my scalp. And Im from the South, so of course I permed. I loved putting all those chemicals in my hair.

Francis Tulk-Hart for Nexxus

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PHOTOS: Molly Sims Dyes Her Hair Red! She Dishes to PEOPLE Exclusively About Her New Do

Ned’s World feat. Thaddeus David & Steezie Nasa (prod. by Mackned) (Official Music Video) *REUPLOAD* – Video

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Ned #39;s World feat. Thaddeus David Steezie Nasa (prod. by Mackned) (Official Music Video) *REUPLOAD*
Youtube deleted this video at 7073 views because someone reported it... Twitter: @NedsWorld @omgimwigs @ThaddeusDavid @PSteez Video filmed and edited by Nat...

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Mars Curiosity Rover’s Wheels Getting Dings | 02/14/2014 | NASA Space Science – Video

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Mars Curiosity Rover #39;s Wheels Getting Dings | 02/14/2014 | NASA Space Science
More space news and info at: http://www.coconutsciencelab.com - Curiosity Rover Report, for the week ending in February 14, 2014. Please rate and comment, th...

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Mars Curiosity Rover's Wheels Getting Dings | 02/14/2014 | NASA Space Science - Video

NASA Administrator Addresses Media on Orion Recovery Operations Testing

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NASA Administrator Charles Bolden will address media at 9 a.m. PST Saturday, Feb. 22 at U.S. Naval Base San Diego following testing of splashdown recovery operations for the agency's Orion spacecraft.

NASA and the Navy are conducting tests to prepare for recovery of Orion after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean at the end of its first space flight, Exploration Flight Test-1, in September. Tests with the USS San Diego off the coast of San Diego Feb. 18-21 will allow teams to demonstrate and evaluate the processes, procedures, hardware and personnel that will be needed for recovery operations.

Media also will see and photograph the Orion test article that will be used during the recovery testing.

Briefing participants also include:

-- Mark Geyer, Orion program manager -- Mike Generale, NASA recovery director -- Larry Price, deputy Orion program manager for Lockheed Martin -- Rear Adm. Frank Ponds, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Three

International media who want to attend must respond to Brandi Dean atbrandi.k.dean@nasa.govor 281-483-5111by 3 p.m. EST Wed., Feb. 19. U.S. media must respond to Dean by 6 p.m. EST Thursday, Feb. 20.

Journalists must meet at the Naval Base San Diego Pass/ID office at 7:45 a.m. Feb. 22, for a security sweep in order to gain access to the base. The Naval Base San Diego Pass/ID Office is located north of the main gate (Gate 6) on Harbor Drive and 32nd Street.

Orion is America's new spacecraft that will take astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have an emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space. During Exploration Flight Test-1, an uncrewed spacecraft will travel to approximately 3,600 miles in altitude before returning to Earth at speeds as fast as 20,000 mph and temperatures above 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit to evaluate the spacecrafts heat shield and other systems.

For more information about the USS San Diego (LPD 22), visit:http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/LPD22

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NASA Teaches Humanoid Robonaut 2 Medical Skills for Space Emergencies (Video)

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NASA is training a humanoid space robot to pull double duty as an emergency doctor in space a surrogate physician that could one day be controlled by experts on Earth to help sick or injured astronauts.

The $2.5 millionRobonaut 2, nicknamed R2, is designed to work alongside the astronauts and even take over some of their more tedious duties inside and outside the International Space Station. The new NASA training is adding telemedicine skills to that mix.

In a newvideo of Robonaut 2's telemedicine training, the automaton performed an ultrasound scan on a mannequin and even used a syringe like it would to administer a real-life injection. The tests were performed using a ground-based version of R2 robot, the mechanical twin of the one currently aboard the space station.

"I would say that within an hour I trained him more than with other students I'm working for a week, so I think that he's learning really fast," Dr. Zsolt Garami, of the Houston Methodist Research Institute, says in the video.

Far from earthly hospitals, astronauts who currently live on space station, typically in six-month-long stints, must be trained in basic surgery and medical procedures in case of an emergency. But Robonaut 2,which has a camera-equipped head, could administer care to spaceflyers, controlled by doctors on the ground.

So far, tests with Robonaut 2 have shown that human controllers can perform tasks "correctly and efficiently by using R2's dexterity to apply the appropriate level of force and can track their progress using R2's vision system," NASA officials explained in a video description.Garami said the robot might eventually be able to learn to do some tasks on its own.

Robonaut 2's telemedical skills could be useful on Earth, too, allowing doctors to conduct complex medical procedures on humans in remote locations, according to NASA.

The space-bound Robonaut 2 launched to the International Space Station as just a torso with arms in 2011 during the final flight of the space shuttle Discovery. That Robonaut 2 will get legs, a set of high-tech limbs with seven joints each, sometime later this year, NASA officials have said.

Follow Megan Gannon onTwitterandGoogle+. Follow us@SPACEdotcom,FacebookorGoogle+. Originally published onSpace.com.

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NASA Teaches Humanoid Robonaut 2 Medical Skills for Space Emergencies (Video)