Tell stories to visit NASA

In the autumn of 2006, on the occasion of working in the US, the delegation of Vietnamese scientists had a trip to visit the US Aerospace Agency (NASA), for 10 days (August 1-10). Dr. Pham Anh Tuan, Head of Mechatronics Department of the Institute of Mechanics at the time of this visit and now the Deputy Director of the Space Technology Institute, has a separate article for VietNamNet to record some feelings during the visit. on.

Although Vietnam continues to be on the list of the 40 poorest countries on the planet, the Party and the Government are determined to invest in high-tech development for the country.

On November 20, 2006, the Prime Minister signed a decision to establish the Space Technology Institute, under the Vietnam Institute of Science and Technology. Also for that reason, in the fall of 2006, we had a visit to NASA, the US Aerospace Agency.

For this visit, GS. Robert Bishop, Dean of the Department of Space Technology, University of Texas - a friend of mine has been very well prepared for many months. GS. Bishop worked and is still working with NASA.

Inside the ' Kibo ' laboratory of Japan. Instructor
Describing experiments performed.

With his relationship, the delegation of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology was invited to visit NASA's Space Control Center in Houston as a guest of the Center Director.

NASA Space Center is a ' small city ' with missile models visible from far away. At 8.30am that morning, we were picked up by the Secretary of the Space Control Center -NASA in front of the central gate, through the security checkpoint and officially entered NASA.

On the way to the center, the secretary gave a brief summary of this miniature ' Cosmic City '.

Coinciding with my age, this NASA center was put into use in 1961, currently there are about 17,500 people working. This is where the Gemini, Apollo spacecraft, now the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station ISS, and other space exploration programs.

However, unlike NASA's rigorous visualization, about 800,000 people of all ages come here every year to learn about the history, present and future of American space research programs.

After 10 minutes by car, we arrived in front of the display area of ​​the International Space Station ISS and Space Shuttle.

There was an officer in charge of waiting in front of the gate, quickly announcing the regulations when visiting and introducing main items here .

NASA: The workplace of international scientists

On the overall ISS universal space station model when the Space Shuttle is attached, we have seen laboratories (Modul) of Europe, Japan, America ., robots on the station, Solar battery system provides power for the station. The model also depicts the process of attaching a space shuttle to the station, giving a clear view of the space pilots' activities and travel on it.

GS. Nguyen Khoa Son (left) and TS. Pham Anh Tuan (right) stands
in front of the Space Control Zone.

It is admirable to know that this is a research center of scientists from many countries working together on the universe.

A special feature is that these details were designed and manufactured by scientists in 16 different countries, but when brought to a height of hundreds of kilometers outside the Earth but still " matched " 100% as printed with together!

After listening to the general introduction, the delegation visited the laboratory of the countries.

At the Japanese laboratory, we were infused with the passion of the introduction engineer when he described the ISS laboratory.

This ' flying laboratory ' has small cells that carry out experiments on biology, new materials, life science in the universe . Indeed, such a modern laboratory, even just above The ground is still the dream of Vietnamese scientists.

The next place to visit is a very famous name: Space Shuttle .

Prepare all for people flying into space

Toilet in the shuttle

Even though we have seen it through the screen, we still can't imagine this ship . Whoever took a stand in front of the big " space plane " almost like the Boeing 777, however the door round and small, for just one person to get through.

As we read our wish to be a passenger of this famous space plane, the young engineer invited all to the cockpit to try to be a ' space pilot '.

In turn, everyone in the ' crew ' we entered into the cockpit, then took turns as cosmic pilots.

Never done a normal airplane pilot, let alone being able to drive a shuttle so it feels so impressive! Different from the conventional aircraft cockpit with the front and sides glass, the shuttle pilot can also observe through the glass door on the canopy, in case the aircraft is paralleled under the ISS space station.

After a few minutes of flying in space, we returned to normal life to ask how astronauts lived here during the flight, usually 7-10 days.

The engineer happily talked about the life of the astronauts: This is a hammock to sleep, the other is a toilet . All have special equipment to ensure operation in weightless conditions.

However, not all astronauts' needs have been met. Scientists are continuing to study the case when a male couple - a female astronaut who loves each other to work on the ship, especially when working long hours on the universe, must create conditions for them to have Can work, have a life together . like they are living on the ground!

The American flag was once plugged into the Moon.

It is impossible to forget, anywhere, with any level of technology, people are always the object, the goal that science needs to respect towards .

After regret leaving the Space Shuttle, we visited the US Space Flight Operations Center before.

It was used to operate Apollo and Space Shuttle flights until 1996. After 10 years, the devices were kept in their original condition.

The facilitator described in detail the procedures and operations that ground controllers must perform when operating these flights. Each flight has its own logo for each flight's mission with the crew's honorary list.

There are also artifacts associated with the history of American aerospace development. The American flag was plugged into the Moon when the country first set foot on the Moon which is currently stored at the center. The story of the Apollo 13 escape is also recorded here with the mirror on the ship given by the crew after being returned to Earth safely.

Since 1996 the space control center has been divided into two independent units: the Space Shuttle control center and the ISS international space research center.

At each center there are 3 separate large screens that can always observe the position of the Space Shuttle and the location of the international space station ISS compared to the areas of the earth. Especially the image of the space astronaut's activity on the earth is always reported here.

The list of astronauts of each space flight and the logo of each flight to space is stored here.

Interestingly, when the sleeping crew, train and station are controlled by the staff working at this ground center. We have directly observed the very professional operations of the staff here. Unfortunately, because of the request for work inside the control room, the group was not allowed to take photos.

The next point of a visit to NASA is the US and international astronaut training center. On the way here with nearly 10 minutes by car, the buildings of the cosmopolitan city are peaceful and peaceful.

Stepping through the door, our eyes are a huge 'pool', as big as a football field.

The original model of the shuttle ship and the ISS station is submerged under the tank. The purpose of this large swimming pool is for astronauts to practice before each flight. Right while we were visiting, there was a group of astronauts practicing under the tank.

This is a practice that they must perform in space when stepping out of the ship and the space station.

Every day an astronaut has to practice for 8 hours, every 2 hours under the water, there is 1 hour break. A training course here lasts 3-6 months at a cost of about $ 1 million for each astronaut.

Before parting with the director of the central director with lots of documents and detailed descriptive photographs of NASA's Space Control Center in Houston, we were invited to lunch at the cafeteria. There is a souvenirs area here. The memories of NASA will definitely remind me a lot about this memorable trip .

From NASA thinking about Vietnam

During lunch time at NASA's cafeteria, I saw many Asians looming. The secretary said there are many NASA employees here who are of Vietnamese descent.

The potential of Vietnamese scientists in the field of Cosmic Technology in foreign countries must still be very large. During this first NASA visit, we did not have the opportunity to interact with them. But it is certain that the very young fledgling technology industry in the country desperately needs the help of its children who are living in the countryside to contribute to the national fame.

Doors of the Laboratory

While visiting, I also noticed that many high school students followed the school to visit NASA. The children were meticulously instructed by NASA teachers and staff on space technology. You also practice like real astronauts. The high-tech technical images here will definitely make you especially excited and leave a very deep impression. Maybe later, some of you visiting here will become the famous aerospace scientist or astronaut in the future?

. Standing at NASA headquarters, I thought of my country on the other side of the ocean still very poor! We have many museums that keep historical memorabilia, culture, war . but when will Vietnam get a science and technology exhibition area, which can arouse learning passion? Ask research, creativity of the younger generation?

Perhaps, it is also time, the museums in Vietnam, besides creating the pride of the past glorious of the nation, should also direct the students to the future of a poor, developed nation. and prove to the world by their knowledge and scientific and technological achievements. The Vietnamese people will be able to match the five nations, as Uncle Ho taught, when we can blow the fire of science and technology passion for them.

NASA, the story that I believe can be shared with readers during the new spring of Dinh Hoi .

GS.Robert Bishop and the Vietnamese delegation in front of the Space Shuttle

' Space Shuttle ' robot

Soaking water tank model ' Shuttle ' and ISS station for astronauts to practice before each flight

In the space control room, used since 1996

GS.Nguyen Khoa Son in the shuttle of the Space Shuttle

Lessons and photos: TS. Pham Anh Tuan - Deputy Director of the Space Technology Institute