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Home , Agena Target Vehicle, Pete Conrad, Ronald Evans (astronaut)

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July 30, 1999 Roundup VOL. 38, NO. 14 L YNDON B. , , JSC celebrates 30th anniversary of 11 mission By Nicole Cloutier “This is really an unforgettable day for me!” said Joerg Entertaining the revelers were Kelly McGuire & Kindler, a German visitor working on the X-38 project. Hurricane and The Fab 5 filling the air with classic ore than 2,500 JSC employees, family “I saw the first on the and shook hands tunes from the Apollo era throughout the festivities. members and space enthusiasts convened at the with him. is somebody who kept his eyes Picnickers enjoyed a traditional barbecue dinner while M Gilruth Center July 22 to commemo- reminiscing with each other about the accom- rate the 30th anniversary of the first lunar plishments of the past and possibilities of the landing and first person to walk on the Moon. future in space. “The best thing that happened to the United “On this night 30 years ago, NASA Road States and to the world in the 20th century was One was closed down and people were danc- landing on the Moon,” said Christopher Kraft ing in the streets,” said Don Lewis, NASA Jr., former JSC director. “It’s great for us to be engineer, who worked the rendezvous proce- together to remember Apollo and I’m proud to dures for the . “Some of these have been a part of it.” people here today weren’t even around then, Kraft was joined by Neil Armstrong, the so I think it’s great to see this many people first astronaut to walk on the Moon, and here today to Astronaut , JSC’s associate remember the technical director. Each guest related recol- Apollo event.” lections of the Apollo landing, its impact on Inside the the space program as well as the future of I think the next 30 years will Gilruth Center were Apollo space exploration. see the greatest achievement The speakers also recognized the contribu- Program tions of numerous individuals in their of mankind. We’ll learn to live exhibits and addresses, including Dr. Robert Gilruth, and work on other places in artifacts includ- John Victory and Dr. Maxime Faget. ing a small- JSC Photo S99-07682 by Robert Markowitz the solar system. Apollo will scale Lunar “It was Dr. Faget who first proposed the U.S. build a Neil Armstrong, commander, flanked have opened that door. spacecraft with a blunt body shape more than 40 years by Chris Kraft Jr., (left) former center director, and Module and the ago,” said Armstrong. “That day was the beginning of John Young (right) associate technical director, Ð John Young Mobile Equip- manned space flight.” addresses picnic guests. ment Trans- Many in the audience felt privileged to see porter, which Armstrong in person and enjoyed his light-hearted on the stars but always his feet on the ground – and that’s allowed to carry tools around on the lunar address to the crowd where he called Capt. Young his why I can look up to and learn from him. A lot of my surface; lunar surface maps; and assorted magazines “idol” who is “in line for another flight.” friends back in Germany will envy me for that.” and newspaper headlines announcing the landing. ■ Accident claims life of astronaut Conrad harles P. (Pete) Conrad (Capt., USN, Ret.), the third space frontier,” said JSC Director George W. S. Abbey. Richard Gordon established the fastest rendezvous and human to walk on the Moon, died July 8 in a hospital “From Gemini to Apollo, to his command of the first docking in history, linking their Gemini spacecraft with C in Ojai, Calif., of injuries sustained in a motorcycle crew to live aboard an American , Pete was an before establishing a new accident. He was 69. a true professional. He combined skill and ability with altitude record of almost 850 miles above the Earth. Conrad made history on , 1969, when, as wit and humor to become one of the courageous pio- Conrad was joined by Bean and Gordon on the Apollo commander of the mission, he and Astronaut neers who took humankind beyond the bounds of our 12 mission in , forming an all-Navy crew set their lunar module planet. We will miss him greatly. Our heartfelt sympa- for their Command Module “Yankee Clipper” and their “Intrepid” down on the Moon’s thy goes out to his wife, Nancy, and their family.” Lunar Module “Intrepid.” Conrad and Bean proved that Ocean of Storms to achieve Conrad was selected in the second class of NASA pinpoint landings could be made on the lunar surface and the second of six landings in astronauts in 1962 following a distinguished career as a conducted the first significant science operations during the Apollo Program. Navy and instructor. Following his graduation their 31 hours on the Ocean of Storms. Some five hours later, from in 1953, he entered the Navy Conrad’s fourth and final space flight occurred in Conrad stepped onto the and attended test pilot school at Patuxent River, Md., 1973 as the commander of the first crew to live and Moon and, parodying the where he was assigned as a project test pilot. work on America’s first space station, . Conrad, historic words of Neil After being selected as an astronaut, Conrad was Paul Weitz and Joseph Kerwin were launched on a Armstrong four assigned to fly on the mission as the co-pilot modified Saturn rocket on May 25, 1973, 11 days after earlier, said, “Whoopee! to . In , Cooper and the station itself was launched. Man, that may have been Conrad spent what was then a record eight days in Among Conrad’s numerous awards are the Congres- a small one for Neil, orbit, perfecting techniques for use in later lunar sional Space Medal of Honor, two NASA Distinguished but that’s a long one missions and proving the capability of Service Medals, two NASA Exceptional Service for me.” astronauts to spend more than a Medals, two Navy Distinguished Service Medals and “Pete was an in space. two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was enshrined in explorer and a Conrad then com- the Aviation Hall of Fame in 1980. hero of the manded the The funeral for Conrad was held July 19 at Fort mission in September Myers Chapel at Arlington National Cemetery. 1966, in which he Conrad is survived by his wife, three sons and and co-pilot seven grandchildren. ■

Guppy delivers JSC celebrates Astromaterials station Structural its diverse team prepares Test Article. culture. for future.

Page 2 Page 4 Page 7 2 July 30, 1999 SPACE CENTER Roundup Guppy delivers station Structural Test Article

JSC Photo S99-06280 by James Blair JSC Photo S99-06281 by James Blair STATION ELEMENT ARRIVES AT ELLINGTON FIELD Ð The Structural Test Article for one of through the summer and fall and will verify the launch environment for the actual hardware the International Space Station’s 40-foot-long truss segments arrived at Ellington Field late that will be delivered to the station on assembly flight 9A scheduled in mid 2001. last to undergo acoustical vibration testing in Bldg. 49. This testing will continue

Station Mission Evaluation Room managers provide round-the-clock support

he International Space Station Mis- A MER manager is on console around anomalies that arise during in-flight or procedures to repair the faulty Early sion Evaluation Room in Bldg. 30 at the clock during non-assembly opera- quiescent periods. Communications System aboard Unity, T JSC opened its doors last November tions. During station assembly operations, As the engineering consultants for the completing a successful hatch adjustment, with the launch of Zarya, the first ISS com- three managers are on console around the Flight Control Team, the MER managers repairing the Russian Electrical Power ponent. It has remained opened ever since. clock, with a full team of 300 engineers interface directly with the ISS and the System aboard Zarya and implementing Twenty-four hours each day, seven represented from all ISS subsystems flight directors during shuttle software updates. days per week, the MER brings together nationwide ready to support. missions. ISS MER managers communi- ISS viewing opportunities from national and international station design- Subsystem engineers and safety and cate with the flight directors using voice the ground can be found on the Internet ers, builders and operators in solving operations specialists coordinate all loops and a messaging system that uses a at: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata hardware and systems issues that affect activities necessary to make real-time deci- formal electronic signature to document /sightings/ ■ performance and safety. These specialists sions affecting the space station. Primary information passed between the MER provide engineering support for all ISS activities focus on protecting the on-orbit and the flight controllers. Twelve managers oversee the activities both in real-time and during hardware from damage from any source MER members and the flight day-to-day activities of the Inter- quiescent periods. and providing engineering support to controllers make up the team that national Space Station Mission Evaluation Room at JSC. The Twelve managers Ð three from NASA, repair hardware in the event that it fails. successfully troubleshoots problems managers are, from left, front: Dan eight from Boeing, and one from Lockheed These tasks are shared between the Flight that arise on board the orbiting space Bahadorani, Chuck Armstrong; Martin Ð oversee the day-to-day activities Control Team, which provides the opera- station. The team has successfully back: Shannon Walker, Bill of the ISS MER. Mark Glorioso of NASA tors, and the MER, which provides a path resolved numerous issues over the past Killingsworth, Matt Duggan, Henry and Curt Phelps of Boeing lead the team. back to the ISS designers. nine months including implementing Domingo, Michael Boulavsky, Mark Glorioso, Pete Sprunger, “This team was put together in a rela- Technical inputs from the ISS MER Curt Phelps. Not pictured: Todd tively short time, and together we estab- Subsystems, Flight Control Team Dark-Fox, Keith LaMay. lished the operating procedures for the ISS and other segments of MER in about six months,” said Glorioso. MOD are reviewed and a “It is a highly motivated team of engineers coordinated response is who look forward to coming to work every provided to resolve day to do their part in the assembly of the International Space Station.”

JSC Photo S99-05668 by Mark Sowa SPACE CENTER Roundup July 30, 1999 3 COMMUNITY NEWS

Lopez receives 1999 JSC scholarship Kramer named By Bill Jeffs instructor for judo, a hospital junior volun- teer, a library volunteer and a cheerleading one of instructor. She plans to attend Texas Tech University this fall and major in medicine. “I’m really looking forward to a new Houston’s environment,” said Lopez. “There will be so much to take in Ð new school, new leading women climate and snow, which I’ve never seen before!” in technology Lopez was born in Corpus Christi and lived there until her father was transferred atherine Kramer, executive with Exxon to the Houston area in 1995. director of the NASA/Clear “I credit my parents a lot,” said Lopez. C Lake Area Economic Develop- “My father always pointed me in the right ment Foundation Technology Out- direction and my mother has always been reach Program (TOP), received one of someone I could talk to about anything.” the “Top 20 Houston Women in Tech- Lopez said when deciding about nology” awards during a ceremony college courses, she knew she wanted to held last month at the Doubletree JSC Photo 99E07137 by James Blair be challenged and, after her experience Guest Suites Hotel in downtown Pamela Lopez Rebecca Bergeron, left, president of the volunteering at the hospital, she knew she Houston. The Association for Women Association for Women in Computing Ð wanted to help people. in Computing presented the awards. Houston Chapter, presents the Top 20 Although Lopez does not leave for her “I was absolutely thrilled to receive Houston Women in Technology Award to ASA Exchange announced that the new home until August, she already has this honor,” said Kramer. “It’s so won- Cathy Kramer, director of the Technology Outreach Program. 1999 JSC scholarship has been plans lined up for her many other interests. derful to know that so many women N awarded to Pamela Lopez, daughter She plans to try out for the all-girl cheer- are tackling technology and making it of Telma A. Lopez of the Safety, Reliability leading squad in September and, as an a sole focus of their career.” technology to the private sector by giv- and Quality Assurance Office at JSC. assistant judo instructor, she’s already Kramer is taking a one-year break ing up to 40 hours of free technological “I am very honored to receive this been approached about setting up a judo from her duties at JSC to direct the assistance to local small businesses. scholarship,” said Lopez. “It has further club at the school. Lopez received her TOP. Prior to her current assignment, The Association for Women in encouraged me to achieve my goals and black belt in judo in June. she managed JSC’s Biomedical Hard- Computing is a national, nonprofit, aspirations.” The 4-year, $1,000-per-year scholar- ware Development and Engineering professional organization for individu- A 1999 graduate of Friendswood High ship is awarded based on academic Office and served as chief of the Life als with an interest in information School, Lopez is a member of the National achievement, financial need, and extracur- Sciences Project Division. technology. Honor Society, Who’s Who Among ricular activities. The scholarship was She was honored for her work at JSC For additional information on the American High School Students, Minori- available to children of NASA employees and with the TOP, a free service TOP, call (281) 486-5535. ■ ties in Medicine and the Hispanic National throughout JSC at both Houston and the designed to speed the transfer of space Honor Society. She also is an assistant White Sands Test Facility. ■ Volunteers needed for Open House

JSC is making final preparations as the fifth annual Open House approaches. Volunteers who have already signed up should attend one of seven different training This year’s event will be held on August 28. sessions to receive vital information needed for the day of Open House `99. These ses- Volunteers have made this event highly successful as visitors are introduced to the sions will be held in the Bldg. 30 auditorium. Please attend one of the following sessions: employees and facilities here at NASA, and this year will be no different with the theme ✦ 10 a.m. Friday, August 13 of “Pathway to the Future.” ✦ 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday, August 16 Employees may volunteer to be a part of this outstanding event. There are many ✦ 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 17 ways to get involved: ✦ 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 18 ✦ Staffing one of 12 information booths ✦ 2 p.m. Thursday, August 19 ✦ Acting as rovers (giving directions) The Ballunar Liftoff Festival will be held at Rocket Park in conjunction with the Open ✦ Assisting visitors in the cafeterias House. This exciting event will include activities such as the grand parade of balloon Volunteering is a great way to showcase the wonderful work that is going on at JSC. pilots, arts and crafts fair, food booths, midway rides and games, business exhibits, and Bilingual speakers and those willing to volunteer for afternoon timeslots are needed. Get the much anticipated balloon glows. More information on this event can be found at the involved and remember that all volunteers receive free drinks and special parking on the following Web site: http://www.ballunarfestival.com/menu.html day of the event. All NASA civil servants will be admitted free to this festival with valid work identifica- The easiest way to sign up is by going to the volunteer home page. This can be tion. Come join us and let’s make history as we have the biggest and best Open House accessed at: http://www4.jsc.nasa.gov/openhouse/Databases/ that NASA has ever seen. ■

Summer Camp brings science to students By Nicole Cloutier minds among our most precious resource, our children,” added Dr. Haddad. ide-eyed and full of curiosity, This is the first year for the pilot pro- children at JSC’s Sizzling gram and is limited to 7- to 12-year-old WSummer Camp are doing some children of JSC employees. The camp is scientific research of their own. held in Bldg. 265 and is filled to capacity Every Wednesday afternoon, for this summer but organizers hope to Dr. Ruwaida Haddad and Dr. Marguerite expand the program next year. Sognier, research scientists from JSC’s “We’ve had a great response, and Biotechnology Program, volunteer a couple Dr. Haddad and Dr. Sognier really go all of hours to bring hands-on science activi- out Ð I think sometimes they are more ties to the 27 children in the camp, a coop- excited than the kids,” said Kristy Hirning, erative effort among University of Texas executive director for the camp and JSC Medical Branch, NASA, and the JSC Child Child Care Center. “We wouldn’t be able Care Center. to do this without their efforts. And Mr. “Interactive science activities actually Abbey provided use of the building and improve academic performance in children the folks in the transportation department in all academic areas – not just science,” have been very supportive with the use of said Dr. Sognier. “The program also pro- vans for exciting field trips.” vides role models for young girls who tend Proceeds from the camp are being to lose interest in science and math during directed toward construction of a new fifth through seventh grades.” child care facility that will expand enroll- JSC Photo S99-05910 “Our goal is to plant the seed of ment to first grade. Employees wanting Kiarra Gradney, 7, and Ashlee Calvert, 8, gaze at a bubbling and oozing display of scientific logical thinking and stimulate analytical more information can call x34734. ■ wonders as part of “Weird Science Day” at JSC’s Sizzling Summer Camp. 4 July 30, 1999 SPACE CENTER Roundup American Heritage Week For the sixth year JSC celebrates its diverse culture

mployees celebrated their diverse heritage during a weeklong celebration held June 28 to July 2. The event provided employees with the opportunity to expand E their knowledge of the rich heritage represented within the JSC team. JSC’s American Heritage Committee and Team NASA sponsored the sixth annual event. Special activities were held daily during American Heritage Week in the Bldg. 3 cafeteria. Entertainers including the JSC Town Criers and the Mixteco Ballet Folk- lorico Dancers entertained employees. Exhibits ranging from Apollo memorabilia to wearable art were on display. The American Heritage Week parade took place July 1. NASA civil servants, local contractor employees and members of the community participated. The weeklong celebration concluded with the grand finale on July 1 at the Gilruth Center. An American Heritage Week mini-parade, featuring the award-winning Houston Showstoppers Marching Band, kicked off the event. Attendees were able to view exhibits. Employees and their families enjoyed a host of cultural performances including praise dancing, American Indian dancing, and Polynesian dancing. ■

S99-06766 The Lost Soul Band performs at the Gilruth Center during the grand finale celebration.

JSC Photos by James Blair

S99-06677 The JSC Town Criers drive around the center on one of many floats on exhibit during the parade.

S99-06740 Praise dancer Jennifer Ghee S99-06542 Abraham’s Tree entertains employees at the performs in the Gilruth Center. Bldg. 3 cafeteria.

S99-06758 Dancers from the Jhankar School of Dancing perform at the Gilruth Center.

S99-06727 A dancer from the American Indian Resource Center S99-06598 performs at the The Mixteco Ballet Folklorico Dancers entertain the lunch crowd in the Bldg. 3 cafeteria. Gilruth Center. SPACE CENTER Roundup July 30, 1999 5 Co-op relives day with Neil Armstrong Visit with Armstrong, Young and Runco makes for memorable experience

By Nicholas Saadah inside the SMS while Armstrong and Young flew two approaches. This was the hen I started my first tour as a most incredible part of the day, not co-op at JSC last fall, I knew I because I was inside the SMS, not W was in for the experience of a because I was in the presence of three lifetime, but nothing could have prepared astronauts, but because I was getting the me for what happened one Monday in world’s most exciting history lesson. late June. What started as a normal day of I listened as Armstrong and Young, sims and display modifications ended two of the space program’s most famous with a ride aboard the Shuttle Motion and decorated, reminisced on the days of Simulator while Apollo 11 Commander Apollo. Runco, the Public Affairs Office Neil Armstrong and JSC Associate escort, and I could only sit and listen as Director (Technical) and Astronaut John these two Apollo commanders relived Young flew simulated approaches to the those miraculous days of 30 years ago. . Needless to say, As I listened to them laugh and share it was an experience I will never forget. memories, it took everything within me I first met Armstrong earlier that day to remain composed. This was history; in the viewing room of the Mission this is what NASA and America’s com- Control Center. I introduced myself and mitment to the exploration of space is all explained that I was a co-op from Purdue about. It was an aural masterpiece, flow- University, his alma mater. I found JSC Associate Director (Technical) John Young, left, co-op student ing from the mouths of these two incredi- Nicholas Saadah, Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong, and Astronaut Armstrong to be as personable and Mario Runco share memories of the nation’s space program. ble individuals, and incredible friends. friendly a person as I have ever met. Young pointed to the switches on the Standing there, speaking about the Purdue center console. “These are original women’s basketball team and its recent delight of everyone there to see him. eyes and decided he wanted to be an Apollo switches,” he explained. “They accomplishments, one would never guess He asked many questions about the space astronaut. The irony of the situation weigh a pound and a half each, but Deke that this man was the first to walk on the shuttle and mission operations and was became clear. Here I was, looking up to [Slayton] wasn’t about to let us throw moon. He had come to JSC to appear on fascinated to know how they worked. people like Runco, hoping to someday these away.” As we approached the run- Italian television via satellite and was to be Listening to him speak about the differ- accomplish what he had accomplished, way, Young coached Armstrong down the interviewed in front of Mission Control. ences between Apollo and the space just as he had looked up to Armstrong path. “Doin’ fine, Neil. Ffly the needles, After lunch, I gave Armstrong a tour shuttle further made me realize how very years ago. It was then that Runco asked just like in the old LM. This is a Delta of the White and Blue Flight Control much this organization has advanced in Armstrong if he had ever flown the shuttle wing. Just hold it in ground effect and Rooms which he had never seen. Astro- the last 30 years, and indeed how much it simulator before. When Armstrong it’ll come down nice and soft.” Armstrong naut Mario Runco Jr., three-time shuttle continues to advance. responded that he hadn’t, Runco scheduled put it down softly and made a perfect flier and lead capcom for STS-93, joined When we arrived in the Blue FCR, a sim and invited me along. landing… once again. ■ us as we took Armstrong in and out of the Runco began to tell Armstrong how he So, at the end of a long and exciting various control rooms, much to the had watched the moon landings with wide day, I found myself sitting in the fifth seat

Employees line up to meet the Here Man completed his first , A.D. May ‘Last Man on the Moon’ the spirit of peace in which we came be reflected in the lives of all mankind. ÐApollo 17

ll available copies sold out when employees lined up July 14 in the A Bldg. 3 cafeteria to get an autographed copy of Apollo Astronaut ’s book, “Last Man on the Moon.” Employees received a free autographed photo of Cernan with each book purchased from the JSC Exchange Store, which hosted the book signing. Cernan, 65, last man to walk on the moon, was commander of . He and fellow crewmembers and journeyed to the moon and back in December 1972. While Evans circled in “America,” Schmitt and Cernan collected a record 108.86 kilograms of rocks during three moon walks. Schmitt and Cernan roamed 33.80 kilometers through the Taurus-Littrow Valley in their rover, discovered orange-colored soil, and left behind a plaque attached to their lander “Challenger,” which read: “Here Man completed his first exploration of the Moon, December 1972 A.D. May the spirit of peace in which we came be reflected in the lives of all mankind.” The Apollo lunar program had ended. Earlier in the Apollo program, Cernan descended to within nine miles of the moon’s surface on in May 1969. Cernan also flew as pilot of Gemini 9 in June 1966. ■ JSC Photo S99-07349 by Robert Markowitz 6 July 30, 1999 SPACE CENTER Roundup Ripped JSC holds successful ‘Bring Our Children to Work Day’ By Jessie Hendrick In the second presentation, students from the and parents were given a glimpse of the ring Our Children to Work Day was future in space design by learning about ROUNDUP held on June 11 at the Gilruth Center. the TransHab and the Combination B Approximately 500 students and Lander. Dr. William Schneider, JSC Ripped straight from the pages of their parents had an opportunity to learn senior engineer, Space Systems, and old Space News Roundups, here’s more about the work that is done at JSC. George Parma, aerospace engineer, Struc- what happened at JSC on this date: Jessie Hendrick of the JSC Equal Opportu- tural Mechanical Design and Analysis nity Programs Office and Janet Gouveia, Branch, both of JSC’s Engineering Direc- an AverStar employee representing Team torate, were the presenters. 1964 NASA, coordinated the event. Students and parents were fascinated by With the words, “Are we ready to rum- the concept of a lighter and cheaper space- he Ranger spacecraft impacted ble?” the biotechnology team introduced craft (TransHab) that may be used for the T on the moon in the “Sea of students to how JSC research scientists International Space Station and manned Clouds” (Mare Nubium) area use the bioreactor to study the effects of missions to . Members of the audience last Friday morning at 7:25 (CST), but microgravity on cells. Dr. Marguerite A. were able to see and touch the Kevlar Sognier of the biotechnology team, material that is an integral part of its con- not before it had taken 4,316 pictures employee of the University Space struction. Students were encouraged to and transmitted them back to Earth Research Association and assistant direc- guess what size particle would make a fist- and the Deep tracking tor of Science Education at the University sized dent in a 2-inch-thick, 10-pound station at Goldstone, Calif. of Texas Medical Branch, led the team. JSC Photo S99-06218 by Robert MarkowitzM piece of aluminum. They were astonished Other members of the team were to realize that in space, a particle just a little Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists Equal Opportunity Programs Director Dr. Ruwaida Haddad, a USRA employee Estella Hernandez Gillette hands out larger than a BB could cause such damage. said the Ranger impacted within ten also working in the biotechnology pro- goodie bags to the children during Schneider and Parma further explained that miles of the planned target area and gram, and Diane Byerly, chief of integra- registration at “Bring Our Children the design, which includes the Kevlar, to Work Day” on June 11. continued taking pictures up until three- tion in JSC’s biotechnology program. The would protect the TransHab while it is on tenths of a second before impact. program was very interactive and allowed orbit. Schneider and Parma also brought a children to see and use balloons to model model of the Combination Lander that may The last picture was taken at less than how cells grow on Earth in one unit grav- NASA-designed devices simulate gravity, be used in a Mars mission. a half-mile from the moon’s surface and ity (monolayer) and in space in micro- one of the success stories from the “Bring Our Children to Work Day is a covered an area some 65 feet across. gravity (three dimensions). The aims of biotechnology program. Attendees wonderful opportunity for students to Pictures were recorded on 35mm film the biotechnology program and the learned how cells are grown in these learn about the work here at JSC,” said and magnetic tape. research devoted to tissue engineering, devices and how useful they are for tissue Hendrick. “We are already planning for such as the long-term goal of creating engineering. They also learned what is next year Ð our target date is Friday, replacement tissues, were discussed. involved in being a research scientist and June 9, 2000, with presentations on the 1969 The students and parents also viewed about the important biotechnology sci- International Space Station and planetary bioreactors that were on display courtesy ence facilities being constructed to support science, and we hope to see you and your uly 20, 1969, came eight years of Synthecon, Inc. and learned how these the International Space Station. children there.” ■ J after an American President, John F. Kennedy, committed his nation to a manned landing on the moon; it came just four decades after aerospace pioneer and prophet, White Sands firefighter comes to the rescue Robert Goddard, predicted the tech- By Nicole Cloutier incident. “I was very impressed. Saving a nological ability to achieve a safe person’s life is a pretty big accomplishment landing; and it came centuries after arade spectators in Las Cruces, N.M., and he seemed very modest about it, but he man first stared up at the large glow- were witness to a live emergency deserves a lot of thanks for doing such a ing orb in the night sky and wondered P procedure during the Fourth of July great job.” what miracle might take him there. weekend. “I couldn’t tell you how I felt at the As most of the crowd was taking in the moment,” added Crespin. “As an EMT, On July 20,1969, the people of Earth holiday procession of Las Cruces’ “Elec- I don’t think of anything but my patient.” witnessed the culmination of that tric Light Parade,” a young boy began Lt. Crespin is an “exceptional fire- technological “miracle” as Neil A. Arm- choking on a piece of hard candy. Luckily, fighter,”according to Merritt Pratt, WSTF strong lowered himself from the also in the crowd was Lt. Eric Crespin, a fire chief. He recently completed interme- NASA firefighter and Emergency Medical diate EMT training, and in his role at spacecraft to the lunar surface and Technician at White Sands Test Facility. WSTF, instructs other employees on first took “one small step for man, one “I saw the father, holding the child aid, including the Heimlich maneuver and giant leap for mankind.” upside down, striking the child’s back in an CPR. He attended the parade with wife, attempt to dislodge the obstruction,” said Penny, and son, CJ. ■ 1989 Crespin, 25. “That tends to further lodge the object, so I knew I had to take action.” NASA-WSTF Photo by Lou Rosales Editor’s note: JSC offers CPR training he far encounter phase of After introducing himself to the father Eric Crespin, firefighter as part of its “Got the squeeze – call the T ’s appointment with as a trained EMT, Crespin stood the child 33333s” program. Call x36475 or x37896 the planet Neptune will not upright and confirmed he had an obstructed “He immediately took control of the for more information. For immediate assis- begin until Sunday, but information airway. Crespin then used a modified situation and dislodged the object,” said tance with any onsite emergency, such as version of the Heimlich maneuver on the Fermin Rubio, city attorney for Las Cruces choking, call x33333. from the 12-year-old spacecraft already small child to expel the obstruction. and one of the bystanders who saw the is yielding surprises. Images have revealed three additional new in orbit around Neptune, Voyager imaging team scientists announced Thursday.

The discovery brings to six the number of moons known to exist around the Exchange Store hours The following discount tickets are available at the Exchange Stores: blue planet, including one, 1989 N1, General Cinema Theaters ...... $5.50 Monday-Friday discovered by Voyager 2 last month. Sony Loew’s Theaters ...... $5.00 AMC Theaters ...... $4.75 The spacecraft, launched in 1977, has Bldg. 3 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Fiesta Texas ...... adult . . .$18.25 . . .(child under 48") . . . $15.50 explored Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus Bldg. 11 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Astroworld One-day Admission ...... $21.00 and will come within 3,000 miles Astroworld Season Pass ...... $54.75 of Neptune on Aug. 24. (valid at all Texas Six Flags Theme Parks and Water World) All tickets are nonrefundable. Water World ...... $10.75 Metro tokens and value cards Moody Gardens (2 of 6 events) ...... $9.75 Sea World ...... adult . . .$27.25 . . . .child (age 3-11) . . .$18.25 are available. Schlitterbahn Water Park . . . . .adult . . .$20.75 . . . .child (age 3-11) . . . $17.50 For more information, ...... adult . . .$10.25 . . . .child (age 4-11) . . . $6.50 Space Center Houston Annual Pass ...... $18.75 please call x35350. (JSC civil service employees free.) Splash Town Water Park . . . . . adult . . .$14.50 (child 48" and under) . . . $11.50 Houston Comets tickets are now available for August 6 and August 18. Limited quantities. Houston Astros tickets are now available for August 13 and September 12. Limited quantities. SPACE CENTER Roundup July 30, 1999 7 Stepping stones: JSC astromaterials team prepares for future

By Nicole Cloutier invaluable “corporate memory” for the The goal Dr. Agee refers to is NASA’s shower” before entering the ‘pristine’ center. Others like her make up the lunar forthcoming missions to Mars for sample laboratory. The samples are additionally rotected by more than 18 inches of sample team, which experiences low retrievals. contained in nitrogen-filled glove box concrete and steel, a motion detector turnover. Lunar sample processor Linda Although sample return missions aren’t cabinets. Samples are loaned out for P system and a sound build up alarm Watts similarly is a 22-year veteran of the planned to visit the Red Planet until 2003, external research, but only about 10 percent quietly resides the country’s moon, team, and Dr. Gary Lofgren, curator and a second in 2005, discussions are of the collection are considered meteorite, and cosmic dust samples in JSC’s for the Lunar Sample Facility, has been on already under way about facilities needed to compromised and are kept separated from curation facility. But inside those reinforced staff since 1968. accommodate the samples once they arrive. the ‘pristine’ samples upon return. walls, researchers and All of these barriers are acclaimed scientists are designed to protect the lunar piecing together the solar samples from Earth oriented system’s history bit-by-bit, contaminants, but Mars while preparing to make some samples will need two-way history of their own. contamination control. “Being NASA’s home of “We’ll be investigating the extraterrestrial materials Mars samples for life forms makes us a unique facility,” and organic compounds,” said said Dr. Carl Agee, chief Dr. Lofgren. “This requires a scientist for astromaterials. new process to handle “But the continued work here quarantine and analysis, both has prepared us for making to protect the samples from history again Ð by receiving Earth contaminants as well as the samples that will be protecting us from any brought back from Mars in unknown contaminants the 2008.” samples might contain.” A visitor’s scan across the Reduced pressure, colder JSC campus would hardly temperatures, and mimicking suggest that one of our of a CO2 rich environment are national treasures is neatly other facility issues still being tucked away in Bldg. 31N. considered. But there, the Lunar Sample The Mars samples will be Laboratory Facility houses coordinated in two separate the more than 842 pounds of phases: initial assessment, lunar rocks, core samples and quarantine and analysis and soils gathered during six then archiving, curation and Apollo lunar landings, plus a distribution. Soon, NASA small amount (3/4 of a pound) will assess various sites for from unmanned Soviet these projects, including missions. Although the White Sands Test Facility, samples were collected more JSC Photo S99-06274 by Robert Markowitz Ames Research Center and than 27 years ago, nearly JSC’s astromaterials team is gearing up for solar wind and Mars samples. Shown here is Dr. Gary Lofgren, head curator for the JSC. JSC’s experience with Lunar Sample Facility, with a sample from the lunar collection. Lofgren is joined by Andrea Mosie, a senior scientist for Lockheed the lunar samples uniquely 1,000 samples are distributed Martin and Dr. Carl Agee, chief scientist for astromaterials. each year for continuing positions it as a coordinating research and teaching projects. “It’s a rare find in itself,” said Dr. Agee Compared with the lunar sample facility, site for the Mars samples, but it may be Improvements in research technology of the wealth of experience among the which is a model laboratory, Mars presents more than a year before an official along with fresh theories from budding astromaterials team and the Planetary many new issues to contend with. decision is made. researchers allow scientists to revisit Sciences Branch of SN. After 8 years as an “The lunar facility has turned out to be Meanwhile, under the leadership of unanswered questions and pursue new ones. Earth and planetary sciences professor at a wonderful stepping-stone for preparing team member Dr. Eileen Stansbery, a new “Lunar sample research is not complete Harvard, Dr. Agee joined JSC Director us for the Mars samples,” said facility has been constructed in Bldg. 31N by any means-it is alive and well,” said George Abbey’s senior staff in August 1998 Dr. Lofgren. “But the Mars samples will for the Genesis project. The facility is Andrea Mosie, a senior scientist for to lead the center’s astromaterials research bring new challenges for clean room and located directly beneath the lunar lab and Lockheed Martin at JSC. “People and to prepare facilities for Mars sample laboratory processes, which is what we are will house specimens from the Genesis sometimes visit the facility expecting to find return. “The amount of enthusiasm and working on now.” discovery mission. Genesis is a three-year a museum, but it’s not. It is a working lab involvement from colleagues here at JSC, The lunar facilities, regarded as a level mission scheduled to depart in 2001. ■ with research continuing everyday.” all working towards this common goal, all 1000 clean room, require researchers to gear Mosie celebrated more than 24 years with lots of new ideas and approaches, up with full-coverage smocks (“bunny with the facility in June and provides an makes for a very stimulating environment.” suits”), caps and gloves and undergo an “air

Employees empowered for safety: Just plane safe

By Kathleen N. Leonard Once you reach your seat, locate the your brain even further and you will get them allow the passengers to breathe closest emergency exit in front of you and drunk even quicker. It will be extremely ambient cabin air along with the supple- hether you travel so much that the behind you, and then count the seat rows to hard to keep your wits about you if you are mentary oxygen. message “your mailbox has reach those emergency exits. This will be involved in an emergency situation. In the past 20 years there have been a W exceeded its limits” is a perma- very helpful in case of evacuation in a The mostly likely emergencies that you number of fatal airline accidents that were nent part of your inbox or you only get out smoke-filled airplane. will face are an evacuation of the notable in that several passengers died not of the office once a year, there are things Maybe you have heard pre-flight safety using the emergency slides or using the from injuries sustained from the crash, but you can do that are “just plane safe” briefings so many times that you automati- emergency oxygen system. In case of from the effects of smoke inhalation. Pas- before and during a flight emergency. cally tune them out. Don’t – things are evacuation by the emergency slides, the sengers face two kinds of risks from aircraft Moreover, school is out, summer is here; subject to change! Listen to the them and best preparation is to be familiar with the fires: thermal injuries from the effects of at this time of year families everywhere read the safety data card in the seat in front locations of the exits, follow the com- heat and flame; and injuries from breathing are planning getaways. of you. Know where the flotation devices mands of the flight crew, and wear slide the by-products of combustion. Dressing for success looks different are and how to use them. One of the best friendly clothes (as mentioned earlier). In the event of a fire, use a wet paper when you have a meeting with an aircraft. things you can do to be prepared is to plan Stay calm and proceed quickly to the near- towel or handkerchief to cover your nose Wear sensible clothing for ease of move- the actions you would need to take in case est exit. Leave all your possessions and mouth. Use bottled water or saliva if ment and protection in the unlikely event of an emergency. behind. Jump feet first into the center of necessary to moisten it. Stay low. Proceed of an evacuation. Wear clothes made of In a recent study, nearly 300 turbulence- the slide. (Do not sit down to slide.) Place your predetermined number of seat rows natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, related injuries to passengers were reported arms across chest, elbows in, and legs and and/or follow floor proximity lighting denim, and leather. Synthetics may melt over a 10-year period. None of the injured feet together. to an exit. In the event of excessive smoke, when they are heated. Wear low-heeled had their seat belts fastened. You should Emergency oxygen masks may be your eyes may be burning or you may not shoes or boots (avoid sandals). High- keep your seat belt fastened at all times deployed automatically or be deployed be able to see floor lighting. That’s why heeled shoes will have to be removed while in your seat Ð not just for take-off and manually by the flight crew. Pull oxygen it is so important to count the seat rows before leaving the airplane via an escape landing. mask toward you to start oxygen flow. Put to the nearest exits as stated earlier. It is slide. This will slow your departure from The atmosphere in the airliner cabin is your mask on as quickly as possible, then up to each passenger to make good deci- the airplane and put you at risk for severe pressurized to about the same altitude as help children and others. Unfortunately in sions concerning his or her safety and injury from possible hazards such as bro- , so any alcohol you consume will the event of aircraft fires, the oxygen stay informed. IT IS “JUST PLANE ken glass or metal debris. Arms and legs affect you more strongly than at sea level. masks on most airliners are unable to pro- SAFE.” ■ should be as fully covered as possible. The alcohol decreases the oxygen level in vide effective protection because most of 8 July 30, 1999 SPACE CENTER Roundup NASA BRIEFS

GLENN MISSION, SOHO MAKE ADVANCE ON SOLAR MYSTERY

The high-speed portion of the solar wind August 2 August 11 achieves its high velocity Ðup to 500 miles per second – by “surfing” magnetic waves NSBE meets: The National Society of Black Engineers will IAAP meets: The Clear Lake/NASA Chapter of the Interna- in the Sun’s outer atmosphere. meet at 6:30 p.m. August 2 at Texas Southern University, tional Association of Administrative Professionals (formerly For 37 years, solar scientists have been School of Technology, Rm. 316. For details, call Kimberly Professional Secretaries International) will meet at 5:30 p.m. puzzled by the fact that the high-speed solar Topps at (281) 280-2917. August 11 at Bay Oaks Country Club. Cost is $16. For details wind travels twice as fast as predicted by and reservations, call Tami Barbour at (281) 488-0055, x238. August 4 theory. Observations and theoretical analy- ses have discovered a surprising explanation Astronomy seminar: The JSC Astronomy Seminar Club will August 12 for this mystery: magnetic waves. The obser- meet at noon August 4, 11, 18, and 25 in Bldg. 31, Rm. 248A. Airplane club meets: The Radio Control Airplane Club will vations were made using instruments aboard meet at 7 p.m. August 12 at the Clear Lake Park building. For For more information, call Al Jackson at x35037. NASA’s Spartan 201 spacecraft, deployed more information call Bill Langdoc at x35970. Communicators meet: The Clear Lake Communicators, a from the Space Shuttle during the STS-95 MAES meets: The Society of Mexican-American Engineers Toastmasters club, will meet at 11:30 a.m. August 4, 11, 18 and mission, and the international Solar and and Scientists will meet at 11:30 a.m. August 12 in Bldg. 16, 25 at Freeman Library, 16602 Diana Lane. For more informa- Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). Rm. 111. For more information, call George Salazar at x30162. tion, call Allen Prescott at (281) 282-3281 or Mark Caronna at “The mystery was first presented by the (281) 282-4306. August 13 Mariner 2 spacecraft in 1962, the same year Spaceland Toastmasters meet: The Spaceland Toastmasters Astronomers meet: The JSC Astronomical Society will meet as Glenn’s first flight,” said Dr. Marcia Neugebauer of NASA’s Jet Propulsion will meet at 7 a.m. August 4, 11, 18 and 25 at the House at 7:30 p.m. August 13 at the Center for Advanced Space Stud- Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., the co-principal of Prayer Lutheran Church. For more information, call George ies, 3600 Bay Area Blvd. For details, call Chuck Shaw at x35416. investigator of the solar wind instrument on Salazar at x30162. August 18 Mariner 2. “The new observations made by Spaceteam Toastmasters meet: The Spaceteam Scuba club meets: The Lunarfins will meet at 7:30 p.m. SOHO and by the Spartan 201 mission during Glenn’s return to space put us much Toastmasters will meet at 11:30 a.m. August 4, 11, 18 and 25 August 18. For details, call Mike Manering at x32618. at United Space Alliance, 600 Gemini. For more information, closer to finally unraveling the mystery of the acceleration of the solar wind.” call Patricia Blackwell at (281) 280-6863. August 19 NSS meets: The Clear Lake area chapter of the National August 5 Space Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. August 19 at the Freeman Warning System Test: The site-wide Employee Warning Memorial Branch Library, 16602 Diana Lane. For additional NASA TECHNOLOGY SPURS NEW System will perform its monthly audio test at noon August 5. For information call Murray Clark at (281) 367-2227. ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS more information, call Bob Gaffney at x34249. Directors meet: The Space Family Education board of Don Sumner knew that past attempts to directors will meet at 11:30 a.m. August 19 in Bldg. 45, Rm. August 10 detect plant stress had been too labor 712D. For more information on this open meeting contact Aero Club Meets: The Bay Area Aero Club will meet at intensive to be cost effective. He believed Gretchen Thomas at x37664. 7 p.m. August 10 at the Houston Gulf Airport clubhouse at 2750 that if a farmer or forester could efficiently and routinely analyze plant stress, savings in FM 1266 in League City. For additional information call August 22 harvest time, fertilization costs and crop Larry Hendrickson at x32050. Westside NSS meets: The Westside group of the Clear losses could substantially increase profits. NPMA meets: The National Property Management Associa- Lake area chapter of the will meet at tion will meet at 5 p.m. August 10 at Robinette and Doyle Cater- 2 p.m. August 22 at Silicon Graphics, 11490 Westheimer, Sumner is modifiying Stennis’ plant-stress prototype, which detects stress by measur- ers, 216 Kirby in Seabrook. Dinner costs $14. For more infor- Suite 100. For additional information, call Murray Clark ing far-red and infrared light waves. mation call Sina Hawsey at x36582. at (281) 367-2227. Sumner recently signed a license agreement for the center’s first dual-use technology transfer project. He projects that his Associ- ated Technical Management Corporation of Texarkana, a consortium created to research and develop applications for the imager, http://www4.jsc.nasa.gov/ah/exceaa/Gilruth/Gilruth.htm could gross approximately $20 million over the next five years from the commercial use of NASA technology. Hours: The Gilruth Center is open from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Weight safety: Required course for employees wishing to Monday-Thursday, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. use the Gilruth weight room. Pre-registration is required. Cost is Saturday. Contact the Gilruth Center at (281) 483-3345. $5. Annual weight room use fee is $90. The cost for additional NASA ANNOUNCES UPCOMING Sign up policy: All classes and athletic activities are on a family members is $50. DISCOVERY FLIGHTS first-come, first-served basis. Sign up in person at the Gilruth Exercise: Low-impact class meets from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Mon- The first comprehensive mission to map Center and show a yellow Gilruth or weight room badge. days and Wednesdays. Cost is $24 for eight . pockmarked Mercury and a radical mission to Classes tend to fill up two weeks in advance. Payment must be Step/bench aerobics: Low-impact cardiovascular workout. excavate the interior of a comet have been made in full, in exact change or by check, at the time of registra- Classes meet from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. selected as the next flights in NASA’s tion. No registration will be taken by telephone. For more infor- Cost is $32 for eight weeks. Call Kristen Taragzewski, instruc- Discovery Program. mation, call x33345. tor, at x36891 for more information. The Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Gilruth badges: Required for use of the Gilruth Center. Yoga: Stretching class of low-impact exercises designed for Geochemistry and Ranging mission, or Employees, spouses, eligible dependents, NASA retirees and people of all ages and abilities in a Westernized format. Meets Messenger, will carry seven instruments spouses may apply for photo identification badges from 7:30 Thursdays 5-6 p.m. Cost is $32 for eight weeks. Call Darrell into orbit around the closest planet to the Sun. It will send back the first global images a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Cost Matula, instructor, at x38520 for more information. of Mercury and study its shape, interior and is $10. Dependents must be between 16 and 23 years old. Ballroom dancing: Classes meet from 7-8:15 p.m. Thurs- magnetic field. Nutrition intervention program: Six-week program includes days for beginner-advanced classes and from 8:15-9:30 p.m. Messenger, to be launched in spring 2004, lectures, a private consultation with the dietitian and blood anal- for beginner-intermediate and intermediate students. Cost is will be NASA’s first mission to Mercury since ysis to chart your progress. Program is open to all employees, $60 per couple. the Mariner 10 flybys in 1974 and 1975. contractors and spouses. For details call Tammie Shaw at Country and western dancing: Beginner class meets 7-8:30 Deep Impact will be launched in January x32980. p.m. Monday. Advanced class (must know basic steps to all 2004 toward an explosive July 4, 2005 Defensive driving: One-day course is offered once a month dances) meets 8:30-10 p.m. Monday. Cost is $20 per couple. encounter with P/Tempel 1. It will use a cop- at the Gilruth Center. Pre-registration required. Cost is $25. Call Fitness program: Health-related fitness program includes a per projectile because that material can be for next available class. medical screening examination and a 12-week individually pre- identified easily within the spectral observa- Stamp club: Meets every second and fourth Monday at scribed exercise program. For more information call Larry Wier tions of the material blasted off the comet by 7 p.m. in Rm. 216. at x30301. the impact, which will occur at an approxi- mate speed of 22,300 mph.

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