National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Volume 54 Number 10 September 7, 2012 Global Hawks to fly HS3 By Beth Hagenauer and collect data for a longer period Dryden Public Affairs of time. NASA’s Hurricane and Severe Waiting at Wallops will be a Storm Sentinel, or HS3, mission mobile ground control center, will be a complex one for the pilots mobile payload operations center flying NASA’s Global Hawk aircraft and Ku-band satellite dish – all from the ground. The mission, set necessary for operation of the high- to begin this month, will be the altitude and long-endurance aircraft. first deployment for the unmanned Scientists, maintenance personnel aircraft away from their regular and three pilots will support flights base of operations at Dryden. In from Wallops. addition, the pilots will be operating During take off and landing of the aircraft from two locations on the Global Hawk, the aircraft must opposite coasts. be in line-of-sight communications After the upload of specialized with the pilot. The pilots deployed science equipment is complete, the to Wallops will manage this activity two Global Hawks will fly from one from the Global Hawk Mobile coast of the United States to another NASA/Tony Landis photo Operations Facility, handing off over sparsely populated areas and operation of the aircraft to Dryden open water to reach NASA’s Wallops Mission manager Matt Graham, left, and pilots Tom Miller, center, and Phil after reaching an altitude of Flight Facility in Virginia. Hall of NOAA monitor the Global Hawk prior to take off. approximately 30,000 feet. NASA Wallops was selected as Additional pilots sitting in the target than those from NASA a deployment site because the area Atlantic where hurricanes begin Dryden’s Global Hawk Operations of scientific interest is the Atlantic to form. Flights from the U.S. Dryden and allow the aircraft to Ocean, especially the eastern East Coast take less transit time to travel further out over the Atlantic HS3, page 8 X-48C makes first flight By Gray Creech Neil Dryden Public Affairs Armstrong The remotely piloted X-48C aircraft successfully coverage flew for the first time on Aug. 7, 2012. The aircraft, designed by the Boeing Co. and inside built by Cranfield Aerospace Ltd. of the United Kingdom, is flying again in partnership with NASA. The new X-48C model, which was formerly the X-48B Blended Wing Body aircraft, was modified to evaluate the low-speed stability and control of a low-noise version of a notional, future Hybrid Wing ED12 0255-51 NASA/Carla Thomas photo X-48C, page 7 The X-48C concludes a successful first flight at Dryden. www.nasa.gov/ X-Press September 7, 2012 Dryden receives NASA awards The NASA Honor Awards Aug. data acquisition and processing 23 recognized 26 outstanding system called WINGS. Dryden employees with medals and • Michael E. Yettaw was recognized six project teams received group for exceptional technology achievement awards. innovation in the field of ground- Center Director David McBride based space communications and and Robert M. Lightfoot Jr., acting flight termination systems. NASA associate administrator, presented the medals and awards. Exceptional Achievement The winners are listed below. Medal • Russell R. Leonardo received his Distinguished Service Medal medal for outstanding achievements Robert R. Meyer was recognized as Dryden center integration lead for meritorious service to the agency for the NASA IT Infrastructure and the nation through significant Integration Program. contributions in the advancement • Bradley Flick was recognized for of aeronautics and science. outstanding service to NASA through his leadership of the GLORY Mishap Outstanding Leadership Medal Investigation Board. ED12 0286-07 NASA/Tom Tschida photo • Glenn A. Bever received his Exceptional Administrative medal for outstanding technical Robert M. Lightfoot Jr., NASA acting associate administrator, right, and managerial leadership as the congratulates retired Dryden engineer and manager Robert R. “Bob” Meyer Achievement Medal deputy director of Research and and prepares to give him the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. Dryden • Sirell D. Lane received her medal Engineering at NASA Dryden. center director David McBride prepares to give Meyer the framed certificate. for exceptional administrative • Thomas J. Horn was recognized mission support and initiative in for exceptional leadership of serving as a role model. • Rosalia Toberman was recognized foreign travel coordination, small the Critical Change Project • Gary B. Cosentino received his for outstanding contributions in acquisition, IT coordination, and Management core team resulting in medal for exceptional performance, enabling Dryden’s projects and mission logistics support. new project management methods dedication, and teamwork in programs to advance science and • Afreekia S. Stillwater was using the Theory of Constraints supporting Operations Engineering technology through flight. recognized for exceptional principles. and leading special category support to the SOFIA Program in • Stephen C. Jensen received his programs including X-45A, X-48, Exceptional Public Service establishing new office procedures medal for exceptional leadership as Phantom Ray and DROID. Medal and other process improvements the Stratospheric Observatory for • Dennis M. DaCruz was • Dr. Eric E. Becklin received his that contributed to program success. Infrared Astronomy, or SOFIA, recognized for exceptional success in medal for excellence as a pioneer Program chief engineer. creating innovative IT solutions at in the infrared astronomy field Early Career Achievement • John W. Kelly was recognized NASA Dryden, the Dryden Aircraft and providing key leadership Medal for outstanding leadership in Operations Facility, and the AERO for the scientific success of the •Larry J. Cliatt II received his the formulation and execution Institute. Stratospheric Observatory for medal for exceptional initiative of NASA’s Flight Opportunities • George H. Grimshaw received Infrared Astronomy. and commitment to exploring the Program. his medal for outstanding • William R. Werner was barriers of supersonic flight over • Timothy R. Moes received his sustained support and significant recognized for exceptional land, and enthusiastic dedication to medal for exemplary leadership contributions to NASA’s Space leadership, dedication, and NASA’s mission. of the G-III UAVSAR Project, Shuttle Program. responsiveness in operating and • Michael A. Hill was recognized which has resulted in extraordinary • Joseph S. Lopko was recognized developing Dryden’s facility for outstanding innovative scientific progress with new uses for for exceptional work as a master systems over 19 years, enabling contributions to NASA Dryden synthetic aperture radar for national craftsman in the field of strain gage extraordinary mission success. simulation capability resulting benefit. and thermal sensor application. in significant cost savings and • Hernan D. Posada received Exceptional Engineering substantial improvements of key Exceptional Service Medal his medal for exceptional service Achievement simulation equipment. • Dr. Trong T. Bui was recognized in developing and implementing • Robert Downing received his • Loyd R. Hook received his medal for exceptional engineering and unmanned aircraft systems at medal for exceptional system for outstanding achievement in technical leadership, unwavering NASA Dryden, setting the example design and management of the advancing digital terrain mapping dedication to mentorship, research for other agencies and industry to development and implementation and skill development, and for follow. of Dryden’s mission control centers NASA Awards, page 8 X-Press September 7, 2012 E-85 fuel now available News New E-85 fuel dispensers needed to fill the gas tanks of Dryden’s fleet of flexible fuel vehicles are now at NASA available at the Dryden Fuel Station. E-85 is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing 51 percent to 83 percent Space voice ethanol, depending on geography NASA’s Mars Curiosity has and the season. debuted the first recorded human The E-85 fuel dispensers are used voice that traveled from Earth to just like those of diesel or unleaded another planet and back. fuel. Instructions are posted on the NASA Administrator Charles pedestal of the Fuel Force keypad. Bolden noted the difficulty To begin the program, Kay & of landing a rover on Mars, Associates employees have placed an congratulated NASA employees E-85 decal on the gas tank door of and the agency’s commercial and all NASA leased E-85-compatible government partners, and said vehicles. The decal, which may Photo courtesy of Jay Levine curiosity is what drives humans to explore in a message radioed to the be removed in the future, is a E-85 fuel is now available. Cars able to use it are marked with yellow stickers. temporary reminder that people rover on Mars and back to NASA’s can pump E-85 and/or unleaded Flexible fuel vehicles, or FFVs, ethanol-compatible fuel system and Deep Space Network on Earth. fuel into the vehicle. The fuels are have an internal combustion engine powertrain calibration, FFVs are “Curiosity will bring benefits compatible and can be mixed in the and are capable of operating on similar to their conventional gasoline to Earth and inspire a new tank. Kay & Associates encourages gasoline, E-85, or a mixture of the counterparts. The only difference generation of scientists and the use of E-85 whenever possible. two. is that the fuel economy is lower explorers, as it prepares the way E-85 fuel should only be pumped According to the U.S. Energy when FFVs run on ethanol. Their for a human mission in the not into vehicles equipped for it. Engine Information Administration, there power, acceleration, payload, and too distant future,” Bolden said and fuel system components must are more than 8 million FFVs on cruise speed are comparable whether in the recorded message. be designed to handle the properties U.S. roads. However, many flex fuel running on ethanol or gasoline. The full text of the message, of ethanol. The fuel management vehicle owners don’t realize their Federal regulations require that and a video clip and audio clip, system will help prevent this mix car is an FFV and that they have a agencies obtain alternative fueled are available at: http://www.nasa. up, but it is important for people to choice of fuels. vehicles and use alternative fuel gov/mission_pages/msl/news/ know when they are offsite. Other than employing an when it becomes available. bolden20120827.html NSSC can help prep for retirement Passings A recent survey from the U.S. counselor. The NSSC also provides Processing, Military Deposits Frederick B. Sheehy Office of Personnel Management face-to-face information from and Civilian Deposit/Redeposit Frederick B. Sheehy, a former showed eight out of ten government human resource specialists during Calculation Requests. Once a National Advisory Committee workers wanted to receive additional center visits. NASA employee completes the for Aeronautics instrumentation retirement information. From fiscal People looking to retire should Retirement Estimate Request form, specialist who worked on X-Planes, year 2008 through 2012, 240,000 first review their work history, the NSSC starts the retirement died July 29. He was 86. federal employees expected to retire including military service or information/application process. from government service. temporary service and refunds of The following priorities apply Phillip J. Kerschner The NASA Shared Services Center retirement contributions. A review to your request for retirement offers several ways for people to learn of work history could include estimate: Phillip J. Kerschner, a Computer more about retirement processes ED12useful 0049-30 credits for retirement. • Priority NASA high Photo – within by Tom one Tschida year Sciences Corporation employee at and planning. People can go to The NSSC Retirement of expected retirement date, people Dryden, died July 12. the nssc.nasa.gov website and enter Application or Estimate Request will receive an estimate within 10 Kerschner was a mechanic who retirement application processing webpage also could provide a business days. worked on projects like the Orion on the website’s search engine to find solid start toward retirement. On • Priority medium – within one Pad Abort-1 abort flight test retirement information. For those the retirement information page to three years of expected retirement vehicle and most recently on the who prefer, the NSSC Customer is a “Type of Request” dropdown date, people will receive an estimate Global Hawks. Contact Center is available at 877- menu that provides the option for within 30 business days. A memorial fund has been set up 677-2123. Help desk agents can people to make requests such as: • Priority low – within three to at Wells Fargo bank under Philip provide retirement information, Retirement Estimates Only, Begin J. Kerschner Memorial Fund, or connect people to a retirement My Application for Retirement See NSSC, page 6 account number 6096841686. X-Press September 7, 2012 X-Press September 7, 2012

“ was a very personal inspiration to all of us within the astronaut office,” said Bob Behnken, chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office. “His historic step onto the Moon’s surface was the foundation for many of our personal dreams to become astronauts. The only thing that outshone his accomplishments was his humility about those accomplishments. We will miss him as a friend, mentor, explorer and ambassador for the American spirit of ingenuity.” Armstrong’s single sentence, though it was focused above the national divisions and quarrels of Earth, still signified unquestionably the U.S. victory in the desperate space race with the Soviet Union. NASA photo NASA photo Neil A. Armstrong was born Aug. Armstrong, right, and David R. Scott Before becoming an astronaut, Armstrong flew the rocket-powered X-15 as 5, 1930, in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He prepare to board Gemini-Titan VIII. a research at the NACA High-Speed Flight Station, now Dryden. earned an aeronautical engineering degree from Purdue University and a master’s in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California. He was a naval aviator from 1949 to 1952. During the Korean War he NASA/Buzz Aldrin photo flew 78 combat missions. In 1955 he joined the National Armstrong’s achievements will continue to inspire Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, or the NACA, NASA’s predecessor, as a research pilot at Lewis Laboratory in Cleveland. Armstrong later transferred to The legend lives on NACA’s High Speed Flight Research Station at , Neil Armstrong, the first man to emphasized that Armstrong and following statement on Aug. 25: The family will be providing now Dryden. As a research project walk on the moon during the 1969 fellow astronaut Edwin “Buzz” “Neil Armstrong was also a further updates at www. NASA photo test pilot for seven years at the center Apollo 11 mission, died Aug. 25, Aldrin were there as representatives reluctant American hero who neilarmstronginfo.com from 1955 through 1962, he was following complications resulting of all humans. always believed he was just doing “As long as there are history books, Armstrong was honored in 1991 by in the forefront of the development from cardiovascular procedures. In a 2001 oral history interview, his job. He served his Nation Neil Armstrong will be included the City of Lancaster, Calif., with an of many high-speed aircraft. He He was 82. Armstrong credited those behind proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, in them, remembered for taking Aerospace Walk of Honor monument was one of only 12 pilots to fly Armstrong’s words “That is one the scenes for the mission’s success: test pilot, and astronaut. He humankind’s first small step on a for his achievements as a pilot and the hypersonic X-15 as well as the small step for (a) man, one giant “when you have hundreds of also found success back home world beyond our own,” said NASA astronaut. first of 12 men to later walk on the leap for mankind,” spoken on July thousands of people all doing their in his native Ohio in business Administrator Charles Bolden. moon. In all, he flew more than 200 20, 1969, as he became the first job a little better than they have and academia, and became a “Besides being one of America’s ED11 0120-54 NASA/Tom Tschida photo has shocked all of us at the Johnson different types of aircraft. person ever to step onto another to, you get an improvement in community leader in Cincinnati. greatest explorers,” Bolden added, Gary Cosentino briefs Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong, left, on the X-48C Space Center,” said Center Director Long-time Dryden employee planetary body, instantly became a performance. And that’s the only “While we mourn the loss of a “Neil carried himself with a grace engine during a National Research Council tour at Dryden. Michael Coats. “The whole world Glenn Bever, who is deputy director part of history. reason we could have pulled this very good man, we also celebrate and humility that was an example knew Neil as the first man to step of Research and Engineering, Those few words from the Sea whole thing off.” his remarkable life and hope that to us all.” will always be connected through Apollo 11 command module foot on the Moon, but to us he recalled that Armstrong last visited of Tranquillity were the climactic “Neil Armstrong was a hero not it serves as an example to young Apollo 11 lunar module pilot our participation in the Apollo 11 pilot Michael Collins said simply, was a co-worker, a friend, and an here in 2011 as part of the National fulfillment of the efforts and hopes just of his time, but of all time,” people around the world to work and fellow moonwalker Buzz Aldrin mission. Whenever I look at the “He was the best, and I will miss outstanding spokesman for the Research Council committee of millions of people and the President Barack Obama said via hard to make their dreams come on Armstrong’s passing: “I am very moon it reminds me of the moment him terribly.” Human Space Program. His quiet that reviewed the flight content expenditure of billions of dollars. Twitter. “Thank you, Neil, for true, to be willing to explore saddened to learn of the passing of over four decades ago when I realized Many NASA officials offered confidence and ability to perform of Dryden’s NASA Aeronautics A plaque on one of the lander’s showing us the power of one small and push the limits, and to Neil Armstrong today. Neil and I that even though we were farther thoughts on NASA’s best-known under pressure set an example for portfolio. He also flew the X-48 legs that concluded “We came in step.” selflessly serve a cause greater than trained together as technical partners away from earth than two humans representative: all subsequent astronauts. Our role peace for all mankind,” further Armstrong’s family released the themselves.” but were also good friends who had ever been, we were not alone.” “The passing of Neil Armstrong model will be missed.” American Hero, page 7 X-Press September 7, 2012 Employees recognized by peers More than 50 Dryden civil Michael Marston, Tybrin Corp. service and contractor employees •Facilities Personnel: Brandon were honored Aug. 15 at the 2012 Werner, EMCOR DrydenCooperative Peer Awards ceremonies. education •Rising Star: Shedrick Bessent, Sponsoredstudent by thephoto Dryden to come NASA Employee Exchange Council, the •Safety: Donald Dennis, ISSI; awardswith are presented caption to Dryden Steve Fedor, MECX staff members who in the eyes •Mission Impossible: Sean of their peers have demonstrated Clarke, NASA their dedication, perseverance and •Mentor: Paul Bean, NASA competence in performing their •Student: Andrew Strongrich, jobs. Valerie and John Zelmer NASA hosted the Western-themed event. •Supervisor/Manager/Leader: Center director David McBride Jennifer Cole, NASA presented the top two awards to two •Technician/Mechanic: Robert long-time Dryden staff members Novy, NASA – retired research pilot and former •Mission Support – astronaut Gordon Fullerton and Administrative: Beverly Crooke, Advanced Planning and Partnerships Media Fusion Office director John Del Frate. ED12 0270-8 NASA/Tom Tschida photo •Mission Support – Fullerton was honored with the Center Director David McBride presented retired Dryden research pilot and Administrative Professional: Andrea Milton O. Thompson Award in former NASA astronaut Gordon Fullerton with the Milton O. Thompson Basham, NASA; Robbin Kessler, recognition “of a lifetime dedicated Award for his lifetime dedicated to atmospheric and space flight. NASA to the mastery, discovery and •Mission Support – Financial/ pioneering of atmospheric and space Resources: Florence Norman, SAIC flight.” •Mission Support – Information McBride presented Del Frate Technology: Craig Sayler, Arcata with the Dryden Center Director’s Associates Award, citing Del Frate’s “tireless •Mission Support – Other leadership, extraordinary personal Support Services: Carla Thomas, dedication and commitment to Arcata Associates Dryden Flight Research Center •Unsung Hero: Darlene Homiak, in maintaining and promoting a NASA; Mark Morgan, Tybrin diverse and exciting flow of external Corp.; Michael Nesel, NASA flight activities for Dryden, NASA •Teamwork: Small Unmanned and the nation.” Aerial Vehicles Automatic Ground Others honored at the annual Collision Avoidance System (SUAV Peer Awards ceremonies included: Auto GCAS) project team. •2012 Pride in NASA Awards: Co-workers and Dryden Jack Sheldon, Arcata Associates; employees with knowledge of the Leslie Williams, NASA nominees’ contributions submitted •Can-Do Attitude: Matthew nominees for the annual Peer Berry, NASA; John Tucker, Tybrin ED12 0270-4 NASA/Tom Tschida photo Awards. Final selections of winners Corp. John Del Frate, chief of Dryden’s Advanced Planning and Partnerships Office, made by the 11-member 2012 •Engineer/Scientist/Pilot: was honored by center director David McBride with the Director’s Award. Dryden Peer Awards Committee.

NSSC... from page 3 NSSC News is available five years of expected retirement to continue certain benefits into date, people will receive an estimate retirement. Many factors are The NASA Shared Services Center quarterly publication, the within 45 business days. included in retirement planning NSSC News, is designed to provide updates on NSSC activities People should begin planning and it is never too early to begin. and contains information that NASA employees need to know. several years before the date they For more information, visit OPM’s It is available at www.nssc.nasa.gov/customerservice. Click on have set for retirement so that frequently asked questions at: www. the newsletter icon for the latest issue. they will know the requirements opm.gov/retire/faq/pre/faq9.asp X-Press September 7, 2012

American Hero... from page 5 simulator during a tour of Dryden. The crew returned to Earth, Institute of Aeronautics and “His love of flying never “We have lost landing near the USS Hornet in Astronautics and the International diminished, and I believe he was a humble giant, the Pacific after a mission of about Astronautical Federation. happier discussing flying as ‘one of eight days. President Richard M. He was a member of the National the boys’ than he was in his role of but his legacy is Nixon was there to welcome them. Academy of Engineering. He the icon that first walked on the forever.” “This is the greatest week in served as a member of the National moon,” Bever reflected. “We have the history of the world since the Commission on Space in 1985 and Glenn Bever lost a humble giant, but his legacy Dryden deputy director of creation,” Nixon told the three. 1986, and was vice chairman of the is forever.” Research and Engineering After 16 days in quarantine to Presidential Commission on the Armstrong was selected as an protect Earth from any returned Space Shuttle Challenger Accident. astronaut in 1962. Western Pacific. moon germs, the crew went on He also was chairman of the His first space flight was Gemini The March 16, 1966, flight took U.S. and international tours. Presidential Advisory Committee for 8, which he commanded. He was the about 10 hours, 41 minutes. Millions greeted them as heroes. the Peace Corps from 1971 to 1973. first civilian to fly a U.S. spacecraft. Apollo 11 lifted off on July 16, Armstrong later served as Seventeen countries decorated With fellow astronaut David R. 1969, with Armstrong, Aldrin deputy associate administrator Armstrong. His honors include the Scott, Armstrong performed the and Mike Collins aboard. Collins for aeronautics in the Office of Presidential Medal of Freedom, the first docking in space, with an remained in lunar orbit in the Advanced Research and Technology Congressional Gold Medal, the Agena target satellite. command module while Armstrong at NASA Headquarters. He Congressional Space Medal of Honor, Less than an hour later their and Aldrin descended in the lunar resigned from the space agency NASA’s Ambassador of Exploration spacecraft began an unplanned module they had named Eagle to in 1971. As a professor at the Award, the Explorers Club Medal, rolling motion. After undocking, their landing on the moon’s surface. University of Cincinnati from the Robert H. Goddard Memorial it increased to one revolution per “Houston, Tranquillity Base here. 1971 to 1979, he was involved in Trophy, the NASA Distinguished second. One of the Gemini’s 16 The Eagle has landed,” Armstrong teaching and research. Service Medal, the Harmon thrusters had stuck open because of said, telling a tense and waiting Earth For 10 years he was chairman International Aviation Trophy, the an electrical short circuit. that men reached the lunar surface. of Computing Technologies for Royal Geographic Society’s Gold Armstrong used re-entry thrusters He and Aldrin spent about two Aviation Inc. of Charlottesville, Medal, the Federation Aeronautique to control the capsule, and after hours exploring, gathering more Va., and then chairman of AIL Internationale’s Gold Space Medal, a 30-minute struggle, it was than 50 pounds of moon rocks and Systems Inc., an electronic systems the American Astronautical Society stabilized. Flight rules required a setting up three experiments. The company based in Deer Park, N.Y. Flight Achievement Award, the return to Earth after use of the re- next day, after 21 hours and 37 Armstrong was a fellow of the Robert J. Collier Trophy, the AIAA entry thrusters, so the crewmembers minutes on the moon, they fired Society of Experimental Test Pilots, Astronautics Award, the Octave fired retrorockets that sent Gemini 8 Eagle’s engine to begin the return to the Royal Aeronautical Society, and Chanute Award, and the John J. to a contingency landing zone in the Collins and the command module. an honorary fellow of the American Montgomery Award. X-48C... from page 1 Body, or HWB, aircraft design. The shielding configuration. External “We are very pleased to begin the X-48C’s flight computer. This HWB design stems from concept modifications included relocating flight tests of the X-48C,” said research will use asymmetric engine studies being conducted by NASA’s the wingtip winglets inboard next Mike Kisska, Boeing X-48C thrust to create yaw, or nose left or Environmentally Responsible to the engines, effectively turning project manager. “Working right movements, for trim and for Aviation project of future potential them into twin tails. The aft deck of with NASA, we’ve successfully relatively slow maneuvers. aircraft designs 20 years from now. the aircraft was also extended about passed another milestone in our NASA’s Aeronautics Research “We are thrilled to get back in the two feet to the rear. Finally, the work to explore and validate the Mission Directorate and Boeing air to start collecting data in this low- project team replaced the X-48B’s aerodynamic characteristics and are funding the X-48 technology noise configuration,” said Heather three 50-pound-thrust jet engines efficiencies of the blended wing demonstration research effort, Maliska, Dryden X-48C project with two 89-pound-thrust engines. body concept.” which supports NASA’s goals of manager. “Our dedicated team has Because handling qualities of the Additionally, the upcoming reduced fuel burn, emissions and worked hard to get the X-48C off X-48C will be different than those flight experiments with the X-48C noise. the ground for this first flight and of the X-48B, the project team will help researchers further The X-48C retains most we are excited to learn about the developed flight control system develop methods to validate the dimensions of the B-model, with a stability and control characteristics software modifications, including design’s aerodynamics and control wingspan just longer than 20 feet, of this low-noise configuration of flight control limiters to keep the laws, including a goal of reducing and a weight of about 500 pounds. the Blended Wing Body.” airplane flying within a safe flight aerodynamic drag through engine The aircraft has an estimated top Primary changes to the C-model envelope. This will enable a stronger yaw control tests. speed of about 140 mph, and a from the B-model, which flew 92 and safer prototype flight control During the planned second maximum altitude of 10,000 feet. flights at NASA Dryden between system suitable for future full-scale block of flight testing this fall, The Air Force Research 2007 and 2010, were geared to commercial hybrid or blended wing NASA will test engine yaw Laboratory, Dayton, Ohio, is also a transforming it to an airframe noise- aircraft. control software incorporated in member of the project team. X-Press September 7, 2012

HS3... from page 1 Center will receive the verbal the altitude and number of other the control room with the pilots The Global Hawk pilots will hand-off via telephone, cross check aircraft sharing the same area at Dryden. The pilots operating have to deal with turbulence in the data links with pilots at Wallops, of the U.S.’s National Airspace the Global Hawk change the flight hurricane flights. Fortunately, the and assume responsibility for the System and international air space path by entering a new heading, cruise altitude is above most of the aircraft’s operation until the mission as the NASA aircraft. When the airspeed or altitude on the primary unstable air associated with that is completed when the landing Global Hawk reaches an altitude of flight display. weather phenomenon. In addition, operation transfers back to Wallops. between 60,000 and 65,000 feet, All Global Hawk pilots are rated an instrument measuring turbulence This close coordination alleviates the there are few aircraft competing for to fly manned aircraft. The pilots was adapted and will be installed necessity to deploy a larger number space. commented that it is possible with the science payload. of pilots. Although the flight path of the to become so engaged during a Global Hawk pilots will be well- When an unmanned aircraft is Global Hawk is pre-programmed Global Hawk flight that it seems prepared for the Hurricane and in the air, the ground-based pilots into the aircraft’s flight control like a flying a manned aircraft. Severe Storm Sentinel mission. They maintain continual contact with computers prior to a mission, pilots They add that much of the sensory spend hours planning missions, Federal Aviation Administration air are able to override the flight plan information available to pilots flying a simulator and have a support traffic control specialists. to accommodate the scientists’ of manned aircraft is missing for team in the “cockpit” consisting of a The interesting scenario for HS3 requests. The scientists will observe the unmanned aircraft pilots. It co-pilot, mission director and control is that the pilots are in California’s flights from the mobile payload is not possible to smell the fuel, room operator. Many are seasoned Mojave Desert, talking with East operations facility at Wallops see the weather and terrain, hear from flying this type aircraft for the Coast controllers through a radio where information will stream onto the engine starting, or feel the military. Although their tools are located on the aircraft. When flying computer monitors from their movement from a ground control a mouse, keyboard and computer in oceanic airspace, pilots talk instruments. The payload manager center. An unmanned aircraft pilot displays, the NASA Global Hawk with international controllers over at Wallops will send the scientists’ is dependent upon computers and pilots find their work challenging telephone. This communication is request for change in altitude or their displays for updates on the and are proud of the job they do to vital as air traffic controllers provide course to the mission director in health of the vehicle. support the U.S. science community.

NASA Awards ... from page 2 technology and aircraft ground countless travelers. public and facilitating end of mis- tion of the Space Shuttle Program collision avoidance systems. sion media coverage for shuttle and major contributions to Amer- • Jeffrey W. King was recognized for Group Achievement Award landings at Dryden. ica’s Human Space Flight Program. exceptional personal contributions • The Dryden Critical Chain • Mars Science Laboratory • Medical Staff of Dryden Flight to NASA in the fields of aerospace Project Management Core Team DFRC Team was recognized for Research Center Team was recog- and aeronautics ground operations was recognized for exceptional exemplary performance in the suc- nized for outstanding medical sup- safety and system safety during the team performance in the establish- cessful execution of challenging port of the Dryden family of em- first 10 years of his career. ment of the Center’s Critical Chain ground operations and flight -ma ployees and the long-term care of Project Management implementa- neuvers for the Mars Science Labo- the Space Shuttle program. Silver Achievement Medal tion approach. ratory radar system. • The Sonic Boom Team was rec- Mary Kennedy received her • Dryden Shuttle Communica- • Space Shuttle Operations, ognized for exceptional initiative, medal for exceptional competency, tions and Outreach Team was- Landing, and Post-Flight Sup- commitment to and support of the enthusiasm, honesty, and passion as recognized for exceptional team port Team was recognized for ex- NASA ARMD Supersonics Pro- travel planning professional, ensuring performance in communicating ceptional shuttle support at DFRC gram, and efficient and effective the mission accomplishment of Shuttle Program activities to the leading to the successful comple- utilization of government resources.

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