Story by Mark Neuman
Photos by Scott Schaefer

Three astronauts, orbiting Earth in the International Space Station, turned on a camera, popped open some microphones, and spoke with several local high school students assembled Monday morning (Aug. 29) at the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field.

When the question and answer session began, the astronauts, floating inside the $100 billion dollar space station, which is long enough to fit snugly on an American football field, end zones included, were over the Pacific Ocean.

Twenty minutes later, when the audio-video feed concluded, they and their three Russian cosmonaut colleagues were above the Atlantic Ocean, after flying over Central America and the Eastern seaboard of the United States, approximately 240 statute miles above Earth.

Students submitted their questions weeks earlier. NASA contacted students whose questions were selected and invited them to ask their questions live from the Museum’s William M. Allen Theater. One interesting technological tidbit noticed at the event was the lag time between the students’ speaking into a microphone and the astronauts hearing the questions. Not surprising given the distance between the two.

Gina O’Kelley was one of about a half dozen Highline School District’s Aviation High School students who quizzed the astronauts.

“It was absolutely incredible,” Gina said, describing what talking directly to orbiting astronauts was like. “You’re talking to someone miles in space. That’s one heck of a long distance call! I’m still absorbing it all right now.”

Gina’s question:

“How has your perspective of Earth and life on Earth changed since you have been on the International Space Station?”

Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, a medical doctor, spoke:

“When I looked out of a window of the International Space Station, I was touched (at seeing) the thin blue layer of atmosphere that rings our Earth. I understood that the beautiful atmospheric layer protects us and Earth from (a) harsh environment in space. And I realize that we need to preserve our Mother planet Earth’s natural splendor.”

Aviation High School’s Alex Wencel asked:

“How does the crew from such diverse backgrounds cope with their differences in language and culture?”

American astronaut Ron Garan, on his second spaceflight, responded to Alex’s question:

“For us it’s that we have a common goal. When you have a common goal you can overcome anything, language difficulties, differences in culture.

We had 15 nations that came together to build this incredible, wonderful research facility that we presently call home. We did that with these different and diverse nations because we all share that common goal.”

Will Mueser, who is considering a future as an engineer or a pilot, asked:

“What are the roles of astronauts and pilots in a field that increasingly depends upon unmanned or remote-control missions?”

American astronaut Mike Fossum, whose official position on this crew is Flight Engineer 4, answered:

“The whole field and concept of remote control robotic kinds of missions is changing and it certainly is in the world of aviation in the last ten or fifteen years where Remotely Piloted Vehicles are taking on a bigger and bigger role.

Just outside this window behind us right now is a Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, a very complicated and wonderful tool. Over the course of two days it’s changing out a power switch, a complicated little power control box. It’s very slow and tedious.

Ron (Garan) and I are both spacewalkers. We’ve done four space walks together and that task as a spacewalk for us is about 35 to 45 minutes.

The human in the loop can really understand, feel (the problem), make decisions and adjust very rapidly. Our ability to give the robots (the ability) to control that way is still in process.”

Surbhi Ghadia, a student at Aviation, asked the briefest question – seven words – and traveled further than anyone to be present at the Museum of Flight Monday.

She was in India when “my Dad called me to tell me I’d been selected to asked a question. I was really excited. This is really cool.”

Surbhi’s question:

“How often do experiments give unexpected results?”

Ron Garan:

“Unexpected results are usually the best results. That’s why we do the experiment in the first place. Because if you already knew the answer we wouldn’t be doing the experiments.

We’ve had some fluids experiments that basically are going to change our understanding of the way fluids react and we’ve had some other experiments where we discovered things that we didn’t know existed. So whenever we have these experiments that give us something a little different, it’s exciting for us up here and exciting for everybody on the ground.

It’s one of the joys of being up here in this very, very unique environment.”

Karan Singh, who also attends Aviation, asked a question regarding performing duties in space.

Afterwards Karan said “It was a really good experience. Not everybody can say they’ve been able to talk to an astronaut in space.

“It’s a life changing experience. There’s more than just what we see on Earth,” Karan said. “The sky is not the limit, which is our school’s motto.”

The International Space Station has been continuously occupied for over a decade.

Assuming clear skies, you may be able to see the station fly overhead. To find dates and times for your spot on Earth, go to:

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html

For the Museum of Flight, see: www.museumofflight.org.

For more information on Aviation High School, see: www.aviationhs.org

The crew of the International Space Station will talk live and direct with high school students assembled at The Museum of Flight during a video downlink from space at 10:35 a.m. this coming Monday, Aug. 29.

During the 20-minute broadcast, members of the International Space Station Expedition 28 crew will answer questions from students representing Highline School District’s Aviation High School, the Washington Wing Civil Air Patrol and students enrolled in the Museum’s Apprentice and Washington Aerospace Scholars Programs.

Admission-paying members of the earthbound public are welcome to attend (admission prices below).

Expedition 28 to the International Space Station is composed of two American NASA astronauts, three Russian cosmonauts and a Japanese JAXA astronaut. The crew is commanded by cosmonaut Andrey Borisenko.

Monday’s downlink is coordinated by NASA’s Teaching From Space program and The Museum of Flight Education Department.

Teaching From Space offers students resources from NASA missions and research, access to NASA experts, and the use of NASA equipment.

The non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest independent air and space museums in the world.

The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Exit 158 off Interstate 5 on Boeing Field half way between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport.

The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors 65 and older, $13 for active military, $9 for youth 5 to 17, and free for children under 5.

For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visit www.museumofflight.org.

In a ceremony held just north and across the street from the Museum of Flight, VIPs today (Aug 23) broke ground at the new home of Highline School District’s Aviation High School.

Founded in 2004, this aviation-themed high school focuses on college preparatory classes in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Students attend the school from as far away as Olympia, Everett and Bremerton.

To date the school has operated out of two different temporary facilities and is currently using the old Olympic Middle School in Des Moines, WA.

When the new building opens in 2013, it will be adjacent to and operate in cooperation with the Museum of Flight. The new school facility will be called the Raisbeck Aviation High School in honor of James and Sherry Raisbeck for their $4 million lead gift.

The total cost of the school relocation project will be $43.5 million with funding split between Federal, State and local sources, including 35% raised from private individuals and foundations.

BTB photographer Michael Brunk attended today’s ground-breaking and shot the following photos. You can click individual thumbnails to view them larger.

Longtime Burien resident and Discover Burien volunteer Jane Knight Hendricks Matz, 87, passed peacefully away on Monday, June 6th, 2011, surrounded by her loving family, who followed a tradition of farewells and childhood storytelling at her bedside.

“She was diagnosed with bladder cancer when she and I worked together at Discover Burien,” said former DB Executive Director Patty Sader. “In true Jane fashion, she accepted the diagnosis with grace and dignity, and vowed that cancer would not rule her life or define who she was. My life is richer for having had her in it!”

“She was such an incredible person,” added DB Event Manager Debra George. “We’d all just love to live our lives like she did. She had so many stories, and it was such a pleasure when she’d come to our Friday night group and share them with us. I just wish I could be half the person she was.”

Former Executive Director Steve Gilbert said “Jane was such a vivacious person. She had a sparkle in her eye every single time we got together. We’d leave each other little notes in the office, and those were fun. She was such a dynamic person – she couldn’t have been taller than 4’10″ yet she had more love of life in that tiny little body than nearly anybody I’ve met. She’s one of those people that makes you feel like you’re a better person just because you knew her. I always got such positive energy from her. I miss that woman so much, I really do.”

Former Discover Burien Executive Director Steve Gilbert with Jane Matz in March, 2010.

There will be a ‘Celebration of Life Party’ for Jane from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Monday, July 11th at The Mark Restaurant. “Come and bring all your favorite stories to celebrate,” reads the event page.

Here’s more from a tribute on Jane’s Facebook Page:

Jane, a resident of Seahurst and Burien for over 60 years, was born and raised in Ohio, graduating from Mineral Ridge High School in 1941 and was Gamma Sigma at Youngstown State University followed by Kansas City Flight School. On graduation from flight school she packed up and moved to the west coast to become one of the first U.S. stewardesses.

Jane loved flying and gave up her career only when she met and married the love of her life, pilot, John Patrick Hendricks (Pat). Pat’s family had roots in Burien since the 1930’s and the couple settled in Burien in 1951 when they started their own family.

While maintaining a residence in Burien, Pat’s adventurous flying engagements moved the family around from California to Alaska until his untimely death in an Idaho plane crash in 1960. Jane and her three children continued to travel for some time until landing permanently back in Burien.

Through the travails and dark days of losing Pat and raising her young children alone, Jane maintained an uncommonly strong love of people, travel and life. Wherever she landed throughout the world, she made friends.

She then met and married pilot, George E. Matz, and they were happily married sharing their love of flying and traveling to far flung corners of the country. In 1996 George passed on and Jane continued her interest in aviation supporting the Museum of Flight, Aviation High School and the education and growth of her grandchildren.

Jane’s presence was always evident having worked for the Burien Chamber of Commerce, Bells of Burien and most recently, as a volunteer of Discover Burien where she was awarded Volunteer of the Year the last several years running. She is recalled by area residents and business owners as a happy-go-lucky, life-loving personality who lived a vibrant and colorful life.

On the west coast, she is survived by her daughter, Kathy Christensen and husband Steve, son Michael Blessworth and wife Nancy, daughter, Kim Hendricks and grandchildren, Nick Christensen and wife Rebecca, Erika, Dane and Brando Christensen, Monet Hendricks and nephews Steve and Cliff Hetherington. In the eastern U.S. she is survived by her sister, Edith Burge and husband Bruce and nieces and nephews including Sandy, Holly, Linda, Julie, Bruce, Nancy, Mark and many in the next generations of Burge Country plus sister-in-law Audrey Knight (beloved Gabe Knight, deceased), niece Gale, nephew Johnny and their next generation.

Jane is also survived by lifelong, uncountable friends who became as family in her heart as she was in theirs.

As Jane sails into her next life, she is thanked for all the contributions and joy she brought to this one. Dancing the skies on laughter-silvered wings she graced our lives. She will be missed.

Jane Knight Hendricks Matz
Through Alaska to Seattle I came,
And met a Grand Dame.
She was mighty though small in statue;
To friends and family loyal and true.
Her love for us was unconditional,
Even when she wondered if we were being rational.
The stars became brighter on June 6th 2011,
The night the Angels came and lifted her to heaven.
Mary Jane Matz from Ohio,
You will always be my HERO!!

- Patty Lynch Ehnle Ramirez

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to The Jane Hendricks Matz Scholarship Fund through Aviation High School at 615 South 200th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198 (206)-716-0006.

‘Angle of Attack, An Aerodynamic Kinship Between Exotic Automobiles & Aircraft,’ is coming to the Museum of Flight this Saturday, May 14th, from Noon – 3pm.

“An assortment of exotic automobiles will be on hand from noon until 3:00 in the Museum’s parking lot,” reads a press release. “The exhibition is free to the public; admission to the Museum of Flight is separate from this event. This event will not only showcase these incredible automobiles but it will also benefit area animal shelters and rescue groups. Representatives from Homeward Pet Rescue, Shelter, and Adoption and Animal Aid & Rescue Foundation will be on hand to give out information on their services and accept donations.”

The regional exotic car community will be displaying a large variety of exotic and rare automobiles at this event, including:

• Lamborghinis
• Ferraris
• Porsche
• Teslas
• Lotus
• Aston Martin
• Audi R8
• BMW M Series
• and more….plus the world’s fastest production supercar…the Ultimate Aero will be on display.

Here’s a promotional video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here’s more info:

There has always been a kinship between the aerodynamic designs of fast aircraft and fast automobiles. These characteristics often grow from one industry to the other. Exotic machines of the ground and sky also share a common beauty of design as well.

On the afternoon of May 14, 2011 these shared qualities will be on display at the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field.

The Event…
This event will demonstrate the aerodynamic similarities between exotic cars and aircraft. Because of the uniqueness of the automobiles displayed, the event should draw a substantial attendance.

The Cause…
Too often dogs and cats are abandoned by their owners. Animal shelters and pet rescue groups work tirelessly to find hope and homes for these creatures. Many are volunteers who are working out of the kindness of their hearts. Representatives from Homeward Pet Rescue, Shelter, and Adoption and Animal Aid & Rescue Foundationcwill be on site to give out information and to accept donations.

Aviation High School (AHS) is the only college preparatory aviation- themed high school in the North- west. It is our goal to become the premier school of choice for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the Pacific Northwest.

Although Highline Public Schools is the home of this unique learning community, students throughout the Puget Sound region may apply. This year about 65 percent were local students and the rest com- muted from surrounding districts, some as far away as Tacoma, Everett, and Bremerton. Many as- pire to become scientists, engi- neers, astronauts, pilots, aviation technicians, and CEOs in aviation/ aerospace fields. Many are drawn by the school’s focus on math, sci- ence and technology.

Mission
To prepare all students for college, career and citizenship through a personalized, rigorous and relevant learning experience that is facili- tated in the context of aviation and aerospace.

Senior Project Rationale
…to provide students an opportunity to test themselves—to see for themselves as well as to demonstrate and communicate to others that they can apply their knowl- edge and skills in important and practical situations to solve problems and achieve goals.

What makes an exotic car?
First , an “Exotic” is not generally in the same category as “mainstream” automobiles like Kia, Honda, or GM, etc. An exotic car is not a hot rod, typically seen at most car shows. Some brands which are labeled exotics are (but not limited to) Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin, Bentley, Tesla, BMW M-Series, Audi R8, and Lotus. This group can also include rare brands such as Alfa Romeo. The far majority of exotic cars are European, however there some American and Japanese cars that fit the description as well. These automobiles are all “drivable art”.

About Me…..
“My name is Alex Bergler and I am in my senior year at Aviation High School. For my senior project I have planned an event that will combine three of my passions, aircraft, exotic cars, and animals. Since I was just a toddler I have always loved aircraft. Most of my childhood memories are filled with attending air shows and spending a lot of time at the Museum of Flight, I joke that the Museum became my second home. My plans and dreams have always involved flight. As I started high school I began to seriously pursue my dreams of flight by starting flight lessons at Boeing Field. As I studied aerodynamics and design I soon became enamored with another great pas- sion and beauty , exotic automobiles. Now the passing sound of a Ferrari evokes the same excitement and awe as that of a F/A-18 takeoff. From my earliest memories ani- mals have always been an important part of my life. My family and I have always been very animal friendly. So when I was selecting an endeavor to pursue for a senior pro- ject it really made sense to combine my passions into something which will positively contribute to my community .”

Competing from the Highline School District were Skunkworks Robotics from Aviation High School, the HIGH-Tekerz from Highline High School, and TEC Robotics from TEC High School.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an organization founded 20 years ago by Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway. The goal of FIRST is to help inspire students to get excited about science and technology.

The competition joins students with adult mentors in a challenging program that has them designing and building a robot to compete in a game that changes each year. They start with a common kit of parts and a set of rules and have just six weeks to complete their robot.

This year’s challenge, called Logo Motion, is played by two alliances of three robots each. Each team scores points by hanging inflated tubes shaped like the components of the FIRST logo on a scoring grid of pegs at each end of the playing field.

Each match is 135 seconds long. For the first 15 seconds, teams win bonus points by having their robot hang a gold “ubertube” without any human intervention. They can win additional bonus points in the last 10 seconds of the match by having their robot deploy a “minibot” that climbs a tower on the playing field and trips a sensor at the top. The remainder of the time the robot is controlled by human drivers.

This video explains how the game works in more detail:

Click here to view the embedded video.

This year’s Seattle Regional wound up being the largest FIRST regional event ever held. So many teams attended that the event was split and two complete sets of competitions were held, doubling the number of teams earning their way to the National event.

Two of our own local teams qualified for the Nationals.

In their first year competing, Highline High School’s HIGH-Tekerz were the top seeded rookie team. Winning the Rookie All-Star Award qualified them for the Nationals.

Skunkworks Robotics from Aviation High School made it into the semi-finals with their alliance before being eliminated. They earned their trip to the Nationals by winning the Engineering Inspiration Award.

Photographer Michael Brunk attended the competition and shot these photos. You can click individual photos to view them larger.

The HIGH-Tekerz driving team celebrates as their robot (#3574) places an “ubertube” in autonomous mode

The HIGH-Tekerz team showing their spirit in the stands

The HIGH-Tekerz prep their robot before a match

The Skunkworks Robotic robot (#1983) places an “ubertube” in autonomous mode

A member of the Skunkworks Robotics team works on their robot between matches in the pits

The Skunkworks Robotics driving team (in black and white shirts) caps off a gold “ubertube” to complete a top-scoring logo

Members of the HIGH-Tekerz team receive their Rookie All-Stars Award from the judging panel

Members of the Skunkworks Robotics team receive their Engineering Inspiration Award from the judging panel

Highline and Aviation High School Bands are holding a St. Patrick’s Big Band Dance from 7pm – 10pm this Saturday, March 12th at the Highline High School Cafeteria.

Cost if $8 per person, and tickets may be purchased from a band member or at the door.

In addition to big band music, there will be desserts and a raffle.

“Get your GREEN on,” reads the poster. “Come have some fun and support the band.”

For more information, email hhsbandboosters@comcast.net.

The event will take place from 5:45 to 8:30PM on October 29th and include dinner and a dessert raffle, a raffle to win a scenic flight around Seattle and a silent auction.

Tickets are $8 for students/$10 for adults in advance or $10/$12 at the door.

The dinner is being hosted in the Aviation High School cafeteria at 615 South 200th Street in Des Moines, WA. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Dayna Miller at 253-797-3077 or via email at daynamiller1277@msn.com.

Two Highline School District schools – Health Sciences and Human Services High School (HS3) and Aviation High School – have been selected to U.S. News and World Report’s 2010 list of America’s Best High Schools.

HS3, located in White Center, earned a bronze award and Des Moines’ Aviation High School earned a silver. They were the only two South King County schools to make the list.

The list, published annually since 2008, identifies the country’s top-performing high schools.

“The goal is to provide a clear, unbiased picture of how well public schools serve all of their students – from the highest achieving to the lowest achieving – in preparing them to demonstrate proficiency in basic skills as well as readiness for college-level work,” according to the U.S. News and World Report website.

“HS3 and Aviation are examples of our effort to reinvent high school to better prepare all students for college, career, and citizenship,” said Highline Superintendent John Welch. “Both are innovative schools that are preparing students for the math and science careers that will dominate the new economy.”

Health Sciences and Human Services High School, one of three small high schools on the Evergreen campus in White Center, is the state’s only health sciences-themed high school. According to Principal Paula Montgomery, many students aspire to be nurses, doctors, scientists, social workers and educators. In 2008, HS3 was one of four Washington schools chosen by the Washington Global Health Alliance for a partnership designed to enhance Washington’s position as a leader in health sciences by nurturing the next generation of global health leaders.

Aviation High School is the nation’s first aviation-themed college prep high school. All core subjects are taught in the context of aviation, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Aviation was the third highest-scoring high school in Washington on the 10th grade WASL in 2009. A hallmark of the school, led by Principal and CEO Reba Gilman, is its many aviation industry partners and professionals who mentor students one-on-one.

To earn the silver distinction, schools 1) exceeded statistical expectations for all students on state achievement tests in math and reading; 2) exceeded the state average on test scores for black, Latino, and low-income students; and 3) had high levels of participation and performance in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses. Bronze awards went to schools that met the first two criteria. The gold distinction was awarded to the 100 top-scoring schools that met all three criteria.

In all, 30 Washington state schools earned bronze awards, 17 earned silver awards, and four earned gold awards.

Highline School District’s Aviation High School’s Skunkworks Robotics Team 1983 is holding its annual Auction/Dinner fundraising event this Friday, Oct. 30th from 6pm to 8:30pm at Aviation High’s Cafeteria, located at 615 South 200th Street in Des Moines.

From their press release:

2009 was our third year and it will be another hard act to follow. We attended the Portland and Seattle Regionals and World Championships in Atlanta. This was the first time we were on the winning alliance in Portland and we were extremely competitive in Atlanta only losing 2 matches.

The team received two awards at the regionals for quality of robot design and our website was given an award for excellence by FIRST.

A program like this one does not happen by accident! We need your support in raising money for team operations.

The Aviation High School Skunkworks Robotics Team 1983 is raising funds for robotic equipment, registration fees, and travel expenses to attend competitions in Portland, Seattle and Atlanta, Georgia.

There are Three Ways to Participate:

1. A spaghetti dinner will be served from 6:30-7:30pm.
2. Bidding for desserts and a few special items donated by the team and their families will begin at 7:30pm. In addition to these items, participants can “Fund-A-Skunk” by sponsoring a student with a directed donation. Money will also be donated to fund an “anonymous” Skunk for students who have a difficult time fundraising.
3. If you cannot attend and would like to contribute directly, tax deductible donations can be mailed to the school address. Please make checks payable to “AHS PTSA Robotics”

Prepaid tickets: $8/student, $10/adult

Tickets at the door: $10/student, $12/adult

For more team information please visit our website: http://www.ahsrobotics.us

• If you cannot attend and would like to contribute directly, tax deductible donations can be mailed to the school address:

Aviation High School
615 South 200th Street
Des Moines, WA 98198
206.716.0006 phone
206.716.0020 fax

Please make checks payable to “AHS PTSA Robotics”

For more information or to purchase tickets:

• Dayna Miller: 253-797-3077 or DaynaMiller1277@msn.com
• Kathy Swan: bswan55234@comcast.net