March 21, 2003 Vol. 42, No. 6 Spaceport News America’s gateway to the universe. Leading the world in preparing and launching missions to Earth and beyond. http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/snews/snewstoc.htm John F. Kennedy Space Center

KSC managers Schirra, Lovell cheer KSC workers visit East Texas Former astronauts Jim Lovell and Wally Schirra recovery team spoke to KSC employees March 3, offering encourage- ment to workers to help get the space program “back on its feet.” Kennedy Space Center Through all their comments ran a theme of wonder at Director Roy Bridges Jr. and the scientific knowledge and ability of workers to work a group of senior NASA together to accomplish the feats of putting men and and contractor managers women into orbit and on the moon. toured Columbia recovery They stressed it would take that kind of coordinated sites in East Texas during effort to find and fix the problem encountered by the last week in March, Columbia on its last mission. boosting the morale of Said Lovell, “In our present problem, we’ve got to search and recovery look for a solution, fix it and then continue…. This is workers. sometimes risky business, but the rewards that we get, The group visited the the work that we do, the innovations and the technol- sites and participated in the ogy … that spills over to the private sector, are worth search to view the progress the risk.” of the work and to cheer on Center Director Roy Bridges Jr. recounted highlights workers in the field who are of their NASA careers, especially Gemini 6/7 and recovering and safeguard- Apollo 13 launches, both of which included unexpected ing pieces of the orbiter. events and near catastrophes. “When I went to Texas to Lovell stated, “Things don’t always work the way visit our NASA KSC Team you think they’re going to work and the only way to of approximately 250 overcome the problems is to work hard and find the people, representing our solutions to fix the problem and continue. That was civil service and contractor true on Gemini 6/7. workforce, I found that we Schirra recalled Gemini 6, and having to wait for (See TEXAS, Page 6) another launch attempt after an Agena rocket exploded (see sidebar). Astronauts Jim Lovell and Wally Schirra give a thumbs (See MORALE, Page 7) up to KSC employees during their March 3 visit. Inside GALEX launch to be determined The Galaxy Evolution Explorer Pages 2-3 – “Recognizing Our (GALEX) will take flight from Cape People” honors employees; Canaveral for launch over the VPP update. Atlantic Ocean on a launch date Pages 4-5 – “Remembering yet to be determined at press time. Our Heritage”: Vanguard 1 GALEX is designed to be an launches 45 years ago. orbiting space telescope that will observe galaxies in ultraviolet light across 10 billion years of cosmic history. Such observations will tell scientists how galaxies, the basic structures of our universe, evolve and change. . Additionally, GALEX will probe NASA’s Galaxy Evolution Explorer spacecraft is successfully rotated to the causes of star formation during horizontal in preparation for mating with the Pegasus XL launch vehicle. Page 8 – Special exhibits at a period when most of the stars and The GALEX, which will launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, will KSC Visitor Complex. carry into space an orbiting telescope that will observe a million galaxies (See GALEX, Page 8) across 10 billion years of cosmic history. Page 2 SPACEPORT NEWS March 21, 2003 Recognizing Our People

Parrish appointed to Inventions and Contributions Board

NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe has from his current endeavors future propulsion and launch systems NASA appointed three new members to the Inventions in experimental chemistry requires to move to the next generation systems and Contributions Board (ICB): Dr. Clyde and his setup of production necessary “To explore the universe and search Parrish, Dr. Biliyar Bhat and Dr. Donald Braun. scale chemical processes for life.” The ICB, chaired by the chief engineer,+ while working in industry. Dr. Bhat currently heads the Metallurgy Theron Bradley, was established in 1958 under Dr. Parrish also has almost Research Team at the NASA Marshall Space the Space Act that created NASA. two decades in academics Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., and is repre- The board is comprised of more than a dozen instructing at the graduate senting NASA’s space transportation systems scientists and engineers representing the many level which will serve the to DOD as partnerships are developed with their technical disciplines involved in NASA research ICB well as NASA moves to space launch programs. and development. The ICB has statutory “Inspire the next generation Dr. Braun’s skills in scientific computer responsibility to recommend to the administra- of explorers.” programming and in experimental data signal tor the granting of waivers to property rights in In addition, Dr. Parrish has more than a dozen processing will bring much needed expertise in inventions and to recommend an individual patents, more than 100 publications and journal these areas to the ICB. Dr. Braun’s designs for monetary award for significant scientific and articles, and won the NASA Commercial systems that evaluate and find solutions for the technical contributions to NASA’s aeronautical Invention of the Year in 2000 for his process adverse effects of icing on airfoils provide a and space activities. that converts launch gas waste products to major contribution to NASA’s civil aviation The ICB’s work provides an important fertilizer. Dr. Parrish is currently a senior chemist efforts as we seek “To understand and protect incentive to NASA employees as well as our at KSC in Spaceport Technology Development. our home planet.” industry and academic partners to contribute to Dr. Bhat’s appointment will give the ICB Dr. Braun is a computer engineer at the NASA “Innovation…As Only NASA Can.” significant expertise in the area of advanced Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field in Cleve- Kennedy Space Center’s Dr. Parrish brings to metallic materials as well as welding and allied land, Ohio, where he is the Center expert in the ICB’s deliberations considerable expertise processes, particularly as they pertain to the digital signal processing. Kissiah inducted into Hall of Fame

The Space Foundation recently announced the selection of the largest group of inductees in the 15-year history of the Space Technology Hall of Fame. This year’s Hall of Fame space technologies run the gamut – from a medical implant that helps thousands of Americans hear better to a device for disarming mine fields. The six technologies being inducted this year are cochlear implant, digital latching valve, humanitarian demining device, monolithic microwave integrated circuit technology, virtual window, and VisiScreen. Adam Kissiah, Jr., a retired NASA Kennedy Space Center engineer developed the technology for the cochlear omplant, a digital implantable hearing aid, using the skills and knowledge he acquired from work on the Space Shuttle program, particularly electronic sensing systems, telemetry, and sounds and vibrations sensors. The Cochlear Implant Association estimates more than 66,000 patients have March Employees of the Month received an implant in this $1.65 billion industry. The Space Foundation will honor the technologies and March Employees of the Month from left are Paul Davis, ISS/Payloads innovators during the Space Technology Hall of Fame 15th Processing; Timothy Freeland, Procurement Office; Kyle Longstreth, Shuttle Anniversary Awards Dinner April 10. Processing; Betty Kegley, Executive Staff; Wayne Kee, Spaceport Services; The Space Foundation, in cooperation with NASA, Donald Pittman, Spaceport Engineering & Technology. Not shown are Amber established the Space Technology Hall of Fame in 1988 to Hufft, Office of the Chief Counsel; Charles Gambaro, Cape Canaveral Spaceport Management Office; Cheryle Mako, ELV & Payload Carriers honor the innovators who have transformed space Programs. technology into commercial products, to increase public awareness of the benefits of space spin-off technology and to encourage further innovation. March 21, 2003 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 3

Manager NASA KSC seeks VPP Star rating of Year Contractors also pursue designation

nominations To exceed the required commitment to safety and “KSC is using the OSHA VPP program as the health initiatives at Kennedy Space Center, the Center is impetus to completely review its safety program, sought working to achieve the Voluntary Protection Program correct deficiencies and make major improvements,” (VPP) Star rating. said Humberto Garrido, associate director, Safety and The Florida Space Coast VPP is a national program sponsored by the Occupa- Mission Assurance, in the Safety, Health and Indepen- Council (FSCC) of the Na- tional Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) which dent Assessment Directorate. “OSHA’s VPP is the tool tional Management Associa- recognizes and promotes effective safety and health our center director has chosen to build a world class tion (NMA) is sponsoring management. safety and health program at KSC. the Brevard County Manager VPP is a Centerwide initiative that is supported by “This effort will require everyone’s active participa- of the Year Award and needs NASA. tion – civil servants, contractors, unions, supervisors your nominations. Currently Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va.; and management.” This prestigious award will Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas; JSC White A team consisting of about 15 percent of the NASA be presented at the FSCC Sands Test Facility, Las Cruces, N.M.; and Ames KSC workforce has been involved in efforts to improve NMA Awards Banquet Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., are VPP sites, and the safety and health programs. during Management Week in several other Centers are in varying degrees of VPP Currently, about 55 of the 250 potential program Florida in conjunction with readiness. improvements remain to be addressed prior to the next Management Week in Several KSC contractors are also pursuing VPP milestone—OSHA’s audit of the program at KSC is America (June 2-7). certification. scheduled for July 7-11. This provides an excellent Boeing Payload Services is working toward having an “VPP implementation will indeed demonstrate KSC’s opportunity to recognize the application ready in early 2004. Space Gateway Support commitment to its first guiding principle, Safety and significant achievements of a and United Space Alliance are already VPP sites with Health First,” Garrido added. manager/leader within your OSHA scheduled to reaudit them May 12-23. “Our continued success with all of our operations organization. According to Dave Facemire, NASA-KSC’s VPP and endeavors is tied very closely to our entire team The recipient is selected program manager, the VPP application was completed understanding the hazards of their jobs and the by a panel comprising and sent to OSHA in late February. controls necessary to ensure an accident-free environ- leaders from areas such as An outside review of the NASA KSC Safety and ment,” said Center Director Roy Bridges Jr. news, banking, education, Health Program was conducted in December by STAR “At KSC, we need every employee focused on medical and business. Consultants, a company with a good record of helping safety and health issues. VPP helps us to do that by Visit the FSSC Web site at organizations prepare for obtaining VPP status. its requirement to get each of you involved in identify- www.fsccnma.org for “The review was very complimentary of our efforts ing and controlling hazards before we hurt someone.” instructions. For further and recognized that we have many programs that are on For VPP information visit: http:// information, contact Mike the forefront in safety and health,” said Facemire. “This kscsafety.ksc.nasa.gov/vpppage.htm; http:// Woolley at (321) 730-5518. program has allowed us to make positive improvements. kscsafety.ksc.nasa.gov/svipage.htm; http:// Nominations must be It’s taken the Safety and Health Program from one where www.osha.gov/oshprogs/vpp; submitted by March 26. safety was done for you, to a program that is owned by http://usago1.ksc.nasa.gov/hq/vpp; or http:// all employees and managers.” sgs.ksc.nasa.gov/safety/safety/vpp/vpp.html

Toastmasters host contest

The KSC Club International Speech and Table Topics Contests were held Feb. 26 at KSC Headquarters. KSC Toastmasters President Dr. Francis Merceret, pictured at the podium, addresses the group during the contest. The winners of the 2003 KSC Spring Contests were Jose Amador for International Speech and Doresa Perry for Table Topics. They will represent the local chapter at the Area 11 Contest April 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Cocoa Beach Library. Page 4 SPACEPORT NEWS March 21, 2003

By Anita Barrett

In March 1955, the Eisenhower Administration supported the International Geophysical Year (IGY), which extended from July 1, 1957, through December 31, 1958, by approving a plan to orbit a series of instrumented Earth satellites. The IGY was an international effort to advance scientific studies of Earth. This effort was the first not tied to a weapons system. From it would emerge Vanguard 1, launched 45 years ago on March 17, 1958. The Vanguard 1 would carry a The Vanguard rocket was tiny 3.25-pound, 6.4-inch-diameter designed as a three-stage vehicle Remembering Our Heritage spherical tracking satellite made of using a modified Viking rocket as aluminum to study the effects of first stage, an Aeroject second the environment on a satellite and stage and a solid-fueled Altair third its systems in Earth orbit. It also stage. The Martin Company was was to be used to obtain geodetic the prime contractor. measurements through orbit “[After] the Navy got the go analysis. ahead . . it didn’t leave much time, Needing to determine what especially with no priority,” said rockets and satellites would be John Neilon, who was a member of launched, a committee under the Data Processing Section of the Donald Quarles was formed. Vanguard Operations Group (VOG). Quarles was assistant secretary His principal job was getting radar of defense for research and installed and ensuring successful development. He formed the operation. Advisory Group on Special “They had no facilities at Cape Capabilities, later known as the Canaveral and were competing for Stewart Committee for its chairman, services with people who did have Homer J. Stewart. The eight them. However, in a remarkable John Neilon (left) works the console at Patrick Air Force Base, tracking members represented the Army, instance of inter-service coopera- the launch vehicle. Neilon was with the Data Processing Section of the Navy, Air Force and Defense. The tion, facilities were found (not Vanguard Operations Group for Vanguard 1. three options presented were a always deluxe) and the Air Force flight.” clearance, turn the transmitter on, multi-stage version of the Army’s agreed to share Complex 18, which Skip Mackey was another young verify its performance, turn it off, Redstone missile as a booster; a was a two-pad complex being built engineer working on Vanguard. On shut the station down and report to multi-stage version of the Navy’s for the Thor program.” active duty with the Navy, he was the complex manager that it was Viking research rocket, later known Another member of the VOG was assigned to the project as a ready for flight. All by myself, with as the Vanguard; and the Air Don Sheppard, who was in the telemetry engineer. Conditions no one else watching, and no Force’s Atlas missile. Electronic Instrumentation Branch were very different back then, and paperwork. Interestingly, they all Vanguard was selected in August at the Naval Research Laboratory shortage of personnel required worked fine in flight!” 1955. The Viking rocket had and came to Cape Canaveral with unusual steps, which he recalls: “I Six test launches were scheduled already proved its ability to carry the VOG in 1956. would get a telemetry package from for the Vanguard. Development an 852-pound payload 158 miles “I had the first stage telemetry NRL, unpack it, check it out, tune it problems postponed the first until into space, when the Navy transmitter which was essential for up, seal it up for flight, pressurize Dec. 8, 1956. A second test launch launched it May 24, 1954. evaluating performance of the it, load it into a jeep, run it to the occurred May 1, 1957. A third test Objectives of Project Vanguard rocket,” said Sheppard. “My job complex, tell the complex manager occurred Oct. 23, 1957, just weeks were to develop and procure a included procurement, testing, that I had to install it in the vehicle, after Russia launched Sputnik I. satellite-launching vehicle; to place preparing it for flight and installing drive to the pad, unbolt the cover “The Sputnik was a real disap- at least one satellite in orbit around it in the launch vehicle on the plate on the vehicle, install and pointment to us but of course we the earth during IGY; to accomplish launch pad. During tests and hook up the transmitter, bolt the kept working,” said John Neilon. one scientific experiment; and to launch countdowns, I was in the cover plate back into place, go to “The Sputnik. . . changed the track flight to demonstrate the blockhouse to operate the telem- the blockhouse, turn on the ground rules for what had been a satellite actually attained orbit. The etry equipment on ground power telemetry ground station, get radio scientific program into one where latter was especially important. and switch to internal power before March 21, 2003 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 5

45 years ago: Vanguard I launches

Group shot: Members of the Vanguard Operations Group representing the Navy and Naval Research Lab. Kneeling in front are Skip Mackey (fifth from left) and Don Sheppard (sixth from left). In the second row are John Neilon (fourth from left), Don Mazur (eighth from left), and Helen Evans (second from right). national prestige was involved. about 2 seconds after liftoff. A Hangar S at the Cape where the solar powered transmitters on Schedules became more important second failure occurred Feb. 5, whole team was assembled waiting board allowed for precise tracking and other agencies were pressed 1958. Finally, TV-4, carrying the word. We were getting pretty edgy which led to the discovery that the into service to launch satellites.” Vanguard-1 satellite, lifted into because we had no word by the earth is pear shaped. In all, three Skip Mackey remembers being orbit March 17, 1958. time the signal should have been were successfully launched from stunned and somewhat disbeliev- Still, there was a tense couple of picked up in California. (Tracking Cape Canaveral. ing. “I remember setting up a hours waiting for the signal that systems in those days weren’t Original estimates had makeshift antenna on the roof of the satellite was working. anywhere near as sophisticated as Vanguard’s orbit lasting for 2,000 Hangar S to prove to ourselves that “We had the long wait to see if they are today.) After what seemed years. Later that estimate was it was real. I remember the first the satellite was actually in orbit,” like an eternity, Dan Mazur, the changed to 1,000. But it was pass, when the characteristic ‘beep- said Sheppard. “A nominal orbit manager of the Vanguard Opera- discovered that solar radiation beep-beep’ came out of the receiver. would have a period of about 90 tions Group, came in. . . after pressure and atmospheric drag We all had tears in our eyes. It was minutes but that time came and receiving a phone call and an- during high levels of solar activity real all right.” went and we were thinking ‘oh-oh.’ nounced, with a big smile on his decreased its expected lifetime to Helen Evans, a secretary with the But finally the signal was received face, ‘They have it on the yagi in only about 240 years. The battery- Vanguard Operations Group, also – quite a bit later because we had San Diego.’ (The yagi is a tracking powered transmitter stopped remembers the effect of the Sputnik achieved a 2,000-mile apogee and antenna.) I honestly don’t recall operating in June 1958 when the launch on morale. “We were all an orbit that would last for whether the cheers were louder batteries ran down. The solar- blue. But we knew we would ‘show hundreds of years. So there was than the sighs of relief but there powered transmitter operated until them’ when we launched Vanguard great joy in Mudville after all.” were plenty of both.” May 1964 (when the last signals and so just kept working.” Neilon remembers the wait as Vanguard was the first U.S. were received in Quito, Ecuador) With another Russian launch of well. “My battle station was at rocket designed for the specific after which the spacecraft was Sputnik II in November, the Patrick AFB at the AN/FPS-16 purpose of launching satellites, and optically tracked from Earth. decision was made to attempt to radar. Since we were tracking the represented the first program on Vanguard was not the first U.S. launch a satellite into orbit around vehicle, I knew that all was going Cape Canaveral that was not tied to satellite to reach space, however. the Earth on the next available well when it went over the horizon, a weapons system. The Army Ballistic Missile Agency Vanguard, known as TV-3. but a lot can happen from there It was also the first use of solar successfully launched Explorer I On Dec. 6, 1957, TV-3 exploded until orbit is achieved. I drove the cells for power in space. While it aboard a four-stage version of its on Cape Canaveral Launch Pad 18A 20 or so miles from Patrick to carried no experiments per se, the Redstone missile Jan. 31, 1958. March 21, 2003 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 6

TEXAS ... (Continued from Page 1) were integrated into an organiza- tion of about 5,300 people at Lufkin and four remote sites. Most of these were from the U.S. Forest Service, but many other federal agencies are represented by smaller numbers,” Bridges said. “All are working long hours in extremely harsh conditions and living in less than ideal quarters in many cases. They are all making a significant difference in our return to flight. They come from all over the United States. What a great ‘All American’ Team!” About 40-50 KSC workers from NASA, United Space Alliance, the Boeing Co. and Space Gateway Support rotate in and out of the recovery team every week, said KSC Launch Manager Ed Mango, who is serving as KSC recovery director. The Mishap Investigation Team Roy Bridges Jr. and senior Kennedy Space Center (MIT) is coordinating the recovery managers visited Columbia search and recovery efforts out of the Lufkin Command workers in the field March 27-29 to help boost their Center. Johnson Space Center morale. At left (from left), Gerry Schumann, Safety & NASA and contractor workers are Process Assurance Branch of the Shuttle in the field, but the lion’s share of Processing Directorate; Roy Bridges Jr., KSC the recovery support from the director; and Mike Butchko, president of Space space program is being provided Gateway Support, are briefed on the mapping and by KSC. the search process that they will be supporting in “We have our KSC technicians, the Sabine National Forest. Above, the team briefing is held in the Sabine National Forest engineers and quality and safety (Bridges and Butchko pictured at right) prior to the workers in the field because they morning search. are familiar with the Shuttle and can identify the parts and alert other is serving as Bridges’ intern. “It The hours are long for all of the general they are thrilled to be recovery team members of potential was a reminder of how much the recovery workers and managers. helping us get Columbia home. hazards,” Mango said. public greatly values and supports Line workers walk the woods in rain Many of the firefighters are Native Mango is one of a number of the space program.” and cold temperatures from dawn Americans and some of them do a KSC representatives who have Many members of the public, to dusk seven days a week. Those sort of victory/celebration chant been working at the field sites and including those from the East Texas staffing the command center pull whenever a large piece is found. command center since Feb. 1. area, have sent messages of 12- to 14-hour days. They feel, and we believe, that About 3,200 Forest Service support to members of the space Security workers guard retrieved every piece we find helps keep the Firefighters and 400 Environmental program. A letter from a pieces in shifts around the clock at space program going.” Protection Agency (EPA) workers Nacogdoches resident, which was the East Texas field sites at Accompanying Bridges on the comprise most of the other given to Bridges during his visit, Hemphill, Nacogdoches, Corsicana trip were David Culp, Don Myrick, personnel supporting the search shows her shared grief over the and Palestine and at the Barksdale, Steve Minute, Doug Lyons, Bill and recovery effort. Firefighters are Columbia tragedy: “ … I’m proud of La., collection site before they are Dowdell, Charlie Abner, Mike providing ground searches in the us as a country and as a nation, shipped to KSC. Butchko, Bob Herman, Chuck fields, with the EPA workers that we can collectively mourn for Bridges’ visit greatly boosted Fontana and John Elbon. supporting the firefighters and the seven people we have never met morale of all the workers because it The group left KSC for Lufkin, collection at field sites. who had the courage to take the showed them he cares about what’s Texas, March 27. The following day Space program workers accom- risks few of us would dare attempt. being done in the field and they visited the Hemphill, pany lines of firefighter searchers I’m proud that we will take the time appreciates their efforts, Mango Nacogdoches, Corsicana and through the briar-filled woods to to bow our heads in honor of these said. The firefighters especially Palestine field sites and then identify Shuttle parts and pieces as seven and treat them with the were impressed that Bridges took returned to KSC on the third day of they are found and to advise the dignity they deserve. I’m also time to make the visit. the trip. search team on potential dangers. proud of the fact that we have gone “The firefighters were greatly “The welcome we received from Space program workers also are on, as we did after 9/11. … That we enthused and that helps psyche up the recovery teams in East Texas supporting helicopter-based search have once again not allowed the rest of us,” Mango said. “In was overwhelming,” said Culp, who efforts. tragedy to immobilize us. …” March 21, 2003 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 7

MORALE ... (Continued from Page 1)

Lovell said Apollo 8 was the high point of his career, recognizing “how great it was to work with the kind of people who can get us to the moon. “On Apollo 13 we learned something different,” he added. “We had the opportunity to work together [from space and on the ground] to face the crisis and get us back from an almost cata- strophic situation.” Bridges then asked for ques- tions, starting with one of his own. Following are excerpts of the astronauts responses:

Q. People question whether the human space program is valuable. In the RLV Hangar, looking over a piece of Columbia debris are (from left) Launch Director Mike Leinbach, Do you have a perspective on that Acting Deputy Director of External Relations & Business Development Lisa Malone, Space Shuttle Test Director you would like to share? Steve Altemus, reconstruction engineer John Cowart, and former astronauts Wally Schirra and Jim Lovell. The A. Lovell: That has been asked latter two visited several sites, encouraging workers to help get the space program “back on its feet.” since NASA became NASA. [As to the cost] we do not spend one cent commitment that keeps you going. we’ve already seen your a part of, Station]... to keep that work in space, we spend it ALL here on We have to keep the enthusiasm of can show the world we are not going. Earth. You are in a creative going to space alive and they in handicapped in staying here. program. You bring something turn will be enthused about Q. Can you tell us what it’s like Their last words to the KSC back to the people whose tax learning how to go there. seeing the Earth from space? team were “Do good work,” money is supporting you. The A. Lovell: The Earth is a small (Schirra, quoting Gus Grissom) and money spent by industry and Q. What are your perceptions of object… hold up your thumb and “We have a great program. Keep contractors comes back to the the public’s reaction to this mishap you can hide the Earth behind it. charging. Don’t give up” (Lovell). government in the form of taxes, with Columbia? It’s a very small, insignificant Go to the KSC Internal Home either individual or corporate. The A. Lovell: I was at the airport. . planet and we have limited Page http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/nasa- space program has done more to . when the news came and there resources. We must learn how to only/internal.html to view the full get people interested in education wasn’t a sense of resignation utilize them. It is the most beautiful video. than any other program. because we have been so success- thing you can see from the moon – Schirra: “To go higher, farther ful. Just loss. The public had which is nothing but gray. You can and faster” than anyone else was become complacent with the see the blues of the oceans, the Agena problem our goal. We did and we can. We routine of space launches, but cloud covers, and the pinks, bumped Gemini 6 every once in a while it comes salmons and browns of the ground are all enthused about what you to after Gemini 7 can do to get the program back on back to remind us that this is a below. risky business. Everyone I talk to its feet. Gemini 6 was scheduled to says this should not stop the Q. Do you have any ideas of be launched before Gemini 7 program, we should find out the how we should proceed in the way Q. Was there ever a time you (with astronaut Jim Lovell cause. We have an obligation now of future space vehicles? doubted you’d be coming back aboard) and rendezvous with not just to our own country but our A. Schirra: We have to tell our (from Apollo 13)? another unmanned target. international partners. story better, convince the public A. Lovell: No. We thought what An Agena rocket had been and politicians that we are in a do we have to operate with and modified for use as a target Q. Would there be any benefit to business we are serious about. . . what can we do to get us back vehicle for the planned orbital going back to the moon or other and sell NASA to the people, press home. As we worked with the rendezvous and docking planets, or just focus on the corps and advertisers. ground looking at one crisis after tests, but the unmanned benefits of low-Earth orbit, like the Lovell: We’re down to three another. . . that and a little bit of rocket exploded shortly after Space Station? orbiters and we have a program faith kept our confidence going liftoff A. Schirra: It’s the same thought that requires us to support the that we’d overcome this particular G-6 was immediately that I talked about, going higher, International Space Station. We catastrophe and get us back home. postponed and rescheduled farther and faster. I don’t want to have to look seriously at develop- to follow the Gemini 7 into limit the “farther” in our original ing a new Earth-to-low-Earth Q. What would you tell the space and rendezvous with it. vision. It’s going to take a lot of orbit transportation system. youth today if they want to become This was the first ever work to develop new technology Either improve the present orbiter astronauts? close rendezvous of two and new propulsion systems. And or a new approach. We have to A. Schirra: Study the basic manned spacecraft. sciences. . . and make a commit- if we can go faster we can go to have something that will take ment to study and learn. It’s the Mars. A committed team, which more than three people [to the Page 8 SPACEPORT NEWS March 21, 2003 GALEX ... Visitor Complex hosts special exhibits (Continued from Page 1) Guests at Kennedy Space Center elements we see today had their Visitor Complex can celebrate the origins. 100th anniversary of powered flight Led by the California Institute of by glimpsing both the history of Technology, GALEX will conduct human flight – a replica of man’s several first-of-a-kind sky surveys, first powered flight vehicle, the including an extra-galactic (beyond Wright Flyer – as well as an our galaxy) ultraviolet all-sky interactive exhibit featuring one of survey. mankind’s greatest technological During its 29-month mission achievements to date, the Interna- GALEX will produce the first tional Space Station. comprehensive map of a universe Both the Wright Flyer Replica of galaxies under construction, and “Space Station Imagination” bringing us closer to understand- exhibits are included with admis- ing how galaxies like our own Milky sion to the Visitor Complex. Way were formed. Nearly 100 years after the dawn GALEX will also identify celestial of powered flight, a highly authen- The Wright Flyer Replica (above) and “Space Station Imagination” are two objects for further study with tic replica of the Wright Flyer, the new temporary exhibits at the KSC Visitor Complex. ongoing and future missions. plane that launched a century of GALEX data will populate a technological advances, launches a 650-pound plane was built using large, unprecedented archive journey of its own. drawings from the Smithsonian’s linked in an L-shape to form two available to the entire astronomical The American Institute of National Air and Space Museum, modules of the space station: the community and to the general Aeronautics and Astronautics where the original is on display. Habitation Module, or living public. (AIAA) 1903 Wright Flyer, the Later, rigorous wind tunnel tests quarters, where the astronauts Scientists would like to under- result of a 20-year effort to faith- conducted at NASA Ames Re- sleep, eat and tend to personal stand when the stars that we see fully reproduce Orville and Wilbur search Center allowed experienced hygiene; and the Laboratory today and the chemical elements Wright’s historic biplane, will visit pilots to virtually simulate the Module, where multiple that make up our Milky Way galaxy 10 destinations nationwide and be nearly impossible conditions of microgravity experiments are were formed. seen by an estimated two-million that initial flight. performed. With its ultraviolet observations, people. On exhibit through March 24 is a Visitors do not see exact replicas GALEX will fill in one of the key The tour is sponsored by the special International Space Station of what the modules would look pieces of this puzzle. AIAA as part of its “Evolution of exhibit. Johnson Space Center has like, but rather examples of features GALEX is a small explorer class Flight” centennial celebration. brought the exhibit, which will give of these two modules. mission that is part of NASA’s The replica will be on display in visitors the opportunity to feel Animatronics “astronaut” Dr. ® structure and evolution of the the west wing of the IMAX what it’s like to live in space on Emily greets visitors to the exhibit universe theme. Theater at the Visitor Complex board the International Space as she awakens to start her day on These are relatively inexpensive through May 10. Station. board this international orbiting science missions that typically The first full-scale replica of the Visitors will board an interactive laboratory. weigh approximately 500 pounds or 1903 Wright Flyer, and the only one display and catch a glimpse of how Displays show how a space toilet less. GALEX will be launched by a to be wind-tunnel-tested, the AIAA astronauts live and work on board and shower work like vacuum Pegasus XL rocket and will orbit Flyer is a virtual museum of the the space station. cleaners with very little gravity, as 428 miles above Earth for 29 Wrights’ groundbreaking work. “Space Station Imagination” well as how astronauts eat and months. Among other distinctions, the comprises two 48-foot trailers, sleep aboard the space station.

John F. Kennedy Space Center All-American Picnic April 26 Spaceport News The KSC All-American Picnic will be held Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at KARS I. All KSC employees and their families are invited to attend. Activities planned include a Car Show, the Annual Chili Cook-Off, Spaceport News is an official publication of the Kennedy Space Center and is published on alternate Fridays by External Relations and Business exciting exhibits and entertainment, children’s activities and family Development in the interest of KSC civil service and contractor employees. sports, and, of course, food! Contributions are welcome and should be submitted two weeks before Patrick Breen, ISS/Payloads Processing Directorate, and Roy publication to the Media Services Branch, XAE-1. E-mail submissions can be Tharpe, Boeing, are co-chairs for planning this year’s event. sent to [email protected] Volunteers are needed to support all activities at the picnic. If Managing editor...... Bruce Buckingham you would like to volunteer, please contact Mark Biesack at 321- Editor...... Kathy Hagood 867-6288. Editorial support provided by InDyne Inc. Writers Group. Look for additional information in upcoming Spaceport News, NASA at KSC is located on the Internet at http://www.ksc.nasa.gov KSC Daily News, KSC Countdown and contractor newsletters. USGPO: 733-133/600027