NASA is launching a new generation of small satellites. Note their size
in the photos below. NASA Ames asked The Vikings of Bjornstad to be featured in an exhibition highlighting NASA Ames' contribution to space exploration
employing those satellites.
"NASA Ames Research Center leads the charge in small satellite innovation and development while evoking the Viking
spirit of exploration and adventure. NASA Ames Center Director Dr. Simon P. Worden poses alongside the Vikings of Bjornstad
... to personify that
spirit and highlight NASA leadership in the modern space age. The next generation of small satellites, known as CubeSats, float above and herald a new era in space
exploration and science. These CubeSats can be launched into Low Earth Orbit at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems, allowing more frequent, and more
accessible scientific missions." - Ved Chirayath,
VedPhoto
Ved Chirayath's
Physics In Vogue science outreach exhibition was sponsored by a Stanford Angel Grant.
And...just to prove that no good deed goes unpunished, The Vikings of
Bjornstad made the news. Our UNPAID effort linking the explorers of a thousand years ago
with the explorers of the 21st century was questioned by a US senator requesting that NASA investigate if taxpayer funds were used for this photo shoot. Just for the record, Bjornstad members donated their time
and gear for the photos. And also for the record, we DID get bottled water
and a carrot dip plate. The senator's investigation cost in
the neighborhood of a couple hundred thousand dollars. Here are largely repetitive stories from
Science Magazine,
the
Washington Post,
the HoustonPress
and BoingBoing.net.
We were interviewed
by NPR. Let's hope
someone learns something worthwhile from this...
The Vikings of Bjornstad
NASA Ames Photo Shoot
Mountain View, California
NASA Ames Web site
