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Home , Daniel Brandenstein, NASA Astronaut Group 6, Robert Crippen, Story Musgrave

June 27, 2003 Vol. 42, No.13 Spaceport News America’s gateway to the universe. Leading the world in preparing and launching missions to and beyond. http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/snews/snewstoc.htm John F. Bridges accepts new post at Langley

ennedy Space Center commander of the Eastern Space nation's first civilian Director Roy D. Bridges and Missile Center, Patrick Air laboratory. The Center is a Khas been named Center Force Base; and commander, recognized leader in aviation Director for the agency's Langley safety initiatives, quiet aircraft Research Center in Hampton, Va. technology, small aircraft trans- "The people here have such a Bridges, a retired U.S. Air Force portation and aerospace vehicles passion for the mission and major general and former Space system technology. It supports produce amazing results. Shuttle pilot, will assume his new NASA space programs with Clearly, there is no finer team duties Aug. 10. atmospheric research and on the planet." "My six-plus years with the technology testing and develop- Roy D. Bridges KSC Team are the highlight of my ment. career," said Bridges. "The people "General Bridgeís distin- here have such a passion for the 412th Test Wing, Edwards Air guished military service and flight mission and produce amazing Force Base. experience as both a pilot and results. Clearly, there is no finer "As I explained in my state- are vital to the continued team on the planet, and I feel very Roy D. Bridges ment that I asked Jim Kennedy to success of Langley and its many privileged to have had the opportu- spaceport and range technologies read to you last Friday (June 13) cutting-edge aerospace and nity to serve here for so long." to improve safety and reduce the when this announcement was advanced technology programs," Bridges was named KSC cost of access to space. made, we all must answer the call said NASA Administrator Sean Director in March 1997. His As a NASA astronaut, Bridges of duty as best we can at this O'Keefe. responsibilities has included piloted the Chal- critical time for the Agency," said Bridges is a distinguished managing all of the Center's lenger on mission STS-51F in July Bridges. "The Administrator graduate of the U.S. Air Force facilities and activities related to 1985. He has held many key believes that my service is needed Academy, where he earned the processing and launch of the aerospace positions during his as the Langley Center Director a bachelor's degree in engineering Space Shuttle and expendable career. Prior to his last Air Force now. I will try to bring some of the science. He received his master's launch vehicles, as well as final assignment at Wright-Patterson incredible talent at Langley to bear degree in astronautics from tests, preparations and processing Air Force Base, Ohio, he was on our Return to Flight challenges Purdue University, and in May of experiments and segments of commander of the Air Force Flight as well as on other important 2001 he received an honorary the International Space Station. Test Center, Edwards Air Force Agency initiatives." doctorate of engineering degree He also worked to develop the Base in . He also was Langley was established as the from Purdue. Inside Spirit begins seven-month trip to Mars The first Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A), named Page 2 - Two International Space Spirit, began its seven-month journey to Mars at 1:58 Station components arrive p.m. June 10 when its Delta II vehicle launched from Page 3 - Mars support teams Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft, first spread NASA goals in Africa of a twin pair in NASA's MER project, separated successfully from the Deltaís third stage 36 minutes Pages 4-5 - Air traffic controllers respond to airborne security after launch while over the Indian Ocean. At press time, all systems were operating as expected. Spirit will roam a landing area on Mars that bears evidence of a wet history. The rover will examine rocks and soil for clues to whether the site may have been a hospitable place for life. Spiritís twin, Opportunity, which is being prepared for launch no earlier than June 28 at 11:56 p.m. at press time, will be targeted to a Page 7 - Brevard is Lightning separate site with different signs of a watery past. The spacecraft's schedule before arriving at Alley ì"We have plenty of challenges ahead, but this launch Mars Jan. 4, 2004, includes six opportunities for Page 8 - One NASA comes went so well, we're delighted," said JPL's Pete maneuvers to adjust its trajectory. Visit together through business Theisinger, project manager for the Mars Exploration www.mars.jpl..gov/mer for information. program Rover missions. Page 2 SPACEPORT NEWS June 27, 2003 Space Station components officially signed over to NASA

The next major International of the Italian Space Agency Space Station (ISS) module, the working with NASA. It is a key European-built Node 2, was milestone from our first officially transferred to NASA, launch to our partnership with JPL and Node 2 and the Japanese-built for the Cassini launch to signing Pressurized Module (PM), which the cooperative agreement in 1991 is part of the Japanese Experiment to provide the three Multi-Purpose Module (JEM) element known as Logistics Modules, which have Kibo (meaning 'hope'), were flown on five missions to date." officially welcomed during a "Kibo will be attached to ceremony at the Space Station Node 2 on the ISS," said Kuniaki Processing Facility, June 18. Shiraki, Space Station program Kennedy Space Center manager for the National Space Director Roy Bridges Jr., NASA Development Agency of Japan Deputy Associate Administrator (NASDA). for ISS and Space Shuttle Pro- "It is an important element. It grams Maj. Gen. Michael is quite amazing the events that Center Director Roy Bridges Jr. speaks to guests gathered in the Space Kostelnik and NASA's ISS Pro- Station Processing Facility for a ceremony to highlight the arrival of two major have led to the arrival of the JEM gram Manager William components of the International Space Station. Emceed by Lisa Malone (left), Kibo (pressurized) module to Gerstenmaier welcomed members deputy director of External Relations and Business Development at KSC, the KSC." Expressing his thanks and of the Japanese and European ceremony also included (from left behind Bridges): NASA's Michael C. cooperation Shiraki added, "We Space Agencies as well as repre- Kostelnik, deputy associate administrator for International Space Station and have a unique future." sentatives from the Canadian, Shuttle Programs; William Gerstenmaier, International Space Station Japan's first human rated Russian, Italian and Brazilian Program manager; Alan Thirkettle, International Space Station Program element will be used for space Space Agencies. manager for Node 2, ESA; and Kuniaki Shiraki, JEM Project manager, medicine, biology, Earth obser- The Node 2 arrived at KSC National Aerospace and Development Agency of Japan. vations, material production, June 1 aboard the Airbus Beluga living and working space inside "What we are doing today is a biotechnology and communica- aircraft. The PM was shipped by the Station. demonstration of the call for tions research. container transport ship and Node 2 will provide passage- further growth and expanded Kibo comprises six compo- arrived at KSC, May 30. Both were way to the U.S. Destiny Lab, the capacity on the ISS," said nents: two research facilities, the transported to the SSPF for JEM, the European Columbus General Kostelnik. PM, Exposed Facility (from which integrated testing and prelaunch Laboratory and the Centrifuge Gerstenmaier said, "The flight crews will conduct micro- processing for future Space Accommodation Module. It will strength of the ISS is its partners gravity experiments), two logistics Shuttle missions. also provide connecting ports for coming together to solve modules, a Remote Manipulator "We'll put these modules Multi-Purpose Logistics Mod- problems, each in their own way. System and an Inter-Orbit Commu- through their paces here on the ules, the Japanese H-IIA Transfer Both of these modules have been nication System unit. ground and help the ISS achieve its Vehicles and the Pressurized designed for the ISS, though they These components will be destiny," said Bridges. "We'll build Mating Adapter 2. look a little different, and each assembled in space over the friendships and make our partner- The module was built by meet the specifications re- course of three Space Shuttle ships stronger in the process." Alenia Spazio in Turin, Italy quired." missions starting in 2006. When NASA's Node 2 is under contract to the Italian Andrea Lorenzoni, ISS The NASDA manages the installed on the Station it will Space Agency and led by a program manager for Agenzia development of the JEM element signify the completion of the U.S. consortium of European subcon- Spaziale italiana, commented, at the Tsukuba Space Center near stage of assembly and increase the tractors. "Today is the 40 year anniversary Tokyo. Debris reconstruction hangar walk-through days scheduled Kennedy Space Center 1:30-6:30 p.m. Third shift with up to four family members United Space Alliance and Boeing workers and their families will be employees will be accommodated that are at least 12 years old. reconstruction team members will able to view collected debris July 10 from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. Children younger than 12 will not be at the hangar during tour hours during the Columbia Reconstruc- KSC employee and family days be allowed on KSC for the tour to answer questions and explain tion Hangar Walk-Through, July 7- are Thursday, July 10 and Friday, due to previously established age the debris and the processes used 12. The event schedule is designed July 11 from 3 to 8 p.m. and restrictions in Center facilities. to help identify and place crucial to accommodate workers during Saturday, July 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 The Columbia Reconstruction pieces on the grid. the first three days and workers p.m. A designated number of Hangar Walk-Through is being Employee Assistance Counse- who wish to bring their families to placards for each of the family held to educate and inform, give us lors will also be on-site during the hangar the latter three days. days will be distributed on a first- a new respect for space explora- Columbia Hangar Walk-Through NASA buses will shuttle KSC come, first-serve basis at various tion and those who serve, and hours. workers from designated locations KSC locations the week prior. allow closure to this tragedy in Please note that no cameras or in the Launch Complex 39 and Badged employees with a some ways. The Walk-Through video cameras will be allowed. The Industrial Areas and the NSLD placard will be required to park at must be done on workers' own Walk-Through will be wheelchair facility to the hangar Monday, July the KSC Visitor Complex, lot time. accessible. Employees may not 7 through Wednesday, July 9 from number 7, and board a KSC bus During the week, NASA, drive their cars to the Hangar. June 27, 2003 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 3 Mars launch teams spread NASA's goals Itís vital that Spaceport Most recently, they assisted employees not only produce NASA with the MER-A mission, Services Program successful missions, but also which launched June 10 from Cape sent were MER educate the young around the Canaveral Air Force Station. Two Spirit (A) and world who may continue this Air Force teams were required for Opportunity (B) legacy. An Air Force tracking MER-A. fact sheets, group supporting the Mars One utilized deployable decals, patches, Exploration Rover-A (MER) equipment on the ship referred to lapel pins, and for mission recently volunteered to as Ocean Going Transportable Test first, second, and help ensure these outreach and Evaluation Resource (OTTR). third graders, aspirations are met. OTTR was located off the West MER tattoos. Not all of NASA's Expendable coast of Angola, Africa. Included in the Launch Vehicle (ELV) fleet Despite original problems outreach package utilizes the Tracking and Data getting country access clearances, was information Relay Satellite System. While this the other team, ZBRA, worked in on the upcoming The OTTR Team includes the follow personnel, poses a challenge for telemetry Shakawe, Botswana, Africa. In Space Infrared from left: Staff Sgt Brian Little, Lt. Jon Seal, Staff Sgt. Nickles, contractors monitoring, the need to travel addition to sleeping in tents and Telescope Facility offered an educational opportu- Pat Reeves and Virgil (Mike) Griffin, and Staff Sgt accomplishing their mission launch and the Travis Chenard nity. objectives, this team selflessly ELV fact sheet. In these cases, a deployable Air worked to develop a true relation- According to Cheryl Malloy, organization, and I've got to tell Force telemetry team frequently ship between NASA and the NASA's coordinator for the effort, you, it felt pretty good," said supports the Launch Service community. this deployment was special Malloy. Programís (LSP) global telemetry "I was excited to hear that because, while in Botswana, this Maj. Ross Romer, the ZBRA requirements. Groups like the Air NASA's LSP had an opportunity to team volunteered to bring the team Officer in Charge, sent word Force Space and Missile Systems support outreach to schools at all MER-A mission and NASA to life that "the kids asked really great Center, Detachment 12, Deploy- grade levels in Botswana," said for four different schools and to questions and the topic was very ables Team support missions from Martha Vreeland, launch services the public via two public radio timely as the students were remote locations that don't have support specialist. "The MER station appearances, and were studying science and specifically ground stations to capture pow- Spirit mission sparked a great invited by the Botswana Ambassa- space." ered ELV flight events. So far interest in the space program for dor to be a launch day commenta- Visit www.ksc.nasa.gov/ these Air Force teams provided these students. It was a wonderful tor. elvnew/elv.htm for further ELV tracking support from Johnston feeling to be a part of their "We had the 'anytime, any- information, including details on Atoll, Kenya, Australia and French excitement in learning. where' philosophy applied to the MER-B mission scheduled to Polynesia. Some of the outreach items NASA by another world class launch no earlier than June 26. Students and faculty prepare for successful summer programs

At the beginning of June, KSC Director of technology, engineering or Kennedy Space Center Director External mathematics discipline during the Roy Bridges Jr. welcomed more Relations and summer. The students/faculty than 100 students, ranging from Business learned about enrichment activi- Development high school to graduate level, and ties they are encouraged to JoAnn Morgan faculty from across the U.S. who talks to a group participate in such as presentations will participate in the summer of students about by KSC personnel, workshops and intern program. He talked about their plans for the networking seminars. the current Mars exploration summer at the Following the orientation, missions and the Columbia student/faculty students broke out into their tragedy, then told the group how orientation. respective programs, had a lunch KSC is a family of pioneers. break, then returned to their office " You will be stimulated by this and met their mentors. experience as only NASA can," their meetings and activities; programs for undergraduate Current mentors, administra- said Bridges. "We can learn a lot Safety, Health, and Security; students including the Space and tive officers and supervisors from you." Commercialization and Intellec- Life Sciences Training program; attended the first annual NASA/ During the summer months, tual Properties; and Export Karroll Purer, programs for contractor Mentor Seminar, KSC is home for students and Control. undergraduate and high school "Setting the Groundwork for a faculty from varied backgrounds At the orientation, University students; and Eduardo Lopez Del Successful Summer Program at and cultures. The group spent the Programs Manager Dr. Gregg Castillo, programs for graduate KSC," presented by Kimberly morning learning about the Buckingham introduced the and post-doctorate students, Geddings from Harmony Works services of the Workforce Student/Faculty Team and their faculty and research apprentice- May 28 at the Training Auditorium. Diversity and Management Office; area of responsibility - Cassandra ships. Geddings discussed relation- the Equal Opportunity Office, Black, programs for undergraduate The students and faculty will ship dynamics between mentors including the Special Emphasis students and for individuals with work with a KSC mentor in a and partners and challenges in Groups inviting participants to disabilities; Laurel Lichtenberger, business area or a science, relationships. Page 4 SPACEPORT NEWS June 27, 2003 Air traffic controllers at Shuttle Landing Facility r

Above: An overview of the Shuttle Landing Facility

Top left: Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) Lead Controller Ron Feile listens to air traffic while he monitors the runway.

Left: Various radar, communication and navigational tools help the 11 air traffi controllers at the Shuttle Landing Facility monitor all air traffic.

ecurity surrounding Complex 17 and 37, this line is the mission," said Feile. go through. They go through a list government areas has skid strip runway on the Cape side, Besides the 40-mile restricted to see what assets, such as Schanged drastically since and then the complex and the area, the controllers are now helicopters or jets, it can throw at Sept. 11, 2001, and this is espe- new Atlas V pad is here. responsible for all air traffic up to the intruder to intercept it. cially evident at the Shuttle "The two Shuttle launch pads 13,999 feet, instead of 5,000, to Once they notify the assets Landing Facility (SLF). are here. The Shuttle Landing provide an element of additional available, the controllers notify The 11 air traffic controllers Facility runway sits right outside security and intruder detection. KSC security and SLF Operations were originally contracted to that air space. So that was all we The group added three new Officer Ed Taff to tell them who is monitor KSC's airspace from 6 had prior to Sept. 11, surface to controllers after Sept. 11, but lost authorized or not. They then go to a.m. to 10:30 p.m. in two shifts a 5,000 feet, but now we've more one to active military duty since the adjacent air traffic control day, but that has now turned into than doubled all of our restricted then. facilities in Daytona, , around-the-clock coverage. air space here, to the west and to Along with the increased Orlando and Jacksonville to see if "This is the active airspace the north. airspace security, the group had there is background information of now," explains SLF Lead Control- "We're controlling all those the responsibility to determine if the planeís origin. ler Ron Feile as he points at a 15- both from the control tower here intruders were hostile or not to Those other air traffic control mile wide, 18-mile long section and with the Military Radar Unit evacuate the launch pads for safety facilities are the first line of on the facility's radar. "Before (MRU) on the Eastern Range. The sake. defense because if they have Sept. 11, it used to be just this Eastern Range is responsible for Should a controller determine anything that is heading toward little block of air space that requesting whatever pieces of air an airplane may be a threat, it has a KSC that is not approved, they can covered all the launch pads. This is space they need for a specific regular intruder detection form to give a notice that the target is June 27, 2003 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 5 respond to airborne security threats

Top right: These NASA G-2 Shuttle training aircraft help pilots train for landings at KSC. r Right: Inside a G-2 Shuttle Training Aircraft cockpit. The modified jet features a Rotational Hand Controller (RHC), or joystick, used to c simulate flying a Space Shuttle.

heading this way. areas before turning away to avoid There are many examples of bad weather. When the FAA runs right through it. Because of mission landing at KSC. Air traffic how the group deals with potential (Federal Aviation Administration) the nuclear submarine basin and increases because of the support airborne intruders. finally contacted him, they the commercial cruise ships, the that arrive in T-38 jets Feile was working one night directed him to land at Space area attracts banner towers, the as well as the mission managers when the tower in Daytona notified Coast Regional, but because of media and others who want to take who arrive in G-2s and G-3s. him there was an aircraft heading the weather ran him into pictures in an area the controllers "The day of the launch we're toward KSC that the FBI was Melbourne. are trying to protect. working with Air Force helicop- trailing. He notified everybody on "The FBI met him there "When they get in the area, you ters that provide the search and his list, including the Patrick Air because they weren't sure of his donít know what they're going to rescue function," said Feile, who Force Base command post, not intentions, including photographic do, so you put security on alert," coordinates all efforts with Space knowing what the pilot's intentions work for reconnaisance. They met said Feile. "The troops in the field Gateway Support Airfield Services were. him and checked the aircraft for then start to watch them and give Manager Bob Bryan. The pilot ended up flying photographic equipment and other us reports. It's a team effort." "We also deploy the fire through 'nice and quiet,' but Feile contraband that may be in the The air controllers also see an department rescue forces in case and security didn't know what he aircraft. Those things are going on increase in activity as a Shuttle the orbiter has to come back here. was doing. all the time." launch approaches. The flight crew The rest of our business is "In another instance we had one Port Canaveral is another area arrives 3-4 days prior to launch centered around the NASA T-38 foreign student who flew up the the controllers help monitor and begin to fly Shuttle training and G-2 weather assessment Banana River and into the Cape because their protected space approaches to prepare for the flights, finding out if the weather is compatible for the mission." June 27, 2003 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 6 Grand reopening and inductions hightlight Hall of Fame Weekend A ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand reopening and the Current members of the Astronaut Hall of Fame were then intro- induction of four Space Shuttle astronauts highlighted Astronaut Hall of duced, including , , , John Fame Induction Weekend June 20-21. Young, , Walt Cunningham, , , Al The festivities got underway Friday at the Astronaut Hall of Fame Worden, , Ed Gibson, Bob Crippen and Rick Hauck. when 17 former astronauts helped KSC Director Roy Bridges Jr. cut the Astronaut and current chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation ribbon to signify the Hall as part of the Visitor Complex. "The Right then explained how the four inductees were selected from a Stuff" gala was held afterward at the Debus Conference Facility cel- list of 25 names. ebrating the weekend and to recognize the 20th anniversary of the movie. The Foundation was responsible for overseeing the selection In rainy weather that would have delayed a launch, four Space Shuttle process. Lovell described the Foundationís purpose and recognized astronauts were inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame in a ceremony more than 30 past and present scholarship winners. held at the Visitor Complex. , , Daniel The new class was then introduced in the order in which they flew Brandenstein and Robert 'Hoot' Gibson were added to the current class Shuttle missions. of 48 others enshrined in the Hall of Fame since 1990. Astronaut Owen Garriott presented Story Musgrave for induction. The standing room only crowd was treated to a stirring rendition of Musgrave served as a on six Shuttle flights, including "America the Beautiful" and the "National Anthem" by the 100-member the first Shuttle space walk in 1983. Philadelphia Boys Choir to open the ceremony. Actor Lance Henriksen, Next, astronaut Bob Crippen introduced Sally Ride, the first woman who portrayed astronaut in "The Right Stuff," served as sent to space. Ride was sent into orbit aboard the Shuttle Challenger in master of ceremonies for the event and introduced KSC Deputy Direc- 1983, and then sent back in space 18 months later aboard Challenger. tor James Kennedy for welcoming remarks. The third inductee, astronaut , was introduced by "Kennedy Space Center is part of the team of Centers across the astronaut Rick Hauck. Brandenstein's first flight was in 1983 on the nation that make up NASA, whose mission is to explore the unknown Shuttle's first night launching, and he later commanded three other while improving life here on Earth," said Kennedy. "It is also to inspire Shuttle missions. the next generation of explorers and I can't think of a better way to do Astronaut Robert Gibson was the last inductee and was introduced by that by introducing them to these brave men, and now woman, who are John Glenn. Gibson commanded four of his five Shuttle missions, honored here today." including Atlantis when it docked with Russia's Mir space station.

Above: KSC Director Roy Bridges Jr. (second from left) and 17 astronauts cut the ribbon for the Astronaut Hall of Fame Grand Reopening June 20. Right: Cmdr. and Astronaut Scholarship Foundation chairman Jim Lovell (left) welcomes Story Musgrave into the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Below: Jim Lovell applauds as Sally Ride is introduced to the crowd at the June 21 Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Bottom right: Daniel Brandenstein (center) and Robert "Hoot" Gibson are welcomed to the Astronaut Hall of Fame by member . June 27, 2003 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 7 Brevard is part of Lightning Alley

The third annual national outside in a dangerous location Lightning Safety Awareness Week away from shelter with thunder- is June 22-28. But here in central storms threatening, you can reduce , we've already entered our your risk. It is much better to have lightning season - now is the time planned ahead or stayed tuned to to refresh your knowledge of the forecast and moved to shelter lightning safety. Our lightning sooner. Use the following as a season typically ramps up the desperate last resort only. second half of May and declines Proceed to the safest spot the first half of September. possible and get off elevated Lightning is the leading source locations or open areas. Avoid tall of weather deaths in Florida, isolated objects like trees and get killing more than hurricanes, away from water. tornadoes and all other weather While moving to the safest combined. Learn more about spot, watch for the signs that Lightning Safety Awareness Week lightning may strike in a few at www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov. seconds. The hair might start Florida is the thunderstorm Following a few simple guidelines will give you a high degree of lightning standing up or your skin might capital of the U.S.; no other state safety. No place outside is safe near a thunderstorm - proper lightning start tingling, or light metal has nearly as much lightning. Most safety is a multi-level process. objects might start vibrating. of the electrical discharges are in If you see any of those signs Central Florida from Tampa to the local weather forecast and Once inside, don't use a corded and youíre in a group, spread out Titusville in an area often called know your local weather patterns telephone, keep away from with several body lengths between Lightning Alley. Florida also leads to schedule your outdoor activities electrical appliances and wiring, each person. Then use the 'light- the nation in lightning deaths and away from the thunderstorms. For and don't use plumbing. Don't ning crouch.' Put your feet injuries. KSC, use the 45th Weather watch lightning from windows, together, squat low, tuck your head Lightning inflicts life-long Squadron's forecasts doorways or breezeways. and cover your ears. After a brief debilitating injuries on many more (www.patrick.af.mil/45og/ In a large building, inner rooms wait, slowly stand-up, watching for than it kills. Is it worth destroying 45ws). are generally safer. If you can't get the signs that lightning may still your career and devastating your For outside of KSC, the to a good building, a vehicle with a strike, then continue toward the life and the lives of your family National Weather Service in metal roof and metal sides offers safest spot. No place outside is just to save a few minutes by Melbourne provides excellent some lightning protection. safe near a thunderstorm. dashing across the parking lot forecasts, including a new graphi- LEVEL-3: If you have to be LEVEL-5: First aid - all during a thunderstorm? cal depiction of when and where outside with thunderstorms in lightning deaths are from cardiac Fortunately, most lightning thunderstorms are most likely to the areas, avoid the locations and arrest, or stopped breathing from casualties can be easily avoided. occur (www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb). activities that are most danger- cardiac arrest. Simple CPR or While guaranteed lightning safety LEVEL-2: If you have to be ous. Avoid high elevations and rescue breathing is the recom- is not possible, following a few outside, use the '30-30 Rule.' If open areas, like sports fields or mended first aid. simple guidelines will give you a there is 30 seconds or less beaches. Florida has more than its share high degree of safety. Remember, between lightning and its thunder, Avoid water-related activities of lightning threat. While no no place outside is safe near a go inside. Stay inside for 30 like swimming, boating and guidelines can guarantee safety thunderstorm - proper lightning minutes or more after hearing the fishing. Do not go under a tree to against lightning, following a safety is a multi-level process. last thunder. The safest place from keep dry. Avoid heavy equipment simple set of rules will help you LEVEL-1: The first and best lightning is inside a large fully and farm equipment with open avoid the vast majority of lightning level of lightning safety is to avoid enclosed building with wiring and cockpits. casualties. Lightning kills. Play it the threat in the first place. Use plumbing, such as a typical house. LEVEL-4: If you find yourself safe! NASA exercises base support option and support services at KSC, FSA chooses director CCAFS and PAFB. Under the The Florida Space Authority NASA's Kennedy Space Center equipment maintenance services at contract, SGS provides facility and Board recently selected former (KSC) will extend its Joint Base Patrick Air Force Base (PAFB). infrastructure operations and NASA astronaut Captain Winston Operations Support Contract (J- The contract extension/ maintenance; fire protection, Scott to be its new executive BOSC) for one year to Space modification, valued at approxi- security services, transportation director. Gateway Support (SGS). mately $287.7 million, covers support, grounds maintenance and Since his retirement from the The contract includes a October 1, 2003, through Septem- other base support services. astronaut corps in 1999, Scott has modification to provide calibra- ber 30, 2004. The total contract SGS is a joint venture of served as a senior level adminis- tion services to the eastern range value, including exercised options, Northrop Grumman Technical trator at Florida State University, precision measurement equipment is more than $1.5 billion. Services, Inc., Herndon, Va.; Shaw first serving as vice president for laboratory on Cape Canaveral Air The J-BOSC is a performance- Infrastructure, Inc., San Diego; and student affairs and currently as Force Station (CCAFS) and based, cost-plus award fee Wackenhut Services, Inc., Palm associate dean of the FAMU-FSU transient alert aerospace ground contract to provide base operation Beach Gardens, Fla. College of Engineering. Page 8 SPACEPORT NEWS June 27, 2003 One NASA comes together through business program This is an ongoing series of stories from NASA centers on the for example, developed the One NASA concept. Federal Aviation Administration- certified Pilot Weather Advisor When Walter Kim talks about system using satellite technology the way NASA's Small Business to substantially increase the Innovation Research (SBIR) amount of weather information Program operates, the phrase E available to aircraft pilots in flight. Pluribus Unum - Out of many, one Phase I and II, funded by Langley - comes to mind. Research Center, resulted in the "While each NASA center has development and patent of the its unique capability and technical original system concept. expertise, we all follow the same Phase III, funded by Glenn, process under the SBIR Program," developed and demonstrated an explained Kim, Glenn Research affordable, commercially viable Center's SBIR program manager in satellite data link system for the the Commercial Technology dissemination of weather informa- Office. "The process involves tion. The Phase III effort led to a Headquarters and all NASA spin-off company, WeatherStream, centers working across the six which has since been acquired by strategic enterprises for one Weather Services International, common goal." Inc. Congress established the SBIR Glennís SBIR Manager Walter Kim and Chief of Power and Propulsion Sandra Reehorst hold Hall thrusters, a technology area where NASAís SBIR Kim, who began his career at Program in 1982 to ensure that the has contributed to improvements in electric propulsion for space applications. Glenn as a researcher in 1979, is best and most innovative concepts proud to be part of the SBIR become part of Federal research chosen solely for their technical role in the SBIR process," said Program. "I feel that I'm making a and development efforts that expertise," explained Kim. Kim. "In fact, more than half of contribution to the Agency and to benefit the nation. "Operating under this One NASA NASA's yearly procurement small businesses by helping to find Under the program, NASA field philosophy through the years has activities are SBIR-related, and a place for technological innova- centers identify critical technolo- required the cross-center team to Glenn has oversight for all Agency tion," said Kim, who received gies that are needed to enhance the consider all decisions within the SBIR procurement policies and NASA's Exceptional Achievement Agency's ability to meet mission context of what is best for the guidelines." Medal for outstanding leadership goals. Once those needs are Agency rather than for any one Fiscal year 2002 ended with of the SBIR Program and in the established, companies submit center." another successful season for area of technology transfer and proposals explaining how their Kim stressed the value of the SBIR Program. NASA commercialization in 1996. innovations would support NASA's strong communication among awarded more than 450 Phase I Working in the SBIR Program mission and how they plan to SBIR managers throughout the (feasibility and technical merit), for the past 13 years, Kim has pursue commercial applications centers. Managers meet monthly Phase II (promising develop- gotten to know and respect his for their products. through videoconferences and ment), and Phase III (commer- colleagues throughout all NASA SBIR companies then develop attend semiannual program cialization) contracts. Kim noted centers. He sees the program as a and commercialize their innova- management gatherings, where that throughout the years SBIR prime example of how cooperation tions through a three-phase they invite personnel involved in companies have worked with and collaboration breed success. process. the SBIR process. several centers on portions of Kim affirmed, "We all have our "The center(s) who collaborate "Many people within and the same contract. roles, but come together as one." with these small businesses are throughout the centers play a vital ViGYAN, Inc., Hampton, VA,

Employees "mugged" for safety awareness John F. Kennedy Space Center All NASA Civil Service teams randomly approached employees are actively working to employees from various Director- Spaceport News achieve the Voluntary Protection ates through face-to-face question Program (VPP) Star rating and answer outreaches. After certification. OSHAís audit of the answering a few questions, 64 safety program at KSC is sched- employees were awarded a black Spaceport News is an official publication of the Kennedy Space Center and is published on alternate Fridays by External Relations and Business uled for July 7-11. mug bearing a gold VPP/Star logo. Development in the interest of KSC civil service and contractor employees. Employees from the VPP Five "VPP well-aware" Contributions are welcome and should be submitted two weeks before Awareness team and the Institu- employees' names were drawn for publication to the Media Services Branch, XAE-1. E-mail submissions can be tional Safety & Quality Office ran grand prizes and presented prizes sent to [email protected] a contest to deliver 'awareness' by KSC Director Roy Bridges Jr., Managing editor...... Bruce Buckingham messages to find out what employ- including Peter Johnson (PH), Pat Editor...... Jeff Stuckey Klotz (TA), Virginia Krisingha ees already know about VPP. Editorial support provided by InDyne Inc. Writers Group. A VPP Mugging Awareness (YA), Michele Smith (UB) and NASA at KSC is located on the Internet at http://www.ksc.nasa.gov event was conducted in May when Stephen Tam (IT). USGPO: 733-133/600034