Anniversary

After averting more project threats (this time from NASA Headquarters, questioning whether we'd gotten the appropriate approvals and export control inspections before shipping our equipment), I took Pat out for our 19th wedding anniversary last night. (If I counted from when we started dating, it would be nearly 22 years)

( Mmmm.. Felicity Kendal )

(no subject)

Aargh! Caught in a tussle between the Office of Space Flight and the Office of Space Science, NASA Headquarters has just put my project on hold as regards deployment to Canada.

Back in the clear

(deep breath)

OK, we're back in business. After a telecon today with various NASA HQS folks from Space Flight, Space Science and International Relations. Our travel orders had been routed to Space Science, given the "Mars analog" quoted in the description. They hadn't heard of it, since it was being funded by the Office of Space Flight. So after an initial approval, someone in OSS caught their "error" and withdrew approval, which stirred up lots of activity, as well as the "halt all shipping and travel" email this morning.

I had to describe to them why my HoRSE project was different from the umbrella Haughton-Mars project, that we were 100% NASA-supported (not co-funded with the Mars Society) and that all of our agreements were in place and signed. And that OSF should be the sponsoring office, not OSS. Their representatives agreed, International Relations agreed to reinstate their approval, and the crisis was past. Whew.

Then I went out and took a much-needed walk through the marsh with hopeforyou, seeing a few birds and butterflies.

Arctic research site website

By the way, this year's Haughton-Mars website is here.