This report highlights the research accomplished during fiscal year 2000 by Ames Research Center scientists and engineers. The work is divided into accomplishments that support four of NASA's Strategic Enterprises: Aerospace Technology, Space Science, Biological and Physical Research, and Earth Science. The key purpose of this report is to communicate information to our stakeholders about the scope and diversity of Ames' mission and the nature of Ames research and technology activities.

Ames Research Center is making significant contributions to the Aerospace Technology Enterprise goalsto revolutionize aviation, advance space transportation, pioneer technology innovation, and to commercialize technology. Ames has the Agency's lead role for basic research in Aviation Operations Systems, Information Systems Technology, and Rotorcraft. Ames is also the Lead Center for focused programs in Aviation System Capacity and High-Performance Computing and Communications. To perform these leadership roles, Ames maintains core competencies in information technology, nanotechnology, biotechnology, aerospace operation systems, and thermal protection systems technology.

Ames is recognized as a world leader in astrobiology, the study of life in the universe and of the chemical and physical forces and adaptations that influence life's origin, evolution, and destiny. Key areas of research include life in extreme environments, microbial mats, and the mechanisms of the origin of living systems. As NASA's lead in airborne astronomy, Ames astrophysicists carry out research in such areas as interstellar photochemistry, star and planetary formation, and the search for extrasolar planets. Ames supports the Office of Earth Science (OES) by conducting research in biogeochemical cycling, ecosystem dynamics, and the chemical and transport processes that determine atmospheric composition, dynamics, and climate. Ames' Airborne Sensor Facility provides remote sensing support for OES investigations, and for calibration and validation studies of the Earth Observing System (EOS). Ames supports the Office of Biological and Physical Research (OBPR) Enterprise by managing spaceflight programs, by operating unique ground facilities such as centrifuges, and by developing advanced biomedical technologies. Work continues on developing life-support capabilities for long-duration travel and habitation on other planets, as well as equipment to operate safely and effectively in microgravity.

Ames is also the Agency's Center of Excellence for Information Technology. The three cornerstones of Information Technology research at Ames are automated reasoning for autonomous systems, human-centered computing, and high performance computing and networking. The mission critical capabilities enabled by NASA's three cornerstones of Information Technology span all of NASA's strategic enterprises.

For further information on Ames' research and technology projects, please contact the person designated as the point of contact at the end of each article. For further information about the report itself, contact Dr. Stephanie Langhoff, Chief Scientist, Mail Stop 230-3, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035. An electronic version of this report is available on the Ames home page.

Henry McDonald
Director