Magyar News, 2000. szeptember-2001. augusztus (11. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2001-02-01 / 6. szám
Senior Category -Ages 13-16: Zsófia Bodo, 15, lives in Budapest and studies in the Alternative High School of Economy. She is a member of an active group of students interested in astronomy. She enjoys reading, watching TV and playing volleyball. Bernadett Gaal, 14, from Hódmezővásárhely, Hungary — she plays basketball, solves puzzles, enjoys astronomy, reading, flying, and traveling. She likes animals. She looks forward to meeting the other Student Scientists and working with them to learn about Mars. One of her main interests is astronautics, and Mars exploration in particular. By the time this article goes in print, the two Hungarian students, together with their friends from Brazil, India, Poland, Taiwan, and the US, are looking forward to their visit at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory that was founded by a famous Hungarianborn scientist, Theodor von Kármán, and Malin Space Science Systems Inc. in California, where they, for the first time in the history of space research, can actively participate in a real Mars mission. They will take pictures of a pre-selected landing site for a future Mars explorer using the camera on board the Mars Global Surveyor satellite orbiting around the Red Planet. Zsófia, Bernadett and the other students worked hard in the last few months to prepare for their duties. Using the education material sent by the Planetary Society, they conducted research that led to their choice of the selected landing site. In the meantime, they were in contact with the Project's personnel in the US, participated in teleconferences at the end of their training period, and last but not least, made every attempt to improve their knowledge of English. We are curious about their experiences once they return to Hungary. There is one thing I'm sure even before their journey. This event will have an important and positive impact on their future life. Sándor Frey Goals of the Student Scientists Over a three month period after their selection, Student Scientists will undergo remote training and use Viking Spacecraft and Mars Global Surveyor images to choose a candidate landing site for a future sample return mission to Mars. Student Scientists will operate the Mars Global Surveyor Mars Orbiter Camera to take a high resolution picture of the landing site, or similar terrain, on the surface of Mars. Sometime between January and March of 2001, Student Scientists will travel to Malin Space Science Systems in the United States, where the operation of the camera during the Mars Global Surveyor mission takes place. There they will develop the commands for the camera to send to the spacecraft. Student Scientists will train Student Navigators on the processes that resulted in their selection of a landing site, thereby integrating spacecraft instrument data with Mars science acquisition. Students selected as Student Scientists will undergo specialized training over the Internet and by mail. Student Scientists will be supplied with the necessary equipment to participate in the training. Some Student Scientists may serve as media representatives and educational experts on the project. Program Schedule October 2, 2000 Student Scientists announced. November 15, 2000 Student Navigator Journal Deadline — entries must arrive at Regional Centers for quarter-final judging January 2, 2001 Student Scientists announce the Landing Site they have selected. January 2, 2001 Worldwide Art Contest to draw the landing site begins January 2001 - March 2001 Sometime during this time period, Student Scientists visit Malin Space Science Systems in San Diego, CA. There they will program the Mars Global Surveyor's Mars Orbiter Camera to take a high-resolution picture of the landing site they have chosen. February 2, 2001 Student Navigators announced March 30, 2001 Art Contest Deadline for entries to reach Regional Centers for quarter-final judging August 1, 2001 Winners of Art Contest announced August 1, 2001 High-Resolution picture of the landing site taken by Student Scientists released October 2001 Student Navigators visit Jet Propulsion Laboratory and explore the simulated landing site using actual planetary exploration rover As one could tell, it was hard work, devotion and proper education that helped our Hungarian students to be accepted into the program. Now there is a demanding schedule ahead of them füled with exceptional experiences. We wish them success and we are looking forward to see their accomplishments, also to hear from them not just through the regular channels but from them personally. Joseph F. Balogh PETER A. PENCZER ATTORNEY REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER 1375 KINGS HIGHWAY EAST FAIRFIELD, CT 06430 Phone: 203-331-9691 FAX: 203-331-8259 _ . 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