When the space shuttle Discovery blasted off for the International Space Station on May 31, most of the MIT aero-astro department was along for the ride -- at least photographically. As astronaut Greg Chamitoff Ph.D. '92 was preparing for the trip, he asked aero-astro communications director Bill Litant to recommend a memento of the department to take along. Bill and his colleagues suggested a group photograph, enabling all who appear in it to say they have "flown aboard the space station." Greg jumped at the idea, so last December, aero-astro students, staff, and faculty gathered in front of Building 37 for the group shot. Greg will bring the picture back with him when he returns to earth in the fall, and it will be placed on display. Photo / Donna Coveney
New products presented at the 2.009 prototype launch included a crash-detecting bicycle helmet, an augmented reality mask for divers, and a respirator for wildland firefighters.