GI Press Releases
The days of watching a space shuttle launch into the Florida sky may be numbered, but thanks to funding from the Alaska Space Grant Program, a fortunate few education professionals from Alaska have at least been able to witness the end of the era firsthand.
The teachers, counselors and professionals have received more than a privileged spot to view the launches; they’ve participated in themed “Education Forums,” a docket of activities focused on strengthening STEM education in Alaska schools. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Student achievement in those areas is central to the mission of NASA and the Space Grant Program.
April 22, 2010
Unmanned aircraft will assist statewide emergency exercise
Three 40-pound unmanned aircraft from Poker Flat Research Range will support Alaska Shield — a statewide exercise on April 26 through May 2, 2010 — that will test Alaska’s ability to respond to a major disaster. Although the aircrafts’ specific mission will remain unknown until the exercise begins, PFRR staff is prepared to launch and fly the aircraft in the Anchorage area.
March 29, 2010
Greenland’s melting landscape may foreshadow Alaska’s future
University of Alaska Fairbanks scientists will travel to Greenland in April 2010 to better understand how warming ocean temperatures impact ocean-outlet glaciers on the massive arctic island. Such studies will shed light on the future of the ice-laden country, and may provide analogs on how warmer temperatures could impact Alaska’s landscape.
March 16, 2010
Scientists conclude asteroid ended the age of dinosaurs
February 17, 2010
Final rocket of 2010 launches from Poker Flat
Fairbanks, Alaska—During a vivid aurora display, a NASA sounding rocket launched from Poker Flat Research Range and arced over northern Alaska at 12:49 a.m. Alaska Standard Time on Feb. 16, 2010. The rocket, one of the largest used at Poker Flat, flew high over Kaktovik, gathering data on electric particle and wave interactions in the upper atmosphere.
February 11, 2010
Poker Flat Research Range launches 2010’s first rocket
Fairbanks, Alaska—A NASA sounding rocket launched from Poker Flat Research Range and flew to an altitude of more than 100 vertical miles at 12:01 a.m. Alaska Standard Time on Feb. 9, 2010. The rocket released 12 vials of trimethyl-aluminum that glowed in colors from orange to blue about 70 miles above northern Alaska.

