Press release featuring two University of Idaho students currently serving as Ames interns through ISGC

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July 9, 2009 Contact Information: Becky Highfill Program Coordinator 208-885-4934 bhighfil@uidaho.edu http://isgc.uidaho.edu Shandy Lam Communications Assistant 208-885-6438 nasacomm@uidaho.edu http://isgc.uidaho.edu University of Idaho Students Assist in NASA Lunar Robotics Field Testing BLACKPOINT LAVA FLOW, Ariz. – Equipped with cameras and 3-D laser scanners, NASA robots recently explored the rough terrain of a desert in Arizona while being carefully monitored by two University of Idaho graduate students. The “K10 Red” and “K10 Black” robots were developed and remotely controlled by NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. The test of the exploration robots occurred between June 14 and 26 at Black Point Lava Flow, which was chosen as the test location due to the wide variety of surfaces. The terrain resembles that of the moon, which will help NASA engineers prepare for future lunar missions. Armen Dibble and fellow robot observer John Porter are currently serving as fellows of the Idaho Space Grant Robotic Lunar Exploration Program. Porter, a graduate student in computer engineering from Lewiston, and Dibble, a graduate student in mechanical engineering from Moscow, are working for NASA Ames this summer and participated in the field test. “It was our duty to ensure the robots didn’t get stuck or fall off a cliff,” explained Dibble, “We were in charge of the remote emergency stop as well as watching the vehicle to make sure all of the systems were functioning properly.” Last month’s field test was a part of the 2009 Desert Research and Technology Studies project. Future plans include two more tests to take place in August and September. For more information on the NASA Ames Simulated Lunar Mission please visit http://lunarscience.nasa.gov/roboticrecon/ The NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium was established in 1991 as part of the NASA National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. The ISGC is comprised of 22 institutions including all colleges and universities in the state, science centers and museums, science organizations, state departments, industry representatives, a state park, and a national monument. ### About the University of IdahoFounded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu. -1292225-240030 Pictured Above:John Porter, 24, from Lewiston IdahoUniversity of Idaho GraduateCurrently a graduate student at the University of Idaho NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium fellow interning at RLEP Pictured at Right:Armen Dibble, 24, from Moscow Idaho.University of Idaho graduateCurrently a graduate student at the University of Idaho NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium fellow interning at RLEP116908456270