Dialogue between FACETS and NASA continues
Timeline of FACETS-NASA correspondence available now
The following is a brief summary of recent correspondence
between the Formal Action Committee for Extra-Terrestrial Studies (FACETS)
and NASA. For more timely updates, analysis and commentary about this correspondence,
sign up for the free FACETS mailing list by clicking the link to the left.
Tuesday, July 17, 2001
FACETS action:
Mr. Gersten writes to Public Affairs Officer Don Savage to ask if he has
had the opportunity to review FACETS'
June 14 letter yet.
Wednesday, July 11, 2001
NASA action:
Dr. Garvin writes that NASA is "working industriously" to respond
to FACETS' target requests, as well
as to image the future landing site of the 2003 Mars Exploration Rovers.
Garvin explains that a regional dust storm has arisen which may preclude
imaging opportunities for FACETS targets. Garvin concludes by encouraging
us to "examine all coverage of the areas of interest to FACETS experts
that are posted on the msss.com web site."
Tuesday, July 10, 2001
FACETS action:
Mr. Gersten e-mails Dr. Jim Garvin to inquire about his progress in developing
a response to FACETS' June 27, 2001 e-mail.
Thursday, July 5, 2001
NASA action:
Public Affairs Officer Donald Savage responds to Mr. Gersten's e-mail inquiry
of June 26, 2001, saying he has not yet had a chance to read the letter. Savage also explains that
he did not receive a voice mail, but will check to see if his assistant
knows anything about the message.
Wednesday, June 27, 2001
FACETS action:
Peter Gersten writes a well constructed e-mail to Dr. Garvin, directing
him to links containing the text of previous FACETS letters. Gersten refers
to NASA's demonstrated ability to acquire targets with precision and reminds
Garvin of his boss, Dr. Weiler's, statement that "NASA awaits a specific
list of requests" from FACETS. Gersten also reminds Garvin of his statement
that MGS would acquire another image of the "Face" in June, and
asks for information on the results of that promised "fly over"
of Cydonia. Gersten concludes by asking Dr. Garvin to address the other
issues raised in FACETS letters. In particular, FACETS wants to know why
Dr. Garvin's boss, Dr. Weiler, was grossly misinformed regarding the timing
of the May 2001 "Face" release. FACETS also anxiously awaits Dr.
Malin's analysis of the new images of the "Face."
Tuesday, June 26, 2001
FACETS action:
Mr. Gersten e-mails Dr. Weiler inquiring about the status of NASA's response
to FACETS recent letters. Gersten further asks if the additional target
sites have been reimaged and, if not, what NASA's plans are for acquiring
new images of the targets.
NASA response:
Dr. Weiler responds promptly, explaining that any "such letters would
have been immediately actioned-out to my sub-ordinates who manages [sic]
the Mars Global Surveyor...I would suggest you contact Dr. James Garvin..."
FACETS action:
Upon Dr. Weiler's advice Mr. Gersten e-mails Dr. Garvin, MGS MOLA Co-Investigator.
NASA response:
Dr. Garvin responds that he would be "delighted" to provide more
information. Garvin follows up with an e-mail requesting the FACETS letters
in question, as well as a list of FACETS target sites. Garvin explains that
NASA has prioritized 2003 and 2007 landing sites as imaging targets, and
that imaging of FACETS targets could take months. Garvin also offers to
review the FACETS list and see if any targets have been covered by MGS already.
Tuesday, June 26, 2001
FACETS action:
Mr. Gersten e-mails Public Affairs Officer Donald Savage inquiring about
his response to FACETS' recent
letter to him dated June 14. (Gersten had left a voice mail on Mr. Savage's
voice mail the previous week, asking essentially the same question, but
received no reply.)
NASA action:
Dr. Savage replies with an auto-respond message saying that he will not
be checking his e-mail because he is out of the office until July 4, 2001.
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