April 14, 2006 Vol

April 14, 2006 Vol. 45, No. 8 Spaceport News John F. Kennedy Space Center - America’s gateway to the universe

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/snews/spnews_toc.html STS-1: The boldest test flight in history The world proudly watched as NASA resumed human space flight on April 12, 1981

By Jim Kennedy Center Director

ix years passed from the end of NASA’s human Sspace flight program Apollo to the roar of Space Shuttle Columbia on its April 12, 1981, maiden flight from KSC’s the nation’s Vision for Space Launch Pad 39A carrying Exploration to extend human astronauts John Young and Bob presence across the solar system, Crippen on a two-day Earth- starting with a return to the moon orbital mission. by the end of the next decade, Twenty-five years ago this the agency is pursuing that month, the world watched as the vision by building on the best of two brave astronauts completed Apollo and shuttle technology. the monumental first test of the As a young engineer at the SPACE SHUTTLE Columbia lifts off shortly after 7 a.m. on April 12, 1981. Space Transportation System by Marshall Space Flight Center in with Young and Crippen and from shuttle technology. landing at Edwards Air Force Alabama, I was privileged to be a their look back on “the ultimate As we prepare for the next Base in California. That success- part of the team responsible for test flight,” as described by space shuttle launch in July, the ful mission verified the com- the design and development of Crippen. work you are performing to bined performance of the orbiter, the solid rocket boosters and will You will also learn about how safely fly Discovery is as critical solid rocket boosters and always remember, with much the shuttle’s technology has as during the time NASA pre- external tank. pride, watching the magnificent evolved, the modifications to pared for STS-1. As NASA pushes ahead with technology perform beautifully. existing facilities to meet the Thanks for all of your The Kennedy Space Center needs of the space shuttle contributions as we continue the work force enjoyed the unique program, the diversity of the amazing journey of space flight opportunity to relive that historic space shuttle crews and spinoffs together as a team. mission when Young and Crippen recently returned to our STS-1 PILOT Bob Crippen center and spoke about the (left) and thrilling challenges of the first Commander shuttle flight. Their enthusiasm John Young for America’s space program is PHOTO FROM YOUNG/CRIPPEN returned to as strong as it was the day they VISIT ON THURSDAY KSC on April learned they would be aboard 6-7 to that first mission. celebrate the Today, more than 2,000 25th employees who worked at anniversary of the first Kennedy Space Center during space shuttle STS-1 still work here. flight. This issue provides details on Kennedy Space Center NASA’s first shuttle mission and the evolution of human space Director Jim Kennedy flight, including an interview

apr14.pmd 1 4/11/2006, 2:58 PM Page 2 SPACEPORT NEWS April 14, 2006 Space shuttle history boasts mission success

By Kay Grinter Reference Librarian

hereAwards does the history of the Space Shuttle WProgram begin? In 1969, President Richard Nixon’s appointed Space Task Group proposed that, after Apollo, the nation should pursue a broad- based space exploration program to include a space station, a lunar base, Mars exploration and a space shuttle. Practical applica- tions and international cooperation in space were essential to the plan. The group envisioned a reusable space system to provide low cost per pound to orbit. A reusable space shuttle offered major advantages over conven- tional rocket systems. Spacecraft built to fly aboard a shuttle vehicle could be designed with more emphasis on their mission ORBITER COLUMBIA – riding piggyback atop a modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft – returns to Kennedy Space capabilities, and less emphasis Center April 21, 1981, after a two-day journey from the Dryden Flight Research Center in California. Columbia touched on their ability to withstand the down on the Shuttle Landing Facility two weeks after its return to Earth from the first space shuttle flight. rigors of existing rocket launches. “Star Trek.” Intended for use of space flight. On a standard a permanently based, manned And so, NASA marched ahead only as a test article, the vehicle mission, the vehicle carries up to space station in the mid-1980s. with the Space Shuttle Program. rolled out of Rockwell’s assem- seven crew members. The first At President Bill Clinton’s Enterprise, the first orbiter off bly facility in Palmdale, Calif., two space shuttle missions, direction in 1993, the concept the assembly line, was named on Sept. 17, 1976. STS-1 and STS-2, only carried a was scaled back, made less after the starship in the popular From February through two-person crew. costly, and transformed into the science-fiction television show October 1977, Enterprise was Between 1981 and 1991, four International Space Station in used in the Approach more orbiters were built: Chal- progress today. The shuttle has and Landing Test lenger, Discovery, Atlantis and played an integral role in its program based at Endeavour. They carried experi- assembly in space. NASA’s Dryden ments into space and launched Through 2005, the Space Flight Research important science instruments Shuttle Program accomplished Center. The tests such as the Magellan Venus 112 successful missions and successfully demon- probe, the Hubble Space Tele- carried more than 614 payloads strated the orbiter scope and the Chandra X-ray into orbit. The program has also could fly in the Observatory. flown 433 crew members, 69 of atmosphere like a NASA received approval to whom took spacewalks totaling spacecraft but land proceed with the development of 491 hours. on a runway like a glider. NASA Three and a half ASTRONAUT John years later, on April Herrington, 12, 1981, the first STS-113 launch of an opera- mission tional space shuttle, specialist, Columbia from participates in NASA’s Kennedy one of the 151 Space Center Launch spacewalks Complex 39, ushered during the in the new era. shuttle program. The shuttle SPACE SHUTTLE Enterprise was rolled out to the launch site on May 1, 1980, to make certain shuttle concept represented elements were compatible with the Spaceport’s an entirely new way launch facilities.

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By Charlie Plain or correcting environmental Staff Writer issues. “Over the long haul, it’ll save civilization.” hen Space Shuttle While Columbia featured the Columbia’s roaring latest in rocket technology, Wengines launched spending a couple of days within STS-1 from Kennedy Space the sparsely outfitted crew cabin Center on April 12, 1981, the did require the pair to “rough it.” enormous jolt at liftoff told “Living inside the shuttle at Commander John Young and the time was a little like camping Pilot Robert Crippen they were out,” said Crippen. Turning in for about to take an adventurous ride the night meant sleeping in the into a new frontier. cockpit seats, but NASA’s latest “There was no doubt you ship was equipped with a notably were headed someplace,” said improved creature comfort. “The Crippen. “It was a nice kick in food system had come a long the pants.” way since back in the Mercury/ NASA’s new versatile and Gemini days, and we had good reusable rocket-glider was a food to eat.” dramatic departure from the Still, certain aspects of the slender Saturn V boosters of the STS-1 COMMANDER John Young (right) and Pilot Bob Crippen work in the flight were probably a little more previous generation. Powered by cockpit of space shuttle Columbia before its maiden flight. back to basics than Young and multiple engine systems and during Apollo 16, and piloting good time taking it around,” said Crippen would have preferred. completely computer controlled, three types of spacecraft, Young Young. “I just thought it was a “The potty — or the waste Columbia demanded a crew with had the seasoned skill and steely great machine.” management facility — went exceptional experience and confidence to bridle Columbia In the few spare moments the belly up on the second day,” expertise. on its maiden flight. “If you want astronauts weren’t busy, Young chuckled Crippen. “But John and NASA’s decision to put to go into space for the first time and Crippen delighted in the I dealt with it.” Young in the commander’s seat on a new vehicle that’s never unique freedom and spectacular Ultimately, STS-1 was a bold for the mission was an easy one. been flown, you want to go with views that flying in orbit offers. test flight to determine if a rocket Already a veteran of four a pro, and John certainly is a “The real pleasure was having a launch into space could be a missions, including a moon walk pro,” said Crippen. chance to enjoy being weightless round-trip ticket. Adventure of Crippen was the and spend some time looking out that magnitude and discovery rookie astronaut (at Earth),” said Crippen. usually go hand in hand. thrilled to be For Young, however, space For Young, Crippen and piloting a mission. flight not only provides a means NASA, the first flight of Colum- “I was doing of appreciating the planet, but a bia was no exception. “We sure handsprings,” said way of protecting it. He believes learned a lot,” said Young. Crippen. His technology developed to send “When we got back, I think mastery of humans to the moon or Mars (Johnson Space Center Director) Columbia’s could one day help in preventing Chris Kraft said it best: We just sophisticated got infinitely smarter.” computer systems BOB garnered Young’s CRIPPEN (left) appreciation. and John “I was really Young board lucky to have Bob the emergency Crippen with me pad escape because he knew system, known all the software as the slidewire, end to end,” said during a Young. “He was a January 1981 swell fellow and exercise. The really smart about slidewire the vehicle.” system The crew spent provides a two days in space quick escape from upper FORMER VICE President George Bush receives a putting Columbia through its paces, launch pad model of the space shuttle from Dr. Alan Lovelace, platforms in testing the ship’s former acting administrator of NASA. At far right is case of an Mrs. Barbara Bush, while John Young (second from radically advanced emergency. right) and Bob Crippen (next to Lovelace) look on. systems. “We had a

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By Elaine Marconi changes to the orbiter was the Staff Writer installation of the new Multi- function Electronic Display ASA’s space shuttle, the System, or MEDS. most complex vehicle in The system’s 11 full-color, Nthe history of the nation’s flat-panel screens replaced space program, has experienced dozens of outdated electrome- significant changes over the chanical cockpit dials, instru- years. ments and gauges. Atlantis was To most of the world, the the first orbiter to receive the shuttle has represented the MEDS, now commonly known as epitome of human know-how and the “glass cockpit.” determination. From the drawing The liquid-crystal displays of board to the shuttle’s 25th the glass cockpit help astronauts anniversary, the orbiters are a easily read important flight data, tribute to engineering genius. because light sources like the The shuttle appears very sun produce no glare on the much the same as it did when the screens. The displays allow for first one was built for mission clear viewing from positions at a CARMEN PRATER, with United Space Alliance, works on the glass cockpit of STS-1, but looks are deceiving. wide range of angles from the Endeavour in bay 2 of the Orbiter Processing Facility. Below, workers Many enhancements and safety screen. The MEDS system also applaud as Endeavour’s electrical system is partially powered up. features have been added to the provides greater backup capabil- fleet of space vehicles since the ity, weighs less and uses less original was designed. power than the original and Major modification periods obsolete cockpit design. for the shuttle orbiters were Engineers and technicians scheduled at regular intervals to spent about 900,000 hours enhance safety and performance, performing safety enhancements adding new technology and on Endeavour during its Orbiter allowing for thorough inspec- Major Modification period that tions of the tiles, wiring and the started in December 2003. structural integrity of the Among the extensive improve- vehicles. ments were the glass cockpit and In the 1990s, NASA’s B-52 global positioning system. research flight tests led to the In October 2005, the vehicle development of a drag chute to was powered up for the first time help the orbiter land more safely in two years to the cheers of the and easily. Endeavour became engineering team. The successful “The team worked tirelessly placed in the leading edge of the the first to use the chute during a power-up signaled the end of to ensure the vehicle progressed orbiter’s wings to detect changes landing. Endeavour’s modification though the modification period in temperature. One of the most spectacular period. on time and on budget,” said Since the safe return of Tassos Abadiotakis, Endeavour’s Discovery on mission STS-114, flow director. the orbiter is being prepared for During Discovery’s modifica- NASA’s next shuttle launch on tion periods, technicians commission STS-121. pleted more than 100 upgrades. “The orbiter itself is a very This included the installation of complex vehicle, so there’s the glass cockpit. always work to be done,” said As part of the safe return-to- Stephanie Stilson, Discovery flight recommendations, techni- flow director since 2001. cians installed an orbiter boom Stilson’s responsibilities include sensor system, an extension that overseeing periodic mainte- attaches to the end of the nance, upgrades and full systems orbiter’s robotic arm. The STS- testing on the orbiter. 114 crew used the boom to reach NASA’s space shuttles have around the vehicle and scan the continued to evolve through reinforced carbon-carbon creative innovation and technol- surfaces to inspect the heat ogy, increasing the safety of the shield while in space. orbiters and helping astronauts IN ORBITER Processing Facility bay 3, STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly (second A new digital camera was perform groundbreaking work in from left) and Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson (third from left) are joined added to view the external tank space. by two shuttle technicians as they examine the orbiter boom sensor system. during launch, and sensors were

apr14.pmd 4 4/11/2006, 2:59 PM April 14, 2006 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 5 Kennedy readies facilities for shuttle in less than a decade By Anna Heiney Staff Writer

olumbia flew its first trailblazing mission on CApril 12, 1981, but preparations at Kennedy Space Center began nearly nine years earlier. It was April 14, 1972 — only two days before the launch of Apollo 16 on a mission to the moon — when Dr. George M. Low, then the acting NASA administrator, made the big announcement: Kennedy would be the shuttle’s launch site. Few places in the world are readily equipped with the unique facilities and experienced work force required to launch humans into space. But the major differ- ences between the Apollo/Saturn V and the space shuttle — in size, shape and assembly — meant a lot of work would be necessary to THE ORBITER Atlantis heads toward the open north door of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The north door of the create a shuttle launch center. Vehicle Assembly Building was widened after the Apollo program to allow for the space shuttle’s 78-foot wingspan. With so many Apollo-era facilities already in place at Kennedy, stacking and checkout, and orbiter’s 78-foot wingspan. drawings, then you do a final fit it made economic sense to work platforms were reshaped to A portion of the new Launch with the hardware,” explained modify existing structures to give workers plenty of access. Processing System, which helped former Kennedy Space Center meet the needs of the shuttle Across the transfer aisle, high reduce the shuttle’s final count- Director Dick Smith. “But as you program. bays 2 and 4 each were con- down from the 28 hours required would imagine, in the first The Vertical Assembly verted to hold one vertical for Apollo to only three hours, shakedown, you start finding a Building was renamed the storage cell and one checkout was installed in two of the bunch of things.” Vehicle Assembly Building, and cell. The space shuttle main Launch Control Center’s firing Smith recalled some launch employees began working to give engine shop was created from a rooms. pad upgrades added after the the cavernous structure a “tech- low bay checkout cell, and the Some of the most visible first handful of shuttle flights. nological face-lift.” High bays 1 building’s north door was changes were made to the launch For example, when Columbia and 3 were equipped for shuttle widened to accommodate the pads, as well as the three mobile first launched on STS-1, the launcher platforms (MLPs). The shock wave generated at booster pads were stripped down to their ignition caused the orbiter’s aft six fixed pedestals, and fixed bulkhead to yield. Although the service structures were fashioned orbiter escaped major damage, out of the 380-foot-tall umbilical the potential for danger got towers previously mounted on NASA’s attention. the MLPs. A rotating service “Between the first and second structure with a payload change- flights, the water sound-suppres- out room was also built at each sion system was extensively pad. modified,” Smith remembered. Another change in the “We already had a system that platforms involved replacing one sprayed water over the top of the large hole at the center of each MLP for heat protection, but platform with three smaller everything that’s there now openings, which separately above the deck was all added accommodate the liftoff flames after STS-1.” and hot exhaust gases emitted In the industrial area south of from the orbiter’s three-engine the Launch Complex 39 area, the cluster and the two solid rocket Operations and Checkout boosters. Building was adapted from NASA ENGINEERS added a water sound-suppression system, shown here As the shuttle program got Apollo needs to serve as a dumping more than 350,000 gallons on the mobile launcher platform at under way, new needs emerged. horizontal processing facility for Launch Pad 39A, to protect the orbiters from sound waves. “You do all you can with the shuttle payloads.

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TECHNICIANS ASSIST prime crew astronauts John Young (right) and Bob Crip Operations and Checkout Building on the morning of Columbia’s successful lifto

SPACE SHUTTLE Columbia moves toward Launch Complex 39A on a mobile launch platform before its April 12, 1981, launch.

AFTER SIX years of silence, the thunder of manned space THE STS-1 s THOUSANDS OF Space Center guests line the NASA Causeway awaiting the first launch flight is heard again on April 12, 1981, with the successful Launch Pad of the space shuttle. The Vehicle Assembly Building is visible in the distance. launch of the first space shuttle.

apr14.pmd 6 4/11/2006, 3:00 PM April 14, 2006 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 7 e shuttle’s historic first flight

STS-1 ASTRONAUTS John Young (in front) and Bob Crippen are followed by Flight Operations Director George Abbey, crew trainer Richard Nygram, and a space suit technician as they depart KSC’s Operations and Checkout Building en route to Pad 39A for boarding of the space shuttle. The orbital mission lasted for 54 hours, ending with an unpowered landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The mission demonstrated a safe launch into orbit and return of the orbiter, as well as verified the combined performance of the entire shuttle vehicle — orbiter, solid rocket boosters and external tank.

ung (right) and Bob Crippen in suit-up operations in KSC’s STS-1 Milestones lumbia’s successful liftoff. March 27, 1975 — Start of fabrication for Columbia’s aft fuselage in Palmdale, California

Nov. 17, 1975 — Start of fabrication for Columbia’s crew module

April 23, 1978 — Completed final assembly and closeout system installation; ready for power-on

March 8, 1979 — Complete closeout inspection

March 24, 1979 — Columbia arrives at KSC

Nov. 3, 1980 — External tank mated to solid rocket boosters in VAB

Dec. 29, 1980 — Columbia rolled to Launch Pad 39A

Jan. 6, 1981 — STS-1 crew participates in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test at KSC

Feb. 20, 1981 — Flight Readiness Firing of shuttle’s three main engines

April 10, 1981 — First launch attempt for STS-1

April 12, 1981 — STS-1 launch at KSC

THE STS-1 space shuttle team celebrates a successful liftoff of Columbia from April 14, 1981 — STS-1 lands at Edwards Air Force Base Launch Pad 39A a few seconds past 7 a.m. on April 12, 1981. April 21, 1981 — Columbia returns to KSC on ferry flight

apr14.pmd 7 4/11/2006, 3:00 PM Page 8 SPACEPORT NEWS April 14, 2006 Diversity of shuttle crews grows since STS-1 By Corey Schubert the opportunity to visit a lot of Copy editor schools that had a high percent- age of Hispanic students.” he faces have changed. Even years after their mis- Those friendly smiles of sions, shuttle astronauts continue Tthe two men who launched to see examples of ways they’ve into orbit on the first space inspired people across the world. shuttle mission in April 1981 Just last month, Ochoa spoke represented the country’s to students at Stanford Univer- eagerness to explore the myster- sity in California and was moved ies of space. when a Hispanic female ap- But in the 25 years since that proached her after the presenta- historic success, the variety of tion. astronauts who followed in the “She said, ‘You’ve been my footsteps of Commander John hero ever since I was in second Young and Pilot Robert Crippen grade and you came to my class has come to reflect the diverse after your first flight,’” Ochoa races and cultures throughout the said. “Ever since then, she said world. she’d had posters (of the mis- Their wide-ranging skill sets sion) up on her wall. Here she and backgrounds serve as was, 21 years old or so, and she STS-87 MISSION Specialist Winston Scott was the second African-American examples of how the achieve- was a junior in mechanical to fly in the space shuttle. Scott is the executive director of the Florida Space ments of mission STS-1 and the Authority. engineering.” Space Shuttle Program have Hire said the diversity among brought together people from all astronaut or U.S. astronaut, or Duque, the first Spanish astro- astronaut crews likely will walks of life for a universal male or female,” said Kay Hire, naut in space on STS-95, among continue to grow, especially as cause. the first Kennedy Space Center dozens of others. NASA works to fulfill the Vision From the first African- employee to be chosen as an For many of these astronauts, for Space Exploration. American to fly in space (Guion astronaut and to fly on a space being the first of a kind is far “As we venture into the next S. Bluford on STS-8), to the first mission. from their minds during the steps that we take with space tribal-registered Native Ameri- “All of that fades. All that mission, as they concentrate on exploration, I think what’s going can astronaut to fly and walk in really matters is that we’re the important tasks at hand. to emerge are requirements for space (John B. Herrington on working together.” “I wasn’t thinking about it additional skills,” Hire said. “To STS-113), the range of “firsts” In early space programs, during the launch,” said Dr. Ellen meet those requirements, we’ll has broadened throughout 114 NASA relied on the skills of Ochoa, the first Hispanic female be reaching out to various shuttle flights. military test pilots to prove that astronaut to fly in space. “After I groups for new skill sets.” “When we get together and man could survive in a space- was back on the ground, I did get we’re working toward this craft that left the Earth and safely common goal of successful space returned. The creation of the shuttle missions, you don’t think space shuttle allowed astronauts about somebody as a Japanese to use the vehicle as an actual working environ- ment, with missions that benefit from crews made up of people with diverse abilities. This led to a bevy of groundbreaking flights: Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space on STS-7; Dr. Franklin R. Chang- Diaz, the first Hispanic astronaut in space on STS- 61C; Dr. Kalpana Chawla, the first PEDRO DUQUE of Spain, with the European East Indian-born ASTRONAUT KAY Hire talks to Kristy Wiggins at Garland V. Stewart Magnet Space Agency, is helped with his flight suit by suit woman in space on Middle School, a NASA Explorer School in Tampa, Fla. Hire joined Kennedy tech Tommy McDonald in the Operations and Space Center Director Jim Kennedy at the school in sharing the agency’s STS-87; and Pedro Checkout Building. new Vision for Space Exploration with the next generation of explorers.

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By Jessica Rye barbecues and get-togethers that SHUTTLE NASA Public Affairs Officer were held on the weekends. I PROCESSING’S loved hearing them reminisce Crew Exploration rom the time STS-1 about the past times at the center, Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston launched on its spectacular the camaraderie, the funny says his son, Ftest flight on April 12, stories and the teamwork they Jordan, has the 1981, Kennedy Space Center has had all experienced over the desire to become been home to numerous genera- years.” an engineer and tions of families who have been Lehan also remembers possibly work for captivated by working to ensure watching space shuttle flights NASA. “At 5 America’s space program lifting off from the pad and years old, he continues to thrive. dreaming of the day she would brought a At Kennedy, the uniqueness have a helping hand in launching schematic to me of a trailer he had of launching humans into space missions. “I told my father, ‘One designed.” seems to permeate throughout day I am going to push the Thurston is a the families of the employees button.’ ” second- and gets into the blood of the Louie Garcia, Lehan’s generation space future generations who will brother, is a ground operations employee. continue the quest to the moon manager for the launch and and Mars. landing division and began For one family, space is working at the center in 1987 definitely in the genes. Connie just prior to the return to flight Lehan is the vehicle processing following the Challenger acci- engineer for orbiter Atlantis and dent. followed in her dad’s and older Although Garcia grew up brother’s footsteps when she around the space program and began her career at Kennedy in watched his dad achieve great 1990 and later transitioned to success in his career, he was still NASA in 2000. Lehan, who holds unsure what direction his interest a bachelor’s degree in math would take him. the work force of today inspire theory, recalls growing up in a However, the launch of STS-1 timing was good for me as I was its children and grandchildren to family so dedicated to the space was a turning point for Garcia. “I about to enter college.” program. was a sophomore in high school When Garcia came to work at become the future trailblazers who will lead the space explora- “My dad, Jose Garcia, was the when Columbia first launched. I NASA, he had a very similar job branch chief for the orbiter sold bumper stickers that said to the one his sister now holds. tion of tomorrow. Shuttle Processing’s Crew electrical division and began to ‘Space Shuttle Liftoff: I Saw It’ “The neat part is to see her in Exploration Vehicle Manager work at Kennedy in 1964. Since to spectators by the river in that role and how she handles the so many of my father’s co- Titusville. That launch pushed day-to-day challenges that arise Scott Thurston, a second- generation space employee, can workers lived in the same me over the edge to become an — and does it better than I did.” neighborhood, I remember the electrical engineer, and the Nearly 20 years later, Garcia already begin to see the mind of reflects on being a second- an engineer developing in one of his children. “It helps that my father worked here,” Garcia “My 11- said. “My sister and I now have relationships year-old son continuing that were built through my father.” Jordan already has a tremen- generation space worker. “It dous aptitude for engineering helps that my father worked here and wants to become a mechani- and built a foundation. My sister cal engineer,” says Thurston. “It and I now have relationships must be in his blood because at 5 continuing that were built years old, he brought a schematic through my father.” to me of a trailer he had de- Lehan says she’s happy her signed.” brother works at the center. “I Although Thurston does not really appreciate having him know if his son’s interest will here to bounce ideas off of, lead to working on the space because he has a good under- program, Jordan’s interest in his standing of the unique environ- dad’s career and enthusiasm for ment and can provide sound the space program has put him advice.” on a path to achieve the technical As the agency and Kennedy excellence needed to pursue a LOUIE GARCIA, a ground operations manager for the launch and landing transition into a new program, future career with NASA. division, and his sister, Connie Lehan, vehicle processing engineer for Space Shuttle Atlantis, routinely share advice about job responsibilities.

apr14.pmd 9 4/11/2006, 3:00 PM Page 10 SPACEPORT NEWS April 14, 2006 Shuttle program boosts Central Florida economy By Linda Herridge “When it’s on a roll, tourism Staff Writer and related service business goes up,” Wood said. “However, the uring the ’60s, at the impact in the long term is more onset of the space far-reaching as a function of Dprogram, most of the direct jobs from contractors and towns and cities along the Space manufacturers.” Coast were sleepy little burgs Lynda Weatherman, president with more surfers and tourists and chief executive officer of the than space workers. Only a little Economic Development Com- more than 100,000 people called mission of Florida’s Space Coast, Brevard County home, according said it’s clear that NASA and the to the U.S. Census Bureau. nation’s space program are an Fast-forward to 2006: integral part of our community Brevard’s residents still include and culture. surfers and tourists, but more Last year, the development than half a million people live in commission entered into a Space the county. It’s likely no coinci- Act Agreement with KSC. The dence that Brevard has nearly agreement is a foundation doubled in residents since the document used by both to success of STS-1, the first space partner with the local business APOLLO 17 Commander Gene Cernan (left) holds the attention of guests at shuttle mission. community in a joint goal of the December 2004 grand opening of the Kennedy Space Center Store at With 112 successful shuttle maintaining and enhancing Orlando International Airport. The store educates millions of airport visitors flights in a quarter of a century, Brevard’s vigorous activity in about America’s space program and the Vision for Space Exploration. NASA’s shuttle program has support of the nation’s gateway directly effected growth in the to space, Weatherman said. the spending fuels the economic vendors and tourist items to county, as well as Central In fiscal year 2005 alone, impact on the region to a greater manufacturing, photography, Florida. Kennedy Space Center NASA and KSC injected $1.5 extent. advertising and support services has nearly 15,000 workers, and billion of direct spending In FY 2005, Brevard and the have been affected positively by many more work in space-related into Brevard, according to a rest of Florida realized a $2.20 the space program.” businesses and industry. report recently released by the return on each NASA dollar Just open any travel magazine The financial impact of the center’s Office of the Chief spent, and 2.52 jobs for each or brochure featuring Brevard Space Shuttle Program ripples Financial Officer. Bill Dimmer of NASA job. and it’s easy to find photos of throughout the community, this office said that as the The center also annually shuttles launching from Florida’s according to Walter Wood, injection increases in concert boosts the state’s economy. The famous “Space Coast.” On an president of MTN Advertising in with the agency and center space industry makes a $4.5 even larger scale, space images Satellite Beach. budgets, the multiplying effect of billion contribution to Florida’s and even astronauts have been economy each year, with nearly featured in nationwide ads on half of that revenue being television, billboards, radio and generated by companies outside in newspapers and magazines. the Space Coast, according to a These are reflections of the report by the Florida Space way people throughout the Authority’s E. Keith Witt, nation recognize the space Beyond Launch – Expanding exploration and shuttle missions Florida’s Space Economy. that launch from the Space Coast. Amelia Woodbridge, partner “The technology leaps that at McBride Woodbridge Market- we witness, that happen almost ing LLC in Satellite Beach, said routinely within the confines of her business has benefited from our county lines, is why many of the space program through a us live here or why we stayed,” contract she secured to manage said Linda Brandt, president of Space Congress for two years. the Brandt Ronat and Co. Along with the significant advertising agency in project, Woodbridge said the Melbourne. contacts she made in the process “We need to be mindful that led to other work including we do not take for granted the brochures, Web site development incredible momentum that has and public relations. been created by the space LYNDA WEATHERMAN, president of the Economic Development “Many small businesses in all industry in Brevard and other Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, and Jim Kennedy, director of industries have been the recipi- places around the state,” Brandt Kennedy Space Center, congratulate each other after signing a three-year ents of contracts and projects said. “We need to fight hard to Space Act Agreement in 2005 for economic development cooperation in that are directly related to the support of existing and future missions of NASA at KSC. maintain a leadership role as space industry,” Woodbridge space enterprise and technology said. “Everything from food continues to evolve.”

apr14.pmd 10 4/11/2006, 3:00 PM April 14, 2006 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 11 NASA-inspired spinoffs extend life on Earth By Anita Barrett involved in an accident or other Staff Writer dangerous situation. The tool, which was developed through hroughout the ages, the joint efforts of the Hi-Shear exploration has led to Technology Corporation, Ttechnological develop- firefighters and NASA, uses the ments that ultimately found their same power source used to way into the lives of ordinary separate solid rocket boosters citizens. from space shuttles. The spring-wound clock, for Lifeshears were used by instance, that was developed in rescue workers searching for the 18th century for use on ships survivors at the Oklahoma City to help determine longitude, federal building bombing site in eventually led to wristwatches. 1995 and the World Trade Center In similar tradition, NASA’s in 2001. Lifeshears are lighter, exploration of space has led to cheaper and easier to use than developments that now benefit traditional rescue equipment. the public, from medical and Recreation safety improvements to recre- The SpiraFlex system, ational equipment. presently aboard the Interna- Below are just a few of the tional Space Station, is used by hundreds of technology spinoffs MONITORING SYSTEMS used in intensive care units were developed from the crewmembers as a primary now part of our everyday living. technology used to monitor astronauts in the 1960s. countermeasure against muscu- Medical recovering from heart attacks for continued studies. NASA loskeletal degradation caused by The monitoring systems used and other serious illnesses or researchers determined that microgravity. Using SpiraFlex in intensive care units and heart injuries owe their lives to this cutting thin grooves across technology, Schwinn Cycling rehabilitation wards were technology, a direct result of concrete runways reduces the and Fitness Inc. launched an developed from the systems used NASA’s space program. risk of hydroplaning. international fitness program for to monitor astronauts during the Improved breast biopsies The grooves, which create health clubs and select retail first space missions in the early were developed as a result of channels for excess water to distributors, called RiPP (Resis- 1960s. Countless Americans technology for the Hubble Space drain, have been shown to tance Performance Program). Telescope improve aircraft tire friction A cardiovascular conditioner program. Biop- performance in wet conditions developed for astronauts in sies now can be by 200 to 300 percent. space led to the development of a performed with a Today the Shuttle Landing physical therapy and athletic needle instead of Facility runway at NASA development machine used by a scalpel. Kennedy Space Center is football teams, sports clinics and The needle equipped with safety grooving in medical rehabilitation centers. biopsies benefit the middle to optimize wet For more information about patients by friction performance, and NASA spinoffs, go to the Web leaving only a grinding in touchdown areas to site http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/ small mark rather minimize tire-spin wear. Hun- 54862main_hits.pdf or http:// than a large scar dreds of commercial airports www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/ and by costing around the world have had their technologies/ significantly less runways grooved. spinoffs_index.html. — an average of This technique is now also one-fourth the used nationwide on highway More than 1,000 consumer cost of the more curves and overpasses; pedes- products and services are built traditional trian walkways, ramps and steps; on NASA-inspired technologies * Solar water heaters biopsy. and food processing plants and Safety * Reflective insulation cattle holding pens. The use of * Graphite used in sports and Research at grooves on highways has safety equipment NASA to tackle contributed to an 85 percent * Wireless networks hydroplaning reduction in highway accidents. * Bacteriostatic water softeners problems for This could be NASA’s most * Technologies for artificial aircraft and land successful technology in terms limbs and heart pumps vehicles began in of lives saved and injuries and * Home security systems the 1960s. The accidents avoided. * Flat-screen and projection televisions unique landing Lifeshears, a powerful * Lasik laser technology requirements of handheld rescue tool, can LIFESHEARS WERE developed from the power * Cordless power tools the Space Shuttle quickly cut through cars or other * Early warning weather source used to separate solid rocket boosters from were also a basis enclosures to free persons space shuttles. observation technology

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By Cheryl Mansfield Staff Writer Comparison in feet of Saturn/Apollo rocket, ake the space shuttle solid Space Shuttle and rocket boosters and super- Tsize them, stretch the Crew and Cargo Launch Vehicles external tank and add proven flight engines. You now have the heavy-lift propulsion components capable of powering a new cargo vehicle to the moon. By also using these safe and reliable elements on the Crew Launch Vehicle, NASA’s launch technology is well on its way to beginning the next phase of space exploration. While the space shuttle will be retired in the not-too-distant future, key propulsion components that carried it aloft will live on in upcoming missions to explore our solar system. First up will be the new Crew Launch Vehicle that will ride a first stage made of a five- segment solid rocket booster similar to the twin boosters that now lift the shuttle from the pad. Sitting atop the booster will be a Center Director Jim Kennedy be called upon to service yet transitions launch pads, MLPs new liquid propellant second told the work force in February. another era of space exploration. (Mobile Launch Platforms), stage that sports a J-2X upper “This center is NASA’s launch Shuttle Program Manager firing rooms and all those stage, like the ones used in the operations center.” Wayne Hale recently told facilities. And I have no doubt Saturn V Apollo program. Kennedy’s existing shuttle workers gathered at Kennedy that all of that is going to come As these new launch vehicles facilities will undergo transfor- that he is dealing with issues like together just fine,” he said. are built, both the Kennedy work mation as the new vehicles are when the shuttle program will Just as transformation was force and infrastructure will processed, transported and give up one of the launch pads necessary before, the next few adapt to handle and launch the launched. for the needs of the new vehicles. years will bring the beginning of rockets that will carry forth the The Vehicle Assembly These needs will be determined the transition to support the new new wave of exploration. Building, crawler transporter and by coordinating with NASA’s launch vehicles at Kennedy “The center needs to be Launch Complex 39 launch pads Constellation Program. Space Center that will help transformed and ready for the that accommodated the shuttles “As they make decisions, then NASA accomplish the Vision for next steps in the Vision for Space and the vehicles that launched we can put a plan together that Space Exploration. Exploration to be successful,” our first drive to the moon will

John F. Kennedy Space Center Spaceport News

Spaceport News is an official publication of the Kennedy Space Center and is published on alternate Fridays by External Relations in the interest of KSC civil service and contractor employees. Contributions are welcome and should be submitted two weeks before publication to the Media Services Branch, IDI-011. E-mail submissions can be sent to [email protected]. Managing editor...... Bruce Buckingham Editor...... Jeff Stuckey Copy editor ...... Corey Schubert

Editorial support provided by InDyne, Inc. Writers Group. NASA at KSC is located on the Internet at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy AN ARTIST’S rendition shows the proposed Crew Launch Vehicle take off USGPO: 733-049/600105 from Kennedy Space Center, NASA’s launch operations center.

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