Overview
This summer program involved creating a computer interface between planning software (SPIFe) and a Personal Exploration Rover
(PER). After learning XML, an activity dictionary was created for the SPIFe program MSLICE, which consists of an XML document detailing the various actions the PER is able to perform. The PER comes with a fully developed software package that contains all of the commands needed to control the PER's motions and activities (developed in Java). In anticipation of a plug-in for a SPIFe program, a stand-alone program was created called Personal Exploration Rover Integrated Planning Software (PERIPS). Programming PERIPS involved serialization, event handling, and multithreading of over 20 interrelated objects capable of utilizing the PER's motion, electromagnetic, and image processing capabilities. Once PERIPS is in plug-in format a user would be able to plan activities for the PER in a SPIFe environment and click a button that would have the PER execute the activities right in front of them.
Aaron's time at NASA AMES Center was focused primarily on two activities
Learning Java.
Creating PERIPS - Shows the software, details its structure, and explains how to use it.
Poster Session
The poster session involved all inters creating posters to display the work that they have been doing while at NASA AMES Research Center.
Aaron's Poster displays some of the work Aaron has done while at AMES and conveys this information in a visual format.
Research Report
Final Report - The final project report detailing Aaron's work at NASA AMES Center.
The 40x80 Wind Tunnel
The 40 (height) by 80 (length) foot wind tunnel is one of the larges wind tunnels on earth. A scale model of the wind tunnel can be seen below. The smallest cross-section of the wind tunnel is also shown (The stairs and door help give some perspective of relative size).
Inside the Wind Tunnel
There are a large number of sensors located throughout the wind tunnel. Our group was able to stand in the section used for air craft testing and the exiting air stream section. The size of the wind tunnel where air enters and exits are each large enough to hold a ten story building. One of the largest (if not THE largest) turbulent generators are shown; there are eight of them circling the wall of the exiting air stream.
Public Transportation
I have had extremely bad luck in the way of public transportation. Lets just say the learning cure for myself was beyond drastic. Hope you find my story interesting.
The first homework for this internship involved getting to know the area better. We decided to take a family trip down to see the area on Memorial day weekend.