NASA SPACE EXPLORATIONS

The Exploration of Space

NASA has a long legacy of space exploration. In the decades since its founding, the
space agency has landed rovers on Mars, sampled the atmosphere of Jupiter,
explored Saturn and Mercury - and even landed humans on the moon - to name a
few.
Some missions, like the Kepler planet-hunting observatory, are relatively new, and
only time will tell if they join the ranks of NASA's finest flights.
Here's our subjective list of 10 NASA missions that have already earned their spot in
the space mission hall of fame.
Pioneer
Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11, launched in 1972 and 1973, respectively, were the first
spacecraft to visit the solar system's most photogenic gas giants, Jupiter and
Saturn. Pioneer 10 was the first probe to travel through the solar system's asteroid
belt, a field of orbiting rocks between Mars and Jupiter. Then about a year-and-a-half
after its launch, the spacecraft made the first flyby of the planet Jupiter. It took
stunning up-close photos of the Great Red Spot and the wide swaths of red that
band the planet. About a year later, Pioneer 11 flew by Jupiter, and then moved on
to Saturn, where it discovered a couple of previously unknown small moons around
the planet, and a new ring. Both probes have stopped sending data, and are
continuing out on their one-way voyages beyond the solar system.
Voyager
Shortly after the Pioneers made their flybys, the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes
followed. They made many important discoveries about Jupiter and Saturn,
including rings around Jupiter and the presence of volcanism on Jupiter's moon, Io.
Voyager went on to make the first flybys of Uranus, where it discovered 10 new
moons, and Neptune, where it found that Neptune actually weighs less than
astronomers thought. Both Voyager crafts have enough power to keep transmitting
radio signals until at least 2025, and are now exploring the very edge of the solar
system and beginning of interstellar space. Voyager 2 is currently the farthest manmade object from Earth, at more than a hundred times the distance from the Earth
to the sun, and more than twice as far as Pluto.
WMAP
The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP), launched in 2001, may not be
as well-known, but it measures with unprecedented accuracy the temperature of
the radiation left over from the Big Bang. By mapping out the fluctuations in the socalled cosmic microwave background radiation, the spacecraft has heralded a leap
forward in cosmological theories about the nature and origin of the universe. Among
other revelations, the data from WMAP revealed a much more precise estimate for
the age of the universe ? 13.7 billion years ? and confirmed that about 95 percent of
it is composed of poorly understood things called dark matter and dark energy.
Spitzer
Another spacecraft with a profound effect on cosmology and astrophysics is the
Spitzer Space Telescope, which observed the heavens through infrared light. This
light, which has a longer wavelength than visual light, is mostly blocked by Earth's
atmosphere. In addition to taking gorgeous photos of galaxies, nebulae and stars,
the telescope has made numerous groundbreaking scientific discoveries. In 2005
Spitzer became the first telescope to detect light from extrasolar planets (most of
these distant worlds are detected only through secondary, gravitational effects on

their suns). In another observation, astronomers think the telescope may have even
captured light from some of the first stars born in the universe.

Spirit & Opportunity

Intended for just a 90-day mission, these workhorse Mars rovers have far outdone
themselves, and are still chugging away on the red planet more than five years
after landing. Spirit and Opportunity, the twin Mars Exploration Rovers, landed on
opposite sides of the planet in January 2004. Since then, they have been traveling
all over the surface, poking into craters and roving over unexplored hills. Among
their major finds is evidence that the surface of Mars once had liquid water. (A tip of
the hat to Sojourner rover, which brought full-color close-ups of Mars in 1997, just
as the Internet was becoming wildly popular, thereby earning a special place in the
hearts of millions who enjoyed unprecedented access to NASA mission photos.)
Cassini-Huygens
This joint NASA/ESA spacecraft, launched in 1997, reached its destination, Saturn, in
2004. Since then it has been in orbit around the ringed world, taking one stunning
snapshot after another of the planets rings, moons and weather. The Hugyens probe
separated from Cassini and made a special trip to the moon Titan, where it
descended through the atmosphere and landed on solid ground in 2005. Though
previous spacecraft have visited Saturn, Cassini is the first to orbit it and study the
system in detail.
Chandra
Since 1999, the Chandra X-ray Observatory has been scanning the skies in X-ray
light, looking at some of the most distant and bizarre astronomical events. Because
Earth's pesky atmosphere blocks out most X-rays, astronomers couldn't view the
universe in this high-energy, short-wavelength light until they sent Chandra up to
space. The observatory has such high-resolution mirrors, it can see X-ray sources
100 times fainter than any previous X-ray telescope. Among other firsts, Chandra
showed scientists the first glimpse of the crushed star left over after a supernova
when it observed the remnant Cassiopeia A.
Viking
When NASA's Viking 1 probe touched-down on Mars in July 1976, it was the first
time a man-made object had soft-landed on the red planet. (Though the Soviet Mars
2 and 3 probes did land on the surface, they failed upon landing). The Viking 1
lander also holds the title of longest-running Mars surface mission, with a total
duration of 6 years and 116 days. The spacecraft also sent the first color pictures
back from the Martian surface, showing us what that mysterious red dot looks like
from the ground for the first time.
Hubble
The most-loved of all NASA spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope has name
recognition around the world. Its photos have changed the way everyday people
figure themselves into the cosmos. The observatory has also radically changed
science, making breakthroughs on astronomical issues too numerous to count. By
finally sending up an optical telescope to peer at the sky from beyond Earth's
turbulent atmosphere, NASA developed a tool that could reveal stars, planets,
nebulae and galaxies in all their fully-detailed glory.
Apollo

NASA's best space science mission? The one humans got to tag along on, of course!
Not only was sending a man to the moon monumental for human history, but the
Apollo trips were the first to bring celestial stuff back to Earth and greatly advanced
our scientific understanding of the moon. Before Apollo, many people weren't even
convinced the moon wasn't made out of cheese (well? non-scientists at least). By
studying the moon up close and personal, and then carting? loads of moon rocks
home, the Apollo astronauts gathered data that helped us learn how old the moon
is, what it's made out of, and even how it might have begun.

Code of Mechanical Engineering Ethics in the Philippines

Pursuant to Section 9 of Commonwealth Act No. 294, as amended, otherwise known
as the MechanicalEngineering Law, this Code of Mechanical Engineering Ethics is
hereby adopted by the Board of MechanicalEngineering as part of the Rules and
Regulations governing the practice of Mechanical Engineering.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Rule 1. The mechanical engineer shall, in the practice of his profession, be governed
by the GoldenRule, the ideals of service to man and his environment, and the
indispensability of unwavering publicconfidence in his professional competence,
integrity and humanity.Rule 2. The mechanical engineer shall maintain the proper
pride for his profession, observe thestandards of professional practice, safeguard
the dignity, welfare, and reputation of his colleagues in theprofessions, and fulfill his
duties and obligations as a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines.Rule 3. The
mechanical engineer shall update and enhance constantly his professional
knowledge andskills through assiduous research and study, and meaningful
participation in continuing education programsand seminars conducted or
authorized by the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers oreducational
institutions supervised by the State.Rule 4. The ethical principle governing the
mechanical engineer applies equally to partnerships, firmsand entities organized
and existing for the practice of mechanical engineering.
RELATIONS WITH THE STATE
Rule 5. The mechanical engineer shall honor and respect the supreme authority of
the State, the Ruleof Law, the primacy of the general welfare, the fundamental
rights of persons, and the obligations and privilegesof citizens recognized and
guaranteed by the Constitution of the Philippines.Rule 6. He shall cooperate fully
with the State in the pursuit of national development plans andprograms, the
inviolability of national security, the promotion of peace, and the prevention and/or
prosecutionof unjust, criminal or unlawful acts and omissions.Rule 7. He shall be
ready to render the services needed for the adequate and orderly development
ofthe resources of the country, and to offer his mechanical devices and inventions
essential or necessaryfor national defense.Rule 8. In a national emergency, he shall
offer his professional knowledge, skill and experience in theservice of the State.
RELATIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY
Rule 9. The mechanical engineer shall be well-informed of the latest technological
progress in his ownline of work. He shall encourage and require the use, or
application of standard mechanical equipment,machinery, or processes for safety,
economy and efficiency.Rule 10. Whenever he designs a mechanical equipment,
machinery or process, or prepares the layoutof a project, he must apply an
adequate factor of safety, and provide for the necessary leeway for properoperating
and maintenance conditions.Rule 11. When he discovers faulty or unsafe devices,

equipment, or machinery in any place, work orplant, he shall without delay, give
notice thereof to the proper authority, public or private, for the immediate
andeffective correction, regardless of whether or not he is responsible for said
place, work or plant.
RELATIONS WITH LABOR
Rule 12. The mechanical engineer shall recognize labor as one of the major
resources of our country.He must acknowledge that a working man is not a
mechanical robot but a human being.Rule 13. He shall be familiar with the State
policies on Labor and Social Justice, as well as labor andsocial legislation and shall
observe faithfully these policies and laws in his dealings with labor in general,
andwith his workmen in particular.Rule 14. He shall strive to improve the skills of his
workmen, pay them a fair living wage, and instructthem on how to prevent
accidents in their place of work.

RELATIONS WITH CLIENTS AND EMPLOYERS

Rule 15. The mechanical engineer shall observe punctuality in his appointments,
perform honestly andin good faith his contractual obligation and his duprofessional
ties and obligations to his client or employer, andobserve fair dealing in his relations
with his clients and employers.Rule 16. He shall treat with confidentiality any
information obtained by him as to the business affairsand technical methods or
processes of a client or employer.Rule 17. He shall inform his client or employer of
his business connections, interests, or affiliationswhich may influence his judgment,
or impair the quality or character of his services.Rule 18. The mechanical engineer
is entitled to a just and fair compensation for his services. In thecomputation of
such compensation, the period of time consumed, his knowledge, skill, experience,
andreputation, and the depreciation of instruments and materials used, shall be
considered and accorded suchweight as is just and reasonable.Rule 19. He shall
accept compensation, financial or otherwise, for his services from his client
oremployer only. He may agree to, or receive compensation from any other source
only with the full knowledgeand consent of all parties concerned.Rule 20. The
mechanical engineer shall be completely above suspicion or reproach in his relation
withhis clients or employers, avoiding the remotest reference or relation to any
secret or questionable agreement oncommissions or other financial considerations
promised by or received from any person or entity other than hisclient or employer.
RELATIONS WITH COLLEAGUES AND ASSOCIATES
Rule 21. -To thane own self be true and thou cannot be false to any man - expresses
the duty which amechanical engineer owes to himself and to others.Rule 22. The
mechanical engineer shall use only fair means to gain professional advancement. In
thepursuit thereof he shall not injure the work or employment opportunities of
others or use any improper orquestionable method of soliciting employment or
clientele.Rule 23. He shall refrain from association with, or allowing the use of his
name by, any person or entityof questionable reputation.Rule 24. He shall provide
the opportunity and the means to improve and advance the knowledge, skills,and
experience of his colleagues and associates.Rule 25. He shall define clearly the line
of authority and scope of responsibility of his associates andassistants. Orders, or
the recall thereof, shall be issued through proper channels.Rule 26. He shall be
receptive to new ideas and suggestions from others, and ready to
recognize,encourage, and accredit the authors thereof. Suggestions from colleagues
and associates shall be given morecareful attention.Rule 27. He shall use tact and
discretion in dealing with his colleagues and associates, but not at thesacrifice of
firmness. He shall work out difficult problems with courage and serenity.Rule 28.
Careful selection of understudies shall be a guiding principle, and preference shall

be given tothose with adequate engineering education.Rule 29. He shall not expect
others to face danger that he himself will not face. He shall observe at alltimes
safety requirements for the protection of all concerned.Rule 30. The mechanical
engineer shall actively support the duly accredited association with the end inview
of enhancing the practice of the profession and discharging his public
responsibilities as professional.
PENAL PROVISIONS
Rule 31. Violation of any provision of this code, which causes damage or injury to
another, shall bepunishable by a fine of not more than Two hundred Pesos
(P200.00), or an imprisonment for not more than (2)months, or both, at the
discretion of the Court.

Rule 32. Violation of any provision of this Code shall likewise constitute unethical,
unprofessional anddishonorable conduct, and shall be dealt with under the
provisions of Sec. 42 of the Mechanical EngineeringAct, R.A. No. 8495.
EFFECTIVITY
Rule 33. This Code shall take effect after approval by the Professional Regulation
Commission andafter fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official
Gazette.