. Military Space News .
Schriever Space Pros Keep Eyes On The Sky

There's something in the stars to keep each of the astronomers engaged. For Colonel Moss, the lure is astrophotography. For Colonel Shaw, it's his children's interest. For others, it's the mystique of the universe itself.
by Staff Writers
by Staff Sgt. Don Branum
50th Space Wing Public Affairs
Schriever AFB CO (AFNS) Jan 12, 2007 While the 50th Space Wing's mission covers about 23,000 miles into space, Schriever's amateur astronomers spend their free time studying objects much further out. Among Schriever's stargazers are Airmen and contractors, both past and present, who have spotted GPS satellites, Jovian moons, variable stars and more. For some, it's a lifelong hobby; for others, it's part of a family tradition.

Capt. Michael Noss, 50th Operations Support Squadron, became interested around the time most children are learning to crawl and walk. His grandfather was one of the first NASA engineers and helped developed heat shields so manned spacecraft could survive reentry.

"When I was just starting to learn how to read, my grandfather sent me a series of astronomy-related books," Captain Noss said. "I was only a year or two old at the time. I can't remember a time when I wasn't interested in astronomy."

Lt. Col. John Shaw, 4th Space Operations Squadron commander, was slightly older when his father kindled his interest in the stars.

"My dad would take me to the observatory at Wheaton College (near Norton, Mass.)," Colonel Shaw said. "I was inspired enough to do a science fair project on the planets and their formation in fourth grade and have maintained an interest in 'space stuff' since."

The astronomers have different objects of interest. Colonel Shaw said he enjoys watching Jupiter and its moons and Saturn. Lt. Col. John Moss, commander of the Space Innovation and Development Center's 25th Space Control Tactics Squadron, follows deep space objects such as nebulas and galaxies.

Scott Donnell, an aerospace engineer with AI Solutions who has worked with 4th SOPS, spends much of his time photographing variable stars, which he provides along with brightness estimates to the American Association of Variable Star Observers. He's also tracked and recorded video of satellites in orbit.

"I've made video recordings of close approaches between satellites, and more recently, I've engaged in recording the Apogee Kick Motor events of GPS satellites during low-earth orbit," Mr. Donnell said.

There's something in the stars to keep each of the astronomers engaged. For Colonel Moss, the lure is astrophotography. For Colonel Shaw, it's his children's interest. For others, it's the mystique of the universe itself.

"There's a sort of magic to astronomy: it's one of those 'look but don't touch' fields," said Captain Noss, who researched dark matter in college. "It's like new fallen snow; it's pure science. Astronomers learn for the pure joy of learning."

"The universe is a fascinating place that holds many secrets," Mr. Donnell said. "You can spend a lifetime exploring it and feel like you've only scratched the surface."

Related Links
US 50th Space Wing
Military Space News at SpaceWar.com

Boeing Completes Critical Design Review For Space Based Space Surveillance
St. Louis MO (SPX) Jan 09, 2007
The Boeing team that is building the Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) system has successfully passed the System Critical Design Review (CDR) as the U.S. Air Force authorized the program to proceed toward a December 2008 launch. The CDR, a four-day event in Seal Beach, Calif., included more than 100 government and industry participants. The team reviewed the SBSS Pathfinder system's architecture, design, assembly, integration and test approach, and concept of operations.







  • Japan Launches First Defense Ministry Since WWII
  • Schmoozing At the White House
  • Japan To Strengthen International Alliances
  • The Putin We Don't Know

  • US Stealth Fighters Arrive In South Korea
  • Controversy As US Arrests Six In Raid On 'iranian Consulate'
  • China Says Unaware Of Plans For Repeat North Korea Nuke Test
  • North Korea To Face Tough Year

  • Raytheon Receives Contracts For Standard Missile-1 Support Services
  • Javelin Block I Missile Achieves Success In Test Firings
  • ATK Receives New Contract For HELLFIRE Rocket Motors And Warheads
  • Navy Posts Successful Test Of Raytheon Block IV Tomahawk Cruise Missile

  • Banner Year For US Missile Defense Plans
  • Raytheon Awarded Subcontract for Sea-Based X-Band Radar Sustainment Support
  • Raytheon Completes Negotiations Billion Dollar Contract For JLENS Development
  • Lockheed Martin Provides Proven Solutions For Missile Defense

  • China Gives Rare Glimpse Of Homegrown Jet Fighter
  • IATA Gives Cautious Welcome To EU Emissions Trading Plan
  • EU Proposes CO2 Emission Quotas For Airlines
  • Shoulder Ligament A Linchpin In The Evolution Of Flight

  • Israel Developing Massive New Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
  • Boeing Provides ScanEagle UAV to Australian Army
  • Techsphere Structures Licensing Agreement With Global Skyship Industries
  • Warfare Center To Host Autonomous Unmanned Vehicle Fest 2007

  • US To Beef Up Army And Marines By 92,000
  • New Bush Strategy For Iraq Makes Sense Says Blair
  • Surge To Be A Gradual Increase
  • US Will Revisit Surge If Iraqis Fail To Meet Commitments

  • Pentagon Report Warns Canadian Coins Bugged
  • Raytheon Wins Silent Knight Radar Development Contract
  • Recon Optical Awarded Contract For Stabilized Remotely Operated Weapon Systems
  • Northrop Grumman Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload Takes To Air On First U-2 Flight

  • The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement