EXPLORATION SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT

COMBINED MONTHLY REPORT August 2018

Orion: AA-2 Pre-Flight Prep Work Underway

SLS: New RS-25 Test Series Begins

EGS: Mobile Launcher Moves Toward EM-1

www.nasa.gov ORION

4 Orion, Meet Bridenstine 5 To the Moon, Crew! 6 AA-2 Pre-Flight Prep Work Underway 7 Successful Test Proves Important Step To Safeguard Astronauts 7 Testing Verifies Communications for Orion Missions Beyond the Moon 8 Orion Team Breezes Through the Windy City 9 New KSC Astronaut Training Experience Is Out of This World! 9 Scouts Complete First Virtual Reality Merit Badge With Orion 9 Orion’s Survival Kit for Deep Space 10 Supplier Spotlight: Taylor Devices, Inc.

SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM

12 Bridenstine: SLS Is “Key Piece Of American Architecture” 13 Administrator Wraps Up 3-Day NASA Tour At Marshall 14 Big Voice Test Shows All Systems “Go” 15 SLS on the Road: Events in Chicago 16 What’s New in SLS Social Media 17 New RS-25 Test Series Begins 17 Spaceflight Partners: Metalwerks, Inc.

EXPLORATION GROUND SYSTEMS

19 Mobile Launcher Moves Toward Exploration Mission-1 20 NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine Visits Kennedy Space Center, Tours EGS Facilities 22 Jeremy Parsons Presented Center Director’s Award 23 Navy Divers Train in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at Johnson Space Center 23 Orion Crew Access Arm

2 ESD Combined Report August 2018 ORION AUGUST 2018

Orion, Meet Bridenstine

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine made his way around different NASA Centers across the U.S. to meet employees and learn more about how each Center specifically supports NASA’s missions. ORION, MEET BRIDENSTINE

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine made his way around viewed progress for Orion’s first mission with astronauts, different NASA centers across the U.S. to meet employees the completion of the primary structure of the Exploration and learn more about how each Center specifically supports Mission-2 (EM-2) crew module, also known as the NASA’s missions. Throughout his visits, Bridenstine saw pressure vessel. The pressure vessel holds the pressurized Orion progress in the making toward NASA’s missions to the atmosphere astronauts will breathe to allow them to work Moon and Mars. in the harsh environment of deep space. It will carry the first astronauts to missions beyond the Moon on EM-2. While at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Bridenstine stepped inside the Orion crew module mockup During his first official visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center where astronauts train and engineers are working to in Florida, Bridenstine got an up-close look at all the new evaluate many of the systems and hardware needed to visit facility upgrades as well as the preparation work underway the Moon. Bridenstine also learned more about the Orion for Exploration Mission-1. He met with the Orion team in the crew module that will be used during the Ascent Abort-2 high bay of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout (AA-2) flight test taking place in April 2019. Orion AA-2 Crew Building and with the Exploration Ground Systems team at Module Manager Dr. Jon Olansen, NASA Johnson Space various locations: the Vehicle Assembly Building, the mobile Center Director Mark Geyer, and Orion Program Manager launcher, the Young-Crippen Firing Room and at Launch Mark Kirasich showed Bridenstine the inside of the AA-2 Pad 39B. Orion module as it was being prepared for its move to NASA Glenn Research Center’s Plum Brook Station in Ohio for the Bridenstine then returned to Johnson at the end of August next stage of acoustic testing needed to verify the vehicle to introduce Vice President Mike Pence as he discussed the for the flight test. White House’s support of NASA and plans for the future of America’s space exploration endeavors. Next on the tour, Bridenstine saw the work being done on Orion and the Space Launch System rocket at NASA’s Read more: bit.ly/VPjscAug18 and bit.ly/JBhtxrole Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. While there, he

4 TO THE MOON, CREW!

With the arrival of the Orion pressure vessel for Exploration metals from a solid into a plastic-like state, and then using Mission-2 that will carry astronauts beyond the Moon a rotating pin tool to soften, stir and forge a bond between atop the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, it’s almost two metal components to form a uniform welded joint, a a packed house in the Neil Armstrong Operations and vital requirement of next-generation spacecraft. Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pressure vessel arrived on a super- The pressure vessel was loaded into the Crew Module wide transport truck at the Center on August 24 and joined Transportation Fixture and then lowered onto a heavy the Orion Exploration Mission-1 crew module in the high equipment semi-trailer for the nearly 700-mile journey bay where technicians recently secured the heat shield to over land to Kennedy. Efforts will now begin to prepare the the bottom of the spacecraft. pressure vessel for Orion’s first crewed space flight. Initially, the crew module will be secured into a precision alignment The main structure of the pressure vessel consists of seven tool and Lockheed Martin technicians will begin the work large aluminum pieces that are welded together to produce to attach the main structural components to the exterior a strong yet light-weight, air-tight capsule. The pieces were of the module. These critical parts, made of aluminum and joined at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans titanium, will provide structural strength to the pressure using a state-of-the-art process called friction-stir welding, vessel and give the spacecraft its conical shape. which produces incredibly strong bonds by transforming

In recognition of the EM-2 crew module completion, NASA Orion Program Manager Mark Kirasich and Lockheed Martin Vice President and Orion Program Manager Mike Hawes pre- sented deserving team members at Michoud with commendations to recognize them for their hard work and success. This included the Production Operations Team (Anna Malachias, Glen Sigur, Jerome Rownd, Mike Moreau, Jason Mouton, Mitch Boss, Tequicha Evans, Dean Frechette, and Matt Brady), the Weld Team (Ray Zibilich, Troy Alexander, Josh Fineout, Tom Kilroy, Justin Polk, and Christopher Lacoste), and the following individuals; Celia Blum, Roger Brown, Jose Bueiz, Ryan Dardar, Larry Dickson, Norman Elfer, Matt Jackson, Craig Jenkins, Tom Kilroy, Michael LeBlanc, Bruce Maquar, Frank Middleton, Vince Morales, Joseph Murphy, Troy Ohlsen, Peter Rivera, Jonathan Sonnes, Ralph Tortorich Jr., and Dave Windham.

August 2018 ESD Combined Report 5 AA-2 PRE-FLIGHT PREP WORK UNDERWAY

The Ascent Abort-2 (AA-2) Orion crew module arrived at the test, a booster, carrying a fully functional LAS and a NASA Glenn Research Center’s Plum Brook Station in 22,000-pound Orion test vehicle, will launch to an altitude of Sandusky, Ohio, to undergo acoustic testing. The testing 31,000 feet, traveling at more than 1,000 mph. will characterize how the structure will respond to the abort environment during flight. While the crew module is at Read more about the AA-2 crew module testing at Plum Plum Brook Station, a separation ring that will connect the Brook: on.wkyc.com/2oNeDtg capsule to its booster will arrive at NASA’s Johnson Space Center to be outfitted with harnesses and other necessary elements. The crew module will then return to Johnson in September and be mated with the separation ring before the two elements are then tested together and shipped to Kennedy Space Center.

The AA-2 abort test booster pathfinder stacking operations are also ongoing at Space Launch Complex 46 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This dry run for pad stacking operations will verify that the mechanical components of the test booster can be assembled, handled and lifted at the launch pad and integration facility. This is also to check the length of harnesses and ducts inside the aeroshell tiers. The aeroshells, which simulate the outer diameter of the service module, cover the entire length of the abort test booster. The AA-2 flight test will verify that the Launch Abort System (LAS) can steer the Orion crew module, and future astronauts aboard, to safety in the event of a life-threatening incident shortly after liftoff. During

6 SUCCESSFUL TEST PROVES IMPORTANT STEP TO SAFEGUARD ASTRONAUTS

NASA successfully tested the approach to collect and retrieve valuable data in support of an upcoming test of the abort system for the Agency’s Orion spacecraft. Engineers developed ejectable data recorders that will collect data during the AA-2 flight test, which is meant to evaluate Orion’s ability to get astronauts safely away from the rocket if there is a problem during their climb to space. By ejecting the recorders before the Orion test article hits the water, the team can quickly and efficiently recover the recorders for faster access to the data without having to recover the spacecraft and extract the recorders.

During a recent drop test, the recorders were released from a helicopter 5,000 feet in the air and splashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The floating devices were then located through beacons transmitting GPS coordinates and scooped up with fishing nets by NASA personnel operating marine boats.

Learn More: go.nasa.gov/2M8bQnI

TESTING VERIFIES COMMUNICATIONS FOR ORION MISSIONS BEYOND THE MOON The DSN is typically used for communications with deep space robotic spacecraft but has not been used for human spaceflight missions since the Space Shuttle Program.

The testing included communications during Exploration Mission-1 scenarios such as from the pre-launch countdown through the point at which Orion data is relayed through the DSN, operations in lunar orbit, handover between the DSN and the Space Network during Orion’s trajectory from the Moon back toward Earth, and post- splashdown operations. Previous testing as part of the SpaceCom series also verified communications through the Space Network satellites and Near Earth Network ground station at Cape Canaveral. Personnel at the Huntsville Engineers recently completed a series of tests of the Orion Operations Support Center at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight communications system to ensure the spacecraft and Center in Alabama also supported the tests to verify they mission controllers in Houston can flawlessly communicate can receive data from the Space Launch System rocket. through NASA’s satellite networks in space and on the The testing marked a busy time for communications tests ground when Orion and its crew are far from Earth on for deep space human exploration missions. Engineers at missions to the Moon and beyond. the SLS Engineering Support Center at Marshall recently concluded voice tests to ensure teams across the country The most recent evaluations in the series, known as such as flight controllers in Houston, launch controllers in SpaceCom, took place in mid-August and involved testing Florida and engineer teams at several locations including in between a lab at Orion prime contractor Lockheed Martin’s Huntsville can communicate by voice. facility near Denver that replicates Orion’s computer, wiring and avionics systems configurations, and NASA’s Mission The testing was the final checkout of communications Control Center in Houston. Spacecraft telemetry, files, between Orion and NASA’s networks before testing with commands and video were sent and received through the the vehicle for EM-1 is conducted in the fall at the Agency’s Deep Space Network (DSN) to and from mission control. Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

7 ORION TEAM BREEZES THROUGH THE WINDY CITY

Orion team members visited Chicago to meet with local Astronaut Brian Duffy spoke about his experiences in suppliers, conducted a panel at The Adler Planetarium, and space during his missions aboard the Space Shuttle and participate in the annual Chicago Air and Water Show. International Space Station.

The Adler After Dark August 16 event was themed “Xtreme The team then met with Chicago area suppliers to provide Camping” and Orion fit right in. Lockheed Martin Deputy them with updates on the Orion, EGS and SLS programs, Program Manager Larry Price, NASA Space Launch System and to spark conversations on future needs and innovative (SLS) Dry Structures Spacecraft Test Article Test Lead solutions for deep space exploration missions. The suppliers Heather Haney, Aerojet Rocketdyne Executive Director that attended were a testament to the fact that Orion, SLS, for Space Joe Cassady and NASA Exploration Ground and EGS systems are being built around the country by Systems (EGS) Project Activist and Support Branch Chief America’s skilled engineering and manufacturing workforce. Mary Hanna spoke to a packed house during a panel led by NASA SLS Strategic Communications Manager Marica Some of the team also took part in the annual Chicago Lindstrom. During the panel, they spoke about the progress Air and Water Show to share the excitement of space being made to get humans into deep space, to camp as no exploration with students, military and families who wanted one has before. Following their panel, Northrop Grumman to learn more about how NASA will get humans to the Vice President of NASA Exploration Programs and former Moon and Mars and how they can play a part in future space exploration.

8 NEW KSC ASTRONAUT SCOUTS COMPLETE TRAINING EXPERIENCE FIRST VIRTUAL REALITY IS OUT OF THIS WORLD! MERIT BADGE WITH ORION

Florida students and teachers from local middle schools Orion virtual reality (VR) software provided by Lockheed joined Lockheed Martin, Delaware North, and NASA Martin was featured in launching the Boy Scouts of officials for the grand opening of the Astronaut Training America’s new Virtual Reality merit badge experience. This Experience (ATX) at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor took place at a gathering of 6,000 youth from across the Complex in August. ATX uses immersive simulation United States at the National Order of the Arrow Conference technology to transport participants to Mars, train them at Indiana University on August 3. The Mission: Mars VR to live and work in the harshest environments and teach Experience used Future Flight Mars VR to send Scouts them what it’s like to travel to the Red Planet. Over lunch, on a flight aboard Orion to Mars as part of an initiative to Lockheed Martin engineers participated in a meet-and- integrate Augmented Reality and VR to enhance Scouting’s greet with the students and teachers, where they shared achievement programs. Over 500 Scouts participated in the their own educational and professional backgrounds and journey, many of whom experienced VR for the first time. answered questions.

Learn more: bit.ly/ATXopenKSCVC

ORION’S SURVIVAL KIT FOR DEEP SPACE

When a spacecraft built for humans ventures into deep To accomplish this feat, Orion has built-in technologies space, it requires an array of technical features to keep it that enable the crew and spacecraft to explore far into the and a crew inside safe. Both distance and duration demand solar system. This includes systems to live and breathe, that spacecraft must have systems that can reliably operate proper propulsion, the ability to hold off the heat, radiation far from home, be capable of keeping astronauts alive protection, and constant communication and navigation. in case of emergencies and still be light enough that a rocket can launch it. Since spacecraft will encounter more Learn more about these five essential technologies: radiation, less communication, and have longer to travel to go.nasa.gov/2NWu1yn return home than spacecraft headed to Low Earth Orbit and the International Space Station, new technology is essential for Orion to carry crew safely into deep space.

9 SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT TAYLOR DEVICES, INC.

Taylor Devices, Inc. (TDI), a small business located in Apollo, Space Shuttle, and Commercial Crew Programs. North Tonawanda, New York, provides the Orion program Developed initially for NASA, TDI has converted their with hardware that protects the Orion crew module against rocket science innovations into large seismic dampers the rigorous shock and vibration that is present during which are helping to save lives by improving structures to launch and flight. Taylor also provides shock absorption withstand earthquakes here on Earth. Throughout their 63- hardware pieces used in the Space Launch System rocket year history, TDI employees have taken pride engaging in and Orion’s Launch Abort System, ensuring that from top the challenging development of new products for NASA, to bottom NASA’s new exploration systems are ready to enabling humans to explore farther into deep space than withstand the effects of a blast off into deep space. they have ever been before.

Founded in 1955, the TDI team has built hardware for all of NASA’s human space flight programs, including the

FOLLOW THE PROGRESS OF NASA’S NEW SPACECRAFT SEPTEMBER 2018 FOR HUMAN EXPLORATION:

Twitter ...... Twitter.com/NASA_Orion Orion’s Parachutes Qualified for Human Space Flight Facebook ...... Facebook.com/NASAOrion Jettison Motor Gets Qualified for Flight Flickr ...... Flickr.com/NASAOrion NASA Turns 60 Tumblr...... NASAOrion.tumblr.com National Aeronautics and Space Administration

SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM AUGUST 2018

ADMIRING THE ARCHITECTURE www.nasa.gov BRIDENSTINE: SLS IS “KEY PIECE OF AMERICAN ARCHITECTURE”

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine (center) toured Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, August 15, including a visit to the liquid hydrogen tank structural test stand. ADMINISTRATOR WRAPS UP 3-DAY NASA TOUR AT MARSHALL Completing a three-day tour spanning three states, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine made his first visit to the Rocket City as the Agency’s administrator on Wednesday, August 15. Bridenstine spent the day at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where he was briefed on space station science operations, technology development and SLS progress. Significant progress has been made on SLS, with many of the rocket’s major elements finished or nearing completion for Exploration Mission-1, the first integrated test of Orion, SLS and the ground systems at Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida. “We are very excited about what we are about to do. We are about to launch the biggest rocket that has ever been launched. It’s going to carry more payload than any rocket that has ever been built before,” said Bridenstine. “What you’re doing here at Marshall is critically important for the country. We are grateful to all the families and all the folks that are working so hard on this project.” Bridenstine took in the view from atop one of Marshall’s newest test stands, Structural Test Stand 4693, where the qualification test version of the liquid hydrogen tank for the SLS core stage will be positioned between the stand’s 221-foot-tall twin towers. He also saw the test version of the SLS intertank NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks to in the Structural Strength Laboratory and was briefed by engineers who are Marshall Space Flight Center employees at a conducting structural analysis on the intertank to ensure it can withstand the town hall during his visit. He emphasized the forces of launch and ascent to get humans to space safely. importance of SLS to ensuring America remains the preeminent space-faring nation. Read the full story: go.nasa.gov/2OTfFiv

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks with members of the media in front of the massive liquid hydrogen tank at Michoud Assembly Facility during his recent visit to Michoud, Stennis Space Center and Marshall Space Flight Center.

13 BIG VOICE TEST SHOWS ALL SYSTEMS “GO” Engineers Fred Whisnant and Jennifer Vollmer check out communication systems during a big voice test Aug. 21, at the SLS Engineering Support Center, part of the Huntsville Operations Support Center at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The test verified that all systems are “go” when it comes to voice communications for the first integrated flight of the SLS deep space rocket and the Orion spacecraft: Exploration Mission-1. During the test, participants used headsets and voice loops to communicate with 13 locations across America including NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and the U.S. Air Force’s Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, plus many NASA contractor sites around the country. The support center allows experts who designed and built SLS to work together, saving Agency resources by minimizing the need for travel to the Kennedy launch site. Read the full story: go.nasa.gov/2NQLmcd

14 SLS ON THE ROAD

EVENTS IN CHICAGO

Heather Haney, dry structures manager in SLS’s Core Stage office, talks about the world’s most powerful rocket, SLS, at a supplier luncheon in Chicago.

Panelists share details about the SLS deep space rocket during a program at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago.

15 WHAT’S NEW IN SLS SOCIAL MEDIA

How is SLS laying the groundwork for deep space exploration? In this Tumblr post, learn five reasons SLS, the world’s most powerful rocket, is the backbone of bold, deep space exploration missions. Read the full story: bit.ly/2NNuUti NEW RS-25 TEST SERIES BEGINS NASA conducted a successful hot fire test of RS-25 developmental engine 0525 – featuring a new flight controller unit – on the A-1 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center. Stennis Space Center showcased what it does best for NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine on August 14, hosting the Agency leader for the first in another series of RS-25 rocket engine hot fire tests in support of the SLS Program. Operators conducted a successful test of RS-25 developmental engine 0525 as Bridenstine and other Agency officials watched. This was Bridenstine’s first visit to the Mississippi Center since he was confirmed as Administrator in April. Read the full story: go.nasa.gov/2LhzhL4

SPACEFLIGHT PARTNERS: Metalwerks, Inc.

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 30

LOCATION: Aliquippa, Pennsylvania

WHAT THEY DO FOR SLS: Metalwerks Inc. provides specialty alloys required to build the RS-25 engines that will help power NASA’s SLS rocket off the launch pad. Metalwerks recently delivered the copper alloy that was used by Aerojet Rocketdyne to build the liner for the new main combustion chamber for the RS-25 engine that began testing this month.

FOLLOW THE PROGRESS SEPTEMBER OF NASA’S NEW LAUNCH VEHICLE FOR DEEP SPACE: EM-1 core stage forward join begins

Twitter ...... Twitter.com/NASA_SLS See the state of the EM-1 rocket

Facebook ...... Facebook.com/NASASLS RS-25 engine tests continue National Aeronautics and Space Administration

EXPLORATION GROUND SYSTEMS HIGHLIGHTS

AUGUST 2018 A truck sprays water to reduce the dust as NASA’s crawler- transporter 2 (CT-2) with the mobile launcher (ML) atop slowly moves along the crawlerway on its trek to Launch Pad 39B on Aug. 31, 2018, at the Agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Exploration Ground Systems is preparing the ground systems necessary to launch the Space Launch System and Orion on Exploration Mission-1, missions to the Moon and on to Mars. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

MOBILE LAUNCHER MOVES TOWARD EXPLORATION MISSION-1

When you buy a new car, you take it out for a test drive first. Likewise, as NASA prepares for launch of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, the mobile launcher that will be used went for a test drive to Launch Pad 39B and then to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the Agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This 9-mile-roundrip test drive on top the crawler-transporter 2 isn’t a joy ride. Exploration Ground Systems’ Cliff Lanham, lead project manager for the mobile launcher, said moving it will accomplish several goals. “The mobile launcher is being moved to begin the next big program phase for verification and validation of all systems when it is connected to the pad and VAB systems,” Lanham said. The mobile launcher will be used to assemble, process and launch the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft. The nearly 380-foot- tall structure is equipped with the crew access arm and several umbilicals that will provide power, environmental control, pneumatics, communication and electrical connections to the rocket and spacecraft during processing and launch. Several other umbilicals will provide fuel and stability to the rocket on the surface of the mobile launcher’s deck. Traveling at a top speed of .7-mile-per-hour, the mobile launcher made its inaugural trek along the crawlerway to Launch Pad 39B for a quick fit check on the surface of the pad. NASA Test Director Jeffrey Brink, lead for testing at Pad 39B, checked out key systems over several days to include ensuring the water suppression systems align and the environmental control system that provides air and gaseous nitrogen purges to the SLS through the umbilicals hooks up properly with the mobile launcher’s ducts that distribute them. Read the full story at https://go.nasa.gov/2LHR9id.

19 NASA ADMINISTRATOR JIM BRIDENSTINE VISITS KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, TOURS EGS FACILITIES

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, is briefed by Jeremy Graeber, Chief of Test, Launch and Recovery Operations, during a tour of Firing Room 1 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine’s official visit to Kennedy Space Center began Aug. 6, 2018, with an up-close look at the premier, multiuser spaceport aboard a helicopter for a tour over the bustling Florida spaceport. In view is the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett

20 During a tour of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Agency Administrator Jim Bridenstine looks into the flame trench at Launch Complex 39B. This will be the site where NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft will liftoff on trips to the Moon, Mars, and deep space. Bridenstine made his first official visit to the Florida spaceport on August 6 and 7, 2018. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, is briefed by Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana on testing of the mobile launcher that will support the Agency’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft that will liftoff on trips to the Moon, Mars, and deep space. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

21 JEREMY PARSONS PRESENTED CENTER DIRECTOR’S AWARD

Jeremy Parsons, center, received the Center Directors Award during the NASA KSC Honor Awards ceremony on August 21, 2018. At left is Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana. At right is Janet Petro, Deputy Center Director. Photo credit: NASA

Jeremy Parsons, Chief of Systems Engineering and Integration for Exploration Ground Systems (EGS), recently was honored for his work as the senior project manager for the Launch Equipment Test Facility (LETF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. During the Aug. 21 NASA KSC Honor Awards ceremony, Parsons was presented the prestigious Center Director’s Award for leading efforts at the LETF to complete final testing before the Space Launch System (SLS) vehicle servicing arms were required for delivery and installation on the mobile launcher (ML). According to his award nomination, Parson’s leadership was a key factor in ML umbilical and other launch elements – such as the Core Stage umbilicals and Crew Access Arm – being delivered on or ahead of schedule. Parson’s “efforts led to a successful transition from the developmental phase to an operational focus at the LETF for Jacobs, the Test Operations Support Contractor (TOSC), and EGS operations with no downtime during this transition,” the nomination stated. “Parsons’ superior communication skills and leadership style helped accelerate activities by solving problems in cooperation with the Engineering directorate, TOSC and the EGS program.” Earlier this year, the Crew Access Arm was added to the mobile launcher being prepared to support NASA’s Orion spacecraft and SLS rocket. Technicians and engineers in EGS recently tested the crucial arm, confirming it worked as designed. The Center Director’s Award is presented for accomplishment of a job-related task through personal effort and innovation of such magnitude and merit as to deserve special Center management recognition honoring commitment to Center and Agency objectives.

22 NAVY DIVERS TRAIN IN THE NEUTRAL BUOYANCY LABORATORY AT JOHNSON SPACE CENTER Exploration Ground Systems’ recovery team works with U.S. Navy divers at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at Johnson Space Center in Houston, in preparation for Underway Recovery Test 7.

Simulating recovery efforts, Navy divers practice attaching flotation devices to a test version of Orion on August 22, 2018.

Photo credit: NASA/James Blair

ORION CREW ACCESS ARM A swing test of the Orion crew access arm is in progress on the mobile launcher at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on August 21, 2018. The crew access arm is located at about the 274-foot-level on the mobile launcher tower. It will rotate from its retracted position and interface with the Orion crew hatch location to provide entry to the Orion crew module. Exploration Ground Systems extended all of the launch umbilicals on the ML tower to test their functionality before the mobile launcher, atop crawler-transporter 2, is moved to Launch Pad 39B and the Vehicle Assembly Building. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

23