SPACE CENTER

January 26, 2001 Roundup VOL. 40, NO. 2 L YNDON B. , , TEXAS Safety checks delay shuttle launch

huttle managers decided Jan. 15 to other such cables on the shuttle fleet roll Atlantis back from the launch revealed some similar potential failures, S pad to allow additional inspection and repairs were made to those cables. and testing of solid rocket booster cables. Inspections and tests were then ordered Pending the outcome of the inspections, for all watertight cables used for func- Atlantis is planned for launch no earlier tions other than commanding explosive than Feb. 6. bolts in the shuttle inventory that are “I guard against the flown repeat- phenomena of ‘go fever’ edly on the like it was the plague,” solid rockets. NASA Space Shuttle Of the hundreds Program Manager Ron “It doesn’t matter if of spare cables Dittemore said. “When a tested, four challenge comes up, you they launch this week, conductors have to be sensitive, to this month or this year, showed possi- ‘divorce’ yourself from ble failures, all the events and look we [humankind] are in which engi- carefully at the events and space to stay.” neers are data of the particular chal- continuing to lenge... I assure you that ÐWilliam Shepherd analyze. The this program is extremely ISS Commander inspection and sensitive to the fact that tests of spare A KSC worker inspects the reusable cable and connectors located inside the external tank we need clear evidence to cables were not attachment ring on Atlantis’ left-hand solid rocket booster in December. overcome an anomaly that we don’t totally completed until after Atlantis had been understand.” moved to the launch pad, and the results the 18 solid rocket booster cables located tentatively set for 5:37 p.m. CST. The cable inspections on the entire led to the Jan. 15 decision for further inside each booster’s system tunnel, a Once the shuttle arrives at the station, shuttle fleet began as a result of an inves- checks. housing that extends along most of the three EVAs are scheduled to install the tigation of a primary explosive bolt that The cables to be checked on Atlantis’ length of the rocket. $1.4-billion U.S. Destiny Lab. The first failed to fire during the launch of STS-97 solid rockets are in a position where they If all goes well, Atlantis should return EVA is the first of the new millennium on Nov. 30, 2000. The problem was cannot be reached at the launch pad. In to the launch pad Friday, Jan. 26, for the and the first of Mission Specialist Bob traced to a flaw in the cable that was sup- the Vehicle Assembly Building, plat- 102nd shuttle flight. Launch of STS-98 Curbeam’s career. On this EVA, Mission posed to transmit the command for the forms are available to allow inspection, (ISS Assembly Flight 5A) is now sched- bolt to fire. As a result, inspections of continuity checks and X-ray analysis on uled for no earlier than Feb. 6, with liftoff Please see SHUTTLE DELAY, Page 6 JSC names 10 new flight directors The Mission Operations Directorate at said. “But it did remind me of the great A flight director manages the flight director also leads and orchestrates plan- Johnson Space Center has named 10 new talent, among both civil servants and controllers who work in the Mission ning and integration activities with flight flight directors. It is the largest class ever contractors, in the Missions Operations Control Center, and has overall responsi- controllers, payload customers, Interna- selected, and brings the number of current Directorate, the Johnson Space Center bility for the successful management tional Space Station partners and others. U.S. flight directors to 28. and NASA.” and execution of space flights. A flight All of the 10 new flight directors “Such a large class was have previously served as flight needed to support around-the- controllers. One works for a clock operation of the Canadian Space Agency contrac- International Space Station,” tor and another, the first flight said Jeffrey W. Bantle, chief of director from the ranks of space the Flight Director Office. station flight controllers, is “The first flight director, Chris employed by a NASA contractor. Kraft, was selected during the The flight director class of Mercury era. Since that time, 1983 with eight members had only 48 men and women have been the largest before selection served as flight directors of the class of 2000. throughout the history of human space flight.” JSC’s new flight directors class, The selection process began front, left to right: Cathy Koerner, in June. “There were many Joel Montalbano, Tony Ceccacci, Annette Hasbrook; back, Bryan outstanding people to choose Lunney, Steve Stich, John from, which made the selection McCullough, Matt Abbott, process most difficult,” Bantle Norm Knight, Derek Hassmann.

JSC readies Clip-n-Save JSC staff for rodeo, science recognized with trail riders. ✁ activities. Snoopy Awards. Page 3 Pages 5 Page 7 SPACE CENTER Roundup January 26, 2001 3

Children’s Art Calendar Awards Party has robot, aliens, safety, health and fun

By Mary Peterson special memento of the occasion, and he Marcella Guidry. Even the smallest tots aliens, dinosaurs, and even a Tigger. autographed pictures as well. couldn’t resist dancing the “Macarena” Collins didn’t mind the overflow. “I like afety and health was the theme, but Following a group photo with all with the agile, nuts-and-bolts guy. doing this,” he said. things spacey were very much in the winners wearing their special shirts, the As the party came to a reluctant end, the This year’s winners and sponsors S minds of the young participants at children were then free to ask questions line was still long to have faces painted by were: Sarah Grunsfeld, 4 (Carol the 4th annual Children’s Art Calendar of and dance with the robot furnished by Indyne Inc.’s very talented Sean Collins. Grunsfeld); Jalynn Stewart, 4 (Rusty Awards Party as they darted eagerly the Houston Police Dept. and “assisted” He embellished faces with an assortment Stewart); Kelly Thomas, 4 (Gretchen about the decorated Gilruth Center, not by Officers Richard Rodriguez and of glittery butterflies and birds, assorted Thomas); Jacob Valle, 4 (Gerard Valle); wanting to miss anything. James Lassmann, 6 (Michelle Moore); And a full hour it was. Bolstered by Jessica Maggio, 5 (James Maggio); cookies, candies, and punch served from Sidney Farrow, 7 (Ruth Farrow); Patrick a table bedecked with beads and shiny Zimmerman, 5 (Susan Zimmerman); confetti balloons, children took turns Rachel Graubard, 5 (Robert Graubard); searching for their names artfully iced Jordan Vassberg, 6 (Nathan Vassberg); into a rocket-design cake, with little Melissa Cerimele, 7 (Mary Cerimele); green and blue alien figures gracing the Amber Canales, 7 (Tim Dawn); Christine tops and sides. The cake, the special Pham 6 (Nulan Pham); Victoria handiwork of JSC’s Vicki Cantrell, was a Armstrong, 7 (Charles Armstrong); real crowd pleaser, and anxious young Victoria Denny, 6 (Kevin Denny); hands could hardly leave it intact until Anthony Ciancone, 6 (Michael after the ceremony. Ciancone); Alexandra Vickery, 7 “This is the greatest,” said Perry (Pandora Vickery); Alyssa Ross, 7 Bennett, serving his second year as mas- (Nicholas O’Dosey); Alexandra Valle, 7 ter of ceremonies, and acknowledging the (Gerard Valle); Laura Thomas, 6 event’s organizer, Rindy Carmichael of (Gretchen Thomas); Jessica Mun«iz , 8 Mun«iz Engineering, Inc. He told the (Robert Mun«iz ); Jennifer Reister, 9 audience, “Not only has the calendar (Leah Reister); Drew Dekerlegand, 9 contest become an important activity to (Diane Dekerlegand); Grace Green, 10 us at JSC, the team of Russians with (John Casper); Jeremy Osborn, 9 whom we work has been highly (Laveeda Mullis); Katy Collins, 9 (Sean impressed with the idea. They especially Collins); Hallie Bruce, 8 (Janet Bruce); praised the way we encourage safety and Blake Kimball, 10 (Wanda Steiger); good health practices at such an early Mindy Karydas, 10 (Don Hanselman); age, and they are looking into starting a Courtney Axline, 8 (Michael Axline); similar project in their part of the world.” Kelly Langston, 9 (Barbara Langston); Bennett then called the children Melanie Mount, 10 (Frances Mount); individually to the podium, where each Katya Ilin, 13 (Andrew Ilin); Lauren received a T-shirt embellished with his Whitted, 12 (Barb Whitted); Humsini or her own artwork and a personal NASA JSC 2001e00781 Viswanath, 11 (Meena Viswanath); and calendar. Personal photos were taken Houston Police Department robot entertains attendees during the Children's Art Calendar Karen Baker, 12 (Ellen Baker). ■ with Col. John Casper as a Awards Party at the Gilruth Center. Get ready to rodeo t’s time for JSC employees to dust off dance from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Feb. 6 at their 10-gallon hats and shine their spurs Space Center Houston. This event will serve Ifor the upcoming rodeo season. as the official welcome to the trail riders. JSC will sponsor a variety of activities Enjoy dining and dancing with Kelly throughout the rodeo season. Working in McGuire & Hurricane. The theme for this concert with the NASA/Clear Creek/ year’s dance is “Spaceship Rodeo.” Tickets Friendswood Go Texan subcommittee, cost $20 and include dinner, two drinks, live JSC hopes to support the commitment to music, plus the exhibits for viewing at youth and education. Space Center Houston, and more. To kick off the rodeo season, the Go Tickets are available at the Exchange Texan Style Show will be held at 11 a.m. Stores. Proceeds go to the scholarship pro- on Jan. 26 at the Gilruth Center. The gram of the HLS&R to help provide seven NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Go Texan $10,000 scholarships to NASA-area high subcommittee will host the event. school seniors for their college education. On consecutive Wednesdays, Jan. 24 The trail riders will depart JSC the next and 31, performers from the Houston morning at 9 a.m. through Gate 4, near the Livestock Show and Rodeo Speakers 300/400 area, and travel through Clear Lake Committee will entertain employees during City on their way to their next overnight lunchtime in the Bldg. 3 cafeteria. stop. Performances will include country and On Feb. 10, the Employees Activities western singers, western bands, live Association will sponsor a bus trip to down- animals, ropers (give it a try), rodeo clowns, town to view the Rodeo Parade. This will and line dancers. Come on down and enjoy include bus transportation, light breakfast, the free entertainment while you munch on reserved bleacher seating and more. The bus the western-themed lunch specials at the will leave Rocket Park at about 8 a.m. More cafeteria. The HLS&R Speakers Committee information will be available soon. performers will also drop by the JSC Child Care Center to educate and entertain NASA at the Rodeo the children. The month-long festivities will The HLS&R runs from Feb. 14 to Mar. continue with the arrival of the Texas 4. Once again NASA will be represented at Independence Trail Riders at 3 p.m. Feb. 6. the HLS&R. This year’s exhibit will focus The trail riders will enter JSC through the on the International Space Station, benefits 6th Annual Space Center Houston tram underpass by derived from the ISS and other space pro- the Longhorn Project pasture. About 150 grams, and NASA educational outreach horses and riders and 10 to 15 wagons will programs available to students. Employees JSC ride through the center, passing by the JSC who would like to volunteer to staff the Child Care Center and stopping at the exhibit should send an e-mail to Robin Hart. Trail Ride Gilruth Center. The Texas Independence The EAA in the Bldg. 11 Exchange Trail Riders will set up camp for the night Store will sell tickets to the rodeo in the wooded area near the pavilion. performances. Call x35352 for details. Parade Route The NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood For more information contact Ginger Go Texan subcommittee will host a dinner Gibson at x30596. ■ 3 p.m.-Feb. 6 4 January 26, 2001 SPACE CENTER Roundup Data indicates shortage of engineers is imminent ngineers create everything we see or “We are not preparing our youth with use in our everyday lives, from the the skills they need to be able to study E alarm clock that woke you up today engineering,” said Dunbar. “By the time and your child’s lunch box to your car and they are out of high school they need to the roads you drive on. However, these have taken physics, biology, chemistry, and everyday conveniences, and necessities, the math curriculum through calculus. could be in jeopardy if the current decrease Engineering deans have reported to me in engineering graduates continues. that increasingly more students entering According to Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, engineering colleges must attend remedial NASA astronaut and Assistant Director classes just to begin their freshman year.” for University Research and Affairs, Former Center Director Aaron Cohen, the National Science Foundation has now professor emeritus at Texas A&M reported that during the past 13 years, University’s College of Engineering, says the number of U.S. aerospace and electri- that Texas A&M University is an excep- cal engineering graduates has decreased tion and has not experienced a decline in approximately 50 percent. Compounded high school applicants, but he has by the fact that the surge in high-tech noticed a decrease in students pursuing industries has increased demand for graduate degrees. engineers, the U.S. is facing a critical “A&M is the largest engineering Photo courtesy of Texas A&M University shortage of skilled engineering school in the country and our enrollment Texas A&M University is one of the few not professionals that is currently being met has not indicated a change,” said Cohen. experiencing a decrease in engineering enrollments. by increasing the number of foreign “But we have fewer graduates pursuing Shown here, A&M aerospace students prepare an airplane model for wind tunnel testing. engineers and scientists brought into the graduate degrees. It seems more are U.S. through the H1B visa process. leaving academia after receiving their Space Center and its contractors hire How JSC is The engineering shortage, even in its bachelor’s degrees for lucrative jobs in more engineers than any other tech- early stages, is the marketplace.” Current nical job classification.” already evidenced national indicators show Cohen feels all engineers need tackling decline in the space pro- that graduate engineering to actively communicate the gram. Although student enrollment is excitement of the profession JSC remains declining, with nearly with students. in engineering an employer of The future of human one-half of those in “Engineering is the choice among exploration and our master’s and doctoral basis for economic ince 1987, increasing awareness and generating many engineering nation’s leadership of programs from countries development of our the number interest in engineering among our coun- graduates, that exploration will other than the U.S. countryÐbe it Sof students try’s youth. February 18-24, engineering according to Cohen says more automotive, pursuing degrees in professionals from a wide range of indus- Dunbar, the depend upon ensuring research dollars are needed architectural, etc.,” engineering has steadily tries will visit their local schools and national shortage that the engineering to help stimulate college said Cohen. declined. At this rate, community centers to provide guest has already pipeline is full. engineering programs and “And the some forecasters predict the presentations, hands-on activities and impacted such entice students to further work is trend will result in a critical answer questions from students. programs as ÐBonnie J. Dunbar, Ph.D. their education. fantastic.” shortage of engineers within JSC employees still have a chance to ISS software “At this time, aerospace the next five years. participate in E-Week activities. development. colleges do not get a lot of According to Mike Kincaid, Although E-Week officially runs for only “The aerospace industry is particularly support from industry,” said Cohen. branch chief, Education and Student seven days, in practice, JSC sponsors hard-pressed because it is competing with “Putting more research dollars into the Programs Branch, as NASA represents special engineering outreach projects for other high-tech sectors which can pay colleges, specifically into aerospace one of the more glamorous realms of the entire month of February. As part of higher starting salaries,” said Dunbar. majors, is needed. That is the track to engineering, it is fortunate to be able to E-Week, JSC volunteers will visit area “It is difficult for a federal agency to take to induce more students to study attract great employees for its job open- compete in that arena.” engineering.” ings. However, to increase the number of Despite the growing demand for The shortage will take the efforts engineers, our employees are obliged to engineers and graduates with technical of many to reverse. share our stories, projects and excitement degrees, the National Academy of “Whether or not you are an with students, peers and teachers. Engineers reports a downward trend in engineer, you should be aware “It’s appropriate for us to use space students pursuing engineering degrees. of this problem,” says Dunbar. and the excitement of space exploration Dr. Dunbar says preparation for an “It currently has the to encourage students to study math and engineering course of study begins at the attention of Washington science,” said Center Director George middle school and high school levels. D.C, the NASA Abbey. “By sharing the experiences of Without the appropriate math and science Administrator, the human space programs with them, we classes in high school, some students can Mr. Abbey, and the can show them the rewards of becoming find themselves behind before they’ve even Texas Legislature. engineers.” started their freshman year of college. The Johnson During the past decade, JSC has created several programs to expose more Bachelor’s Degrees Granted in Engineering of our area youth to the exciting and 90,000 challenging work engineers do and to NASA JSC S95-03745 80,000 generate interest in pursuing engineering Bill Shepherd, Expedition 1 commander, careers of their own. discusses math theories used in everyday 70,000 “We’re not doing these just so that life with Galena Park High School students 60,000 students can have a good time,” said during Engineering Week presentations. Kincaid. “We do it to attract them to 50,000 careers in engineering and science.” schools to make science, engineering and Despite the fact that JSC employs more space-related presentations. New this

1984-85 1985-86 1986-87 1987-88 1988-89 1989-90 1990-91 1991-92 1992-93 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 than 15,000 individuals either as civil ser- year, JSC will also provide six Web cast vants or contractors, we always need more events and participate in Space Source: Data collected by the Engineering Workforce Commission under a grant from the volunteers for our outreach opportunities. Center Houston’s Home School Day. National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, Inc. “All of these programs require For more information on how you can engineers in the JSC workforce to participate in E-Week, visit JSC’s internal What can you do? dedicate a few hours to make the program E-Week Web site at successful,” said Kincaid. “Without their http://www4.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/eweek Bonnie J. Dunbar, Ph.D., NASA astronaut and member of the National Engineering help, the programs will ultimately fail, /index.cfm. Week Advisory Committee/NSF Engineering Advisory Panel, offers the following and the profession will suffer.” E-Week is just one of several student suggestions to help bolster student interest in engineering: There are many ways that JSC outreach programs JSC participates in. 1) Remind friends, acquaintances and student audiences that without engineers, employees and contractors can give back JSC also sponsors the Texas Aerospace there is no NASA, no cell phones, no medical equipment, no airplanes, no to the community and help perpetuate the Scholars, a yearlong, interactive, online Playstation©, etc. interest in engineering, math and science learning process highlighted by 2) Educate students, their parents, teachers, and counselors on the algebra, biology, needed to sustain our space program and a weeklong internship at JSC; the chemistry, or physics courses required to pursue engineering degrees. economy at large. Summer High School Apprentice 3) Share information about NASA’s numerous educational programs, workshops Right now, organizers are still seeking Research Program, in which students and student programs. The JSC Home Page describes most: volunteers to help accommodate the work at JSC for eight weeks http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/pao/educators/. stream of requests from schools, teachers during the summer with a NASA mentor 4) Ensure that your alma maters and other universities have information about new and student organizations for National in a lab or office environment; and the research funds, such as the new University Initiative starting in FY02 that will Engineers Week. Mars Settlement Design Competition, a help expand graduate programs, faculty and research. Information is available at Now in its 50th year, E-Week is a http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/codea/codeac/WWW/. nationwide program committed to Please see DECLINE, Page 5 SPACE CENTER Roundup January 26, 2001 5

Continued from Page 4 Here are simple but exciting demonstrations you can use Decline for Engineers Week or other outreach project! futuristic simulation game where high 3-2-1 POP! school students team with NASA mentors to design a Mars base proposal. This activity demonstrates Newton’s JSC also has expanded the successful Laws of Motion. The rocket lifts off KC-135 Student Flight Opportunities because it is acted on by an unbal- program to community college students anced force (First Law). This is the in an effort to raise the visibility of engi- force produced when the lid blows off by the gas formed in the canister. neering careers. There’s also the Science The rocket travels upward with a force Advisor Program (SciAd), Distance that is equal and opposite to the Learning... the list goes on and on. downward force propelling the water, Through these programs, JSC has gas and liquid (Third Law). The established its commitment to sharing the amount of force is directly proportional excitement of space science with the to the mass of water and gas expelled engineers of the future. Now, it is up to from the canister and how fast it individual engineers to ensure a positive accelerates (Second Law). legacy is left. To be placed on the distribution Materials and Tools list for outreach and volunteer Heavy Paper (i.e. construction paper opportunities, please call or e-mail or stock paper) Debbie Herrin at x38694. Plastic 35 mm. Film canister* (with internal sealing lid) Cellophane tape Scissors Effervescing antacid tablet GET INVOLVED! Paper towels Have you Water promoted engineering lately?

It’s up to all of us to share our unique COUNTDOWN: experience in the space program with students as they begin to mold their 1. Put on your eye protection. education and make career choices. 2. Turn the rocket upside-down Here are just some of the programs at and fill the canister 1/3 full JSC where you can help our youth Discussion Extensions discover engineering. of water. How does the amount of water placed Hold an altitude contest to see which in the cylinder affect how high the rockets fly the highest. Launch the TEXAS AEROSPACE SCHOLARS Work quickly on the next steps! rocket will fly? rockets near a wall in a room with a high PROGRAM (TASP) 3. Drop in 1/2 tablet. ceiling. Tape a tape measure to the This is a yearlong, interactive, online How does the temperature of the water learning process highlighted by a 4. Snap lid on tight. affect how high the rocket will fly? wall. Stand back and observe how high weeklong internship at JSC. Selected 5. Stand rocket on launch How does the amount of the tablet the rockets travel upward along the wall. students are encouraged to study math, used affect how high the rocket will fly? Let all students take turns measuring platform. science, engineering and computer How does the length of empty weight rocket altitudes. science by interacting with JSC 6. Stand back. of the rocket effect how high the What geometric shapes are present engineers. rocket will fly? in a rocket? Contact: Mike Kincaid How would it be possible to create a Use the discussion questions to design 281.483.4112 LIFTOFF! two-stage rocket? experiments with the rockets. SUMMER HIGH SCHOOL ✁ APPRENTICE RESEARCH PROGRAM (SHARP) In this program, students work at JSC Challenge for eight weeks during the summer Potato Astronaut Students design a way to protect the with a NASA mentor in a lab or office potato from damage caused by environment. impacts using flexible and light Contact: Nancy Garrick The effects of high-speed micro- weight materials . 281.483.3076 meteoroid impacts are simulated with a potato and a straw. Students hold MARS SETTLEMENT DESIGN Materials and Tools Checklist COMPETITION the potato in one hand and stab it with Plastic (milkshake-size) straw This is an exciting industry simulation the other using a plastic milkshake Potato game for high school students, set straw. The penetration depth into the Tissue paper, notebook paper, in the middle of the 21st century. A potato relates to the speed of the handkerchiefs, rubber bands weekend overnight residence program stabbing action. A straw slowly napkins, aluminum foil, wax at JSC emulates the experience of pushed into the potato collapses. The paper, plastic wrap, etc. working as a member of an aerospace plastic isn’t strong enough to support company team developing a design and the force exerted at the opposite ends Procedure operating proposal for a new Mars base. of the straw. However, when the straw The kinetic energy output of an Step 1. Students design a method This year’s competition is scheduled for is thrust rapidly into the potato, the impact, given in joules, is calculated February 2-4 and 16-18 at WSTF. for protecting potato straw easily penetrates and passes with the following equation: from damage caused by the Contact: Norm Chaffee through. The straw enters the potato plastic straw when the straw is 281.483.3777 before it has a chance to collapse. KE = 1/2mv2 quickly stabbed into the potato. As it enters, the surrounding potato m = mass of impacting object Step 2. After students have tested a helps support the straw by shoring NEED MORE INFORMATION? v = velocity of impacting object method for protecting a potato, up its sides. conduct a discussion to evaluate Explore these Web sites for more Note: The mass in this activity is technologies developed. Refine Materials and Tools Checklist actually the combined mass of the the constraints for a protection information and creative ideas! Potato straw and the hand and forearm system (e.g., the materials used Plastic (milkshake-size) straw driving it. must together be no thicker Engineers Week than - mm). For information on JSC’s E-Week Objective Step 3. Have students redesign their celebration, visit To investigate the relationship system based on the refined between velocity and penetration constraints. Conduct additional http://www4.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/ depth when a potato is struck impact tests with the straw. eweek/index.cfm. with a plastic straw. Step 4. Test protection systems. Evaluate the effectiveness of the For information on National Engineers Procedure protection systems developed. Week, engineering statistics and Step 1. Hold a raw potato in one Extensions creative ways you can participate band. (See illustration.) While grasping the straw with the other Compare technologies for protecting in E-Week on your own, visit hand, stab the potato with a slow astronauts from micrometeoroid http:www.eweek.org or motion. Observe how deeply the and space debris impacts to other http:www.discoverengineering.org/eweek straw penetrates the potato. protective technologies such as Step 2. Repeat the experiment but bullet-proof vests, suits of armor, this time stab the potato with a Safety Precautions shields on power tools, and windshields Women in Engineering fast motion. Observe how deeply Be careful to hold the potato as on vehicles. How does the function For special information on the straw penetrates the potato. illustrated so that the straw does determine the form? Experiment with engineering opportunities for women Compare your observations with not hit your hand. Work gloves different fabrics and fabric combina- visit http://www.nae.edu/cwe the results of step 1. ✁will provide additional protection. tions for protective garments. 6 January 26, 2001 SPACE CENTER Roundup Ripped NASA space station chief receives Leadership Award

from the n recognition of his demonstrated the development of a new “Integration Thelen served as a flight controller and leadership excellence and his contri- Lead” which has added real-time support operations engineer after receiving a ROUNDUP I butions to human space flight and on the Mission Management Team during bachelor of science degree in mechanical the future of space exploration, David ISS missions, and the implementation of a engineering from the University of Ripped straight from the pages of Thelen, NASA division chief, Space new software pilot program with the ISSP Houston in 1983. He began his NASA old Space News Roundups, here’s Station Division, Safety, Reliability, and Safety and Mission Assurance Office to career as a safety engineer in 1987. In what happened at JSC on this date: Quality Assurance Office (SR&QA), improve the quality assurance of ISS May 1989 he was assigned to the Orbit recently received the Space Flight flight software. Project Office as a Mission Evaluation Awareness Leadership Award. Thelen leads 24 civil servants and 87 Room manager. In 1991 he was selected 1966 “It’s an honor to receive this award, contractor personnel. He appreciates that as a section head within SR&QA and has he “world’s smallest manned but I also want to acknowledge the joint the diversity of his staff leads to greater held a number of management positions spacecraft,” the Air Force - leadership team (Safety & Mission Assur- opportunities for all. within the directorate. T developed astronaut ance Program Office and SR&QA), maneuvering unit (AMU), last because they understood the challenge and week underwent extensive testing in held the keys to success,” said Thelen. Chamber B of the Space Environment Thelen was noted for initiating and Simulation Laboratory in Building 32. supporting a series of “win-win” discus- Gemini IX Pilot Charles A. Bassett sions with the International Space Station will use the AMU for extensive extravehicular maneuvering during Program Safety and Mission Assurance the mission. In the chamber tests, Office, defining roles and responsibilities Maj. Edward Givens, USAF AMU between that office and the SR&QA project officer, was taken to a Office. He established the joint Commit simulated altitude of more than to Flight Readiness Review in prepara- 200,000 feet above sea level. The tion for the ISSP flight readiness review AMU performed successfully under process. In addition, he has led efforts to high-vacuum conditions while inte- improve communication among the four grated with the chest pack life support SR&QA divisions in order to integrate system, the tether line and the Gemini all views into one consistent safety and pressure suit.The AMU-propelled mission assurance position for discus- extravehicular activities in Gemini IX and XII are part of a series of DOD sions concerning real-time flight issues experiments being conducted during and other concerns. the Gemini program. His leadership has led to more techni- cal oversight and better support to the John Casper, right, director, Safety, Reliability, and Quality Assurance, presents the Space Flight ISSP through new initiatives, including Awareness Leadership Award to David Thelen, SR&QA division chief, as Rob Kelso, deputy 1971 director, SR&QA, looks on. any people have known the pride of accomplishment in Continued from Page 1 M constructing a model airplane, auto, or boat. The engineers of the Habitability Technology Section within the Spacecraft Design Office Shuttle Delay know regularly the fulfillment of assembling a model. However, this Specialist Marsha Ivins, now on her 5th with a trial of incapacitated crewmember stowing equipment and supplies and work not only involves building the flight, will be inside the shuttle perform- tests, in which Curbeam and Jones will taking part in conferences with numerous model, or mockup, but designing ing robotic operations to remove the lab take turns playing the incapacitated technical specialists. Their stay on orbit concepts for it, too. And their finished from the payload bay and dock it to the crewmember and the active crewmember will likely be elongated three weeks products are full size! station, with the help of Curbeam and will use different methods to evacuate because their ride home, STS-102, will The space station module, which took Mission Specialist Tom Jones. him back to the shuttle. be postponed due to the rescheduling approximately seven weeks to design The second EVA will install the future With three weeks of added time until of this mission. and construct, is compartmentalized connection point for the station’s robotic the arrival of Atlantis, the residents of the Upon hearing news of the delay, ISS lengthwise into three areas. The arm to Destiny’s exterior, preparing for International Space Station, Expedition Commander William Shepherd mockup, located in Building 13, the launch of that arm on shuttle mission One, will be using the time to review responded, “It doesn’t matter if they houses the wardroom, kitchen facili- STS-100 later this year. documents and procedures on installation launch this week, this month or this year, ties and a personal hygiene unit. The The third EVA will be the 100th in and activation of the Destiny Lab. we [humankind] are in space to stay.” 12 by 15 foot wardroom will serve as U.S. space walk history and the 60th They will continue conducting an a dining room, conference room, based out of the shuttle. It will conclude inventory of items on board, packing and movie theater, recreation area and chapel (that's right, a chapel), among other uses. There are two windows which will allow crewmembers to stargaze at leisure. AIAA seeks Sperry Award candidates 1986 The AIAA Houston Section is seeking military, the National Young Professional Kranz, Sally Ride, and Daniel Tellep. nominees for the Lawrence Sperry Committee would like to see an increase in The nominee must be under the age “dress rehearsal” of the first Award, a national award for outstanding nominations from industry as well. of 35 on December 31 of the year space shuttle mission takes contributions to the field of aeronautics or The award is named after Lawrence B. preceding the presentation to be eligible A place in February to clear the astronautics by an AIAA member under Sperry, a pioneer aviator and inventor. for consideration. The deadline for way for launch of the shuttle’s 35 years of age. Past recipients of the Sperry Award nominations is July 1. first orbital flight. As a majority of the nominations are include many prominent members of For details on nominations, contact This 11-day test series will involve submitted from academia and the the aerospace community such as Eugene Nicole Smith Mullins, (281) 244-7145. operations at KSC, JSC, Dryden Flight Research Center, and the White Sands Missile Range. The Wet Countdown Demonstration Test/Flight Readiness Firing, all part of the Mission Verification Test, will exercise Exchange Store hours all elements of the nation’s new The following discount tickets are available at the Exchange Stores Monday-Friday Space Transportation System, Bldg. 3 7 a.m.-4 p.m. AMC Theaters ...... $5.00 including personnel, facilities, space Bldg. 11 9 a.m.-3 p.m. vehicle, and computer programs in a Moody Gardens (2 events) (does not include Aquarium Pyramid) ...... $10.75 ➤ All tickets are nonrefundable. demanding, real-time environment to Moody Gardens (Aquarium only) ...... $9.25 ➤ Metro tokens and value cards demonstrate the proper integration of Space Center Houston ...... adult . . $11.00 . . . .child (age 4-11) . . . . $7.25 are available. all elements prior to the STS-1 (JSC civil service employees free.) ➤ Sweetwater Pecans ...... mission, now scheduled for . Space Center Houston annual pass ...... $18.75 $6.25 per lb mid-March. ➤ Chocolate-covered Pecans . . . . Postage Stamps (book of 20) ...... $6.60 $8.00 per lb. Entertainment Books ...... $20.00 For additional information, Franklin Planner refills (Classic Style) ...... $25.50 please call x35350. Franklin Planner refills (Seasons and Montecello) ...... $30.25 Please bring your driver’s license to pay by personal check.

Check out our new Web site on the JSC People page at: http://hro.jsc.nasa.gov/giftshop/ SPACE CENTER Roundup January 26, 2001 7 Employees receive Silver Snoopy awards everal employees have recently received the coveted Silver Snoopy Award in S recognition of their contributions to this nation’s human space flight programs. Recipients will be featured in this edition and in forthcoming issues of the Roundup.

Shakeel Razvi, deputy manager, Canadian Space Agency Virginia (Ginger) Elements and Robotics Elizabeth Bauer, Gibson, support services Integration, International project engineer/man- specialist, was recognized Space Station Program, ager, was cited for her for the support she has has made significant con- support in developing provided to NASA’s space tributions to the the Human Research programs and the astronaut integration and test of the Facility, the Ku-Band corps in her role as JSC’s Space Station Remote Receiver System and special events coordinator. Manipulator System to be Power Supply, and the Her promotion of JSC deployed on ISS Flight Single Stowage Locker and NASA through 6A. A risk mitigation for the International numerous public relations test, which integrated the Space Station. Her work and promotional events Shakeel Razvi station arm with other has contributed to life Ginger Gibson has given people in the station elements into an science studies of the local community, Texas early test of flight software, was completed ahead of crew with the goal of a and across the country a keener awareness of the benefits schedule and on budget because of his leadership. Elizabeth Bauer safe, technically of the nation’s space program. advanced ISS. Roger Schwarz, EVA Jerry Goodman, tools engineer, has Shelia Cowan, chief, acoustics lead for the provided excellent Electrical Branch, was space station, works leadership in the devel- cited for her efforts and requirements for modules, opment of tools for use success in assuring that payloads, and govern- by space walkers. He through the use of ment-furnished equipment served as project engi- reliability-centered including working with neer for Development maintenance predictive international partners on Flight Test (DTO) testing and inspection these issues. He was cited hardware that flew on the techniques, the electrical for placing increased STS-49, STS-72, and systems in the mission awareness on the impor- STS-76 missions. The critical buildings and tance of acoustics as a DTO missions tested the astronaut training technical discipline. EVA hardware that is facilities are properly Jerry Goodman currently in use for ISS Roger Schwarz maintained. assembly. His efforts Shelia Cowan have also been instrumental in the successful certification Ralph Marak, and acceptance of the Service and Performance Checkout aerospace test engineer, Equipment that will be part of the ISS Airlock. He was instrumental in the recently traveled to Lockheed Sunnyvale during STS-97 development, certifica- as a member of a JSC team that developed procedures for tion, and delivery of successful EVA repair of an ISS solar array mechanism. Extravehicular Activity (EVA) equipment to support the highly Carolyn Fritz was successful Hubble cited for her work as the Space Telescope project manager for the servicing missions. Neutral Buoyancy Many of the HST Laboratory Space servicing tasks involved Station Remote Manipu- EVA replacement of lator System. The NBL hardware that was not Ralph Marak SSRMS provides a Lindy Fortenberry and Frank Culbertson originally designed for critical training on-orbit maintenance, so many special and unique tools capability for joint Lindy Fortenberry, management analyst in the were required, as well as handling aids and transfer EVA/SSRMS opera- International Space Station Program Office, was recog- equipment. This knowledge was utilized in the develop- tions. This capability nized for her support to the Phase 1 Shuttle-Mir Program ment of EVA tools and toolboxes for the ISS. His efforts will ensure that the in establishing communications processes, flown artifacts to deliver EVA toolboxes on a tight schedule helped upcoming space station management, and educational outreach. Her work in the maintain the ISS assembly schedule. Two of the tool- assembly missions can be Carolyn Fritz establishment of ISS Program metrics and application of boxes are currently installed on the ISS, and two more are accomplished safely and successfully. Phase 1 lessons learned has resulted in improved products in flight processing at KSC for launch on the 7A mission. that provide accurate indicators of the ISS Program’s health.

The Silver Snoopy Award, administered by the Space Flight Awareness Program, is the astronauts’ personal award to individuals who have performed an outstanding effort contributing to the success of human space flight missions. Since the Snoopy represents the astronauts’ own recognition of excellence and less than one percent of the NASA and contractor workforce is given the award, receiving it is a special honor. The awards are personally presented by a member of the astronaut corps. More Silver Snoopy presentations are planned this year. An indication of a surprise presentation is the special blue Snoopy “Symbol of Excellence” poster on display in work areas. Any individual whose job performance has contributed significantly to flight safety and mission success is eligible for this very special award.

For more information on SFA programs and awards, contact Barbara Zelon, deputy director, SFA, at x38782. 8 January 26, 2001 SPACE CENTER Roundup NASA BRIEFS

NASA SELECTS INNOVATIVE SMALL BUSINESS PROJECTS

January 29 more information contact Allen Prescott at (281) 282-3281or Developing a new class of deep-sea vehi- cles for sample collection is just one of the Richard Lehman at (281) 280-6557. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 280 research proposals NASA has Houston Section presents “Apollo 13: Lessons in Safety, Warning System Test: The site-wide Employee Warning selected for Phase I contract awards as System performs its monthly audio test at noon. For more part of its Small Business Innovation Quality, & Management.” An out-of-this-world story with real- Research Program. The combined total of world implications. This unique look into the Apollo 13 mission information contact Bob Gaffney at x34249. the awards is expected to be more than is told from the perspective of Owen C. Brown, Ph.D., a nuclear $19 million. submariner who became a spacecraft engineer. The program February 1 The goals of the Small Business Innova- tion Research Program are to stimulate NSS meets: The Clear Lake area chapter of the National begins at 6 p.m. with a presentation and refreshments at 7 p.m. technological innovation, increase the use The presentation will take place at the University of Houston- Space Society meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Parker Williams of small business, including women-owned Branch of the Harris Co. Library at 10851 Scarsdale Blvd. and disadvantaged firms in meeting federal Clear Lake's Bayou Building Atrium/Theater (2700 Bay Area research and development needs, and Blvd. in Clear Lake.) Parking is available behind the Bayou For more information contact Murray Clark at (281) 367-2227. increase private sector commercialization building in the visitor's lot at no cost. Open to the public at no of federally funded research results. charge and no RSVP required. http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/aiaa. February 6 NASA received 1,847 proposals, submitted by small, high technology businesses from Quality Society meets: The Bay Area Section of the across the country. The proposals were January 30 American Society for Quality meets at 6 p.m. at the Franco’s reviewed for technical merit and feasibility Real Italian Restaurant on NASA Road 1. The speaker will be and relevance to NASA research and tech- JSC NMA meets: The JSC National Management Associa- nology requirements. The selected firms tion chapter meets at the Gilruth Recreation Center at 11:15. Bob Vickery discussing “ISO 9000 and Capability Maturity will be awarded fixed-price contracts val- R. Ken Trammell, executive director, Marine Corps Materiel Models.” No reservations are required. For more information ued up to $70,000 each to perform a six-month Phase I feasibility study. Command, Albany, Georgia, will be the guest speaker. More contact Ann Dorris at x38620. Companies which successfully complete information is available at www.jsc.nasa.gov/nma/ the Phase I activities are eligible to com- February 7 pete for Phase II selection the following Astronomers meet: The JSC Astronomical Society meets at year. The Phase II award allows for a two- January 31 year, fixed-price contract in the amount up Astronomy seminar: The JSC Astronomy Seminar Club will 7:30 p.m. at the Center for Advanced Space Studies, 3600 Bay to $600,000. meet at noon January 31, February 7 and 14 in Bldg. 31, Rm. Area Blvd. For more information contact Chuck Shaw at x35416. The NASA SBIR Program Management 248A. For more information contact Al Jackson at x35037. Office is located at the Goddard Space Flight Center with executive oversight by Spaceteam Toastmasters meet: The Spaceteam February 8 NASA’s Office of Aerospace Technology, Toastmasters meet at 11:30 a.m. at United Space Alliance, Airplane club meets: The Radio Control Airplane Club meets NASA Headquarters. Individual SBIR pro- at 7 p.m. at the Clear Lake Park building. For more information jects are managed by NASA’s ten field 600 Gemini. For more information contact Patricia Blackwell centers. at (281) 280-6863. contact Bill Langdoc at x35970.

February 1 February 9 Astronomers meet: The JSC Astronomical Society meets NASA, NOAA GAIN Communicators meet: The Clear Lake Communicators, a UNPRECEDENTED VIEW OF at 7:30 p.m. at the Center for Advanced Space Studies, 3600 Bay Toastmasters International club, meet February 1, 8 and 15 at ANGRY SOLAR CYCLE 11:30 at Wyle Laboratories, 1100 Hercules, Suite 305. For Area Blvd. For more information contact Chuck Shaw at x35416.

As the Sun’s stormy season approaches its “Mission Systems 2001: A Space Lab Odyssey,” the first charge and only need to sign the attendance roster at the zenith, solar scientists have the best seat in NASA/JSC conference devoted to enabling a dialogue between conference to attend. the house, using the largest coordinated JSC labs that support the Human Exploration of Space, takes For more information, please contact Tom Nicodemus, fleet of spacecraft and ground observatories ever assembled to observe these angry out- place January 30 - February 1 at the Nassau Bay Hilton. conference administrative director, 281-286-1555, bursts of solar radiation and predict the Interested parties from the center’s technology labs on site [email protected] or Steven Gonzalez, conference director, impact of turbulent space weather. and off site that support HEDS are invited to attend the 281-483-6314, [email protected]. Or visit According to scientists from NASA and conference. All JSC civil servants will be admitted free of www.mission.systems.org for more information. NOAA, the Sun is near the peak of its 11-year cycle of activity. Solar maximum is the two-to-three year period around that peak when the Sun’s activity is most tem- pestuous and the Earth is buffeted with powerful solar gusts. Open from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, The coordinated use of NASA and NOAA Sign-up policy: and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Contact the Gilruth Center at (281) 483-3345. technology was key in tracking and predict- ing the development of an intense solar All classes and athletic activities http://www4.jsc.nasa.gov/ah/exceaa/Gilruth/Gilruth.htm storm nicknamed the “Bastille Day Event.” are on a first-come, first-served With data from ground-based observatories, Nutrition intervention program: Six-week program includes lectures, a private consultation basis. Sign up in person at the the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory - a with the dietitian and blood analysis to chart your progress. Program is open to all employees, joint project of the European Space Agency Gilruth Center and show a yellow contractors and spouses. For details call Tammie Shaw at x32980. and NASA - and NOAA’s Geostationary Gilruth or weight room badge. Defensive driving: One-day course is offered once a month at the Gilruth Center. Operational Environmental Satellites, scien- Classes tend to fill up two weeks Pre-registration required. Cost is $25. Call for next available class. tists were able to anticipate a bright solar flare and ensuing energetic proton shower in advance. Payment must be Stamp club: Meets every second and fourth Monday at 7 p.m. in Rm. 216. July 13. made in full, cash or by check, Weight safety: Required course for employees wishing to use the Gilruth weight room. NOAA forecasters, using data from the Pre-registration is required. Cost is $5. Annual weight room use fee is $90. The cost for at the time of registration. Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE), No registration will be taken additional family members is $50. typically can provide about one hour notice Exercise: Low-impact class meets from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. by telephone. For more of prospective magnitude before the start of Cost is $24 for eight weeks. a geomagnetic storm. But the July solar information, call x33345 Step/bench aerobics: Low-impact cardiovascular workout. Classes meet from 5:15-6:15 shower blinded key ACE detectors. Without p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost is $32 for eight weeks. Kristen Taraszewski, instructor. reliable data, scientists and forecasters had Yoga: Stretching class of low-impact exercises designed for people of all ages and abilities to wait until Earth’s magnetic field became Gilruth badges: distorted before they knew that the in a Westernized format. Meets Thursdays 5-6 p.m. Cost is $32 for eight weeks. Required for use of the Gilruth disturbance had arrived. Call Darrell Matula, instructor, at x38520 for more information. Center. Employees, spouses, Ballroom dancing: Classes meet Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for beginner, A G5 geomagnetic storm - the most intense eligible dependents, NASA classification - raged for nearly nine hours 8:30-9:30 p.m. for intermediate and 7:30-8:30 p.m. for advanced. Cost is $60 per couple. after the solar shower’s impact. retirees and their spouses may Country and western dancing: Beginner class meets 7-8:30 p.m. Monday. Advanced class The effects of the July storm were apply for photo identification (must know basic steps to all dances) meets 8:30-10 p.m. Monday. Cost is $20 per couple. widespread. Cameras and star-tracking badges from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Fitness program: Health-related fitness program includes a medical screening examination navigation devices on several satellites were Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and a 12-week individually prescribed exercise program. For details call Larry Wier at x30301. flooded with solar particles. For additional Saturdays. Cost is $10. Aikido: Martial arts class for men and women meets 5-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. information on the Internet, visit: No special equipment or knowledge is needed to participate. Aikido teaches balance and control Dependents must be between http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/GSFC/SpaceSci/sun- to defend against an opponent without using strength or force. Beginning and advanced classes earth/solarmax.htm 16 and 23 years old. start each month. Cost is $35 per month. http://www.sec.noaa.gov/sec.html

PRSRT STD The Roundup is an official publication of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, U.S. POSTAGE Houston, Texas, and is published by the Public Affairs Office for all space center employees. The Roundup office is in PAID Bldg. 2, Rm. 181. The mail code is AP3. The main telephone number is x38648, and the fax is x32000. Electronic mail messages may be directed to: WEBSTER, TX Permit No. G27 Editor ...... William Jeffs ...... [email protected] Roundup Assistant ...... Julie Burt ...... [email protected]