Yay and... not so much.

I *finally* got a call from the Ares (Space Shuttle replacement) folks, and they want me to do some consulting on their flight control system!  It's only 10-20% of my time, but it means that I'm back on the NASA side of the house (and manned space to boot!).   They've been talking about it since November, and I'd just about given up hope.  I guess it goes to show that name recognition counts for a lot, even in aerospace.  Well, that and any of the other folks that know this particular stuff are either retired or dead.  So less time trying hit a weapon with a weapon!

The Phoenix lander is doing well.  I mean, not cratering into Mars was a great first step, but now the arm is un-stowed and it can get to work.

Meanwhile, the Shuttle is on-track for a Sunday (in GMT, it will be Saturday EDT) launch.

On the downside...
  

( Cutting for womanly TMI )