Surgery in simulated spacecraft

University of Washington’s Raven to try surgery in simulated spacecraft

2007/04/19

If you thought ASTRO and NextSat were the only two autonomous robots frolicking around in testing environments, Raven would certainly beg to differ, as NASA has recently announced that the University of Washington’s mobile surgical robot will soon be off to tackle surgical tasks whilst underwater. The 12th NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations test will see the mechanical MD pick up the tools in a simulated spacecraft submerged near Key Largo, Florida, where the “mission will test current technology for sending remote-controlled surgical robotic systems into space.” Thanks to a combination of wired and wireless networks, a trio of seasoned veterans back in Seattle will be dictating the movements remot ely, as the bot attempts to “suture a piece of rubber and mo! ve block s from one spindle to another.” Interestingly, there was no word on whether Raven was scheduled to pick up the night shift at Seattle Grace upon its return from the depths.

[Via MedLaunches]

Yuri’s Night: Is it real life or Second Life?

Last week’s amazing Yuri’s Night festivities topped all previous in terms of uniqueness. First, there are 126 parties in 35 countries. That alone is great. Then there was the Yuri’s Night in the brave new cyberworld of Second Life, where people create characters called Avatars and celebrated the cosmonaut’s adventure.
Then, there was a unusual gathering at NASA Ames Space Center. Imagine NASA meets Burning Man! Held in one of Ames giant flight hangars, it was the first time that a rave took place on a government facility. Imagine science exhibits, art, presentations from luminaries such as Anousheh Ansari were blended in with hours of trance, glitch, and other modern dance tunes by PLAID, TELEPHON TEL AVIV, SUTEKH, and OOAH + BORETA.
Old school space engineers meet young art ravers. The mind boggles.
Is it possible that NASA may become cool again to a new generation? Cross your fingers.