SPACE CENTER

October 6, 2000 Roundup VOL. 39, NO. 20 L YNDON B. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSTON,

Inspection2000 features NASA technology Why Inspection? available for real-world applications pening the door to NASA research and development so that the American economy and rom spacesuits to firesuits Ð 300 degrees for currently used suits. O marketplace can take full advantage of NASA technology can be It will be double sealed, exposing no skin its resources, and turn it into improved F applied to almost any areas and providing protection against industry to help improve existing hazardous materials. The suit also will efficiency, jobs, technology and a products, materials or processes. offer greater impact protection. stronger America is what That’s the thinking behind The design is still evolving. The suit Inspection2000 is all about. Inspection, JSC’s annual open- ultimately could have an integrated modern Each day, tremendous work is done door event for industry, helmet with duplex radio, infrared imaging at NASA field centers, from missile researchers, scientists and to search for fire victims, biodata and research and defense systems to businesspeople, which will be held temperature sensors, and readouts on the improvements in the aviation system November 1, 2 and 3. status of its life support system. and development of the safest vehicle To conquer and expand the Dr. Kumar Krishen, chief technologist in ever, the . But it is not frontier of space, NASA must the Technology Transfer and Commercial- enough to just do these things. continuously develop new ization Office, Tico Foley, an aerospace Most of us are well aware of the technologies and overcome extreme engineer in the Habitability and great strides made at NASA any given challenges. This leads to Environmental Factors Office day, and the challenges we must breakthroughs in almost every field, of JSC’s Office of overcome to reach those successes. from food and clothing to computer Bioastronautics and But to get the absolute most value from systems and communications. Yet, Astromaterials, and our efforts we have to share those many of these solutions remain firefighters have advancements and we have to untapped for problems on Earth. identified about 40 communicate them. However, through Inspection, potential areas for high- Inspection is the venue to do just JSC is able to initiate partnerships tech improvements. that. Inspection makes NASA with industries and people who One is the technology available to those might have never considered cooling solving problems in our nation’s NASA as a counterpart before. commercial marketplace. In “We are trying to reach more of NASA JSC Photo s99-11669 turn, it affords the NASA team the non-aerospace-related markets,” Above: NASA spacesuit tech- explains Inspection2000 Chairperson nology is helping to improve with an opportunity to investig- Charlene Gilbert. “There are many the efficiency and perfor- ate better approaches to our mance of this firefighter suit, own challenges. Through markets that have little exposure to space worn by JSC Engineer Dom Inspection, we can draw from research and on the surface, they don’t see Del Rosso. any connection with NASA to the the expertise and experience of challenges they face. But once they have Right: Aerospace Engineer the broader community as well an opportunity to talk with NASA Tico Foley demonstrates as identify areas where the connection of the Super collaborative work would be engineers, dig beneath the surface, and Critical Air Mobility Pack define the technical obstacles, they (SCAMP) to a traditional mutually advantageous. frequently find that there are many firefighter’s mask. Inspection is JSC’s similarities between the two.” opportunity to interface with the With that in mind, the center will be mobility and better commercial counterparts in a open for three days for visitors from a communications. wide range of markets. Every wide range of sectors in the business, JSC, working with the year, engineers, scientists, science and academic backgrounds to Houston Fire Department, academics, researchers, doctors peruse the near-three hundred exhibits KSC, Aerospace Design and and hundreds of other profes- showcasing NASA technology and talk Development, the Department sionals are invited to see our with JSC professionals. More than 2,500 of Defense, and Lockheed center’s developing technology guests are expected to attend the event, Martin, is developing a that incorporate revolutionary now in its fourth year. prototype suit that could processes to work. Even fields that initially seem worlds double the time a firefighter can battle a capability. “With protection from both JSC has emphasized commercial away from space-related technology may blaze before having to rest and cool off. internal and external heat sources, the outreach and technology transfer as find some parallel challenges. Such was The advanced firefighter’s suit will use firefighter will be able to extend the time “our commitment to develop new ways the case with spacesuit technology that is a number of state-of-the-art NASA available to perform the tasks of saving of doing business.” We have been now being used for firefighter suits. technologies. Among them is active lives and property,” Foley said. cooling, protecting the firefighter from challenged to make significant changes in the way we do business Ð to be Hot news for firefighters metabolic heat trapped in the suit. To register for Inspection2000 or The technology that protects space- more efficient and deliver more benefits Combined with new fabrics on the outer for additional information visit the Web walking may soon be available garment, the liquid cooling inner garment to the American people for less. Each site at http://inspection.jsc.nasa.gov/, to firefighters on the ground through the can allow more lengthy exposure to of us can do our part by participating in development of an advanced suit that temperatures of up to 500 degrees call (281) 244-1316 or E-mail events such as Inspection. offers greater protection, endurance, Fahrenheit, compared to a maximum of inspection@jsc..gov.

JSC staff and Genesis payload Clinic announces site poised for readies for mission new approach Inspection. to collect solar dust. to onsite care.

Page 2 Page 3 Page 7 2 October 6, 2000 SPACE CENTER Roundup

Now showing… Getting around Inspection2000

t Inspection2000 the exhibits will be organized in six A centralized building locations, along with exhibits at Ellington Field and Sonny Carter Training Facility (SCTF). Also, new this year are guided bus tours ensuring guests have the opportunity to visit JSC’s other unique facilities and labs. Each of the tours will run three times daily each day and will last approximately 90 minutes each. All bus tours will Here’s a preview begin and end at Bldg. 9. Gilruth 207 Recreation Visitors can participate in three Center Registration and different guided tours. of exhibits and Exit Check-in Exit to Space Center Blvd to NASA Road 1 North Bound 220 via Space Center Blvd Human Factors Facilities buildings open to ❖ B15 Ð Graphics Research and Avenue B Analysis Facility and Inspection2000 49 Water Buses to Anthropometry and Biomechanics Tower 37 Ellington Field and Sonny Carter Facility visitors... Training Facility ❖ B17 Ð Food Systems Engineering 36 9 N Facility On-site Bus Route ❖ B29 Ð BioPlex Building 2 31 9 S Listen to daily presentations in the 32 Bus Stops Testing Facilities Tour Teague Auditorium featuring keynote ❖ B14 Ð Radio Frequency Test

Avenue C Street 4th speakers such as Astronauts John Young, 10 First Aid Facilities (anechoic and EMI Dave Williams and Franklin Chang-Díaz. chambers) Additional exhibits will also be on 47 11 8 ❖ Food Service B49 Ð Vibration and Acoustic display here. and Gift Shop Test Facility 48 29 ❖ B353 Ð Energy Systems Test Area 46 30 7 Building 5 Information (Resource Conversion Test See how some of JSC’s cutting-edge Facility) training technologies, such as robotics and 45 12 4N 5 Guest Parking virtual reality, are helping to prepare crews Unique Facilities Tour 4S ❖ for the challenges of space flight. Also Buildings Open B16 Ð SES for Inspection 2000 ❖ B32 Ð Vacuum Chamber and inside are the Shuttle Mission Simulator 3 16 TransHab and Space Station Training Facility. 17 1 ❖ B31 Ð Lunar Sample Laboratory 14 2 Building 9N 1515 Other guided tours (non-bus) are Building 9N showcases the shuttle and 13 available in or near specific build- International Space Station mockups and ings, such as: trainers. Visitors can also see other JSC Avenue D ❖ B9NE Ð Robotics Laboratories robotics and virtual reality technologies 5th Street 2nd Street 2nd (twice a day); being developed to assist flight crew with ❖ B10 Ð Manufacturing Technolo- space flight tasks. Guests can see human Rocket Street 3rd gies (walking tour from 9S); tissue growing in a bioreactor’s rotating Park NASA Road 1 ❖ B30 Ð Original Mission Control vessel, which mimics zero gravity. Or see Center, Telescience Support the revolutionary new drug delivery Center and new Mission Control system known as microencapsulation. 110 Security

Exit 1 Road NASA to Center (every 20 minutes); In this building, visitors can also see Saturn Lane ❖ B30 Ð Emergency Operations exhibits from other centers and field Center and Weather Center (every offices such as White Sands Test Entrance 20 min); and Facility’s Micrometeoroid and Orbital Main ❖ SCTF Ð Magnetoplasma Propul- Debris research exhibit. Entrance NASA technologies sion Research Lab (every half Visitors can “refuel” in the Paris Café To I-45 hour). and then embark on guided tours to other on exhibit: JSC sites or catch a bus that will take Building 220 Propulsion, energy systems, Visitors can visit the following sites The X-38 Crew Return Vehicle, them to Sonny Carter Training Facility human factors, product design at their own pace. and Ellington Field. designed by JSC engineers, incorporates and analysis, materials, ❖ B5 Ð Shuttle Mission Simulator, A reception will be held here each some of the most advanced concepts in flight vehicle aerodynamics. Here visitors instrumentation, workflow, Space Station Training Facility evening for Inspection2000 visitors. ❖ B9 Ð International Space Station can see the vehicle and learn more about networks, automation, Building 9S and 10 some of its cutting-edge advancements mockups and trainer facility, vir- environmental, medical, life tual reality for EVA, air-bearing Here visitors can see one of JSC’s such as electromechanical actuators. support, business management, floor, shuttle/space station manufacturing and material technologies Visitors can also see the revolutionary workforce, education, training, hydraulic hardware arms. including one of our most amazing Laser Tracker, used to develop 3-D ❖ B9S Ð Composites Manufacturing emerging technologies Ð carbon surface imaging. robotics, virtual reality, and ❖ B220 Ð X-38, Laser Tracker nanotubes, which at only 1/16 the weight manufacturing. ❖ SCTF Ð Neutral Buoyancy of steel, offer 10 times more strength. Gilruth Recreation Center Visitors can walk through time and see Laboratory ❖ Building 13 just a few of the advancements that have shuttle flight controls on the left side to Ellington Field Ð Shuttle Training Guests can peruse through a wide range improved our daily lives in the Benefits help train shuttle pilots to land the orbiter. Aircraft, T-38s, WB-57, Shuttle of engineering and technology exhibits of Space trailer. Then, walking through You’ll also be able to see the pristine Carrier Aircraft. highlighting NASA’s developing research. the L-shaped International Space Station T-38 jets used by astronauts to maintain Individual tours can be arranged, trailer, they can see what’s in store from aviation proficiency and the WB-57 High as warranted from booths in core Building 30 the orbiting station. Altitude Research Aircraft. buildings for the following sites: Building 30 visitors will get to see ❖ B12 Ð JSC Language Education JSC’s historic landmark when they visit Ellington Field Sonny Carter Training Facility Center the Apollo Control Center. They also can View JSC’s renowned aircraft See the world’s largest indoor pool, ❖ B15 Ð Receiving Inspection and see the advancements in mission control operations at this on-airport site. Peek the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, which Testing Laboratory concepts in the new Mission Control into the Super Guppy Aircraft, a one-of- is used to train crews how to ❖ B17 Ð Integrated Design Center Center and see the latest in our weather a-kind plane specially designed to maneuver in low gravity environments. ❖ B222 Ð Atmospheric Reentry forecasting capabilities in the Weather transport the extra-large components for And see the Magnetoplasma Propulsion Materials and Structures Evalua- Center. Building 30 also hosts our the International Space Station. Take a Lab, where some of JSC’s leading edge tion Facility Telescience Support Center, the look at the unique cockpit of the Shuttle propulsion research is being conducted Emergency Operations Center and Space Training Aircraft that has standard that might possibly bring humans to Mars Operations Management Office exhibits. aircraft flight controls on the right and and beyond. SPACE CENTER Roundup October 6, 2000 3 JSC readies Genesis for space flight Experiment will bring back first extraterrestrial samples since Apollo

or the first time since Apollo, JSC estimated for 2003, should help researchers scientists are preparing to once again resolve many unanswered questions about F receive extraterrestrial samples from the origination of the solar system. space. Genesis, a satellite that will capture “The main objective of the Genesis solar wind particles and return them to the mission is to understand the materials and Earth for analysis, was recently shipped processes involved in the origin and from JSC to Lockheed Martin in Denver evolution of the solar system,” said Eileen for spacecraft installation and from there Stansbery, Ph.D., and JSC assistant chief, will be headed to Planetary Science. Researchers in JSC’s for a February launch. planetary science “At JSC, we already The Genesis payload, a 32-inch department ready have samples of a diameter cylindrical canister, was Genesis for its variety of solar manufactured by NASA’s Jet Propulsion mission to collect system objects, Laboratory and shipped to JSC in early solar dust. including rocks July for precision cleaning. JSC is from the Moon, several asteroid classes, responsible for the contamination control several igneous rocks from Mars, even and sample curation of the Genesis interplanetary dust grains. In the coming mission. As part of the contamination decade we will receive documented control process, JSC completely samples from a comet, an asteroid, and the disassembled, cleaned and reassembled the surface of Mars. What is missing are canister. After some final functionality tests NASA JSC Photo 2000e22254 by Judy Allton samples of the starting material itself Ð the and purging the canister of nitrogen, solar nebula. Genesis will collect solar Genesis was sent to Denver and is now one months for the device to reach its solar will orbit the Sun for two years, collecting wind samples of all elements in the step closer to its on-orbit mission. orbit entry site, roughly 1.5 million solar wind samples on ultrapure collectors, periodic table and therefore the average Genesis will be launched on a Delta II kilometers sunward where the Earth and such as silicon wafers used in the chemical and isotopic composition of the in February 2001. It will take nearly three Sun’s gravity balance each other. Genesis semiconductor industry. Its return, solar system.” Flight controllers host visitors for EVA simulation

uring a recent EVA simulation for simulations. In addition, after the simulation the STS-92 mission, flight con- several Flight Controllers volunteered to D trollers opened the Mission Control take the Challenger Center folks on personal Center to simulation facilitators from tours of other activities at JSC. Challenger Center organizations, providing The STS-92 crew was tied-in for the them with a chance to see how real NASA simulation from the Shuttle simulator as flight controllers conduct actual, integrated well as from in the water in the Neutral mission simulations. Buoyancy Laboratory as the team practiced Challenger Centers, located all across the Extravehicular Activities that will be the country, host training sessions similar conducted on Flight Day 5 of the next to NASA integrated simulations. shuttle mission. The activity encompassed “The simulations conducted at Challenger connecting hardware for the Z1 Truss Centers have proven to be a very effective element. way of familiarizing the public with manned “It was positively fascinating,” said space flight operations,” said NASA Flight Nancy Thompson, a teacher/flight director Director Chuck Shaw. “The idea is to let for the Challenger Center of the Rio them see how we conduct an integrated sim- Grande Valley. “I was able to sit next to ulation so they can apply what they see the Cap com and listen to her as she com- NASA JSC Photo 2000-06143 by Benny Benavides where it makes sense for their simulations.” municated with the astronauts in the pool. Numerous flight controllers in both the It was amazing.” event hoping to return to their centers, and Flight Director Chuck Shaw talks White Flight Control Room (Shuttle opera- Challenger Center representatives came classroom, with a more accurate perspective through his role during the simulation tions) and Blue Flight Control Room (Inter- from as far as Brownsville and Beaumont/ of how Mission Control Centers operate. as Challenger Center Instructors Betty national Space Station operations) volun- Port Arthur for a chance to sit in with “I certainly understand a lot better,” Glass and Barbara Wilson listen intently teered to allow a Challenger Center visitors controllers. added Thompson. “It made me aware of to the real-time communications with to join them at the console to see and hear Thompson, like many of the other Chal- how much I don’t know. This was truly an the STS-92 crew. Capcom Ellen Ochoa, the process as it works during integrated lenger Center attendees, participated in the out of this world experience for me!” far left, looks on. Dreamtime hardware to provide high-definition video from space nly a few months after announcing space history by: the first-of-its-kind partnership, JSC ¥ Digitizing NASA’s photo, audio and Ohas officially received its first piece video archives from each center and making of video hardware as part of the it available globally via the Web; Dreamtime venture. ¥ Upgrading NASA’s multimedia A high-definition, digital encoder, equipment, at each center as well as on each developed by NTT and NHK, was delivered shuttle and the International Space Station, to JSC engineers September 5. The encoder with next generation HDTV technology; and represents the first Detailed Test Objective ¥ Creating world-class film, of the Dreamtime public-private partnership. documentary and television programming It will be flown aboard an upcoming shuttle that will preserve and share the legend of mission and operate with a decoder on the America’s space program with the world. ground to provide live high-definition video The partnership with Dreamtime downlink from space for the first time. provides NASA with the tools and Currently, NASA uses standard analog capability to share the agency’s exclusive transmission for its downlink video. work and imagery with audiences it “This is a very important step in the otherwise could not reach. In fact, by mid- NASA JSC photo 2000-06090 by Benny Benavides NASA and Dreamtime collaboration,” said JSC received a digital, high-definition encoder that will be used to download live video from October, Dreamtime will have delivered Brian Kelly, NASA collaboration manager space. Shown here, left to right, are Randy Richards, NASA; Johnnie Reid, Lockheed Martin; more than 2 million dollars worth of digital for the partnership at JSC. “It puts NASA Ken Fisher, NASA; Ben Mason, Dreamtime; Yanagawa Koji, NASDA; John Kennedy, NASA; and technology equipment to the agency. on the cutting-edge of digital technology Doug Holland, NASA with the encoder, forefront. “Dreamtime has also provided NASA and is tangible proof of what can happen with two high-definition television cameras when NASA and industry work together NASA announced in June its ground- and HDTV, the public will have easier, to document the launch of Discovery from toward a common goal.” breaking partnership with Dreamtime. The more complete access to space exploration Kennedy Space Center October 5,” said JSC’s shuttle and engineering teams partnership represents a unique association and imagery. Kelly. “Following that launch, technicians will spend the next few months identifying bridging nation’s space agency with the This unique partnership will provide a from Marshall Space Flight Center, any necessary modifications to the encoder power of the Internet. By using the most gateway to NASA’s incredible collection Kennedy Space Center and JSC will carry to make it compatible for space flight advanced technology tools available, such of imagery, audio and film documenting the cameras to Russia and prepare coverage operations. as digital media, leading-edge Web design more than 80 years of aeronautical and for Expedition One.” 4 October 6, 2000 SPACE CENTER Roundup NASA names STS-92 Space Flight Awareness Launch Honoree Award recipients ASA recently named 15 JSC Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. His knowl- activity. He has Edward Robertson edge of the dynamic loads coupling phe- continually civil servants recipients of its Robertson, an aerospace engineer, led the nomenon between the Orbiter and its constantly focused spacesuit recent effort to build and test the latest atmo- N prestigious Space Flight changing payloads allowed him to provide the technology to be spheric prototype insight required to validate necessary flight consistent with Awareness Launch Honoree Award of the Crew guidance parameters to ensure mission safety. NASA’s goals for Return Vehicle. for the STS-92 mission. the exploration of This fiberglass John Hoover space. One of his vehicle recently Currently a flight manager in the Mission leading contribu- completed its first Keith Albyn Operations Directorate, Hoover, an electrical tions has been pro- captive flight Albyn, an aerospace technologist, has sus- engineer, has con- viding leadership aboard a B-52 tained a high level of performance in support tributed to NASA in the advancement of spacesuit glove assem- bomber and is of space station in a wide variety blies. Glove advancements made under his lead- being readied for and space shuttle of roles during his ership have included innovative design modifi- its first flight. He hardware contami- more than 35-year cations that increase hand dexterity and tactile was instrumental in identifying the require- nation testing and career with the feedback while reducing hand fatigue. In addi- ments for this vehicle, monitoring the con- assessment, pro- agency. Early in tion, he recently led the effort to establish a struction of the fiberglass structure, and plan- viding both testing his career at JSC, Mars surface simulator at JSC, which allows for ning and supervising the systems installation and analysis of he supported every inexpensive evaluation of EVA systems and integrated checkout. As a result of his materials for use flight from Gemini requirements for Mars exploration. efforts, this prototype of a vehicle crucial to in space environ- 4 to Apollo 15 crew safety aboard the space station is pro- ments. This data either for the Recovery Operations Control Cen- Ronald Lee ceeding very aggressively to flight test. and analysis is ter or deployed as an advisor to the Department Lee, lead director of training operations in essential for successful application of materi- of Defense recovery forces. He served as a Russia, has made significant contributions to Denise Romero als on critical optical or thermal surfaces senior electronics data manager in Aircraft International As the division chief engineer for the exposed to space. Operations during the Skylab Program. Follow- Space Station Avionic System Division, Romero serves as ing that assignment, he took on the challenge of crew training over the focal point Ronald Baccus learning shuttle payload operations and became the past two years. for all interac- Baccus, an aerospace engineer, has con- one of the first certified payloads officers, mak- As director of tions with the tributed to the development of the X-38 Crew ing pioneering contributions to payload opera- training opera- Space Shuttle Return Vehicle tions on the early shuttle flights. In 1986, he tions in Russia, he Program and as both as a structural joined the Mission Integration & Schedule led a team of the representa- designer and as a Management Office as a shuttle flight manager, managers and tive to the Engi- stress analyst. He serving in this capacity for ten years. He then engineers neering Direc- is responsible for became a member of the initial flight manager assigned to repre- torate’s chief the detailed design team to pioneer development of the flight and sent the Mission Operations Directorate and engineer for the of the vehicle’s increment preparation processes for the Interna- Space Flight Training Division management space shuttle. carbon-fiber com- tional Space Station. with respect to crew training operations in Star She led the effort to resolve government posite aeroshell City, Russia. He set high standards for the infor- furnished equipment loads issues that were panels, which Bradley Irlbeck mation flow between Star City and JSC, worked a constraint to the STS-106 mission. It had form the outer Irlbeck, an aerospace engineer, is the design training issues to resolution, and strengthened been determined that the certification of shape of the spacecraft when combined with the engineer responsible for the Space Shuttle Aux- the Director Training Ops in Russia links with GFE items more than 15 years old was thermal protection tiles and blankets. His efforts iliary Power Unit. the other NASA offices in Moscow. inadequate. After finding as much of the have led to the implementation of a stiffened His efforts have historical data for each hardware element laminate construction for all the panels, resulting been instrumental Kathy Lueders that was available, Romero led the activities in a significant reduction in development costs. in the safe and Lueders is the lead of the International between ASD and the Structures and successful flight Space Station Logistics and Maintenance Mechanics Division personnel to assure that Robert Durkin operation of this Ground Opera- the required loads analysis was completed. Durkin is a program manager who has been critical subsystem. tions Support instrumental in the engineering and manage- He has helped Team. She has Damon Shaffer ment of the design resolve numerous successfully man- Shaffer, the Z1 Truss element manager in through manufac- flight anomalies aged the Post- the International Space Station Vehicle Office turing of EVA and has been the Production Sup- for the past two and IVA mockups driving force behind many subsystem improve- port portion of years, has been for the space shut- ments. In his role as project manager for the the prime con- instrumental in tle and the Inter- Electric Auxiliary Power Unit, he has initiated tract including completing the national Space and is leading a major upgrade of this subsys- overseeing devel- design, manufac- Station. These tem to achieve major improvements in flight opment of the ture, and testing of mockups are and ground safety. To date, he has justified ini- PPS operating plan, performing contractor the truss as well as being used in the tial funding to start the advanced development evaluations, and managing the budget. In in ensuring its Neutral Buoyancy for this project and has assembled a team of addition, she has established all required doc- final acceptance Laboratory and Space Vehicle Mockup Facility multiple NASA centers and industrial partners. umentation to support long-term maintenance by NASA. His for astronaut training in techniques in space and repair of station hardware. efforts have shuttle and International Space Station activi- Glenda Johnson helped resolve several critical technical issues ties. Durkin started at JSC designing mockups Johnson, a program analyst, recognized the Nancy Muir that have arisen during the development of the at the Weightless Environment Training Facility need for a more efficient means to communicate Program Analyst Muir’s efforts were truss. Most recently, he has worked to ensure and has taken that experience to manage and and manage the instrumental in the effective reorganization of final closure of the issues and actions required engineer multiple mockup projects. flight projects the Institutional for final flight readiness and successful inte- budget. This Resources Man- gration of the Z1 into the shuttle. Vince Fogt recognition led to agement Office Fogt, an aerospace engineer, assesses finite the development in the Office of Anne White element models for adequacy in predicting of a share drive the Chief Finan- A division secretary, White supports Oper- structural internal budget cial Officer. ations Division civil service and contractor dynamic response database for the Immediately fol- employees work- of payloads dur- Flight Projects lowing the cre- ing in the ing shuttle flight Division. This ation of the Houston Support and to support database tool, IRMO, a key per- Group in International which has become the backbone of the divi- son resigned as Moscow. She Space Station Pro- sion’s performance status, enables technical and the resources integrator for a major JSC orga- coordinates and gram on-orbit resources personnel to manage and communi- nization. Muir volunteered to continue per- arranges travel to loads validation. cate budget matters on a real-time basis, result- forming her function as JSC’s architect for the and from His expertise is ing in early detection of cost issues and numer- development of the center’s full-cost budget- Moscow for all essential in ensur- ous cost savings to the space station and space ing and management processes, assume other Operations Divi- ing that the models used to predict dynamic shuttle programs. functions as needed, and be the primary sion civil service response behavior are the best that can be pro- trainer for the new replacement integrator employees who average a minimum of four vided. He was recently called upon to provide Joe Kosmo when one was named. Her can-do attitude trips per year for periods of six to nine expert loads and dynamics consultation to the Kosmo, a spacesuit engineer, is responsible allowed a number of personnel moves to be months. She is recognized as a vital link Jet Propulsion Laboratory to develop high- for managing and directing the advancement of accomplished in a timely manner for the good between HSG personnel in Moscow and their quality models to protect the Orbiter during the technologies applicable to extravehicular of the organization. coworkers and families in Houston. SPACE CENTER Roundup October 6, 2000 5 Sixteen JSC employees earn award; see breathtaking STS-106 launch

ixteen Space Flight Awareness launch honorees S from JSC were recognized at Kennedy Space Center where they viewed the launch of Atlantis on Seated, from left: Judy Willhoite, Adele Leighton, Liz Kalla and Jessie Hendrick. Second row, from left: Eric Darcy, William Powers, Greg Blackburn, Jay Hoover, Keith Brown and Ray Torrez. Third row, from left: Kathy Rauch, Fred Ouellette, Frank Alanis, Clifford Madrid, John Graf and Cecilia de space shuttle mission STS-106. la Garza.

The STS-106 honorees included: Alanis was cited for his outstanding Hoover was cited for the outstanding Vehicle Engineering Office, all of which Frank Alanis, Greg Blackburn, Eric contributions and expertise in resolving support he has provided to NASA’s space will greatly improve the overall safety of Darcy, John Graf and Judy Willhoite, the shuttle’s wiring damage issues and his programs, specifically his effective the shuttle fleet. leadership and tenacity in adapting the management of the rehabilitation project Engineering Directorate; Keith Brown, Powers was recognized for his Russian Docking System for the Orbiter for the Mission Control Center power and Information Systems Directorate; Cecilia sustained outstanding performance, tech- and International Space Station interface. control system, a $5.7-million-dollar nical competence and personal dedication de la Garza, Safety, Reliability and project. Quality Assurance Office; Jessie Blackburn was recognized for in support of nearly 50 space shuttle Kalla led the Stowage Working Group flights as a certified flight controller. Hendrick, Equal Opportunity Programs leadership and dedication as project in the development of innovative and manager for the Space Integrated Global Rauch was honored for her significant Office; Jay Hoover, Center Operations comprehensive solutions to the stowage Positioning System/Inertial Navigation contributions to the successful integration Directorate; Liz Kalla and Kathy Rauch, issues on the International Space Station, System Project, otherwise known as of Russian hardware into the International International Space Station Program which required extensive negotiations SIGI. The SIGI will be used to support Space Station Program by creating and Office; Adele Leighton, Office of the with the Russians as well as numerous three programs and will increase documenting a new process for developing, Chief Financial Officer; Clifford Madrid, groups within JSC and the contractor performance while maximizing savings qualifying, certifying and shipping Russian community. White Sands Test Facility; Fred to the government. flight hardware labels. Ouellette, Space Shuttle Program Office; Brown was cited for his Torrez was cited for his William Powers, Mission Operations project leadership, engineering outstanding achievements and Directorate; and Roy Torrez, Flight Crew and software design skills, all dedication to duty by demon- Operations Directorate. critical in the design and strating critical quality development of software tools assurance accomplishments in that continuously extend the support of aircraft corrosion margin of safety for the space programs and the T-38N shuttle vehicles as well as ejection seat replacement NASA’s fleet of aircraft. program. Darcy has led a number of Willhoite was honored for battery projects in support of her significant personal several NASA programs. These contributions and outstanding include the adaptation of support in managing commercial batteries for flight administrative functions for the applications, resulting in Crew and Thermal Systems consistency, commonality, Division in the role of supporting effective use of manpower and the space shuttle, International reduced costs. The crew of STS-106, clockwise from the top, Space Station and advanced programs. Richard Mastracchio, Boris Morukov, Edward De la Garza consistently demonstrates Lu, Scott Altman, Terrence Wilcutt, Yuri The recipients received a VIP tour of outstanding administrative skills, Malenchenko, and Daniel Burbank KSC and were guests of honor at a professionalism and attention to detail that reception where astronauts and members of NASA and contractor management support the SR&QA organization in Leighton was cited for her support of applauded their work and dedication to assuring accomplishment of its mission the Engineering Directorate’s engineering the space program. and the safety of each space flight mission. technical base budget and her perform- Astronaut Greg H. Johnson presented ance as the Lockheed Martin Science & Graf was cited for the technical each honoree with a framed certificate Engineering analysis and test contract leadership and expertise he has displayed and a lapel pin at JSC’s awards breakfast business manager. in the development, fabrication and held during the event. certification of the back-up oxygen Madrid has managed many The Space Flight Awareness Launch candle system for the International Space construction-related projects and office Honoree Award is the highest tribute paid Station Program. budgets and has effectively transitioned to government and industry workers to into managing technical service functions recognize their work on flight systems Hendrick was recognized for her such as the White Sands Test Facility and other critical mission support tasks continued dedication to the JSC calibration and cleaning facilities. that contribute to astronaut safety and Disabilities Program by her many mission success. contributions to the various committees to Ouellette was cited for his accommodate the disabled, both internal outstanding leadership and technical and external to JSC, and for her contributions in managing several Orbiter For more information concerning involvement in recruiting summer interns upgrade projects and numerous flight the SFA Program, with disabilities. production projects for the Space Shuttle contact Barbara Zelon at x38782. 6 October 6, 2000 SPACE CENTER Roundup Ripped Aranda, Ellington earn Secretarial Excellence Awards from the ROUNDUP

Ripped straight from the pages of old Space News Roundups, here’s what happened at JSC on this date: 1970

uring their exploration of the D lunar hill country next February, the Apollo 14 astronauts will set off 21 small explosions on the surface and arm a mortar to launch four grenades after they leave. NASA JSC Photo 2000-06248 by Benny Benavides NASA JSC Photo 2000-06249 by Benny Benavides Measurements of the resulting vibra- Margarita Aranda Brenda Ellington tions of the Moon, radioed to Earth, will give scientists new information on the argarita Aranda of the Mission Aranda is extraordinarily proactive in bimonthly activity. In addition, as she is the Operations Directorate and Brenda that she has offered to assist in meeting focal point for SLSD TCR data gathering, shape, structure and thickness of the M Ellington of the Office of the Chief deadlines with database and word the entire SLSD directorate senior outer crust. Financial Officer each recently received the processing tasks to offload engineers under management provides the inputs directly to The Active Seismic Experiment, as it is Marilyn J. Bockting Secretarial Excellence deadline pressure. In addition to the Ellington, and she reformats and edits the called, will be set out by Lunar Module Award in recognition of their exceptional standard branch responsibilities, Aranda presentation and prepares an integrated Pilot Edgar D. Mitchell during the first of contributions, professional competence, successfully coordinated the relocation of 200-page set of charts that are viewed and personal dedication. all the branch personnel. The planning and electronically for the TCR meeting. This two four-to-five hour ventures outside execution of the move was done flawlessly saves the presenters’ time and makes for the LM with Mission Commander Alan Margarita Aranda was recognized in and was critical to the branch’s ability to smooth speaker transitions at this two-day B. Shepherd Jr., during their day-and- August for her contributions as the secre- perform its technical duties without pause. meeting. The quality and quantity of work a-half on the Moon. tary in the Mechanical, Booster and of this TCR assignment including the Maintenance Systems Branch. She sup- Brenda Ellington was recognized in numerous interfaces greatly exceed normal 1980 ports a large, diverse organization of civil September for her contributions as secretarial duties. service and contractor personnel in two secretary to the Space and Life Sciences Ellington also does an excellent job on SC engineers have created a different buildings. This job is one in Directorate Resources Management Office. a number of routine but key assignments J supermetal, lighter, stronger and which timetables are short, changes fre- She has demonstrated her capabilities for such as compiling the weekly activity stiffer than aluminum and car- quent, and branch personnel sometimes excellence in her area of coordination of report, preparing presentation material, short-tempered and demanding. the SLSD Technical Cost Review. She preparing and processing personnel ries a lifetime guarantee in space. It is Aranda has been entrusted with several updates the TCR “call” and its numerous actions, planning and coordinating travel made of aluminum or magnesium laced division-level tasks. She is responsible for attachments, including Excel spreadsheets, arrangements, coordinating numerous with thousands of hair-thin strands of gathering quality metrics for the 15 shuttle CFO format, TCR PowerPoint charts, moves, and maintaining current and graphite fibers. Technically named, and station flight control groups in the divi- memorandum, work breakdown structure, accurate timecards via the Time and “metal matrix composites.” sion and consolidating the data. These met- distribution list, and word attachments, Labor Collection System and assuring rics attain high visibility throughout JSC. which make her the backbone of this their timely submittal. Sandwiched between aluminum or magnesium, the feather-light graphite makes the finished materials stronger, about four times more rigid and up to JSC’s new time and labor collection system 35 percent lighter. Unlike other materials in space, the coming to a Web browser near you composite also provides thermal sta- bility Ð remaining unaffected by heat LC is JSC’s new electronic, Web- center or are on TDY. These users can 129. The lab will be open on a limited basis or cold since graphite metal matrix based, time and labor collection access the system as long as they have dial- by appointment to provide one-on-one composites will not expand or contract T system. It will replace the old system in access to the JSC network. The TLC assistance to employees whose significantly. of timecards and labor distribution records. implementation team asks that no organizations have implemented TLC. The system was successfully piloted and employees attempt to access the system Users guides and quick reference guides interfaces to the NASA personnel/payroll before their organization’s go-live date. have been developed for user assistance. 1990 system and the labor distribution system Links to the TLC homepage can be The training guides can also be accessed found on the JSC and CFO homepages. In he words most commonly used were tested over the summer. The electronically from the TLC homepage. centerwide, phased implementation of the addition to providing access to the TLC The TLC Help Desk is available to help to describe the STS-41 launch, T system begins October 8. The entire center system, the homepage contains news, users with questions and problems they landing and on-orbit operations is expected to be using the new system by information and helpful hints concerning may have using the TLC application. The were “near perfect.” March 2001. TLC. The TLC homepage address is: Help Desk is open Monday through Friday, Discovery and its five-person crew left Users will access TLC through the http://www4.jsc.nasa.gov/org/la/cfo/New 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Help Desk can be launch pad 39B at 6:47 a.m. CDT Sat- Internet from a link on the TLC homepage. TandL/NewTandLSys.htm. reached by calling 281-483-2029 or via This will be especially convenient for A TLC Lab has been established. The email, [email protected]. urday and, after achieving its 160 nauti- remote users who are detailed to another lab opens October 10 in Bldg. T-585, Rm. cal mile orbit, proceeded to deploy the Ulysses spacecraft on schedule six hours later. At last report, Ulysses was performing NASA awards new travel management contract extremely well, speeding toward Jupiter at the fastest ever Earth-orbit escape ecent airline commission reductions are causing ❖ Official travel for all NASA personnel velocity. During the remainder of the historically “free” booking services to be eliminated ❖ Official travel for other government personnel STS-41 mission, Commander Dick R and replaced with “fee-for-service” contracts. The ❖ Official travel for on-site and near-site NASA existing NASA agency-wide travel services contract is a Richards and his crew exercised the contractors no-cost contract where income is obtained through ❖ secondary experiments, all of commissions. Over the last year, airlines have dropped Leisure travel which, again, were “near commission rates considerably. perfect.” Since the existing contract with American Express Under a call-center environment, travelers will make expired on September 30, NASA elected to award an official travel reservations by calling a 1-800 toll free agency-wide, fee-for-service contract for travel number. The traveler will receive a reservation itinerary management services to CI Travel. Contract effective via E-mail or fax. As an additional value-added service, date was October 1. This contract provides agency- on-line booking will be available within 120 days of wide travel services to NASA centers using a central contract start date. reservation call center located in Norfolk, Virginia. A temporary help desk will be located in the Bldg. 1 The scope of this effort includes the following types Travel Office to ensure a smooth transition to the new of travel support: contract. SPACE CENTER Roundup October 6, 2000 7 JSC Clinic rolls out new Case Management Program

o ensure appropriate medical will gain knowing that management is gen- attention, proper follow-up and Clinic uinely concerned about their well-being,” Tsuccessful return to work for any said Hesselgesser. injured or ill JSC employee, the center’s First For NASA employees, the JSC workers Occupational Health and Test Support compensation claim officer, Pam Daley, Office has established a Case Management Nurse Case Manager works with the employee to file claims and Program. The program has been in effect Connie Hesselgesser, receive any necessary outside medical for approximately six months, although the left, and Workers’ Com- treatment. For contractor team members, official rollout began with the June pensation Specialist Hesselgesser contacts appropriate officials presentation of the program to the JSC Pam Daley play key and assists with additional care through the Executive Safety Committee. roles in implementing employee’s designated claims officer. It is As part of the new program, a nurse a team effort involving medical, manage- the Johnson Space case manager has been added to augment ment, human resources and other safety the JSC workers compensation claim offi- Center Case Manage- and health professionals. cer. The nurse tracks each case from the ment Program designed Response to this program has been time the injury or illness is initially to ensure proper medi- overwhelmingly positive. Employees, reported, until the employee successfully cal care and successful managers and contractor representatives returns to work. return to work for any have expressed gratitude for prompt According to JSC Nurse Case Manager injured or ill JSC attention, notification and follow-through Connie Hesselgesser, the Occupational employee. of cases presented by employees at JSC. Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, “Several employees we contacted after NASA JSC Photo 2000E22982 by James Blair reports that the average lost time injury being seen in our clinic were very sur- case costs an employer about $40,000. prised, but pleased, to have someone call “At JSC we have done an excellent job of system, we were less likely to have com- injured employee to provide support and them for a follow-up,” says Daley. “Most abating and controlling workplace hazards, plications later that could lead to further compassionate care. Once the proper of the time the purpose of the call is just to but found we needed to improve upon our aggravation of the injury or result in diagnosis and treatment is provided, man- ask how the patient is doing and to ask if process to meet the needs of the employee unnecessary lost time,” said Hesselgesser. agement can work with the medical team we can do anything else to help, but people in the event an injury or illness,” said “Through additional education and pro- to determine the employee’s work status really appreciate the personal touch.” Hesselgesser. “Proper management, clini- motion, we want every JSC team member (return to work, return to work with JSC’s Occupational Health and Test cally and administratively, can restore the to know that in the event of an injury or restricted duty, or referral out for addi- Support Office will soon provide addi- productivity of the injured worker and illness, they should report to the Clinic tional diagnosis and treatment). Manage- tional information and details on the case possibly prevent the mishap from becom- First. In an emergency situation, call the ment is also responsible for overseeing management process on the Total Health ing a lost time incident.” five threes for JSC and SCTF or the five the mishap investigation and filing the portion of the S&TH homepage on the A key element of this program is the fours for Ellington Field. This will sum- necessary paperwork (Mishap Form 1627) JSC internal Web site. In addition, an Clinic First policy. To ensure early medical mon medical and emergency responders to record the mishap. educational presentation about the pro- treatment and proper incident investigation, to the scene of the mishap.” Returning employees to work as soon as cess is available to be given at safety employees must report all injuries and ill- Active management involvement in they are medically able will pay benefits in meetings, all hands and other functions nesses as soon as possible to the JSC Clinic. the case management process from begin- the long term, even if the employee returns by request. “We found that if the employee ning to end is also critical. The manager to work under restricted duty. “Although For more information contact reported to the JSC Clinic immediately of the employee should report to the JSC this process benefits our mishap rates, the the JSC Clinic at x34111 or after the mishap and was logged into the Clinic or the hospital with the ill or real gain is in the assurance our employees the nurse case manager at x31132.

Aviation, a gift to the community for JSC volunteer

More than 400 volunteers, including JSC’s Everett Gibson, bring aviation history to the community through the Wings Over Houston Airshow.

ASA aircraft, such as It’s fun to bring together this collection of modern and restorations on the bomber and has the Super Guppy World War II aircraft.. The airshow is a living history event. completed 120 missions in the aircraft. Ntransport aircraft, the “It’s all worth it,” said Gibson. “We work WB-57 high-altitude Everett Gibson Ð Everett Gibson, Wings Over Houston Airshow Festival volunteer on it for the benefits of the community. It’s a weather aircraft, the Shuttle unique opportunity to put something back Training Aircraft and astronaut T-38 trainers have flown from in B-17 Flying Fortresses. fly with the Royal Air Force’s Nimrod into the community. It’s fun, interesting, and will be featured at the Wings Over Houston “Ellington Field is just a fascinating Display Team.” exciting to see the excitement on the faces of Airshow Festival October 21 and 22 at place, with its role as one of the early Those are exciting perks but due reward our youth along with the tears in the eyes of Ellington Field. The show is a tribute to aviation sites for the armed forces,” said for the hard work that goes into the event. our senior citizens and veterans. To know aviation’s past and future, but it wouldn’t be Gibson. “From the early bi-planes based Gibson says the executive committee is that we are helping people that have special possible without volunteers such as JSC’s there, to the first night landings that were usually working on the airshow two years in needs to be able to come to a barrier free air- Everett Gibson. practiced there and its role in the history of advance to coordinate with international show and to see something that is otherwise Gibson, well known throughout the JSC the second World War Ð all the way to the performers and military demonstration difficult for them to do is rewarding.” and space community for his work in crews training to go to the moon and now teams. The airshow is an all-volunteer effort, So what is his favorite part? Without planetary materials, has been a volunteer Shuttle crews.” requiring the time and dedication of more hesitation, Gibson says the Tora! Tora! with the Wings Over Houston Airshow since Gibson’s involvement with the Airshow than 400 people to bring the show together Tora! reenactment of the attack on Pearl it began 16 years ago. For the last 10 years, has given him many memories as well as for the crowd on the ground. Proceeds from Harbor is his favorite component of the he has served on the airshow’s executive the opportunity to meet many of aviation’s the ticket sales go to various aviation-related airshow. He also enjoys serving as a B-17 committee. legendary figures. scholarship programs, helping to introduce crew member for Texas Raiders flying in the “It began as a way to give something “I’ve gotten to meet so many fascinating our area youth to the excitement and science show Ð when time permits. back to the community at a time when they people, such as the Tuskegee Airmen, Bob of flight. Profits from the airshow also go to did not have a major airshow,” explained Hoover, Generals Tex Hill and Joe Foss help restore the historic World War Two For more information on the airshow, Gibson. Gibson concedes he holds a special who have been honored guests at the aircraft such as the B-17G Flying Fortress visit www.wingsoverhouston.com place in his heart for Ellington Field where airshows,” said Gibson. “I also get to meet Texas Raiders which is based at Ellington. or call (713) 266-4492. three generations of his immediate family many current pilots and have even gotten to Gibson has worked on two complete 8 October 6, 2000 SPACE CENTER Roundup NASA BRIEFS

AGREEMENT GIVES BIOTECH RESEARCH A NEW DIMENSION Human Resources reports the following Deneen Taylor joins the Structures and Dynamics Branch, Structures and Mechanics Division, Engineering Directorate, NASA has entered into a groundbreaking personnel changes: agreement with the private sector to explore a as an aerospace engineer. new frontier in biotechnology, focusing on Greg Dorth joins the RSA Integration Office, Program infectious disease research and developing a Key Personnel Assignments liver-assist device for patients in need of Richard Whitlock was selected as manager, Engineering Integration Office, International Space Station Program, as an transplant surgery. Cost/Resource Analysis Office, Systems Management Office. aerospace engineer. Inspired by a news article on NASA’s efforts Mary Burke and Samuel Russell join the Propulsion Test to commercialize space activities, H. Fisk Michael Hess was selected as chief, Neutral Buoyancy Johnson, Ph.D., president of Wisconsin- Laboratory Office, Mission Operations Directorate. Office, White Sands Test Facility, as aerospace engineers. based, private venture capital company Fisk Ventures, Inc., approached the Agency about Irene Verinder was named chief, Manufacturing, Materials, Lindsay Keller joins the Planetary Science Branch, Earth a partnership which culminated in an agree- and Process Technology Division, Engineering Directorate. Science and Solar Systems Exploration Division, Space and ment to develop commercial medical products Elena Huffstetler was named deputy chief, Avionics Systems Life Sciences Directorate, as a space scientist. using NASA’s Bioreactor technology. “This is a great deal for the American people,” Division, Engineering Directorate. James Logan joins the Medical Sciences Division, Space said NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin. and Life Sciences Directorate, as an aerospace medical “It’s a symbol of the success that can be Additions to the Workforce officer. achieved when government, private industry and academia work together on the explo- Lee Berlin joins the Legal Office as a law clerk. Lara Kearney joins the EVA Project Office, as an EVA ration of new frontiers for scientific, technolog- Jessica Verduzco joins the Projects Procurement Office, hardware project manager. ical and economic growth.” Office of Procurement, as a contract specialist. Goldin and Johnson signed the agreement on September 14 in a ceremony at the U.S. Christropher Schad joins the Robotics Operations Branch, Promotions Capitol. EVA, Robotics, and Crew Systems Operations Division, Rose Herrera was selected as a contract specialist in the “Some of the best minds from NASA and our Mission Operations Directorate, as a space station mechanical Procurement Policy and Systems Office, Office of group collaborated over three years, conduct- ing an extensive analysis to determine what and robotics systems instructor. Procurement. was technically possible and the most likely to Kerry Fleiger-Holmes joins the Laptop Production and Dahlia Coy was selected as lead secretary in the Institutional succeed in the market,” Johnson explained. “This led us to NASA’s ability to conduct Development Branch, Flight Avionics Division, Mission Resources Management Office, Office of the Chief Financial research on cell cultures in the microgravity Operations Directorate, as a computer engineer. Officer. environment of space, and its unique cell-cul- ture technology on the ground, that bridges Aaron Brown and Nicholas Richardson join the Orbit Karen Black was selected as senior secretary in the Space the gap between what you can do in the tradi- Dynamics Branch, Flight Design and Dynamics Division, Operations Management Office. tional lab and what you can do in a space- based lab.” Mission Operations Directorate, as mission design and Lisa Wilson was selected as the supply group lead in the NASA invented the rotating Bioreactor as a analysis engineers. Supply and Support Services Branch, Logistics Division, way to study the impact of microgravity on Angela Braun joins the Ascent/Descent Dynamics Branch, Center Operations Directorate. cellular growth both here on Earth and in space. Traditional cell-growth research often Flight Design and Dynamics Division, Mission Operations produces single-cell, pancake-like cultures. Directorate, as a mission design and analysis engineer. Reassignments to Other Centers The Bioreactor works by spinning a fluid David Samuels moves to Dryden Flight Research Center. medium filled with cells. The spinning motion Gregory Smith joins the Operations Division, Mission neutralizes most of gravity’s effects, creating Operations Directorate, as a lead flight controller. Jim Graves moves to Marshall Space Flight Center. a near-weightless environment that allows Todd May moves to Marshall Space Flight Center. cells to grow more freely, in a three-dimen- Antonio DeVera joins the Systems Training Branch, Space sional manner. Lisa Roberts moves to Marshall Space Flight Center. Flight Training Division, Mission Operations Directorate, as a FVI and In Vitro Technologies, Inc. of Mary- space station systems engineer. Brian Mitchell moves to Marshall Space Flight Center. land have formed a joint venture to turn this Dave Herbek moves to NASA Headquarters. market-driven model into a scientific and com- Leena Joshi joins the Environmental Systems Branch, mercial success. The new venture — StelSys, Systems Division, Mission Operations Directorate, as a space based in Baltimore, MD — will focus on com- Reassignments to Other Directorates mercializing microgravity research specifically systems operations engineer. in areas related to biological systems. Al Conde moves from the ISO 9000 Office to the Brian Derkowski joins the Advanced Development Office, “NASA’s Bioreactor technology is simply a Engineering Directorate, as an aerospace flight systems Engineering Directorate. tool box, and if you give a tool box to the right Sam Daugherty moves from the Engineering Office, White people, they can build a house,” said Goldin. engineer. “We believe we’ve put this tool box in the right Nathan Howard joins the Dynamic Systems Test Branch, Sands Test Facility to the International Space Station Program. hands of the right people.” Automation, Robotics, and Simulation Division, Engineering Phil Dempsey moves from the Engineering Directorate to the Directorate, as an experimental facilities development International Space Station Program. CHANDRA VERIFIES UNEXPECTED engineer. Kelle Pido moves from the Technology Transfer and BLACK HOLE DISCOVERY Brian Daniel and Matthew McCurdy join the Life Support and Commercialization Office to the International Space Station There’s new evidence the universe is home to Habitability Systems Branch, Crew and Thermal Systems Program. a type of black hole that’s not too large and Division, Engineering Directorate, as aerospace engineers. Ted Ro moves from the Mission Operations Directorate to not too small. As black holes go, it’s a mid- Warren Ruemmele joins the Thermal Systems and the International Space Station Program. dleweight that may represent the missing link between its flyweight relatives and the super- Engineering Support Branch, Crew and Thermal Systems Joe Aquino moves from the Mission Operations Directorate heavyweight variety found at the center of Division, Engineering Directorate, as an environmental control to the Space Operations Management Office. most galaxies. systems engineer. Using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, several groups of scientists have zeroed in on Candice Howard and Kristopher Lee join the Propulsion and Retirements a mid-mass black hole located about 600 light Fluids Systems Branch, Energy Systems Division, Engineering Albert Crews of the Flight Crew Operations Directorate years from the center of galaxy M82. “This opens a whole new field of research,” said Directorate, as aerospace engineers. Aldo Bordano of the Engineering Directorate Martin Ward of the University of Leicester, Keith Beckman joins the Materials and Processes Dallas Ives of the Engineering Directorate England, a lead author involved with the observations. “No one was sure that such Technology Branch, Manufacturing, Materials, and Process black holes existed, especially outside the Technology Division, Engineering Directorate, as a materials Resignations centers of galaxies.” engineer. Camille Wilson of the Public Affairs Office The M82 galaxy got its name nearly 220 years ago when it became the 82nd entry in a Kevin Dries joins the Manufacturing Integration and Tech- Michael Janas of the Flight Crew Operations Directorate systematic catalog of nebulae and star clus- nology Branch, Manufacturing, Materials, and Process Mark Gibb of the Mission Operations Directorate ters complied by French astronomer Charles Messier. Technology Division, Engineering Directorate, as a materials Don Allison of the Engineering Directorate The black hole found in M82 packs the mass engineer. Scott Lazaroff of the Engineering Directorate of at least 500 suns into a region about the Chris Lamoreaux and Benjamin Quasius join the Structural Richard Malecki of the Space Shuttle Program size of the Moon. Such a black hole would require extreme conditions for its creation, Mary Kincaid of the Office of Procurement Mechanics Design/Analysis Branch, Structures and Mechanics such as the collapse of a “hyperstar” or the Division, Engineering Directorate, as aerospace engineers. Judy Parnell of the International Space Station Program merger of scores of black holes. Daniel Newswander joins the Thermal Branch, Structures Karen Lucht of the White Sands Test Facility Images associated with this story are available at: and Mechanics Division, Engineering Directorate, as an http://chandra.harvard.edu aerospace engineer. http://chandra.nasa.gov

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