'HF 9RO1R 6SDFHSRUW 1HZV -RKQ).HQQHG\6SDFH&HQWHU$PHULFD¶VJDWHZD\WRWKHXQLYHUVH 2012 reshaped vision for space Contracts By Rebecca Regan next step in News crewed ISS n 2012, celebrated its 50th year and contin- missions I By Rebecca Regan ued transitioning from a historically government- Spaceport News only launch facility to an ASA announced affordable and sustainable Dec. 10 the next multiuser spaceport of the step in its plan to future. N launch American astronauts Kennedy teams were from U.S. soil, selecting involved in launching four three companies to conduct missions this year: two on activities under contracts expendable launch vehicles that will enable future and two commercial flights certification of commercial to the International Space spacecraft as safe to carry Station. The center also pre- humans to the International pared and then transported Space Station. three space shuttles to their Advances made by these final display sites, estab- CLICK ON PHOTO NASA American companies dur- lished strategic partnerships In this time-lapse image, the lights of Orbital Sciences' L-1011 "Stargazer" streak across the night sky as the aircraft takes off ing the first contract phase, and began the refurbish- from the runway at Kwajalein Atoll with the company's Pegasus rocket to launch NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array on June 13. known as the certification ment of existing infrastruc- products contracts (CPC), ture for future uses. troscopic Telescope Array through two extreme and Space Station on May 25 will begin the process of The Launch Services (NuSTAR) began its two- dynamic regions of space after launching three days ensuring integrated crew Program (LSP) launched year mission aboard an Or- that surround Earth. The earlier atop a Falcon 9 transportation systems will its first mission of the year bital Sciences’ Pegasus XL pair now is providing un- rocket from Space Launch meet agency safety require- June 13. The Nuclear Spec- rocket launched from the precedented details about Complex 40 at Cape Canav- ments and standards to Kwajalein Atoll in the Mar- the Van Allen region, which eral Air Force Station. As launch American astronauts shall Islands. Now operating can affect Earth’s communi- the company’s second dem- to the International Space in a low-Earth equatorial cations systems and electric onstration mission for the Station from the United orbit, NuSTAR is studying power grids. Commercial Orbital Trans- States, ending the agency’s high-energy X-ray light to Kennedy LSP workers portation Services program, reveal black holes lurking in also marched toward three the flight opened the door See CPC, Page 3 our Milky Way galaxy and launches planned for 2013, for regularly transporting those hidden in the hearts of one from Florida and two critical cargo and research faraway galaxies. from California’s Vanden- to and from the station. Kennedy On Aug. 30, the Ra- berg Air Force Base. A few months later, Infrastructure diation Belt Storm Probes Work to open a new SpaceX transitioned to the Reviewed mission began with a thun- frontier in space and to in- Commercial Resupply Ser- The Ground Systems dering early morning liftoff vest in the American com- vices phase, launching its Development and Operations aboard a United Launch Al- mercial aerospace industry first of 12 contracted resup- Program recently completed an liance Atlas V rocket from also began to pay off this ply missions to the station. important System Requirements Cape Canaveral Air Force year. Lifting off on Oct. 7, the Review/System Definition Review CLICK ON PHOTO NASA milestone in planning for SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Station. Now called the The Space Exploration Dragon spacecraft em- future operations at Dragon capsule lift off Oct. 7 from Van Allen Probes, the two Technologies (SpaceX) barked on a journey to de- Kennedy Space Center. Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape identical spacecraft loaded Dragon capsule became the liver about 1,000 pounds of Canaveral Air Force Station for the first See Page 4 for details . . . Commercial Resupply Services mission with scientific instruments first commercial spacecraft See , Page 2 to the International Space Station. are following each other to berth to the International 2012 Page 2 SPACEPORT NEWS Dec. 14, 2012

CLICK ON PHOTOS NASA images In 2012, Kennedy Space Center employees prepared NASA's space shuttles for their display sites across the country. Discovery, left, headed to Virginia first on April 17, followed by Endeavour, center, to Califor- nia on Sept. 21, and Atlantis, right, to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Nov. 2.

From 2012, Page 1 The agency’s first space-bound Shuttle Discovery was the first machines into space. Orion spacecraft arrived at Kenne- to depart Kennedy when it took In September, Kennedy hosted supplies to the orbiting laboratory. dy on June 28. It now is being pro- off atop the agency’s Shuttle Car- its first Innovation Expo to high- It also carried with it critical ma- cessed and tested for flight in the rier Aircraft (SCA) on April 17. light employee innovations and terials to support about 170 inves- Operations and Checkout Building The ferry flight to the Washington spur collaboration for future center tigations, some of which stemmed high bay. The first uncrewed mis- Dulles International Airport in and agency endeavors. from Kennedy’s Engineering and sion of Orion, called Exploration Virginia took about four hours. The Many organizations across Flight Test-1, is targeted to launch agency’s most-flown shuttle then Technology Directorate and the Kennedy collaborated to host a International Space Station Ground atop a Delta IV rocket in 2014. was transported to its new home at record-turnout year for its high- Processing and Research Director- NASA also is designing a heavy-lift the Smithsonian’s National Air and energy Lunabotics Mining Com- ate. rocket called the Space Launch Sys- Space Museum Steven F. Udvar- These commercial cargo flights tem that will launch future Orion Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. petition. Thirty-eight U.S. and 17 provide a glimpse of what com- spacecraft and astronauts farther On Sept. 21, Endeavour made international college and university mercial crew services to low-Earth into space than ever before from a three-day cross-country trek to teams spent months designing and orbit might look like in the future. Kennedy. Los Angeles with flyovers above building their versions of remote- Working with seven commercial To position the center as a pre- NASA’s Michoud Assembly Fa- controlled or autonomous excava- partners during the Commercial mier launch site for both govern- cility near New Orleans, Stennis tors, called lunabots, before head- Crew Development Round 2 phase, ment and commercial spaceflight Space Center in Mississippi, several ing to Kennedy to test them out in NASA’s Commercial Crew Pro- missions, the Ground Systems De- points around Houston and numer- a large sandbox filled with lunar gram (CCP) continued to move velopment and Operations Program ous California landmarks. The regolith simulant. promising spacecraft and launch is developing multipurpose ground agency’s youngest shuttle then was Another lunar terrain-focused vehicles concepts forward. systems and upgrading infrastruc- honored with a two-day, 12-mile project met with success in 2012. The program then signed new ture and facilities. parade as it traveled to the Califor- NASA’s Regolith and Environment This year, the program re- nia Science Center. agreements in August with three Science and Oxygen and Lunar companies for the Commercial moved hundreds of miles of cables NASA gave its final shuttle a Volatile Extraction (RESOLVE) Crew Integrated Capability initia- replacing it with state-of-the-art grand sendoff as it moved Atlan- payload was installed on the Cana- tive. Until mid-2014, CCP will work command, control and communi- tis from the VAB to the Kennedy with SpaceX, Sierra Nevada Corp. cation systems in the Vehicle As- Space Center Visitor Complex dian Space Agency rover, dubbed (SNC) and The Boeing Company sembly Building (VAB) and at pad on Nov. 2. Shuttle-era astronauts Artemis Jr., at Kennedy. The duo as they complete their integrated 39B. Workers also removed space and members of the workforce and a team of center engineers then spacecraft and launch vehicle shuttle-era work platforms from the who readied the shuttles for 30 traveled to Hilo, Hawaii, where the designs, test their hardware, and VAB to make room for a more flex- years cheered as Atlantis made a terrain is similar to the moon’s to showcase how they would operate ible concept and began to upgrade final daylong 10-mile trip through test how their tools and equipment and manage missions from launch a legacy crawler-transporter to sup- Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39, would drill for resources. through orbit and landing. port the SLS. Industrial Area and Exploration Partnering with commercial CCP also awarded the first While preparing for the fu- Park. A fireworks display that night customers has been a key focus of phase of contracts in certification ture, Kennedy workers closed welcomed Atlantis to its new home, the Center Planning and Develop- efforts for crewed missions to the out a historical chapter in human which is set to open to the public ment Office as Kennedy becomes space station. The Certification spaceflight. The team methodically next summer. less program-centric and more Products Contracts will allow processed space shuttles Discov- Celebrating the many accom- capability-centric. NASA and industry to iron out how ery, Endeavour and Atlantis for plishments of Kennedy and its As the United States embarks systems in development could meet their new missions to educate and workforce was a recurring theme on a new era of spaceflight through all of the agency’s safety and per- inspire America’s next generation throughout the year. In February, formance requirements. of explorers at display sites across NASA commemorated the 50-year government and commercial part- By investing in American-led the country. They also preserved anniversary of the Mercury-Atlas 6 nerships, Kennedy will continue to commercial space transportation unique shuttle-era hardware that mission, the successful first attempt build off its rich history of launch- systems for low-Earth orbit mis- NASA could call on for the future, at sending an American into orbit. ing humans and machines farther sions, NASA can focus on explor- such as the main en- The center then celebrated its own than imagined and remain the na- ing farther than ever before with its gines set to be repurposed for use anniversary in July, marking five tion’s premier launch complex for own rocket and spacecraft. on the SLS. decades of launching humans and decades to come. Dec. 14, 2012 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 3 Foam's future forming in space and industry programs, as well as the many of the best technolo- idea for it dating back to Langley Research Center. By Linda Herridge commercial world. gies in the world and un- 1998. “The foams and aerogels Spaceport News The thermal insulation derstand applications where “The LCI system is the can be in different forms aterials designed system known as layered they can best be used.” world record holder for the and be put together in many with specialized composite insulation (LCI) Jeff Kohler is the busi- lowest thermal conductiv- different ways,” Fesmire thermal proper- and the foam-aerogel com- ness manager for QinetiQ ity insulation system in a said. “It is currently made M posite material, known as North America and supports soft vacuum environment,” in molded forms using heat- ties have been integral com- ponents of NASA’s space AeroFoam, were assigned Kennedy’s Technology Fesmire said. “It is made oven equipment.” shuttles and other launch U.S. Patent numbers in 2005 Transfer Office. He said an into blanket forms like Fesmire said both tech- vehicles for many years. and 2010 respectively. Just exclusive research license multilayer insulation, but nologies could be tailored Now, two thermal insula- recently, exclusive research is a short-term license that includes a third element of for a wide range of differ- tion systems developed by licenses for these technolo- allows a company to look at a high surface area material ent applications, including scientists at Kennedy Space gies were granted to Flexure technologies and determine such as aerogel powder.” cryogenic piping and tanks, Center may have applica- LLC. how they want to develop The AeroFoam tech- building construction, super- tion for future exploration Cody Bateman, the chief them. nology, with origins back conducting power cables, executive officer of Flexure, “A short-term exclu- to 2002, was developed hydrogen cars and space said there are numerous sive research license helps jointly by Fesmire, Trent exploration habitats. applications and industry protect their investment by Smith, who is now strategic “The number of applica- crossovers, particularly in granting them exclusive communications manager tions in industry is almost transportation and construc- rights to the intellectual for the Commercial Crew limitless,” Bateman said. tion, which could benefit property associated with the Program, lead polymer sci- Bateman added that from these technologies. invention,” Kohler said. entist Dr. Martha Williams there is still a significant “Flexure has a strong LCI was developed by in the Polymers Science amount of research required working relationship with senior principal investigator and Technology Labora- to commercialize these NASA at Kennedy and God- James Fesmire and senior tory, lead engineer Jared technologies. The first com- dard Space Flight Center,” principal scientist Dr. Stan Sass at Kennedy’s CTL, and mercial use is scheduled for CLICK ON PHOTO NASA/James Fesmire Bateman said. “Since we Augustynowicz, co-found- Dr. Eric Weiser, who was a The thermal insulation system called 2013, as several corpora- AeroFoam was developed at the specialize in cryogenics en- ers of the Cryogenics Test senior materials engineer in tions have shown significant Cryogenics Testbed Laboratory. gineering, we are exposed to Laboratory (CTL), with the the Research Directorate at interest.

“NASA and its industry partners are com- From CPC, Page 1 developing engineering standards, tests and mitted to the goal of safely and cost-effectively analyses of the crew transportation systems reliance on Russia for these transportation ser- launching astronauts from home within the next design. vices. five years.” “I congratulate the three companies for their The second phase of certification will result in During the Phase 1 CPC contracts, from Jan. selection,” said Ed Mango, CCP manager at Ken- a separately competed contract. 22, 2013, through May 30, 2014, the companies nedy Space Center. “This is the program’s first CPC contractors are The Boeing Company will work with the Commercial Crew Program major, fixed-price contract. The effort will bring of Houston for $9.9 million; Sierra Nevada Corp. (CCP) to discuss and develop products to imple- space system designs within NASA’s safety and (SNC) of Louisville, Colo., for $10 million; and ment the agency’s flight safety and performance performance expectations for future flights to the Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) of requirements. This includes implementation International Space Station.” Hawthorne, Calif., for $9.5 million. across all aspects of the space system, including The second phase of the certification contract, “These contracts represent important progress the spacecraft, launch vehicle, and ground and expected to begin in mid-2014, will involve a full in restoring human spaceflight capabilities to the mission operations. and open competition. It will include the final United States,” said Phil McAlister, director of Under the contract, a certification plan will be development, testing and verifications necessary the Commercial Spaceflight Development Divi- developed to achieve safe, crewed missions to the to allow crewed demonstration flights to the space sion at NASA Headquarters. space station. This includes data that will result in station.

NASA's Commercial Crew Program Partners for International Space Station Mission Phase 1 Certification Efforts Boeing's CST-100 SNC's Dream Chaser SpaceX's Dragon

CLICK ON PHOTOS Page 4 SPACEPORT NEWS Dec. 14, 2012 Reviews establish future infrastructure needs By Bob Granath spacecraft,” said Tammy GSDO teams specialize Unlike previous work here at Kennedy. The SLS Spaceport News Annis, SRR/SDR lead in multiple areas of develop- focusing on a single kind of design is less mature at this in GSDO. “To meet this ment and operations at the launch vehicle, such as the stage, so we have to con- he Ground Systems goal we need to develop center. The current focus Saturn V rocket or space Development and tinue discussions with the the ground systems, infra- is on establishing program shuttle, engineers and man- Operations (GSDO) people in Flight Systems as T structure and operational requirements, architectures agers in GSDO are prepar- we design the integration fa- Program recently com- approaches to sustain that and operations planning. ing infrastructure to support pleted an important System cilities and mobile launcher mission.” The Vehicle Integration several different kinds of Requirements Review/ umbilical connecting points The 37-member board and Launch team researches spacecraft and rockets that System Definition Review between ground systems reviewed reports on the equipment, management are in development. (SRR/SDR) as part of plan- and the rocket.” products such as Kennedy’s and operations required to “Our focus on this ning for future operations Tim Honeycutt, the future infrastructure needs, safely attach a spacecraft to review is the ground infra- at Kennedy Space Center. Technical Management including estimates on cost, a rocket, move the launch structure of Orion and SLS,” The reviews help establish branch chief in GSDO Pro- schedule and technical data. vehicle to the pad and suc- Horvath said. “However, we the groundwork needed to gram Integration, says that “The teams have devel- cessfully send it into space. are continuing to evaluate launch the Orion spacecraft he is pleased with progress oped 42 products of which The Offline Process- strategic investment op- atop the Space Launch Sys- so far. 16 were reviewed during ing and Integration Team is portunities that will enable tem (SLS) rocket beginning “We’ve determined what the SRR/SDR process,” said developing ways to process us to best align the unique in 2017. the issues are and we’re Greg Horvath, division chief the Orion spacecraft, rocket capabilities of the Kennedy The SRR/SDR began developing a good strategy in GSDO Program Integra- stages and the launch abort Space Center with commer- July 11 with a kickoff tion. system before they are as- cial space pursuits as those to mitigate them,” he said. meeting in which GSDO “These reports included sembled into one vehicle. plans mature.” “It positions us well as we presented a summary of its studies by teams that fo- Another group is mod- Horvath explained that it move forward.” program planning, require- cused on program-level ernizing the Command, is important for the GSDO, The next step, the Pre- ments, architecture and integration, vehicle integra- Control, Communications SLS and Orion Programs to liminary Design Review, operations documentation tion and functional program and Range Systems involved work closely together so that begins in November 2013. required for the milestone. requirements,” he said. in launching astronauts into they all get to the planned “That review will allow The goal was to determine The review board in- space. In addition to bring- first launch in 2017. us to evaluate preliminary the center’s infrastructure cludes representatives from ing computers, tracking “We’re focusing on designs of new systems here needs for future programs NASA Headquarters, the systems and other networks building ground systems at Kennedy and better estab- and establish work plans SLS and Orion Programs, up to date, the team is creat- with interfaces to flight lish where we need to make for the preliminary design mission operations, the as- ing systems that can manage vehicles,” he said. “Orion’s prudent modifications to phase. tronaut office and Kennedy several different kinds of systems are reasonably ma- existing systems,” “This GSDO team has intuitional organizations. spacecraft and rockets. ture, with hardware already Honeycutt said. done superb work in achiev- ing this important mile- stone,” said Pepper Phillips, GSDO Program manager. “This thorough review has validated that our baseline architecture is sound and aligns with the agency’s ex- ploration objectives.” GSDO is determining what systems and facilities will be required to support launching SLS with Orion atop it from Kennedy. Orion is NASA’s multi-purpose crew vehicle that will pro- vide a new capability for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit. SLS is a powerful new rocket in development that will take astronauts farther into space than ever before. “Our mission is to en- NASA/Kim Shiflett sure we can process and CLICK ON PHOTO The mobile launcher stands at Kennedy Space Center's 39B during structural and functional engineering tests Nov. 28. The mobile launcher is being modi- launch the next genera- fied to support the . The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program recently completed an important System Requirements Review/ tion of launch vehicles and System Definition Review and plan for future infrastructure needs. Dec. 14, 2012 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 5 Scenes Around Kennedy Space Center

CLICK ON PHOTO NASA NASA astronaut Scott Kelly participates in a NASA/Roscosmos press conference Dec. 5 at Johnson Space Center, preview- ing his upcoming yearlong International Space Station expedition with Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko (not pictured). At Kelly's right is Johnson Space Center Public Affairs moderator Josh Byerly.

CLICK ON PHOTO NASA/Charisse Nahser A special fixture that enables precise prelaunch processing stands in place around an Orion spacecraft inside the high bay of the Operations and Checkout Building on Dec. 6. This Orion capsule is being prepared for a flight test in 2014 on a mis- sion that will not carry any astronauts.

CLICK ON PHOTO NASA/Charisse Nahser Workers inside the Space Station Processing Facility position the orbital replacement unit for the International Space Sta- tion's main bus switching unit Dec. 4 as they prepare to pack the unit in a shipping container. The unit will be shipped to Japan at the beginning of 2013 for the HTV-4 launch, which currently is scheduled for later in the year.

NASA/Dan Casper Kennedy Space Center workers involved with the Grass Valley 440 Video Switcher in the Launch Control Center, Room 1P2, simultaneously turn off the Reader-submitted photo switcher for the last time Nov. 30 after 33 years of operations. The switcher was The Kennedy Space Center Running Club took part in the 17th Annual Reindeer Run on Dec. 1 at Cherie Down Park in used to support the 's processing activities, launches and Cape Canaveral. From left are Troy Cochran, Nathan Wood, Daisy Mueller, Laura Midulla, Shaun Daly, Catherine Daly, Ru- landings. The 192 input by 512 output analog video switcher encompassed 22 biela Vinje and Timothy Bass. The club, which became official in July under the NASA Exchange, set up a booth and handed equipment racks, each 10 feet tall, which was big for its time, both in capacity and out outreach items, including decals, newsletters and information related to innovation at NASA. The club was created to physical size. encourage walking, jogging and running, with a focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Page 6 SPACEPORT NEWS Dec. 14, 2012 2012 KSC Holiday Coffees Dec. 14, 2012 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 7 Page 8 SPACEPORT NEWS Dec. 14, 2012 Co-op program changes its 'path, ways' By Brittney Longley the Presidential Management Spaceport News Fellows Program. Students who previously were ighly regarded as a busi- referred to as co-ops now are nessman and motivational known under the new program Hspeaker, Nido Qubein also as Pathways interns. is known for his quote, “Change “The name change is a cultural brings opportunity.” change for NASA and those are Change is bringing more op- always difficult with any company,” portunities not only to students, but said Josephine Pereira, Pathways to veterans as well, as the program program and recruitment manager. formerly known as the Cooperative Another big change is that vet- Education (Co-op) Program transi- erans receive absolute preference, tions into the Pathways Intern Em- whereas they previously were given ployment Program. priority consideration. The transition officially began The Center Recruitment and May 11 after an executive order Pathways Program Office at was issued. While there are signi- Kennedy Space Center rolled out CLICK ON PHOTO NASA ficat differences between the two the new program by informing Emmanuel Magala, an intern with Spaceport Command Control Systems, pours super-cooled liquid programs, both give students op- current students of the changes and into a vacuum-insulated sealed pipe for testing in the Cryogenic Testing Facility at Kennedy Space portunities to work with the federal creating a Pathways Roadshow. Center in 2010. government as they reach for the The office also made presenta- Human Resources reached out “Overall, the program is still stars. tions during directorate staff meet- to almost every directorate through- giving students the opportunity to The Pathways program ings to ensure that all directorate out a two-month timespan, provid- enhance their education pursuits contains three components: the leaders were aware of the changes, ing a chance to answer questions and broaden their understanding Intern Employment Program, the hiring options and how the changes that any hiring authority might of the work being conducted at Recent Graduate Program, and would affect current students. have. NASA,” Pereira said. Interns showcase experiences By Brittney Longley ment. Mentors, supervisors and directors also Spaceport News may attend. rom processing purchase orders to work- Anthony Bharrat, an intern with the Flight ing on plant habitats, six permanent Computers, Data and Software Branch of the Pathways interns showcased the lessons Engineer and Technology Directorate had the F opportunity to share his experience of working they learned outside of the classroom at the 2012 fall Pathways student showcase at the Kennedy the Plant Habitat project. Bharrat developed Learning Institute on Dec. 5. software that will put data into the required The showcase was designed for students format for proper communication between the CLICK ON PHOTO NASA/Charisse Nahser to highlight their accomplishments and inform Plant Habitat and the International Space Station. Pathways intern Anthony Bharrat, studying at the University of Cen- tral Florida, talks about working on the Plant Habitat project Dec. 5 other students of the role they play at Kennedy “I learn something new every day at Kenne- at the Kennedy Learning Institute. Space Center. Under the Pathways Intern Em- dy. The people are always so nice and everyone ployment Program, any intern who began work- is willing to help,” Bharrat said. program and recruitment manager. “We often ing at Kennedy after Jan. 1, 2012, must present a “The showcase is a really good way to allow get so encompassed in our work, and this show- project to their peers and program coordinators students to understand what is going on around case allows us to see what role we all play in in order to become eligible for full-time employ- the center,” said Josephine Pereira, Pathways Kennedy’s future.”

Danielle Walker Steven Gilmore Ashley Keegan Jake Hochstadt Ashley Williams “It has been “Having the “I’m thankful “I've been “This has an exciting opportunity to have had able to see been an adventure to contribute the opportunity how NASA amazing learning the to the future to support the is embracing opportunity processes of of Kennedy, Procurement new where I have NASA, and and ultimately Directorate's technologies. gained vital being able American Engineering My experience experience to relate the space and Projects at Kennedy and on-the-job experience with my exploration, has been a Office. I learned something new and short time at NASA knowledge that will allow me to course work.” once-in-a-lifetime experience.” and different every day.” Headquarters was eye-opening.” further my career.” Dec. 14, 2012 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 9 Shuttle-era facility conducive to NASA locomotives By Anna Heiney Each locomotive weighs Spaceport News about 159,000 pounds, not including the trucks that add ne of the NASA Railroad locomo- another 89,000 pounds to tives recently the 248,000-pound total. O "We were interested in the received a major upgrade, made possible by on-site cost savings," said Rom- resources already avail- mel Rubio, launch vehicle able inside a Space Shuttle offline elements operation Program-era facility at Ken- manager in Kennedy's nedy Space Center. Ground Systems Develop- The Rotation, Processing ment and Operations Pro- and Surge Facility (RPSF) gram (GSDO). "The cranes NASA/Jim Grossmann on the north side of the are already there; we only An overhead crane lifts NASA locomotive No. 3 off its trucks inside the Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility at Kennedy had to pay for the people." center's Launch Complex Space Center on Nov. 27 for positioning atop the trucks previously used by locomotive No. 2. 39 area was built in 1984 The entire operation to handle the massive solid to now show the capabilities of the rail work now that going to be actually using," was done in less than one rocket motor segments that that we have here." the shuttle era is over. But explained NASA Railroad work shift Nov. 27, and the arrived by rail. It is now Kennedy owns three locomotive No. 2 had the manager John Thiers. locomotives returned to the being used to service those EMD SW-1500 locomo- better set of wheel and axle "These wheels and trucks NASA Railroad Yard that locomotives. tives, workhorses that have assemblies, or trucks. So (to be moved to locomo- same day. "This facility has never more than pulled their managers decided to swap tive No. 3) are almost brand "They were all for it lifted or done anything weight hauling solid rocket trucks between those two new," said Mike Stephens, because it would show other other than shuttle segments motor segments in and out locomotives. the railroad lead for contrac- uses for that building, and and shuttle parts," said of the launch complex. "We want to use the best tor Yang Enterprises. "We it worked out great for us," Kevin Panik, manager Years ago, the NASA Rail- equipment and the most rebuilt them here years ago Stephens said. "Now loco- of the RPSF. "This is a road team carefully restored environmentally friendly . . . we didn't want to let motive No. 3 is in it for the really historic time for us at locomotive No. 3, which equipment that we can on them go when we'll need long haul. It's good for 25 (Kennedy), that we're able currently handles much the locomotives that we're them." years at the blink of an eye." Brevard Space Week inspires future explorers By Bob Granath Week for Delaware North Com- Spaceport News panies Parks and Resorts. “This is the tenth year we’ve done this, and ords over the entrance to the reaction from the students has the Exploration Space always been enthusiastic.” Wexhibit at the Kennedy The projects included a scaven- Space Center Visitor Complex de- ger hunt among full-scale mockups clare, “Explorers Wanted.” Between of historic launch vehicles. Students Nov. 26 and Dec. 7, thousands of were asked to match the mission future astronauts, scientists and with the rocket it supported. There CLICK ON PHOTO NASA/Tim Jacobs engineers walked through those also was an engineering exercise Teams of five students use kits with identical plastic pieces to build a space station-like truss at the doors during Brevard County Space Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Dec. 4. Following construction, weights were added to allowing the students to design and determine their strength, and points were awarded based on how much weight each could support. Week. This year, 5,300 sixth-graders build a structure, and then test how in Brevard County were bused to well it would hold up. “It’s amazing how many different Kennedy Space Center gives local Kennedy’s visitor complex for an “Each team of five students designs the groups come up with.” students an advantage. educational program designed to en- was given a kit with identical plastic Anne-Marie Chamberlin, a “We’re lucky to live on the courage interest in science, technol- pieces to build a space station-like sixth-grade teacher at Sable Elemen- Space Coast,” she said. “Kids are ogy, engineering and mathematics truss,” said Julie Clements of the tary School in Melbourne, felt the having fun learning away from the (STEM) careers. Delaware North Education Office. special activity was worth the effort. monotony of the regular classroom “Over a period of nine days, we Following construction, weights “It’s really great to see the kids work.” had all the sixth-graders throughout were added to determine the strength so engaged,” she said. “I appreciate the county come in for science dem- of each truss. this opportunity for the students to onstrations and hands-on activities,” “The teams were awarded points learn about our space program and to Read the full story online: said Kerri Lubeski, senior educator based on how much weight their experience this first-hand.” http://go.nasa.gov/X6Njzf and coordinator of Brevard Space truss would support,” Clements said. Chamberlin feels living near the Page 10 SPACEPORT NEWS Dec. 14, 2012 Students accelerate NASA technologies to market By Anna Heiney and faculty,” Coats said. the ‘Four Ps’,” McAlindon Spaceport News “We create a path to market, explained. “It stands for pat- determine how the technol- ents, partners, prospects and ennedy Space Cen- ogy can be commercialized, packaging.” ter is getting help and create a business plan.” The group started by re- transferring innova- K The partnership kicked searching the patent in order tive space technologies to off in September with a pilot to determine what set the the marketplace, thanks to project in which the Rollins new sensor apart from exist- a new partnership between team evaluated and created ing sensors. It then reached NASA and Rollins College a commercialization plan for out to industry partners. in Winter Park, Fla. the inductive position sensor “First, we really had to Under a new Space Act developed by NASA’s Rob- understand how this tech- Agreement, a small team of ert Youngquist and Stephen nology fits with all the other MBA students and faculty advisors from the school’s Simmons of Easi. The tech- technologies out there,” CLICK ON PHOTO SGT/John Hampton Center for Advanced Entre- nology is a series of three McAlindon said. “Then we An original inductive position sensor developed by NASA’s Robert Youngquist small inductors that align in called people in the field and Stephen Simmons of Easi is seen behind the prototype kit developed by a preneurship will thoroughly team of MBA students and faculty advisors from the Rollins College Center for such a way that any slight who know all about sensors, analyze a patented NASA Advanced Entrepreneurship. The kit will be sent to potential licensees as part of a technology, then provide movement by the middle to help us identify holes in commercialization plan. NASA’s Technology Trans- inductor is detected because the market and where this of the change in magnetic technology can be applied.” ness model for a possible ment. fer Office at Kennedy with start-up company.” With the trial success- recommendations for poten- fields. This information can These subject-matter be fed electronically to a experts helped narrow a list And the students’ enthu- fully completed, the non- tial licensees and marketing siasm was reflected in the reimbursable Space Act strategies, as well as insight device that needs precise of “prospects” -- specific alignment in order to make markets and individuals to finished product. Agreement will be signed gathered from industry ex- “The presentation and in time for the start of the perts. corrections. target for possible commer- Although the sensor was cialization opportunities. professionalism shown by spring term in January, with “These ‘second-tier the students was outstand- the Rollins team working technologies’ are patented developed to support mea- Finally, the team considered suring the depths of very packaging -- the best way ing. They were genuinely on one new technology per and they have merit, but it’s excited about the project term during two of the three hard to aggressively market small defects on the space to get a prototype of the and even offered to continue terms per year. Although them with so many tech- shuttle orbiter windows, technology into the hands of working on it into the next it’s written as a three-year nologies ahead of them in it could be beneficial any- companies who potentially school semester,” said Jim agreement, it could be ex- the queue,” explained Jeff where volume is tight but could license it. Nichols, NASA licensing tended if the partnership Kohler of QinetiQ North high sensitivity is needed “If you can show some- manager. thrives. America, who leads a team over a range of positions, one the technology, it works Kennedy’s Innovative “These students were supporting NASA’s technol- including medical, optical, a lot better than sharing pa- Partnerships Office will just giddy at the opportu- ogy transfer activities at machining and automotive pers or formulas,” McAlin- use these results to pursue nity,” Coats said. “The idea Kennedy. Through the new uses. don said. “They all want opportunities with indus- that they could have a role in partnership, “NASA gets the The Rollins team is technical specifications and try. Typically, the agency bringing to market a NASA benefit of an extra boost for comprised of professor Dr. ask to actually see a sen- licenses the patent to a com- technology -- a brand that some technologies we could Peter McAlindon, advisor sor. So the students took a pany that develops it into carries significant weight only passively market, and Sergie Albino, and four prototype and built a custom a saleable product. Royal- -- is very exciting. We’re the students get the experi- student participants, all of housing, and made it so you ties NASA earns through thrilled to get them out of ence of working with real- whom brought previous can attach it to whatever these sales are used toward the classroom and provide a world technologies.” technical or business experi- you’re working on and see further technology develop- real-world opportunity.” When NASA contacted ence to the project. Two of how it performs.” the school to explore the the students, Carlos Capiro The Rollins MBA team possibility of such a partner- and Pankaj Patil, work with presented its commercial- ship, the concept sounded major defense contractors ization plan to NASA at the promising to Cari Coats, and have engineering back- school’s Winter Park cam- executive director of Rol- grounds. The other two, pus Dec. 6, at the close of lins’ Center for Advanced Jason Goldberg and Steven the fall term. Entrepreneurship at the Madow, came into the proj- “The students more than Crummer Graduate School ect with extensive business exceeded our expectations of Business. She believed a experience, one in informa- in the development of a model the school was apply- tion technology and the commercialization and ing in another partnership other in Web development. marketing plan for the non- also would work well for Throughout the project, contact position sensor,” SGT/John Hampton collaboration with Kennedy. the team followed a process Kohler said after the presen- NASA representatives and Rollins College MBA team members gather for a group “NASA sources the established at the start of the tation. “They went beyond photo Dec. 6. From left are Pete McAlindon, professor, Rollins College; Lew Parrish, QinetiQ North America; Robert Youngquist, NASA; Jim Nichols, NASA; technology and Rollins Col- term. the traditional scope of a Sergie Albino, advisor from Caveat Engineering; students Jason Goldberg, Steve lege sources the students “We call our process plan and developed a busi- Madow, Pankaj Patil and Carlos Capiro; and Jeff Kohler, QinetiQ North America. Page 11 SPACEPORT NEWS Dec. 14, 2012

KSC team places third NASA Employees of the Month: December in 30th SWAT roundup By Steven Siceloff Several members of the team Spaceport News have participated in the competi- tion numerous times, including progression of obstacle competition team leader Charles courses simulating Pedrick. real-life emergency situa- A “The first year I came, we tions tested Kennedy Space Cen- placed in the high teens,” Pedrick ter’s Emergency Response Team said. “Ever since then, we kept fin- (ERT) during the annual SWAT NASA/Rick Wetherington Round-Up International. The ishing higher and higher.” The competition is set up to Employees for the month of December are, from left, Shaun R. Marsee, Engineering Directorate; Orlando-based competition, now in Thomas M. Elam, Center Operations; and Ana R. Stark, Launch Services Program. Not pictured are its 30th year, pitted special opera- test a SWAT team’s ability and David M. Bradford, Chief Financial Office; Andrew W. Swift, Ground Processing Directorate; Michael D. tions squads from law enforcement fitness, factors the teams have to Hogue, Engineering Directorate; and Douglas W. Newsome, Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate. agencies around the world against master in real life. For instance, in Pedrick’s each other in difficult races against In celebration of Kennedy Space Center's the clock. Fifty-one teams took part favorite event, known as Super in this year’s event. SWAT, the officer has to run a mile 50th anniversary, enjoy this vintage photo . . . The Kennedy team, made up in a gas mask, stop and shoot a tar- of eight competitors representing get about the size of an index card the spaceport’s elite ERT, came from 15 yards before repeating that FROM THE VAULT into the weeklong competition as task twice more for a total of three defending champions. After five miles and three targets. days of events, the team finished The roundup also offers spe- this year’s roundup in third place, cialized classes for the officers about two minutes out of first who come from departments all place. Marion County’s team won over Florida, the Midwest, Texas the event, with San Antonio finish- and California. Overseas squads ing second. take part, too, including teams “This annual training gives us from Hungary, Switzerland, Swe- a chance to test our skills against den and Bosnia. Several South some of the best teams in the American and Caribbean Island world,” said Mark Borsi, chief of nations also competed. Security at Kennedy. “Defending “It builds real camaraderie a championship is something we’d among the teams,” Pedrick said. really like to do, but it’s not really “You get to reach out to the other CLICK ON PHOTO NASA file/1968 necessary for us to feel good about teams, develop some training op- During a light moment in the Astronaut Suiting Laboratory 44 years ago, a technician presents ourselves and protect the center.” portunities.” Apollo 8 Commander Frank Borman with a holiday stocking prior to his six-day lunar orbital mis- sion with James Lovell and William Anders. The crew launched Dec. 21, 1968, from the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A.

John F. Kennedy Space Center Spaceport News

Spaceport News is an official publication of the Kennedy Space Center and is published online bi-weekly by Public Affairs in the interest of KSC civil service and contractor employees. Contributions are welcome and should be submitted three weeks before publication to Public Affairs, IMCS-440. Email submissions can be sent to KSC-Spaceport-News@mail..gov

Managing editor ...... Candrea Thomas Assistant managing editor ...... Stephanie Covey Editor ...... Frank Ochoa-Gonzales Copy editor ...... Kay Grinter NASA/Jim Grossmann The Emergency Response Team from Kennedy Space Center competes in the 30th Annual SWAT Editorial support provided by Abacus Technology Corp. Writers Group. Round-Up International in Orlando on Dec. 5. The competition pitted special operations squads from Learn more about NASA's Kennedy Space Center at www.nasa.gov/kennedy law enforcement agencies around the world in races against time through obstacle courses and shoot- SP-2012-11-262-KSC ing ranges.