Articles by a software engineer at NASA.https://benfeist.com/https://benfeist.com/posts/iss-in-real-time/https://benfeist.com/posts/iss-in-real-time/An idea that seemed too big to start. How ISS in Real Time was created; from early design concepts to organizing terabytes of data. Here I talk about the whole journey.Sun, 26 Oct 2025 16:15:21 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/airt-apollo11/https://benfeist.com/posts/airt-apollo11/In 2019, three major projects came together: Apollo in Real Time for Apollo 11, the Apollo 11 IMAX documentary, and the restoration of NASA’s Apollo Mission Control room. Here I talk about the confluence of these three opportunities hitting at once and the adventures that ensued.Sun, 05 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/from-apollo-17-to-nasa/https://benfeist.com/posts/from-apollo-17-to-nasa/A personal journey from working on Apollo 17 historical data to being recruited to work at NASA, Johnson Space Center, detailing the experiences and milestones along the way.Mon, 20 May 2019 16:15:21 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-16-new-apollo17-org-44th-anniversary-edition/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-16-new-apollo17-org-44th-anniversary-edition/Creation of a 3D simulation of Apollo 17's landing site using high-resolution data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, combined with mission audio and visual archives. Highlights innovative techniques to recreate the lunar surface and astronaut activities with unprecedented accuracy for the 44th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission.Sun, 11 Dec 2016 18:00:21 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-15-site-redesign-launched-for-the-missions-43rd-anniversary/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-15-site-redesign-launched-for-the-missions-43rd-anniversary/Creation of Apollo17.org, a real-time digital experience of the Apollo 17 mission, highlighting design shifts, technical innovations, and archival efforts. Celebrates the site’s acclaim from NASA, Apollo 17 crew members, and space enthusiasts as a living tribute to the mission’s legacy.Wed, 02 Dec 2015 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-14-a-fantastic-reception/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-14-a-fantastic-reception/Development of apollo17.org, a real-time simulation of the Apollo 17 mission, highlighting its milestones and future goals. Shares the author’s experience meeting Commander Gene Cernan and discusses plans for enhancing the site’s design, functionality, and historical engagement.Tue, 08 Sep 2015 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-13-apollo17-org-alpha-release-v0-1/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-13-apollo17-org-alpha-release-v0-1/Alpha release of Apollo17.org and the process of digitizing Apollo 17 mission data. This initial release offers an interactive platform for users to explore mission details in real-time.Mon, 23 Mar 2015 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-12-youtube-channel-of-complete-mission/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-12-youtube-channel-of-complete-mission/Update on the Apollo 17 mission audio project and the creation of a YouTube channel containing complete mission videos.Fri, 13 Feb 2015 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-11-more-mission-audio-released-by-nasa/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-11-more-mission-audio-released-by-nasa/Digitization and release of more Apollo 17 mission audio by NASA, and ongoing efforts to integrate these clips into the mission reconstruction project.Sun, 14 Dec 2014 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-10-manual-transcript-corrections-completed/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-10-manual-transcript-corrections-completed/Completion of manual transcript corrections for Apollo 17 and next steps for the project. This marks a significant milestone in the digitization effort, paving the way for further enhancements and integration.Sat, 05 Apr 2014 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-9-the-trip-home/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-9-the-trip-home/Update on the progress of the Apollo 17 digitization project, focusing on timeline reconstruction and transcript corrections. This post details the challenges faced and the milestones achieved in the journey to preserve this historic mission.Mon, 10 Mar 2014 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-8-changing-the-clocks/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-8-changing-the-clocks/Progress in digitizing the Apollo 17 mission transcript and handling challenges due to a time change during the mission. This post details the adjustments made to the timeline and the steps taken to ensure accuracy in the transcript.Sun, 27 Jan 2013 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-7-listening-in-real-time/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-7-listening-in-real-time/Reconstructing and analyzing the Apollo 17 mission audio timeline, including challenges and discoveries made while listening in real time. This post explains the process of timestamping transmissions and the insights from the astronauts' communications.Sat, 22 Dec 2012 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-6-timeline-reconstruction/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-6-timeline-reconstruction/Reconstructing the Apollo 17 mission timeline using various media elements and synchronizing audio, video, and transcripts. This work ensures accuracy and coherence across all sources.Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-5-python-processing/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-part-5-python-processing/Using Python for automating the cleaning of OCR output data from Apollo 17 transcripts, highlighting the benefits and examples of cleaning routines.Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-technical-vs-public-affairs-office/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-technical-vs-public-affairs-office/Differences between the Technical Air-to-Ground and Public Affairs Office transcripts of Apollo 17, and the decision to use the TEC transcript as the authoritative source.Sun, 15 Apr 2012 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-new-ocr-techniques/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-new-ocr-techniques/Using ABBYY FineReader 11 for digitizing Apollo 17 transcripts. This post covers challenges and techniques to improve OCR accuracy and output quality.Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-transcript-restoration/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-transcript-restoration/Initial steps in restoring the Apollo 17 mission transcripts, focusing on OCR errors and missing timecodes. Highlights the challenges faced during the digitization process.Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-discovering-apollo/https://benfeist.com/posts/digitizing-apollo-17-discovering-apollo/Initial discovery of the Apollo Lunar Surface Journal and challenges in creating a multimedia experience for Apollo 17, outlining technical and data issues.Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/google-apple-unabashedly-reassembling-your-life/https://benfeist.com/posts/google-apple-unabashedly-reassembling-your-life/Discusses Google's strategies and innovations in the tech landscape of 2011, highlighting key projects and developments.Sun, 24 Apr 2011 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/phil-zimmermann-at-sxsw/https://benfeist.com/posts/phil-zimmermann-at-sxsw/Explores the advancements and applications of PGP encryption in securing digital communications during 2011.Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/diy-5-in-3-hard-drive-racks/https://benfeist.com/posts/diy-5-in-3-hard-drive-racks/Creates custom hard drive racks using a 5-in-3 configuration to optimize storage solutions for various computing needs.Sun, 23 Jan 2011 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/west-vs-west/https://benfeist.com/posts/west-vs-west/Analyzes the cultural and economic dynamics between western Canadian cities, focusing on Regina's unique position.Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/home-sweet-home/https://benfeist.com/posts/home-sweet-home/Reflects on the impact of Google's Street View expansion in Canada and its personal significance to the author's family history.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/transition-from-wifi-to-femtocells-begins/https://benfeist.com/posts/transition-from-wifi-to-femtocells-begins/Examines the early adoption of femtocells in Europe and their potential to transform wireless network coverage and device economics.Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/my-victor-animatograph-corporation-animatophone-model-40-type-13/https://benfeist.com/posts/my-victor-animatograph-corporation-animatophone-model-40-type-13/Details the features, history, and personal anecdotes related to the Victor Animatograph Model 40, Type 13, emphasizing its significance as a family heirloom.Fri, 06 Feb 2004 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/how-to-build-the-apheared-47-headphone-amplifier-for-grado-headphones/https://benfeist.com/posts/how-to-build-the-apheared-47-headphone-amplifier-for-grado-headphones/Guides readers through the DIY process of assembling the Apheared 47 headphone amplifier tailored for Grado headphones, including schematics and case assembly tips.Tue, 15 Jul 2003 17:00:00 GMThttps://benfeist.com/posts/how-to-repair-your-broken-3com-homeconnect-10100-dual-speed-5-port-hub/https://benfeist.com/posts/how-to-repair-your-broken-3com-homeconnect-10100-dual-speed-5-port-hub/A detailed guide on repairing a malfunctioning 3COM HomeConnect 10/100 Dual Speed 5-Port Hub by replacing blown capacitors. It includes step-by-step instructions, necessary tools, and safety precautions.Mon, 25 Nov 2002 17:00:00 GMT