June 9, 2006 Vol. 45, No. 11 Spaceport News John F. - Americaís gateway to the universe

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/snews/spnews_toc.html Space station module Columbus lands on shores By Cheryl Mansfield Staff Writer

t may sound like a rewrite of history, but Columbus has Ilanded on the shores of Florida. As a component of the Interna- tional Space Station, the Colum- bus Laboratory’s final earthly stop is the Space Station Processing Facility where it arrived May 31. As the European Space Agency’s largest single contribu- tion to the space station, the research laboratory module — with four payload facility racks — was completed in early May and delivered to the agency in a ceremony in Bremen, Germany. It must be processed in Florida before being ferried to the station within the space shuttle’s cargo bay. The physical design and layout of the Columbus laboratory is not unlike the three multi-purpose logistics modules built by the Italian Space Agency and used for THE EUROPEAN Space Agency’s research laboratory, Columbus, is offloaded from a Beluga aircraft onto a transporting scientific experi- platform before being lifted onto a flatbed truck and transported to the Space Station Processing Facility. ments, materials and supplies to the station via the space shuttles. permanently expand the research But unlike the visiting logistics facilities of the space station. GOES-N satellite launches for modules that return to Earth with The laboratory will be con- the shuttles, Columbus will (See COLUMBUS, Page 4) next-generation weather forecasts t right, a Delta IV rocket NASA unveils Constellation Program plans roars into life after ignition to lift the GOES-N satellite hortly after NASA Administrator Mike Griffin announced the A on top into space. Liftoff from agency-wide responsibilities for the Constellation Program in a Launch Complex 37 at Cape June 5 all-hands meeting, Kennedy Space Center Director Jim S Canaveral Air Force Station was at Kennedy reaffirmed the center’s contribution to America’s space 6:11 p.m. May 24. GOES-N is the program. latest in the Earth-monitoring “The future is very bright for NASA and, indeed, for the Kennedy series of Geostationary Operational Space Center,” Kennedy said. “In terms of the goals outlined in Environmental Satellites devel- NASA’s strategic plan, there are six goals and the first four are the oped by NASA and the National same as the Kennedy Space Center’s.” Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin- The first goal is to return the space shuttle safely to flight and to istration. By maintaining a continue operations until 2010. The second strategic goal is complet- stationary orbit, hovering over one ing assembly of the International Space Station, with 16 assembly position on the Earth’s surface, missions left on the schedule. The third goal is to pursue a balance of GOES will be able to provide a human and robotic missions. constant vigil for the atmospheric (See CONSTELLATION, Page 2) “triggers” for severe weather. Page 2 SPACEPORT NEWS June 9, 2006

the Columbus laboratory, made its these students, as well as college way from Bremen, Germany, and high school educators aboard the massive Beluga aircraft participating in summer programs, The and is now being processed in the will be at the Black Employee Space Station Processing Facility. Strategy Team’s Barbecue, This module will further scheduled for June 23 at KARS support a variety of life and Park 1. Awards Kennedy physical science experiments when It will be held off center this it’s delivered on orbit in 2007. year so guests and family members It is people who make these will be able to enjoy this fun Update exciting hardware movements event. Jim Kennedy happen and this week I was Finally, but all important to Center Director pleased to welcome some of the KSC’s future, is the announcement young people who may one day be made by Administrator Mike reetings, everyone! It’s Countdown Demonstration Test employed at KSC — the high Griffin this week. You may have exciting to think we are set for the week of June 12 and we school and college students who read about this in my earlier CD only about three weeks will pick up the count to launch as G With Discovery now sitting on the pad Communication so I from launching Space Shuttle early as June 28. won’t repeat it here, pointing toward space, America - in fact Discovery and the STS-121 crew With Discovery now sitting on but be aware that KSC on the second Return to Flight the pad pointing toward space, the entire world - anticipates our is gearing up to mission to the International Space America - in fact the entire world - successes. provide a very Station. anticipates our successes. just arrived for their summer smooth transition into the I’m extremely proud of the way While launch preparations internship programs. These agency’s Constellation Program as the Kennedy work force safely continue for Discovery, it is energetic space workers of we carry out the processing, launch processed the orbiter before her important to note that a new tomorrow are eager to learn, so and recovery of the next genera- move to Launch Pad 39B. And I module for the space station please take the time to welcome tion of space vehicles. look forward to the weeks ahead as recently arrived at KSC. The them in the hallways and encour- I look forward to seeing you we continue to prepare for a safe European Space Agency’s primary age their thirst for knowledge. around the center. Take care and launch. We have the Terminal contribution to the space station, One great opportunity to meet have a great week!

CONSTELLATION tion Vehicle and associated June NASA employees of the month hardware. “Kennedy Space Center (Continued from Page 1) is very proud to be NASA’s launch “It is our Launch Services operations center,” Kennedy said. Program and the people who KSC will host the Ground support them that allow us to Operations Project, which manages explore this universe from one end all activities related to ground to the other. We have 26 opera- operations for the launch and tional missions in orbit as we landing sites, including ground speak, with many more planned.” processing, launch and recovery The fourth strategic goal for systems. the agency is preparing facilities For more information, visit for the launch of the Crew Explora- www.nasa.gov/exploration.

he June NASA employees of the month, seated from left, include: Michelle Edelman, Chief Financial Office; Julie TShally, Engineering Development; and Ginger Arrington, Chief Counsel Office. Standing from left are: Douglas Younger, Center Operations; and Stephen Tam, Information Technology and Commu- CENTER DIRECTOR Jim Kennedy (center) talks about NASA’s nications Services Directorate. Not shown are: Lyle Davis, Shuttle Constellation Program at a June 5 press conference with KSC’s Processing; Vanessa Stroh, Payload Processing; and Timothy Bianchi, Constellation Project Office Director Tip Talone (right) and NASA Public Mission Assurance. Information Officer Bruce Buckingham. June 9, 2006 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 3 Phillips helps plan center’s future in space exploration

By Linda Herridge would call ‘raised by the Space Staff Writer Shuttle Program.’ ” After working for McDonnell As deputy director of Kennedy Douglas for a year, Phillips began Space Center’s Constellation his career with NASA at KSC in Project office, Pepper Phillips’ past 1987 in the shuttle processing helps him plan the future. engineering directorate, where he Specifically, his experience worked on hazardous gas detection aids in planning to successfully systems. He worked as a shuttle transition from processing and operations engineer from 1988 to launching space shuttles to 1990 and then became a NASA test working on the new crew and director in 1990. cargo exploration vehicles. After the STS-49 mission His current projects include landing in May 1992, Phillips preparing to establish a ground became vehicle manager of the infrastructure that will meet the orbiter Endeavour — one of the needs of the Constellation best jobs he ever had. “I gained a Program. This involves identifying real appreciation for the work the best technical solution for required to make everything come processing these next-generation together,” he said. vehicles and working with the In 1995, he became branch center to determine how to best chief for processing operations transition assets from KSC’s before becoming flow director for PEPPER PHILLIPS, deputy director of KSC’s Constellation Project, has existing programs. Endeavour in 1998. Phillips was held varied positions at the center, including flow director for the orbiter Endeavour and deputy director of Shuttle Processing. Crew Exploration Vehicle final named chief of the Shuttle assembly, launch vehicle integra- Processing business office in 2000, the management of the wide- operations. His mother, Judy tion, and launch will be performed then deputy director of the Shuttle ranging responsibilities included Phillips, worked in quality control and managed at the center, Processing directorate in January in the Constellation Project at for the U.S. Air Force. His wife, according to Phillips. 2005 before moving to his current KSC. Stacie Phillips, works in NASA’s “It’s incredibly exciting to be position in the Constellation “His leadership experience in Human Resources office, while his part of the development of a new office. shuttle, both in operations and sister, Susan Feagan, works in the program,” Phillips said. “It’s a big “It was amazing to be part of business, are invaluable in leading NASA comptroller’s office. His challenge to find a perfect solution the day-to-day processing opera- our team to meaningful solutions brother-in-law, Chris Feagan, and within the program’s aggressive tions and see KSC’s talented to the constant barrage of issues mother-in-law, Marilynn Burger, schedule and limited budget people work with some pretty inherent in a start-up of this size work for United Space Alliance. constraints.” complicated machinery, and get it and significance,” Talone said. In his spare time, Phillips likes As Phillips looks toward the done every day,” Phillips added. Some of Phillips’ family to play tennis, ride his Harley- future, he’s also mindful of the past Tip Talone, director of the members also have a long history Davidson and spend time with his and where he spent most of his Constellation Project Office, said in the space program. His father, family. time at the center. “I was what you Pepper acts as more of a partner in Don Phillips, is retired from shuttle Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Month celebration he sound of drums and vibrant colors of traditional costumes Tof the Asian Pacific culture filled Kennedy Space Center’s training auditorium on May 30 for the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month event. The theme of NASA’s monthlong recognition was “Celebrating Decades of Pride, Partnerships and Progress.” The keynote speaker was Japan’s consul general, Masakazu Toshikage, who JAPAN’S CONSUL general, Masakazu spoke about the history of the Japa- Toshikage (right), receives an appreciation nese and Asian Americans in the plaque from Tommy Wai of Boeing. United States and their contributions to the space Professional Association, NASA’s program. The event was organized by United Asian American Pacific Islanders Space Alliance’s Diversity and Compliance Working Group, JAXA and the JAPANESE WOMEN’S drum team Matsuriza Sakuragumi Office, the USA Solid Rocket Booster Element 45th Space Wing at Patrick Air perform at the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders event. team, Boeing-Florida Operations’ Asian American Force Base. Page 4 SPACEPORT NEWS June 9, 2006 European research lab Columbus arr COLUMBUS . . . can conduct experiments outside the module within the vacuum of (Continued from Page 1) space, thanks to four exterior nected to the rest of the orbiting mounting platforms that can outpost by NASA’s Node 2 accommodate external payloads. module. With a clear view of Earth and Columbus is about 23 feet long the vastness of space, external and 15 feet wide, allowing it to experiments can run the gamut hold 10 “racks” of experiments, from the microscopic world of each approximately the size of a bacteria to the limitlessness of phone booth. Five NASA racks space. The first two experiment will be added to the laboratory packages will fly to the station on once it is in orbit. the shuttle with the module. Each rack provides indepen- The control center for the work dent controls for power and that will be conducted in the cooling, as well as communication Columbus laboratory is located in links to earthbound controllers and Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. From researchers. These links will allow there, ground controllers can scientists all over Europe to communicate with the module as participate in their own experi- the space station orbits the Earth, ments in space from several user as well as with researchers across centers and, in some cases, even Europe and their partners in the from their own work locations. United States and Russia. The Columbus laboratory’s Once the module is in orbit as flexibility provides room for the part of the International Space researchers on the ground, aided Station, the Columbus laboratory by the station’s crew, to conduct is expected to provide at least 10 thousands of experiments in life years of science capabilities for sciences, materials sciences, fluid researchers, whether they’re physics and other research in a working at their desks on Earth or weightless environment not floating weightlessly in space. possible on Earth. THE DELIVERY of the Columbus module is officially accepted by NASA during a ce In addition, the station crew Facility. Participating in the welcoming ceremony are, from left, William Gerstenmaie Operations; Alan Thirkettle, International Space Station program manager, European Kennedy Space Center; and Russell Romanella, director, International Space Statio

A BELUGA aircraft taxis on the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The Beluga carries the European Space Agency’s THE EUROPEAN Space Agency’s r research laboratory, designated Columbus, flown to Kennedy from its manufacturer in Germany. laboratory is moved under escort pa Assembly Building. June 9, 2006 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 5 arrives for processing at KSC

ceremony in the Space Station Processing INSIDE THE Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane is lowered onto the Columbus module to aier, NASA associate administrator for Space lift it out of its transportation canister. an Space Agency; Jim Kennedy, director, tion and Payloads Processing.

THE TRUCK transporting Columbus moves the module inside the Space Station Processing Facility. In the SSPF, the module will be prepared for delivery to the International Space Station on a future space shuttle mission. Columbus will expand the research facilities of the station and provide researchers with the ability to conduct numerous experiments in the area of life, physical and materials sciences.

s research past the Vehicle Page 6 SPACEPORT NEWS June 9, 2006 KSC encourages summer students to make most of internship

By Jennifer Wolfinger Staff Writer

id anyone notice the wave of enthusiasm that washed Dover Kennedy Space Center on June 5? It was the refreshing eagerness to explore that arrives with the summer interns in the Education Programs and University Research Division. Approximately 50 interns attended an orientation for their summer internships at the Opera- tions and Checkout Building Mission Briefing Room. Education Chief Gregg Buckingham wel- comed the students, who will be at KSC for seven to 10 weeks, and reminded them of their potential. “Neil Armstrong was 38 years old when he landed on the moon. There was a 16-year gap between his college graduation and landing THE KENNEDY Space Center summer interns class of 2006 gained valuable insight at a June 5 orientation on the moon,” Buckingham said. held at the Operations and Checkout Building. Approximately 50 students will be participating in the program. “Add 16 years to your college graduation (and) that’s 2025, so security videos. Ranow empha- future of space flight,” he said. painting the external tank white at your timing is perfect to be part of sized that everyone is responsible University of Central Florida that time. He determinedly the exploration vision.” for abiding by the rules of export intern Katie Collier also is questioned the policy, and after Highlighting the importance of control, which maintains national ambitious. “I want to become an two missions, it was never painted observing our surroundings, Safety security and limits access to the astronaut, so I am excited about white again. and Mission Assurance’s Tom most sensitive space technologies, seeing a launch and astronauts,” Led by Diversity and Equal Dwyer had group members close equipment and software. she said. Opportunity Manager Tara Gillam, their eyes and point to the closest External Relations Director Center Director Jim Kennedy Equal Opportunity Office repre- exit. When they looked around, Lisa Malone advised the students said he entered the NASA family as sentatives instructed the interns on they were surprised to see that to make the most of their intern- an intern about 35 years ago. ways to be responsible in the areas among several doorways, only one ships since they were selected “Don’t think that because of disability sensitivity, cultural was an official exit. among hundreds of applicants. She you’re young and relatively diversity and sexual harassment. He summarized many safety urged them to not be intimidated. inexperienced in the business Steve Chance, College Recruit- and health guidelines by saying “If you see exciting projects, ask to world that you don’t have a lot to ing Program manager, explained that it’s an employer’s responsibil- be part of it,” she said. offer, because, trust me, you do. the Cooperative Education ity to provide a safe work environ- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical You are bringing great intellect Program which allows students to ment and the employee’s responsi- University intern Robert Latta is and the excitement of youth,” he alternately work for NASA and bility to comply with applicable following that advice by studying said. attend college. rules. the effects of the new launch He mentioned a young em- The interns ended their Before Export Control Admin- vehicle on the surface of Mars and ployee from the early space shuttle orientation by touring the center. istrator Wayne Ranow spoke, the the moon. era who questioned why money students watched safety and “It’s exciting to be part of the and effort were being wasted on

EMPLOYEES Employees, guests invited to AND guests will enjoy BEST barbecue at KARS Park I meeting the summer he Black Employee Strategy 5 p.m. Tickets are $9 each and can students Team (BEST) cooks are be purchased until June 9. Ticket and faculty Tfiring up the grills and all distributors include: Maggie at the June Kennedy Space Center and Cape Forbes, Headquarters room 2223C, 23 BEST Canaveral Air Force Station (867-3305); Maxine Daniels, barbecue at employees and students are Space Station Processing Facility KARS invited, along with off-center room 3228X, (867-5976); and Park I. guests. Don’t miss the fun from 3 Latasha Walker, Logistics Build- to 6 p.m. June 23 at KARS Park 1. ing room 2710F2. For information, Dinner is served from 3:15 to contact Stacie Smith at 867-5298. June 9, 2006 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 7 Remembering Our Heritage 40 years ago: Hurricane sim was the real thing Unseasonable Alma turned drill into real situation

By Kay Grinter Reference Librarian

s the hurricane season approached in 1966, the Awork force at Kennedy Space Center was on deadline, testing Apollo hardware and conducting fit checks of facilities as Gemini missions launched like clockwork from pads on the neighboring Cape. AS 500-F, a full-scale Apollo/ Saturn V facilities integration vehicle, was at Pad 39A for a dress rehearsal. The goal of meeting President Kennedy’s mandate to land a man on the moon before the HURRICANE ALMA roared through the (above) in decade’s end was attainable. June 1966. The AS 500-F, a full-scale Apollo/Saturn V facilities Amid the best laid plans, integration vehicle (right), returned safely to Pad 39A from the VAB. Hurricane Alma roared to life unseasonably early. No direct tion plans, the team had 12 hours transporter control room, I impact was forecast for the Space to complete the job. was glad to observe the Coast. Alma’s ground track was First motion from the pad came stability of the hydraulic An assessment of the facilities over , then north through the at 5:30 p.m. Ron Bentti, a recently leveling system in those gusty at KSC following the storm found Gulf of Mexico. hired hydraulic systems engineer, winds,” Bentti explained. damage to be minimal. Water Center Director Kurt Debus was on the crawler transporter for When his 12-hour shift ended, intrusion and washouts were the seized the opportunity to test the the first half of its journey, with Bentti was sent home. He and his only problems identified. weather protection plans under the winds gusting more than 60 miles family rode out the storm from Hurricane Alma made the threat of a real storm. A “dry run” per hour. their oceanfront apartment in history books as the earliest on hurricane preparations had been Retired now and living in Cocoa Beach, where they watched hurricane strike on the continental planned for the following week Edgewater, Bentti recalls: “I the turbulent Atlantic Ocean U.S. since 1825. In Florida, Alma anyway. signed on with NASA in August churn. caused $10 million in property At 1 p.m. on June 8, Debus 1965, and had been working for AS 500-F rolled into the damage. Ten more storms followed ordered 500-F back to the Vehicle Boeing in Huntsville. Alma was Vehicle Assembly Building at Alma in 1966; the strongest among Assembly Building, creating an the first hurricane I experienced up 11:43 p.m. and was secure an hour them, , passed impromptu second loaded move of close. later, within the 12 hours allotted through the Florida Keys in the crawler. According to opera- “While riding in the crawler for the task. October. NASA selects , Virgin Islands schools for Explorer program ASA recently selected 26 nities designed to engage and Selected schools are eligible to come from minority and new schools in the educate the future scientists who receive up to $17,500 during a underrepresented communities. NExplorer Schools program, may someday help advance three-year partnership to help buy NASA provides training to including three schools from scientific interests through space technology tools. Each year, new science and math teachers at the Kennedy Space Center’s district exploration in the United States. schools are selected to work with agency’s centers during the area in Florida, Georgia, Puerto “The NASA Explorer Schools Three schools from Kennedy’s summer to acquire new Rico and the Virgin Islands. program continues to bring new teaching tools using the district are in Georgia, Puerto These schools include Jean students and educators into the agency’s resources. The Childs Young Middle School in NASA family,” said KSC Educa- Rico and the Virgin Islands. program was chosen as one Atlanta, Conyers Middle School in tion Director Gregg Buckingham. NASA to inspire students in of the “Top Innovations in Conyers, Ga., and Charles H. “Our goal is to inspire and engage science, technology and math- American Government Awards for Emanuel School in St. Croix, these students as they begin to ematics. The partnerships include 2006” by the Ash Institute for Virgin Islands. think about career choices so that teachers and education administra- Democratic Governance and The NASA Explorer Schools we can build the nation’s work tors serving grades four through Innovation at Harvard University. program provides unique opportu- force of the future.” nine, and students who primarily Page 8 SPACEPORT NEWS June 9, 2006 Visitor Complex offers free admission, Liberty Bell 7 exhibit hrough Sept. 4, all Kennedy Atlantic Ocean in July 1961 and Space Center and Cape recovered 38 years later. Through TCanaveral Air Force Station Sept. 10, the complex will be the badged employees will receive one final museum stop for the Liberty complimentary maximum-access Bell 7 touring exhibit before it admission to the Kennedy Space goes on permanent display. Center Visitor Complex. Guests will take a virtual ride Employees may also purchase with astronaut Virgil “Gus” up to six additional maximum- Grissom, heading 118 miles into access admissions at half price. space and then three miles below Present your badge between 9 the ocean’s surface. Visitors will a.m. and 4 p.m. at ticket windows flash back to 1961 to experience 1 through 4 at the Visitor Complex astronaut training, spacecraft to receive complimentary admis- technology and launch sequences. sion. This offer is not transferable Then they’ll fast-forward to and cannot be combined with any 1999 to follow the exciting events other discount. surrounding the rescue of the This admission includes all spacecraft and personal triumph by exhibits, the Astronaut Encounter, deep sea search-and-recovery THE LIBERTY Bell 7 spacecraft, currently on display at the Visitor Complex, was lost in the Atlantic Ocean in July 1961 and recovered 38 IMAX space films, the KSC bus expert Curt Newport and his years later. tour and U.S. Astronaut Hall of Discovery Channel expedition Fame. The offer is not valid on team. the Mercury flight. before the spacecraft sank to the space shuttle launch days. In addition to the Liberty Bell Liberty Bell 7, America’s ocean floor. For nearly four For a limited time, the Visitor 7 exhibit, guests can see Grissom’s second manned space flight, was decades, it remained NASA’s only Complex will offer “The Lost Mercury spacesuit on display at flown in 1961 and lasted 15 lost spacecraft. Spacecraft: Liberty Bell 7 Recov- the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. minutes and 37 seconds. When it For more information, call 321- ered,” an interactive exhibit On the “Cape Canaveral: Then and splashed down in the Atlantic, the 449-4444 or visit: featuring the Liberty Bell 7 Now” tour, visitors can view hatch unexpectedly blew open. www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. spacecraft that was lost in the Launch Pad 5/6, the launch site for Grissom narrowly escaped Camp KSC gives students enjoyable reasons to explore amp Kennedy Space Center available June 5 through Aug. 11. KSC personnel. month pass, lunches and afternoon is offering children entering Regular tuition is $280 per Camp KSC is based at the U.S. snacks, an official Camp KSC T- Csecond through ninth child per session. There is a 10- Astronaut Hall of Fame. Summer shirt, four complimentary admis- grades an out-of-this-world percent discount for badged camp hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 sion tickets to the U.S. Astronaut experience to explore space this employees and contractors of KSC, p.m., with extended early drop-off Hall of Fame, a Camp KSC gradua- summer. Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and late pick-up hours available. If tion ceremony and a certificate of Weeklong camp sessions are Patrick Air Force Base and retired booked by May 29, early drop-off completion. and late pick-up is free for badged For more information and employees. registration details, call Campers receive a complimen- 321-449-4444 or visit tary KSC Visitor Complex 12- www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

John F. Kennedy Space Center Spaceport News

Spaceport News is an official publication of the Kennedy Space Center and is published on alternate Fridays by External Relations in the interest of KSC civil service and contractor employees. Contributions are welcome and should be submitted two weeks before publication to the Media Services Branch, IDI-011. E-mail submissions can be sent to [email protected].

Managing editor...... Bruce Buckingham Editor...... Jeff Stuckey Copy editor ...... Corey Schubert

Editorial support provided by InDyne, Inc. Writers Group. THESE CAMP Kennedy Space Center students enjoyed the opportunity to NASA at KSC is located on the Internet at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy view the July 2005 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-114. USGPO: 733-049/600109