SPACE CENTER

May 18, 2001

VOL.40, NO.9 LYNDON B. , HOUSTON, TEXAS Sunny days! At-a-GLANCE ¥ The protective suit includes a white jacket, pants, gloves and headgear, Thanks to NASA space-based technology, child with including goggles. ¥ The external garments protect the four rare skin diseases can now play in the daylight child’s sensitive skin from more By Melissa Davis HED, but also for children with other such a debilitating condition.” than 99.9 percent of the sun’s disorders that affect the body’s ability to Haines said it has been a privilege hazardous UV rays. ardi Hicks couldn’t naturally cool itself. to be part of the technology transfer ¥ Underneath the protective Earth- keep from laughing It is estimated that several thousand effort at JSC. bound spacesuit, the child wears a Cas he ran around in children around the world suffer from vari- “To have been a small part of making the bright sunshine. ous defects that cause either extreme a child’s life more enjoyable in such a small cooling support system, His mother Samantha sensitivity to light or problems in cool- basic, but meaningful, way makes me necessary because full-body UV Hicks couldn’t keep ing their bodies. feel very humbled, thankful for my own suits can get warm. from crying as The HED Foundation began in blessings and also very proud of our ¥ The cooling unit has no moving she watched her 1986 when Moody sought help agency and our folks here at JSC having parts, using four gel packs in a 8-year-old son play from NASA in finding a cooling been involved.” outside in the daylight. garment for her nephew, who suf- vest-like garment. The gel packs Cardi suffers from four fered from HED. The foundation For more information about can supply cooling for two to four rare skin diseases that for also provides cooling garments to the HED Foundation, visit: hours and can be recharged in a years forced him to stay out children with multiple sclerosis, www.hedfoundation.org refrigerator in about 30 minutes. of spina bifida, cerebral palsy and the sun and its potentially other disorders. For more information about ¥ Through an agreement with JSC’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. In 1997, JSC, seeking a the Office of Technology Transfer Office of Technology Transfer and However, that has all changed broader use for spacesuit and Commercialization, visit: Commercialization, NASA and the thanks to NASA and the Hypo- JSC NASA 2001e12105 technology, offered Moody the http://technology.jsc.nasa.gov/index.htm HED organization have worked hidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia photo by James Blair concept for the UV block- together since 1997 providing suits (HED) Foundation. ing garment. The first three suits to children who need them. On April 23 at Regents Park, Cardi distributed were prototypes pro- received a special UV blocking suit that vided by NASA to the ¥ The suits are designed to cost less was developed from NASA space-based foundation. The foundation than $2,000 and are now available technology. The suit allows him to go has since provided more in various colors. outside protected from harmful light. than 15 additional UV The little boy from Magnolia, Texas, blocking suits. was all smiles when presented with the suit While Moody by HED foundation Founder and President works many hours Cardi Hicks, who Sarah Moody as members of JSC’s Office running the not-for- suffers from four of Technology Transfer and Commercial- profit HED skin diseases, can now ization looked on. His mother thanked the Foundation, she is play in the sun thanks to NASA and the two organizations for giving her son a quick to share the Hypohidrotic Ectodermal chance to live a much fuller life. limelight. “I’m only the Dysplasia (HED) “It’s a very special endeavor for us to tool,” she said. “If it had Foundation. At left, have been involved in,” said David Haines, not been for NASA Cardi was recently a member of the Office of Technology technology...these chil- presented a special UV blocking suit, which Transfer and Commercialization. dren would have to live was developed from NASA Although Cardi was covered from head their lives in the dark.” space-based technology, to toe in the white garment once he was The predicament of by Sarah Moody, HED suited up, there was no stopping the giddi- children like Cardi deeply Foundation's founder and ness of a child finally set free to play in the touches JSC’s Haines, who president. At right, Cardi is being suited up by his sunlight. has three childrenÐages mother Samantha Hicks, The UV blocking suits give children 4, 5 and 7. left; HED Foundation's like Cardi freedom to be fun-loving and “As a parent of three Sarah Moody and Cardi's active for the first time in their lives. “The small, very active children doctor, Bas Nair, M.D. UV suit/cooling garment is an outstanding myself it is hard to imagine example of NASA-developed technology what life would be like for with a meaningful real-life application here one of these precious ones not on earth,” Haines said. to be able to run and play HED is a medical disorder characterized outside,” he said. “It is also by the lack of sweat glands. The HED very sobering to realize the JSC NASA 2001e12102 photo by James Blair Foundation works not only to improve the implications for the rest of quality of life for children suffering from the family in accommodating

JSC NASA 2001e12096 photo by James Blair

STS-100 Astronaut Special delivers David Walker tribute to Canadarm2. remembered. George Abbey. Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 & 5 2 May 18, 2001 SPACE CENTER Roundup

investigations to the station, more than any previous flight. The experiments carried aboard the Space Shuttle range from the first plant growth research to be Reaching our conducted aboard the complex to studies of space radiation. The crew Ðcomposed of space fliers from NASA, Canada, Russia and the Destiny European Space AgencyÐwas the most diverse international crew ever flown aboard the Space Shuttle. Its members represented more nations than has any other single crew. Kent Rominger, a Navy captain and a veteran of four past shuttle flightsÐ including one previous ISS assembly missionÐwas Endeavour’s commander. Jeff Ashby, a Navy captain and veteran of one shuttle flight, was the pilot. Mission specialists included NASA astronauts STS100-E-5239 (April 22, 2001) Astronaut Chris A. Hadfield, STS-100 mission specialist representing the Canadian Space Agency, stands on one Parazynski and John Phillips. Canadian-built robot arm to work with another one. Called Canadarm2, the newest addition to the ISS was ferried International crew members, also up to the orbital outpost by the STS-100 crew. Hadfield’s feet are secured on a special foot restraint attached to mission specialists, included Hadfield, the end of the Remote Manipulator System arm, which represents one of the standard shuttle components for European Space Agency astronaut the majority of the 100-plus STS missions thus far. The two EVAs by STS-100's crewmembers lasted a total of 14 hours, 50 minutes. There have been 64 in Shuttle Program history and 20 devoted to ISS assembly. Umberto Guidoni and Russian Aviation and Space Agency cosmonaut Yuri Lonchakov, a colonel in the Russian Air hen Space Shuttle Endeavour Agency, is longer, stronger, more flexible performed two space walks to install Force. During Endeavour’s mission, and its crew of seven glided to a and more capable than the shuttle’s the Canadarm2 on the exterior of the Guidoni became the first European Space W landing at Edwards Air Force robotic arm. The installation and check- station’s Destiny Lab. Agency astronaut to enter the orbiting ISS. Base on May 1, it concluded a successful out of the new ISS arm involved the most The Endeavour crew also helped STS-100 was the ninth shuttle mission 4.9 million-mile journey to deliver and complex and intricate space robotics transfer more than 6,000 pounds of to visit the space station. JSC staff and install Canadarm2 to the International operations ever performed. supplies and equipment from the Italian the public at Ellington Air Force Base Space Station (ISS). Mission specialists Chris Hadfield, a Space Agency-supplied Raffaello welcomed the crew home on May 2. Canadarm2, a new-generation robotic colonel in the Canadian Air Force, and Multi-Purpose Logistics Module. For more information, visit: arm supplied by the Canadian Space NASA astronaut Scott Parazynski Endeavour carried nine scientific http://Spaceflight.nasa.gov/

February 2001 March 2001 April 2001 June 2001

Discovery Endeavour Atlantis STS-102-5A.1 Atlantis STS-98-5A MPLM1 STS-100-6A Expedition II Crew MPLM2 STS-104-7A U.S. Destiny replaces Station Robotic Arm ISS Joint Airlock Laboratory Module Expedition I Crew

Astronaut Hadfield is pictured on the aft flight deck of the Endeavour during an his- toric event. A Canadian ‘handshake in space’ occurred at 4:02 p.m. (CDT), April 28, 2001, as the Canadian-built space station robotic armÐ operated by Expedition II flight engineer Susan J. HelmsÐ transferred its launch cradle over to Endeavour’s robotic arm, with Hadfield at the controls. The exchange of the pallet from station arm to shuttle arm marked the first ever robot-to-robot transfer in space.

STS100-E-5901 (April 28, 2001)

STS100-E-5283 (April 23, 2001) Flight Control JSC2001-E-1219 (April 19, 2001) photo by Robert Markowitz Astronaut James S. Voss, Expedition II flight engineer, peers into the Pressurized Mating Adapter prior to opening the hatch Left to right, astronaut Christopher J. ‘Gus’ Loria, astronaut Scott D. Altman, flight director to the STS-100 crew. Leroy Cain and flight director John Shannon keep up with STS-100 pre-launch activities from their consoles in the shuttle flight control room in the Mission Control Center. Altman is ascent spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM) and is assisted by Loria, CAPCOM specializing in STS-100 and Expedition II crews weather issues. Cain is ascent flight director. STS100-E-5909 (April 23, 2001) Astronaut Susan J. Helms, Expedition II flight engineer, greets members of the STS-100 crew in the Destiny laboratory just after hatch opening. Astronaut Jeffrey S. Ashby, STS-100 pilot, documents the reunion in the background.

STS100-E-5290 (April 23, 2001) SPACE CENTER Roundup May 18, 2001 3 DAVID WALKER, VETERAN NASA ASTRONAUT, DIES APRIL 23

avid Mathieson Walker (Capt., USN, Ret.), veteran of D four space shuttle missions including flights that rescued and deployed satellites, died April 23 following a sudden and brief illness. He was 56 years old. Walker was selected by NASA in January 1978 and became an astronaut in August 1979. During his four missions he logged more than 700 hours in space. “The NASA community has lost a great friend and an admired colleague,” said Johnson Space Center Director (Acting)

Roy S. Estess. “Highly and deservedly NASA JSC S95-12735 decorated for his many achievements A memorial service was held at JSC on April 27 to both as a Navy captain and as a NASA remember veteran Astronaut David Walker, who astronaut, Captain Walker served his recently passed away. A tree was planted in his country with distinction. His successful memory. Walker flew on four Shuttle missions, and retired from NASA in 1996. shuttle missions were indispens- space walk to test assembly techniques able in helping for the International Space Station. NASA further Walker retired from NASA in April the exploration 1996. Until his illness, he served as the of space and president of the Idaho Aviation Founda- enhance life tion, a non-profit corporation promoting on Earth.” general aviation in the state of Idaho. To honor his return to Earth. classified Department of Defense payload Walker’s honors and awards included memory, a In his first space flight and performed experiments during its the Defense Superior Service Medal, the tree-planting as a shuttle commander, seven-day mission. Distinguished Flying Cross, the National ceremony was Atlantis’ STS-30 mission Walker flew his final mission as a Intelligence Medal of Achievement, the held at JSC on in May 1989, Walker and shuttle commander in September 1995. Legion of Merit, two Defense Meritorious Friday, April 27. his crew successfully The STS-69 crew deployed and retrieved Service Medals, six Navy Air Medals, the The event deployed the Magellan two payloads during the nearly 11-day Battle Efficiency Ribbon, the Armed included his spacecraft, the first flight aboard Endeavour. The Wake Forces Expeditionary Medal, the National family and NASA JSC S95-12735 planetary probe to be Shield Facility, a saucer-shaped satellite Defense Service Medal, two NASA friends sharing David Walker released from the space that flew free of the shuttle for several Distinguished Service Medals, the NASA light-hearted memories of Walker. shuttle. Magellan arrived at Venus in days, was deployed to grow thin films in Outstanding Leadership Medal, four Walker first served as pilot on August 1990 and mapped 95 percent of the the near perfect vacuum created by the NASA Space Flight Medals, the STS 51-A, the second flight of the Space surface of the planet. Crewmembers also wake of the satellite as it moved through Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Shuttle Discovery, in November 1984. worked on secondary payloads involving space. The other payload, the Spartan-201 Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic During the nearly eight-day flight, the fluid research and chemistry during the astronomy satellite, helped researchers of Vietnam Campaign Medal. crew deployed two communications four-day mission. study the outer atmosphere of the Sun Survivors include his wife, Paige, and satellites and conducted the first space Walker next commanded a five-mem- and its transition into the solar two children, Michael and Mathieson. salvage mission in history, retrieving two ber crew on STS-53 in December 1992 wind that constantly flows past the Earth. Interment will take place this month at inoperable communications satellites for aboard Discovery. His crew deployed a Crew-members also performed a six-hour Arlington National Cemetery. In-search-OF Due to the overwhelming response we received for our Mother’s Day article, the Roundup is now requesting information for a Father’s Day article. Do you know of any fathers who work, or have worked, with their children here at JSC? Tell us about them! Send your story idea information to Julie Burt, Roundup Assistant Editor, at [email protected], or give her a call at (281) 483-8614. The submission deadline is May 23. We regret we cannot use every story idea submitted.

Chris Kraft Jr., NASA’s first Flight Director, recently signed copies of his book Flight: My Life in Mission Control in Building 3. Dr. Kraft served as Flight Director for all the Expedition 1 Training Lead Dolores Rader and Houston Support Group-Moscow Lead Mercury missions and many of the Gemini missions, and he was the director of JSC Sean Fuller received the joint honor of hanging the Expedition 1 mission plaque in from January 1972 to August 1982. Many honors and awards have come to him the Blue Flight Control Room in Building 30 from Expedition 1 Flight Directors Andy from aeronautical research societies and universities. Sitting with Kraft is Mary Algate and Jeff Hanley. The official plaque hanging is done after every mission. More O’Connell of the Exchange Operations office. information can be found at http://flightops.jsc.nasa.gov/fltdir/fdhome/fdhist/plaque.html 4 May 18, 2001 SPACE CENTER Roundup With a move to a newly appointed position, we take this opportunity to look back at the career of...

NASA JSC S79-34039 Chief of Payload Operations, Charles Harlan and Director of Flight Operations, George Abbey in 1979.

NASA JSC S67-50555 George W. S. Abbey in 1967.

1964 Lt. Gen. Tom Stafford, USAF (ret.). The group Abbey, a United States Air Force Captain, was was charged with defining alternative architectures assigned to the Manned Spacecraft Center on for returning to the Moon and landing on Mars, the . along with the critical technologies and early 1967 accomplishments that support the program. He left the Air Force to become a civilian 1991 employee of NASA, and was appointed Technical Abbey was appointed the Senior Director for Civil Assistant to the Apollo Spacecraft Program Man- Space, , Executive Office ager, George Low. He served as the Secretary of of the President, serving with the Space Council the Apollo Configuration Control Board and was until April of 1992, when he became Special also responsible for all the Government Furnished Assistant to the Administrator of NASA. He played Equipment, such as the space suits and crew an important role in defining and negotiating Rus- equipment used by the astronauts. Two years sian participation in the redefined ISS program and later, Apollo 11 landed on the moon. the Shuttle-Mir program. As a result of this effort, 1970 the Vice President of the United States signed many new cooperative space initiatives between During the Apollo 13 mission, Abbey was NASA JSC S69-33873 the United States and Russia. Technical Assistant to the Center Director. He was Dr. Gilruth presents seated in the viewing room with Thomas K. “Ken” 1995 commendation award to Mattingly when James “Jim” Lovell Jr.’s famous As Acting JSC Director, he designated a “stand- George W. S. Abbey in 1969. words–“Hey Houston, we’ve had a problem down” day for employees and contractors for here”–came over the radio. Upon determining the the purpose of increasing safety awareness. seriousness of the situation, Abbey called Center That first Safety Awareness Day has evolved into Director Robert R. Gilruth and Director of Flight an annual event. Operations Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., and advised 1996 them of the situation. In January, Abbey was named Director of Johnson Leaving a legacy 1973 Space Center. On May 4, Skylab lost its thermal protection shield - an accident that nearly ended the pro- hroughout his time with JSC, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, gram. Abbey worked to help devise a way to In February, NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin Abbey’s commitment to safety and as well as work with the Clear Lake Area protect the orbital workshop from direct sunlight. appointed JSC the “lead center” for station Texcellence has been profound. He Economic Development Foundation show His technical skill and management helped in development and shuttle operations. launched the Executive Safety committee, the important role that Abbey feels JSC the development of the parasol-type shield that the Contractor Safety Forum and the JSC should play in the larger community of helped control temperatures onboard Skylab. In November, Abbey continued the tradition and Safety Action Team. Other initiatives Texas, the United States and the world. 1976 commitment to transferring space technology back to include the Senior Manager’s Safety Finally, Abbey has left his mark in the the public by opening its doors to more than 1,500 Course and Safety Through Everyone’s way NASA chooses astronauts. The selec- As Director of Flight Operations until 1985, business and industry leaders for an “up-close” look Participation tion process that was established under Abbey established and chaired Astronaut at the center’s capabilities and technologies. The courses, Abbey’s leadership for the 1978 class has Selection Boards. In 1978, the board selected NASA/JSC Inspection showcased space age DuPont been the cornerstone for every astronaut 35 Astronaut Candidates from a group of 8,000 technologies and expertise on Nov. 13-14 with more applicants, among whom were the first six than 100 exhibits and programs in 17 buildings training and selection program to the present time. women and first four members of minority across the site. philosophy, Abbey’s selection criteria emphasized the groups to be astronauts. 1997 a more vig- selection of individuals with broad, diverse orous mishap backgrounds, who had demonstrated 1981 The Rotary National Award for Space investigation practical, operationally oriented work Achievement Foundation presented Abbey with Abbey was Director of Flight Operations for the process, the skillsÐskills that relate to the work the National Space Trophy. first Shuttle flight, STS-1, on April 12. close call astronauts do. From the 1978 class to the 1985-1987 1998 system and 2000 class, 34,414 applications have been As Director of the newly formed Flight Crew Abbey worked with John Wilson, the Superintendent metric reporting. JSC was the first NASA evaluated, 1,415 individuals have been Operations Directorate, he was a key player in of the Clear Creek Independent School District, to center to become both ISO 9000 certified interviewed, and 237 new Astronaut agency response and the return to flight after establish an Intermediate School on the Center. Space (1998) and receive OSHA’s Voluntary Candidates (eleven classes) have been the Challenger accident. Center Intermediate is the first of its kind. Its pres- Protection Program Star Status (1999). selected. The people selected have left their ence on JSC has allowed both the faculty and students JSC then became the first government mark not just on NASA, but across the 1988 to take advantage of the educational outreach activi- facility to be certified to the upgraded country, many in key roles in government, While in the role of Deputy Associate Administra- ties of the Center. tor for Space Flight at NASA Headquarters, Abbey ISO 9001:2000 standard in March academia and private industry. resolved a critical problem for the future of the 2000 of this year. George Abbey’s long and distinguished Shuttle Program. An explosion at a Nevada plant In November, after the work Abbey did solidifying the Abbey’s enthusiasm for education NASA career includes leadership positions destroyed NASA’s only source of ammonium international partnership, the International Space has been apparent in his commitment to during some of the agency’s most proud perchlorate (a necessary ingredient for the Station reached one of what would be many mile- programs such as the KC-135 student and most trying occasions. From the operation of solid rocket boosters). Abbey worked stones in its assembly when its first residents, the campaigns, the Distance Learning tragedy of the Apollo 1 fire and the loss of with the Department of Defense to acquire enough Expedition I crew, arrived to begin permanent human Outpost, the Cooperative Education Challenger, to the euphoria of landing an of the chemical to support the upcoming Shuttle presence on the Station. Program, Texas Aerospace Scholars, astronaut on the moon and the fulfillment missions and developed a plan that assured a 2001 return to full production within one year. the SCIAD program and the Longhorn of the International Space Station, Abbey In February, Mr. Abbey was reassigned to become 1990 Project. has dedicated his time and technical the Senior Assistant for International Issues report- JSC’s community involvement with expertise to NASA’s success and the Abbey was appointed to a leadership position in ing to the Administrator. the Synthesis Group chaired by former astronaut events such as Open House, Inspection, success of the U.S. space program. SPACE CENTER Roundup May 18, 2001 5

I started work in July 1978. My first assignment was as GNC controller for the Skylab re-entry, but I remember that my first yellow phone message from Mr. Abbey was to tell me the time and place of the next softball game for the FOD team. I played first base, and Mr. Abbey was the coach. He has continued to be “coach” for the last 23 years from astronaut to headquarters assignments to my current position. He has an unparalleled grasp of both the details and the big picture, with a coherent vision of the future of NASA JSC S80-30853 human spaceflight... Abbey talks with — Bonnie Dunbar, Assistant Director, University Research and Affairs as he exits Columbia after STS-1 returns.

Having worked with, and for, George since he arrived at the MSC (now JSC) I know that his main objective is to champion the human exploration of Mr. Abbey’s expectations were space in the safest possible manner. To do always extremely high, and people human space exploration right, George consistently strived to meet that level. is willing to listen to, and to fix, all the He has forever left his mark on details and issues. spaceflight and his legacy will be long — Captain John Young NASA JSC S84-26252 remembered. JSC Associate Director (Technical) George Abbey, Director of Flight Crew Operations leaves Ellington Air Force Base by T-38 aircraft for Kennedy Space Center and the — Ron Dittemore STS-11 mission on February 1, 1984. Space Shuttle Program Manager

Mr. Abbey was always very clear that the space program belongs to all of America, and to build a stronger, more robust space program, we needed to move outside the gates. We should go out and engage the community. — Greg Hayes, Human Resources NASA JSC2000e21551 Employees and guests enjoy the year 2000 Open House.

NASA JSC S98-02887 JSC Director George Abbey joined Clear Creek Independent School District trustees in breaking ground for the new intermediate school on the grounds of JSC. From left are Dr. John Wilson, George Abbey, Sophia LeCour, Board of Trustees president and trustees Ralph Parr and Richard Labrecque.

The partnership programs between the Astronauts C. Michael Foale, Clear Creek Independent School District left, and Claude Nicollier (on Discovery's robotic arm) and NASA Johnson Space Center have install a Fine Guidance Sensor been very beneficial for students in our (FGS) into a protective enclosure in the Shuttle's payload bay. Foale and community. We appreciate the leadership Nicollier performed the second of and vision of George Abbey in making three space walks to service the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) on possible these valuable the STS-103 mission. A large format educational opportunities. camera inside Discovery's cabin was used to record this high-resolu- tion image, while the Shuttle was —Dr. John E. Wilson, Clear Creek ISD orbiting above ocean and clouds.

Superintendent of Schools NASA JSC STS-103-501-206 6 May 18, 2001 SPACE CENTER Roundup Ripped SAFETY from the ‘Sharp-en’ your knowledge about bloodborne pathogens

ROUNDUP By Jennifer Breland container. The container is small enough Keeping everyone on to fit in a lower drawer or some other site safe from potential haz- loodborne pathogens (BBP) are inconspicuous location. The Clinic asks ards is everyone’s responsibility. Working Ripped straight from the pages of only that the person keeps the container together to protect our coworkers and old Space News Roundups, here’s microorganisms carried in the what happened at JSC on this date: Bbloodstream, which can cause dis- on site and returns it once it is full. They ourselves should be our number one eases such as HIV and Hepatitis B virus. will gladly replace it and properly dispose priority. For questions or registration for the If you have taken the BBP class of the filled container. full BBP class, call OHS at X36726. 1961 taught by the Hazcom Department of Occupational Health Services, then you May 19: know that disposing of sharps (such as Soviet Academy of Sciences revealed syringes/needles, lances, broken glass, that the pulse rate of Maj. Yuri etc.) in the standard trash receptacle Gagarin had risen to 158 beats a can lead to serious problems. As most minute in his Vostok flight, according know, Tolman–NASA/JSC’s janitorial to a report circulated by Tass. staffÐ must empty these receptacles on Cape Canaveral opened to the a daily basis. There have been instances general public for the first time where members of the Tolman staff have in history. been punctured in the leg or other body May 25: parts because a sharp was not disposed of properly. President Kennedy, in a major What is the proper way to dispose of message to Congress, called for a a sharp? After it is used, a sharp should vastly accelerated space program be placed in a puncture proof, Biohazard based on a long-range national goal container. These containers are usually of landing a man on the moon and red with the Biohazard symbol. If a bringing him safely back to Earth. For Biohazard container is not available, a this and associated projects in space regular trash bag may be used with a Lockheed Martin’s Science, Engineering, Analysis and Test (SEAT) program was the technology, the President requested Biohazard label and some other type of first Lockheed Martin organization ever to surpass 7.5 million hours without a lost-time additional appropriations totaling incident. SEAT passed that milestone in January of this year. Above, JSC Deputy Director puncture proof/resistant container, such $611 million for NASA and the Bill Parsons and Cinda Chullen, Contracting Officer Technical Representative, congratu- as a cardboard box. Department of Defense. late Ken Reightler, vice president of SEAT Operation, for receiving an award presented to Broken glass may not start as a BBP the SEAT program by Ken Asbury, senior vice president of Lockheed Martin Space Opera- X-15 flown to a record speed of 3,300 hazard, but if someone emptying the trash tions. Reightler said the award ‘belongs to JSC,’ as well as to SEAT employees, for the mph by NASA test pilot Joseph is punctured or cut, they may create a excellent example they set. Both Parsons and Reightler said the significance in the award Walker at Edwards AFB, Calif. is not in the number of hours worked without incident, but rather the fact that no one was potential blood exposure. If a box or other injured during that period. container is used, it is important to clearly label the container with a warning such 1976 as “Broken glass” or “Danger–contains sharp objects.” Free Melanoma & Skin Cancer Screenings aterials that are planned for use NASA/JSC has a BBP chapter in M as part of the Space Shuttle the Safety, Health and Environmental Provided by the Houston Dermatological Society Orbiter heat-protection armor Protection Handbook (Chapter 404). Each were recently subjected to the contractor whose employees, by their job Saturday, May 19 pressures of 2,300 degree F heat of description, may be exposed to BBP 100 reentries with no damage, accord- should also have a specific plan. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ing to thermal specialists at JSC. There are people on site who must The shuttle orbiter which is designed test their blood or self-administer med- Gilruth Center Ballroom for reuse up to 100 times without ication throughout the day. These major refurbishment, will have four people need only to visit the Clinic in This event is open to the public separate light-weight, reusable Building 8 and request a Biohazard heat-resistant materials affixed to the exterior of the 122-foot long space plane. The thermal protection system (TPS) which will provide heat man- agement as the vehicle speeds into orbit and returns to earth, consists of Open from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, coated reinforced carbon-carbon and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Contact the Gilruth Center at (281) 483-3345. (RCC) for nose cap and wing leading Sign-up policy: edges where temperatures exceed All classes and athletic activities http://www4.jsc.nasa.gov/ah/exceaa/Gilruth/Gilruth.htm 2,300 degrees F. are on a first-come, first-served Nutrition intervention program: This is a free seven-week program designed to provide basis. Sign up in person at the an understanding of the role diet and nutrition play in health. The program includes a series of Gilruth Center and show a yellow lectures and private consultations with a dietitian. You will learn how to use dietary vitamins, 1981 minerals and herbal nutriceuticals for optimizing health. Classes are held on Wednesdays Gilruth or weight room badge. from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. For details call Tammie Labiche, registered dietitian, at (281) 483-2980. iny crystals of diamond, formed Classes tend to fill up two weeks Defensive driving: One-day course is offered once a month at the Gilruth Center. in an ancient cosmic catastro- in advance. Payment must be Pre-registration required. Cost is $25. Call for next available class. T phe, have recently been found made in full, by cash or by check, Stamp club: Meets every second and fourth Monday at 7 p.m. in Rm. 216. in a 10.4-kilogram (23-pound) Weight safety: Required course for employees wishing to use the Gilruth weight room. at the time of registration. iron meteorite collected from the Pre-registration is required. Cost is $5. Annual weight room use fee is $105. The cost for Antarctic ice cap in 1977. The discov- No registration will be taken additional family members is $58. ery was reported in the magazine by telephone. For more Exercise: Low-impact class meets from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Nature by Roy S. Clarke Jr., Daniel E. information, call x33345. Cost is $24 for eight weeks. Appleman and Daphne E. Ross, all of Step/bench aerobics: Low-impact cardiovascular workout. Classes meet from 5:25-6:25 p.m. the Smithsonian Institution’s National Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost is $40 for eight weeks. Museum of Natural History. Gilruth badges: Cardio-Kickboxing: Medium impact. Learn basic kicking and punching. The diamonds, a type of crystalline Required for use of the Gilruth Tuesday and Thursday 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Cost is $40 for eight weeks. carbon that forms at high pressures, Yoga stretching: Stretching class of low-impact exercises designed for people of all ages Center. Employees, spouses, were found as invisible crystals in and abilities in a Westernized format. Meets Thursdays 5-6 p.m. Cost is $40 for eight weeks. small carbon-rich fragments found eligible dependents, NASA Call Darrell Matula, instructor, at x38520 for more information. inside the nickel-iron metal retirees and spouses may Ballroom dancing: Classes meet Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for beginner, 8:30-9:30 p.m. that makes up the apply for photo identification for intermediate and 7:30-8:30 p.m. for advanced. Cost is $60 per couple. meteorite. Fitness program: Health-related fitness program includes a medical screening examination badges from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. and a 12-week individually prescribed exercise program. For more information call Larry Wier Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at x30301. Saturdays. Cost is $12. Aikido: Martial arts class for men and women. Beginners meet Monday 6:30 - 7:30 p.m and Dependents must be between Wednesdays 5 - 6 p.m. Advanced students meet Tuesday and Wednesday 5 - 6:30 p.m. No special equipment is needed. Aikido teaches balance and control to defend against an opponent 16 and 23 years old. without using force. Classes run monthly. Cost is $45 per month. Visit a class for more information. SPACE CENTER Roundup May 18, 2001 7

HOT OFF THE PRESSES White Sand’s National Management Association hosts high school speech contest

By Cheerie R. Patneaude tax-paying citizens, Americans know that with Curry placing third. “The contest was an opportunity to paying taxes support this country and “The contestants prepared extensively, support young people in our community, he local NASA White Sands Chapter what this country is founded upon: The and that made and definitely the best speech contest I’ve of the National Management Associa- American Dream. The dream that the competition much closer this year,” said ever seen,” said Bob Baker, Honeywell Ttion (NMA) hosted its annual high American enterprise system creates and White Sands Manager Joe Fries. “All four Technology Solutions Inc. (HTSI) Pro- school speech contest on March 15. Four makes possible, and contestants were gram Manager. “Overall, it was a very contestants presented original speeches the dream that can very good. It was close race, but (it was) encouraging to see based on the American Enterprise System. sometimes go hard to guess who the youth of Las Cruces taking an educa- In his speech “The Business of terribly wrong, the winner was tional opportunity to compete in our Success,” Joseph Beltran ran the gamut can dry up and can going to be. ” contest and the nationals.” of a young man in business from his first simply explode.” The contest was an Steve Joe San Filippo of HTSI was chief fast-food job to the last portfolio of an The Mayfield opportunity to support McDougle, speech judge for the contest. He said, “The accomplished entrepreneur. Juliane Curry junior compared the young people in our contest coordina- speakers were excellent. It was nice to see spoke out on “The Entrepreneur’s 1929 stock market community, and definitely tor, said he these high school students participating in Independence,” where in “patents, profits, crashÐwith its rise of the best speech contest believed the con- something special.” choice and competition, the sky is the monopolies, big I’ve ever seen. test was “the Local members of Toastmasters Inter- limit. Or is it?” Stephanie Ramîrez, a tour spending and the toughest ever. Our national, who used the Judge’s Code of guide in “Lights, Camera, Action! The loss of small busi- ÐBob Baker, Honeywell contestant has a Ethics and Judging Criteria in examining Entertainment Industry,” showed the nesses–to today’s Technology Solutions Inc. (HTSI) good chance at the contestants’ speeches, judged the con- audience how the entertainment industry bearish market. Program Manager regionals and, test. “I’m always impressed with the directly impacts the American economy. She was selected to hopefully, nation- quality of the student’s speeches and But it was Jessica Williams’ speech represent the NASA als.” with the time spent on preparations,” said “American Dreams Deferred” that White Sands NMA Chapter at The students represented Las Cruces NMA President Ken Schaaf. “It’s good to captured the judges’ and audience’s this month’s Southwest Area Regional Public School’s Mayfield High School see students participating in positive attention when she asked: “What happens Competition in San Antonio, Texas. (Beltran, Ramîrez, and Williams) and activities like these.” to an American Dream deferred? As The second place winner was Ramîrez, Mesilla Valley Christian School (Curry).

Compliance with section 508 Graduate opportunities will affect JSC activities for Summer and Fall 2001 Interested in pursuing an advanced academic programs, please contact Kay degree? Here are some academic Westfall x33072 or Susan White x37011. he way JSC approaches electronic presentation, control, transport and opportunities available at JSC. The UH Live ITV Classes On Site and information technology is production. Examples of electronic and University of Houston system will SUMMER I Session 2001 changing. information technology include, but are T present briefings and Q&A for all FINA 6387 - 06597 The Access Board, which is an not limited to, computers, software, interested students. Managerial Analysis independent federal agency devoted to networks, peripherals and other types SUMMER III Session 2001 accessibility for people with disabili- of electronic office equipment. MONDAY, MAY 21, 2001: ties, has issued accessibility standards The law is not limited to assistive INDE 6337-06636 UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM Human Factors System Design for electronic and information technol- technologies used by people with ¥ University of Houston (UH) ogy under Section 508 of the disabilities. It also applies to all federal FALL Session 2001 Rehabilitation Act. All federal agencies agencies when they develop, procure, ¥ UH-Clear Lake (UHCL) COSC 6360 - 11756 have been directed to comply with maintain or use electronic and informa- ¥ UH-Downtown (UHD) Operating Systems these standards by June 21, 2001. tion technology. Federal agencies must ¥ UH-Victoria (UHV) ECE 7373 - 02319 Advance Topics in Computer Architecture Doing so will affect how business in ensure that this technology is accessible Building 12, Room 262 Briefings this area will be handled at JSC. to employees and the public to the 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 12:15-1:15 p.m. FINA 6387 - 11783 The two areas of activity at JSC extent it does not pose an “undue ¥ Master of Industrial Managerial Analysis INDE 6325 - 11261 most likely to be affected are burden,” and even in these cases Engineering/Engineering Industrial Ergonomics information technology procurement adequate alternative access to the Management (UH) INDE 6335 - 02635 and the use of Web sites. information must be provided. ¥ Master of Electrical Engineering (UH) Ergonomics Administration The Federal Acquisition Regulation As an enforcement mechanism, ¥ Fundamentals of Engineering and (FAR) Council has published draft the law sets up an administrative Professional Engineering FE&PE (UH) Visit the Web site: guidelines and received comments for process under which individuals with Building 12, Room 256 Briefings http://hro.jsc.nasa.gov/ the Section 508 regulations. The final disabilities can file a complaint alleging 11a.m.-12 p.m. and 12:15-1:15 p.m. training/courses/academic.htm for rules should be in place before the June that a federal agency has not complied ¥ Master of Science in Software additional information such as course 21 deadline. with the standards. This process uses Engineering (UHCL) descriptions and prerequisites Procurement actions after that point the same complaint procedures ¥ Master of Science in System must conform to the new regulations established under section 504 of the Engineering (UHCL) Interested in Distance Learning? and will be subject to challenges related Rehabilitation Act, which covers access Building 12, Room 188 Briefings Please see the listing of the latest to degree of compliance. JSC Web to federally-funded programs and 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 12:15-1:15 p.m. distance learning courses available at JSC. sites, especially those available to the services. It provides injunctive relief Visit the Web site: ¥ Master of Science in Computer public, must provide access for people and attorney’s fees to the prevailing http://hro.jsc.nasa.gov/training/courses/ Science (UH) with vision impairments who rely on party, but does not include compen- academic.htm. ¥ Master of Business Administration various assistive products to access satory or punitive damages. Individuals UCCS Distance Learning Courses Online (UHV) computer-based information. Those may also file a civil action against their SUMMER Session 2001 products include screen readers, which agency if they feel it’s warranted. ¥ All other UH System Distance Education program information MAE 4001 Engineering Analysis translate what’s on a computer screen Anyone planning an IT procurement for Space Operations into automated audible output, and or establishing or maintaining a Web MAE 5091 Space Environment refreshable Braille displays. site should familiarize themselves Because JSC strongly supports MAE 5095 Modeling and Simulation The standards do not prohibit the use with the Section 508 provisions. academic training for its employees, we MAE 5410 Fundamentals of of Web site graphics or animation. An excellent resource is the Access will pay for the tuition and fees of up to six Astrodynamics Instead, the standards aim to ensure that Board website at http://www.access- hours per semester. Civil servants may have their courses paid up-front by submitting such information is also available in an board.gov/news/508-final.htm. MAE 5460 GPS Principles and approved Applications for Training, JSC Applications accessible format. The law covers all Form 75, to UH. If you have questions MAE 5594 Space Communications types of electronic and information about how JSC supports these or other technology in use in the federal sector, Questions can also be addressed to Systems Design including those used for communica- Steve Gorman of the JSC CIO Office or tion, duplication, computing, storage, Jessie Hendrick of EEOP Office. For additional information and Fall 2001 offerings visit the UCCS Website: http://mae.uccs.edu/ 8 May 18, 2001 SPACE CENTER Roundup NASA BRIEFS

NASA PREPARES FOR FIRST SCRAMJET-POWERED HYPERSONIC FLIGHT May 18 meets at 6:30 p.m. at Texas Southern University, School of Chess Club meets: The Space City Chess Club meets each Technology, first floor. For more information contact Kimberly Imagine a new breed of space Friday evening - May 18 and 25 and June 1 and 8 - from 5:30 Topps at (281) 280-2917. p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, transportation vehicle, able to fly at seven 16335 El Camino Real, room 423. All skill levels are welcome. June 5 times the speed of sound, using a next- For more information, please call James Mulberry at x39287 Quality Society meets: The Bay Area Section of the generation air-breathing jet engine. or James Termini at x32639. American Society for Quality meets at 6 p.m. at Franco’s NASA takes a hypersonic leap into the Restaurant. For more information contact Ann future of aerospace technology with the May 23 Dorris at x38620. flight of the scramjet-powered X43A. Spaceland Toastmasters meet: The Spaceland Toastmas- The first unpiloted X-43A and its Pega- ters meets on Wednesday mornings at 7 a.m. at the House of June 7 sus booster rocket will be air-launched Prayer Lutheran Church 1515 Bay Area Blvd at Reseda. For Warning System Test: The site-wide Employee Warning more information, contact Ava Sloan at 713-768-6336 or System performs its monthly audio test at noon. For more from a B-52 from NASA’s Dryden Flight [email protected] information contact Bob Gaffney at x34249. Research Center, Edwards, CA. The booster will accelerate the X-43A to Spaceteam Toastmasters meet: The Spaceteam Toastmas- June 8 Mach 7 at approximately 95,000 feet. At ters meet on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. at United Space Astronomers meet: The JSC Astronomical Society meets at booster burnout, the X-43 will separate Alliance, 600 Gemini. For more information contact Patricia 7:30 p.m. at the Center for Advanced Space Studies, 3600 and fly under its own power on a pre- Blackwell at (281) 280-6863. Bay Area Blvd. For more information contact Chuck Shaw at programmed flight path. x35416 or go to the website: http://www.ghg.net/cbr/jscas/ May 24 Unlike a rocket that carries its own oxy- Communicators meet: The Clear Lake Communicators, June 12 gen for combustion, the X-43A’s a Toastmasters International club, meets on Thursdays at IAAP meets: The Clear Lake/NASA Chapter of the Interna- scramjet scoops air from the atmo- 11:30 a.m. at Wyle Laboratories, 1100 Hercules, Suite 305. tional Association of Administrative Professionals will hold its sphere, making the aircraft lighter, For more information contact Allen Prescott at (281) 282-3281 2001-2002 Installation at 5:30 p.m. in the Colonial Room at which enables it to carry heavier pay- or Richard Lehman at (281) 280-6557. Grace Community Church, 14325 Crescent Landing. Contact loads. It will be the first time a Frances Jackson 281 929 1001 or [email protected] for non-rocket propelled, air-breathing May 31 more information. engine has powered a vehicle in flight at Radio Club meets: The JSC Amateur Radio Club meets at hypersonic speeds, or five times the Aero Club meets: The Bay Area Aero Club meets at 7 p.m. at 6:30 p.m. at Piccadilly, 2465 Bay Area Blvd. For details contact speed of sound. Larry Dietrich at x39198. the Houston Gulf Airport clubhouse at 2750 FM 1266 in League City. For more information contact Larry Hendrickson June 4 at x32050 or checkout www.bayareaaeroclub.org. For more information, see: CLA-NSS meets: The Clear Lake area chapter of the National http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/projects/hyperx/ Space Society meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Parker Williams June 13 Branch of the Harris County Library at 10851 Scarsdale Blvd. MAES meets: The Society of Mexican-American Engineers x43.html For more information contact Murray Clark at (281) 367-2227. and Scientists meets at 11:30 a.m. in Bldg. 16, Rm. 111. For more information contact Margaret C. Delgado at NSBE meets: The National Society of Black Engineers 713-643-6097 or [email protected]. NEW BOOMERANG FINDINGS REVEAL “MUSIC” OF THE Welcome neighbors! EARLY UNIVERSE

Members of the Human Resources Education and Student Programs An international team of cosmologists Branch (AH2) recently organized an Education Open House to introduce has begun to hear the “music of cre- themselves and their programs to other members of the Human Resources ation” in its discovery of acoustic Organization. Many of the new AH2 members are former Public Affairs “notes” in the sound waves that rip- Office employees that were reassigned to the Human Resources Office pled through the universe not long (HRO) last summer. after the Big Bang. Since the new HRO Team Members were not able to immediately move The new resultsÐfrom a detailed in with their new organization due to space limitations, the Open House analysis of high-resolution images was timed to also celebrate the move to their new offices, now located in obtained by the BOOMERANG Building 12. This event offered both old and new members of Human (Balloon Observations of Millimetric Resources a chance to get to know each other and to learn more about their Pictured above mingling at the recent Education Open Extragalactic Radiation and Geo- House event are Erika Guillory, Diane Hawkins, Donna physics) experimentsÐprovide the contributions to JSC, its employees and to its community. AH2 plans to Stuart, Gracie Torres and Anita Madrigal. hold a similar event for all JSC employees in the near future. most precise measurement to date of several of the key characteristics which cosmologists use to describe the universe. The BOOMERANG images are the first to bring the cosmic microwave background (CMB) into sharp focus. The presence of these harmonic JSC Price Gate Price (includes tax) peaks bolsters the theory that the AMC Theaters ...... $5.00 ...... $7.50 universe grew from a tiny subatomic region during a period of violent Astroworld Early Bird (purchase by June 17) $19.50 ...... $38.96 expansion a split second after the Astroworld One Day Admission ...... $20.50 ...... $38.96 Exchange Store hours Big Bang. Astroworld 2 Day Admission ...... $31.00 ...... $43.29 Monday-Friday BOOMERANG is an extremely Fiesta Texas Adult ...... $21.50 ...... $38.82 Bldg. 3 7 a.m.-4 p.m. sensitive microwave telescope Fiesta Texas Child (under 48”) ...... $18.75 ...... $19.42 Bldg. 11 9 a.m.-3 p.m. suspended from a balloon that Moody Gardens (2 events) ...... $10.75.** ...... $27.01 all day ➤ All tickets are nonrefundable. circumnavigated the Antarctic in late ** ticket does not include Aquarium Pyramid ➤ Metro tokens and value cards are available. 1998. The balloon carried the Moody Gardens - Aquarium only ...... $9.25 ➤ Sweetwater Pecans ...... telescope at an altitude of almost 37 Sea World adult...... $30.00 ...... $36.75 $6.25 per lb. kilometers (120,000 feet) for 10 1/2 Sea World child (ages 3-11)...... $20.50 ...... $25.93 ➤ Chocolate-covered Pecans . . . days. The images were published just Space Center Houston...... $9.25 ...... $16.18 $8.00 per lb. one year ago. JSC civil service employees free. For additional information, For more information on and images Check out our new Web site on the JSC People page at: http://hro.jsc.nasa.gov/giftshop/ please call x35350. from BOOMERANG, see: Please bring your driver’s http://www.physics.ucsb.edu/~boomerang/ license to pay by personal check. and http://oberon.roma1.infn.it/boomerang

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 AP121. The main telephone number is x38648, and the fax is x32000. Visit our website at: http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/pao/roundup/weekly/ Electronic mail messages may be directed to: WEBSTER, TX Permit No. G27 Managing Editor ...... Melissa Davis ...... [email protected] Assistant Editor ...... Julie Burt ...... [email protected]