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Today's chat may be MODERATED to help Craig keep up with our questions. This means only a few questions will be posted in the chat room at a time.

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DON'T WORRY if you don't see your questions on your screen immediately during moderation. We will submit new questions for Craig periodically.

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[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 8 - 10:55:49 ]
Hello and welcome to today's Space Team Online chat with Craig Schafer from NASA Johnson Space Center. Craig is responsible for making sure that payloads on board the International Space Station (ISS) are secure and stable while on orbit.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 9 - 10:56:11 ]
And now, here is Craig Schafer to answer your questions.

[ Chris - 10 - 10:56:28 ]
Looking forward to learning more about your job, Mr. Schafer

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 12 - 10:56:43 ]
hey, everyone!

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 13 - 10:57:58 ]
RE: [Carrie] I am doing a Science project on ISS and was hoping you could answer a few questions on ISS Like Background on ISS/early development, recent advancements, and where you think this project is heading in the future I would really like it if you could help me.
Sure, Carrie. I'd be happy to help!! A really great place to start is the ISS web site at http://spaceflight.nasa.gov It is the Shuttle and ISS site. Really informative!

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 14 - 10:59:28 ]
Carrie, maybe you could send some questions I could answer now.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 16 - 11:06:07 ]
RE: [Chris] What is the difference between microgravity and regular gravity? Is micro supposed to be in space, and regular what is here on earth?
Chris, Great question! Actually, the gravity on the ISS is just like the gravity on earth, its just reduced by about a million, hence the term 'micro-gravity'. You can't really get away from gravity unless you travel infinitely away from everything, however, we can fool nature. We put the ISS in a circular orbit around the earth and the way forces act on it cause the gravity felt on it to be about one-one millionth of what we feel right now. Its a place where we can do research without gravity being the dominant force.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 17 - 11:10:18 ]
Craig is ready for more questions now.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 20 - 11:19:55 ]
RE: [Chris] What is the most interesting payload you've sent on a shuttle?
Chris, I was part of an experiment which measured the very small vibrations on the shuttle called accelerometers. It is important for scientists to know what the vibration environment is during their experiment. Just like a thermometer for baking a cake, these acceleration measurements are important for experiments in microgravity. These sensors measured down to one-one millionth of what we feel now (microgravity). Our sensors detected everything from the large shuttle bay doors opening and thruster firings down to the tiny vibrations little cooling fans make. With our sensors, we were also able to see the shuttle change its facing during the missions.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 22 - 11:22:21 ]
RE: [Chris] How many countries are represented on the ISS program?
Chris, there are sixteen nations that make up the ISS program: The United States, Russia, Canada, Japan, Brazil, and the member nations of the European Space Agency.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 24 - 11:23:14 ]
RE: [Tiffany] How are you today?
Hi, Tiffany! Things are great here in Houston. I'm ready to answer any questions you have about the International Space Station and research done on it.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 28 - 11:27:48 ]
RE: [meredith] Craig? What are some major accomplishments of yours?
meredith, Top of the list is having the privilige of working on the ISS. I can't wait to point up to the sky at night and say to my daughter "daddy helped build that" as the ISS passes overhead. I've had a great career in space exploration. I've put experiments on the space shuttle, seen a shuttle launch at night (loud and bright!), I spent a month at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico actually building a rocket with a scientific payload, then launched it. The best recent experience I've had was a trip on JSC's low gravity aircraft, affectionately known as the Vomit Comet. We fly 40 parabolas in the sky. At the top of each parabola, we are weightless for about 30 seconds! That first one was really scary, but got better with each one. That was REALLY cool! I can't wait to do it again.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 32 - 11:30:52 ]
RE: [GavinGreene] Where do you see Nasa in 20 Years?
Gavin, Well, in 20 years, I really hope we not only return to the Moon, but go on to Mars. I think technology is advancing rapidly enough to do that in the next 20 years. Our experiences on the International Space Station will be of great use to us as we learn how to live long stretches of time in space.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 37 - 11:35:27 ]
RE: [Tiffany] What exactly is the International Space Station?
Tiffany, The International Space Station (ISS) is a new space station being built overhead right now! Sixteen nations have banded together to build, operate, and conduct research on it. We have been building pieces of it around the world and we are now assembling it on-orbit. It will be a laboratory where up to seven astronauts will be able to conduct a large variety of research. One advantage of the ISS is that, because its in orbit around the earth, it will have about a millionth of the gravity we experience right now on earth. That's a really great place to do research that can't be done here because gravity is the dominating force, making it hard to see what you want to study. It will take about 5 years to build in space. It uses over an acre of solar cells to make power from the sun's light, so you will likely be able to see it when it flies overhead!

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 38 - 11:39:16 ]
RE: [bonquesha] What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you?
Bonquesha, I think its gotta be my trip on the "Vomit Comet", the airplane I mentioned in my response to meredith. You start pulling up and the forces caused by that make you feel twice as heavy, then, suddenly, it feels like the floor drops out. I remember during one parabola, a fastener from the bumper pads came loose and floated slowly toward me. I reached out and grabbed it, then realized I was not holding on to anything...floating in the middle of the cabin. It all happened in slow motion...weird feeling. The best way to describe it is floating in water without the resistance to movement.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 39 - 11:40:31 ]
RE: [Fred] If you were asked to go on one of your missions would you go and why?
Fred, If chosen, I'd love to spend a tour on the ISS. I'd like to see the fruits of my work on it...plus its the best view in the world! I'd also go to the Moon. Mars.....gotta think about.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 40 - 11:45:05 ]
RE: [Laura] What are some requirements that go along with being a Microgravity Sciences Requirements Manager?
Laura, Well, we have promised the scientists a certain level of microgravity on the ISS. So, I have to know something about the science they want to do, what kind of vibrations the ISS will have, and how to quiet them down. So I have to be part scientist, part mechanical engineer, part manager. Since things have to be documented somewhere, I have to know how to act as a manager and a diplomat. In short.....know about a lot of things! (whew)

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 41 - 11:46:22 ]
RE: [Derick] How many years of school did you have to take
Derrick, I took about 5 years to get my two bachelor's, plus another 3 for my masters.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 45 - 11:50:07 ]
RE: [David] What are some of the possible applications of microgravity research here on Earth?
David, Great question! Its doubtful we'd have an orbiting factory that makes products in microgravity, then sends them back down to earth. Rather, we'd like to apply what we learn up there to earth-based processes. For example, if we learn how to make better materials on the ISS, we could make them here on earth. We could also take protein crystals which are best crystalized in microgravity and learn their structure. Knowing that, scientists might be able to make new drugs to combat disease.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 46 - 11:52:03 ]
Craig has agreed to stay with us for an extended period in order to catch up with our questions. For those of you leaving us shortly, be sure to send your comments to us at http://quest.nasa.gov/qchats.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 47 - 11:52:29 ]
RE: [Gavin] How much does the goverment give NASA every year??
Gavin, I don't have the figure right here, however you can find it at http://www.hq.nasa.gov/congress/

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 49 - 11:57:35 ]
RE: [jane] what does the vomit comit look like? i can understand the motion you described but i don't know what a machine that does that would look like.
Jane, try http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/neuron/team/rosner2.html to see a picture of the "Vomit Comet."

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 51 - 11:57:47 ]
RE: [Terrell] What's it like in the ISS?
Terrell, The ISS is the new space station being built by the U.S. and fifteen partner nations. It will be a new orbiting laboratory. We started building it in orbit in November of 1998. It will take five years to build. Check out the URL http://spaceflight.nasa.gov

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RE: [Chris] How can I get a transcript of this chat?
Chris an archived transcript of today's chat will be available either later today or tomorrow. Be sure to check the Space Team Online chat archives, at http://quest.nasa.gov/space/chats/archive to view the archive of this chat.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 53 - 11:59:26 ]
RE: [Terrell] What's it like in the ISS?
Sorry, Terrel, I misread your question. It will be rather roomy compared to the space shuttle. It has the volume of about two and a half average houses. Being nearly weightless, you can use al four sides of the room( ceiling, floor and walls) all the same. You could be eating breakfast on the wall while your friend is eating on the ceiling!

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 57 - 12:01:03 ]
RE: [shaniqua] How did you know you wanted to work in the space program when you were four?
That was when I discovered what an astronaut was, watching a moon landing or other space mission with my parents. After that, my parents and an uncle gave me all kinds of space related stuff and it just fueled my imagination as a child. Little did I know I would get the dream fulfilled!

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 58 - 12:03:42 ]
RE: [jane] what is so important about mars? does it resemble our planet in some way that people could live on it someday, or is it just the fascination with martians and stuff like that?
Jane, Its both, actually. There is a debate about whether life ever existed or not on it. It sure LOOKS like water flowed openly there once. I personally think Mars is the next farthest place to explore. We've been to the moon. Venus is impossible to explore because its atmosphere is extremely corrosive and dense. Mars, on the other hand would be like, and even easier, than exploring the moon.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 60 - 12:04:59 ]
RE: [Gavin] Craig, Why do you think that we need to go back to the moon? Can we gain anymore Technology with a trip to the moon?
Gavin, I think we could learn to live on Mars by doing it on the moon for a while. That way, if anything goes wrong, we can get the crew home in days, rather than months. Also, the far side of the moon would be a great place to put up telescopes and radio antennae.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 62 - 12:06:58 ]
RE: [Derick] Not to sound mean or anything, but do you think you can make a difference in the world by doing this?
Yes, I think the world can be changed through all this effort. Me and everyone else working on the ISS are working as one toward a common goal. I think that's amazing considering 16 nations are working together in peace to send humanity into space. Research from the ISS may be revolutionary.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 64 - 12:07:49 ]
RE: [VirgilioMaximo] What are your goals for the future? Are there other outreaching stations being planned or scheduled?
Well, I think NASA is concentrating on the ISS right now.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 65 - 12:08:49 ]
RE: [Gavin] What do you like to read in your spare time?
Love to read! I'm a huge fan of Isaac Asimov. I just finished reading the 5th book in his Foundation series. I also like to read science texts (if you can believe that) to keep my mind sharp and learn some new, cool stuff!

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 68 - 12:10:58 ]
RE: [Brian] What inspired you to become a scientist?
Brain, A lot of things influenced me. I've been science minded since I was a child. Primarily, my parents were my biggest influence. They were scientists too, but they encouraged me to do what I liked most. I have had several teachers along my life which had great impact as well. Plus I had a dream to help send humanity into space!

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 70 - 12:13:23 ]
RE: [Terrell] Where is the farthest place you've traveled during your job?
terrell, So far, the farthest I've traveled was to spend a week in Rome, Italy for a meeting at Italy's space agency. I was there before with an old friend in the late 80's as we backpacked through Europe. Legend had it that if you drop a coin in the Trevie fountain in Rome, you were destined to return. All we had was a phone token, so we threw that in. So we figured we were destined to get a phone call from Rome someday. I called him while I was there. Guess the legend came true.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 73 - 12:14:33 ]
RE: [bonquesha] Do you enjoy traveling with you job?
bonquesha, Its a mixed answer. I enjoy going to new places, but I don't like being away from my family, especially since I became a father recently. But its neat to think that I'm doing all this travelling as work on an international space project!

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 74 - 12:16:18 ]
RE: [Brian] What is the International Space Station going to used for?
Brian, We will use the ISS to do research that requires gravity to be very small. We can also use the ISS as a platform to study the earth and space.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 78 - 12:18:18 ]
RE: [shaniqua] What are suggestions for our plan of education to start on the NASA program
shaniqua, This may sound like a cliche, but its true...study all the math and science you can. For college, go to a school that has a good working relationship with a NASA center. Get involved with a co-op plan with NASA. Study under a professor doing research you are interested in. The key is to get involved!

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 79 - 12:19:27 ]
RE: [Tiffany] How long have you been in this field of work, how long will you stay, and why?
Tiffany, I've worked on the ISS for about 3 years now and I'd love to stay because its so challenging! Its never the same thing day to day. Its exciting to work toward the goal of making the ISS the best lab to do microgravity research!

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 80 - 12:21:41 ]
RE: [lee] what does a regular day consist of
Lee, Well, it starts with answering the morning email. Depending on the day, I have some meetings to go to. I talk a lot on the phone and write emails or presentations. May not sound like much, but what takes place at those meetings and emails may affect the future of microgravity research, so there is a lot of responsibility!

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 81 - 12:22:32 ]
RE: [Terrell] What are the most hours you've worked in a day?
Terrell, I've worked a couple of 12 hour days before. Longest work time was probably traveling to Italy.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 84 - 12:24:08 ]
RE: [Jenny] What experiments on the space shuttle have you done?
Jenny, I helped design, build, and operate sensitive sensors called accelerometers, which measure the tiny vibrations on the shuttle. That's important information for scientists doing microgravity experiments. This information is needed just like you need to know the temperature your oven is at when baking a cake.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 85 - 12:25:20 ]
RE: [Jessica] Do you find it difficult to manage your family and your career?
Jessica, It can be sometimes, especially when I have to work late or travel. But my priority is always my family.

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 86 - 12:26:47 ]
RE: [Brian] Is is The International Spacestation fueled
Brian, The ISS has a huge number of solar panels on it to generate power from the Sun's light. However, we use thrusters to move it around sometimes, so we use fuel for them. I'm not sure what the fuel is, but you can check the ISS web site at http://spaceflight.nasa.gov

[ CraigSchafer/JSC - 87 - 12:27:56 ]
RE: [bonquesha] Do you have any other suggestions of thing for us to do to achieve our goals?
bonquesha Do something you love to do. Don't go to the trouble of preparing for a career you will hate. Be the best you can be at your skills. If your goals involve the space program, figure out how they can apply there. Excel!

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 88 - 12:28:31 ]
This concludes today's Space Team Online chat with Craig Schafer from NASA Johnson Space Center. We would like to thank everyone for joining us today, and offer our very special thanks to Craig for his thoughtful responses to our questions, and sharing his personal and career experience and expertise with us today. THANK YOU Craig!

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 89 - 12:29:13 ]
A final reminder to share your thoughts about today's chat with us at http://quest.nasa.gov/qchats.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 90 - 12:31:32 ]
We would like to invite you to our next Space team Online chat with Denise Varga from NASA Glenn Research Center. This chat is scheduled for Friday, January 21, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. Be sure to check our STO schedule events at http://quest.nasa.gov/common/events.cgi?Varga for more information about this chat.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 91 - 12:32:38 ]
Also, mark your calendars for our annual series of Black History Month chats, beginning in February 2000. A schedule is currently available at http://quest.nasa.gov/qchats/special/mlk00.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 92 - 12:32:57 ]
Thank you again to everyone for joining us today!