Derek Wang, Public Outreach Manager, Exploration Systems, NASA

By Sangeeta Saxena

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): In the near future, which is the mission NASA considers most important?

Derek Wang (DW): Out of all the programmes, lunar mission is more feasible. Space shuttle is retiring next year. Aries I is the rocket on Orion vehicle. Initial operating capabilities will be through till 2015. Service of the station and bringing the crew back will be done by 2016.

SP’s: Delineate NASA’s main goal.

DW: We are looking to build technologies whereby we can conduct more missions to the Moon. We want to create a lunar outpost. We want to create facilities for humans to live there. Pre-fabricated habitat models, assembling of multi-purpose habitat for health care, communication and living quarters is also being considered.

SP’s: What are your future aims for space technology and development?

DW: We are hoping to achieve zero error and establish no disturbance communication links to satellites and good navigation facilities with all our spatial installations.

SP’s: How does NASA interpret the effects of the Moon’s environment on humans?

DW: We have plans to apply technologies and research in setting up lunar surface. Space stations have been our testing grounds for human existence in space, in micro gravity or zero gravity situations.

SP’s: What are your plans for creating habitation on the Moon?

DW: Going to the Moon involves risks and challenges. We are hoping to create commercial opportunities. We are looking for global partnerships in habitat, surface mobility, communication, navigation and scientific research.

SP’s: Does NASA strategise in isolation?

DW: We have discussed with 13 different countries about a global exploration strategy for future space exploration also pertaining to the Moon.

SP’s: Apart from the Moon, what are NASA’s other spatial work areas?

DW: Apart from the moon, Mars is our major research area. We are not ready to send a man mission to mars at present, but cannot negate a possibility in the future. For the other planets, there are going to be satellites and robotic missions.

SP’s: When can we expect man to be on the Moon?

DW: We are hoping that in the next 40 years humans will be living in space and there will definitely be a sustaining human presence on the Moon.

SP’s: How will you manage zero gravity on the Moon?

DW: To manage gravity will be one of the challenges. We are doing research on humans to check effects of zero gravity on bone density, blood flow, oxygen levels, water levels and hormonal balance. Psychological effects of micro gravity are also being monitored.

SP’s: Would a gym be functional on the Moon? What types of illnesses can one expect?

DW: For all you know, a floating gym could be invented and special exercises devised! Effects of exercise on the human body, such as how much and the type of exercise that will be needed, is also being researched. Identification of different types of diseases which can be contracted in space is also being researched upon.

SP’s: Once the Moon gets inhabited, what type of food will be available?

DW: We at NASA are trying to understand what type of food can be cooked and how to procure the ingredients in lunar conditions.

SP’s: For how long would man be able to stay on the Moon at one stretch?

DW: For about four to six months, somebody would actually stay in the lunar surface. It would depend on resources available.

SP’s: What is the status of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO)?

DW: The LRO has just got launched. It will provide us with the best ever mapping of the surface of the Moon. Aboard it is a lunar crater observation sensing satellite. Its impact on the Moon will send forth a plume of rocks and water. It will research all the debris and LRO will also take pictures of it.

SP’s: Outline NASA’s initiatives to create awareness about space among the younger generation.

DW: We try to connect with the younger audiences by using exhibits and communication products. We use Twitter, My Space, Facebook and other social media. We have specifically targeted learning curriculum and supply to the educational systems. We also sponsor some students through formal educational institutions.

SP’s: Is NASA an isolated body with just US interests in mind?

DW: NASA works with space agencies of other countries like India, Japan, Israel and many more. It promotes research and technology collaborations.

SP’s: Does NASA believe in sharing its knowledge?

DW: We have international meetings to share information with other countries.

SP’s: What is NASA doing to avoid Columbia like disasters?

DW: We are working on increasing safety and reliability of a rocket launch, and its re-entry into the (Earth’s) atmosphere.

SP’s: What is NASA’s one point agenda?

NASA is a unique organisation of very intelligent people and excitement of space will continue. We look forward to making space habitable and educational.