June 13, 2008 Vol. 48, No. 12 Spaceport News John F. Kennedy Space Center - America’s gateway to the universe www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/snews/spnews_toc.html Closeout crew gets it done by the numbers

Workers strap in Touchdown time STS-124 astronauts, As of press time, the landing of STS-124 was targeted for close hatch before 11:15 a.m. June 14. beautiful launch For complete coverage, photos and features, go to By Kate Frakes www.nasa.gov/shuttle Spaceport News s countdown to the launch anomalies,” Thompson said. of Discovery on its Those flawless preparations STS-124 mission ap- were reflected in the cabin’s ener- A getic atmosphere. proached the final hour, United Space Alliance lead, Travis Thomp- “The astronauts were all happy, son, and his six-member closeout talkative and relaxed; like it was a crew helped strap the astronauts cakewalk,” Thompson said. NASA into their ascent positions aboard Thompson said his crew pre- Travis Thompson, right, enjoys a light moment with STS-124 Mission Specialist Ron Garan the space shuttle at Launch Pad 39A pares two astronauts at a time, while in the White Room on Launch Pad 39A prior to launch May 31. at Kennedy. “Come back and see the others wait outside. we had been keeping the air condi- Pressurized Module and its Remote me,” Thompson told the crew as he “When the last astronaut Ron tion all for ourselves,” Thompson Manipulator System. After Garan exited the cockpit. Garan walked inside, he joked that said. “I didn’t have to ask him if he and Fossum transferred the Orbiter Thompson and his team were wanted the cooling system hooked Boom Sensor System’s heat sheild responsible for the astronauts’ to his suit.” inspection tool back to the space safety and comfort while boarding The closeout crew prepared shuttle, where it was temporarily the space shuttle and they only had seven astronauts for launch includ- stored on the station’s exterior in 50 minutes. ing Commander Mark Kelly and March, the crew prepared the pres- “It’s like softball,” Thompson Pilot Ken Ham, Mission Specialists surized module for its installation to said. “I ask myself what I’m going Ron Garan, Karen Nyberg, Greg the left side of Harmony. to do if the ball is hit to me. I’m al- Chamitoff, Mike Fossum and JAXA The spacewalks also included ways aware of everyone’s location; astronaut Akihiko Hoshide. work on the starboard Solar Alpha whether it’s on ship, in the White Chamitoff will transfer to the Rotary Joint. They installed a re- Room or outside.” station and take astronaut Garrett placement atrundle bearing assem- “I’m following a checklist, Reisman’s place as a space sta- bly, assessed a potentially damaged talking to the orbiter test conductor tion Expedition 17 flight engineer. area on the joint and tested possible and NASA test director and keeping He will return to Earth on shuttle techniques to clean the surface of track of time while making sure mission STS-126 targeted for No- the joint’s race ring. every crew member gets the right vember. Reisman will return with STS-124 is the 123rd space piece of equipment.” He said that Discovery’s crew on June 14. shuttle flight, the 26th to the station, the given, but approximate, After Discovery’s June 1 ar- the 35th for Discovery and the third 50-minute timeframe was never far rival to the station, Kelly and Ham flight in 2008. from his mind. performed a rendezvous pitch Thompson has worked as Discovery lifted off May 31 at maneuver, allowing the crew to lead of the closeout crew for more 5:02 p.m. EDT. It was a successful photograph the orbiter’s protective than half of the shuttle program’s beginning to the second of three heat-resistant tiles and send the launches. “I have two shoeboxes launches scheduled to complete results to engineers on Earth for full of the mission patches I wore the Japan Aerospace Exploration analysis. After necessary pressure on each launch that I was lead,” he Agency’s (JAXA) Kibo laboratory, and leak checks were performed said. “I’m not counting them until at the International Space Station. for NASA on the hatches, the two spacecrafts the shuttle program ends.” “This particular launch was Smoke and steam billow across Launch were joined. For the latest information about spotless. It was flawless and Pad 39A as space shuttle Discovery races Crew members performed three the STS-124 mission and its crew, smooth. That is what stands out; no toward the International Space Station. spacewalks to install the Japanese visit www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Page 2 SPACEPORT NEWS June 13, 2008 Transition Working Group seeks to involve everyone lanning the future posture so all directorates are aware of the of Kennedy Space Center status of these planning exercises Pfollowing the retirement and any issues that may arise. of the Space Shuttle Program, As budgets and technical ramp-down of International Space requirements are firmed up, TWG Station ground operations and may take on an integrating func- the emergence of the Constel- tion to make sure all programs lation Program requires center- and institutional organizations NASA/Kim Shiflett wide involvement. The Kennedy are engaged in implementing the Brevard Workforce Development Board President Lisa Rice, Kennedy Center Director Bill Par- Transition Working Group (TWG) transition of work force sons and Brevard Workforce Development Board Vice Chairman Jack Rood signed the docu- was chartered in 2006 to provide Kennedy faces some signifi- ment that will help pave the way for work force cooperation between Kennedy and the BWDB. center leadership in those efforts. cant challenges post-shuttle and TWG includes members from all TWG is developing plans to lessen Leaders sign Space Act Agreement Kennedy directorates responsible the impact while keeping in mind for identifying and resolving key that every dollar spent on transi- to help work force during transition transition issues, particularly tion and retirement is a dollar not those that cross organizational available for future missions. By Linda Herridge lines. The scope of TWG is wide- For example, the group is Staff Writer “It is important that we reaching and includes planning for planning for the orderly disposi- communicate and work personal property, facilities, work tion of more than 300,000 line ennedy Space Center force and budget issues. items of shuttle personal property Director Bill Parsons signed together. Getting started The membership includes located at Kennedy. Kthe center’s first Space early is the key.” Kennedy transition managers ap- Much will be reused by Con- Act Agreement with the Brevard pointed for Constellation, Melodie stellation or other programs, but Workforce Development Board Bill Parsons, Jackson; Institution, Kelly Gor- the remainder must be properly as- (BWDB) during a ceremony in the Kennedy Center Director man; Shuttle Processing, George sessed and cost effective methods Headquarters Building on May 27. Jacobs; and Space Station, John to accomplish the task must be With several board members Jackson. Managers oversee transi- developed. at their side, Brevard Workforce lifelong learning and job training. It tion within their organizations and Another important task is Development Board President also allows for increased availability programs, and work closely with identification of the buildings and Lisa Rice and Vice Chairman Jack of the Brevard Job Link Express their counterparts in the programs capabilities needed by Constel- Rood signed the document that will Bus at various locations around the and at NASA Headquarters to lation so Kennedy management help pave the way for work force center. make sure Kennedy concerns are knows which assets are available cooperation between Kennedy and The Job Link Express is a self- taken into consideration when for other uses or for closure. the BWDB in support of existing and contained career center on wheels transition and retirement are dis- Budget submittals for transi- future missions at the space center. with twelve computer stations, cussed. tion and retirement efforts are re- The agreement will be the Internet and telecommunications, TWG is chaired by the In- viewed closely by the agency and foundation document used by both printing, copying and fax capability, stitutional Transition Manager, TWG reviews Kennedy submittals organizations, to partner with state as well as new sources of Kelly Gorman. “The TWG’s job is and notes potential impacts so cen- and local community leaders, in information to assist workers with to stay on top of transition issues ter management can raise them to the joint goal of preparing Brevard job searches and help determine and develop center positions to appropriate agency forums, when County’s highly skilled work force other career interests. respond to program decisions,” necessary. Members participate for the transition from the Space Rice praised the center for Gorman said. “We can charter sub- in agency and program transition Shuttle Program to the Constellation appointing Human Resources teams to focus on particular sub- meetings and provide reports to Program. Director Tracy Anania as an ex- jects, like property disposition and the rest of the membership. “It is important that we officio liaison to the workforce artifacts, and we work closely with TWG meets monthly and re- communicate and work together,” board. Rice said her participation has other groups and teams working on ports to the deputy center director Parsons said. “Getting started early opened channels of communication future planning activities.” quarterly. is the key.” with the center’s contractor human Kennedy’s work force, consid- According to Rice, the resource departments. ered the most vital and important agreement will allow the BWDB Rood said it is part of the asset, is widely discussed when More online to increase its efforts to retain, workforce development board’s planning for the center’s upcoming To find out more about the strengthen and expand the county’s vision to help create and maintain a transition. Human Resources is status of the Kennedy diverse and available work force, and highly competitive work force for leading the effort at Kennedy and Transition, including TWG help to keep Brevard County and its Brevard County. already has participated in ongoing presentations and skilled work force in the forefront of “We look forward to a long and work force planning exercises for minutes, go to: the aerospace industry. mutually advantageous working civil service and contractor person- http://ksctransition.ksc. Rice said the agreement will relationship with Kennedy Space nel. TWG primarily provides a nasa.gov offer the work force opportunities for Center,” Rood said. forum for information exchange June 13, 2008 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 3 Team prepares Kennedy, CCAFS for new contracts

By Linda Herridge director of Cape Canaveral Critique of Metairie, La., in may procure services from be provided to the Kennedy Spaceport News Spaceport Management Of- March, which includes but is the other when needed. and CCAFS work-force fice, said, “The purpose of not limited to technical train- There will be a 90-day as the new contracts are ennedy Space the team is to help provide ing activities. phase-in period beginning announced. Riquelme said Center’s two largest a smooth and seamless The NASA Protective July 1, for the Institutional significant changes affecting Kinstitutional con- transition to ensure continu- Services contract, an agency Support Services, Infor- customers will be distributed tracts, the Joint Base Opera- ity of services to customers wide contract, was awarded mation Management and through town hall meetings, tions and Support Contract, without disruption. There to Coastal International Se- Communications Services additional Spaceport News or J-BOSC, and Kennedy will be changes that affect curity of Lorton, Va., in May. and Medical/Environmental articles and the KSC Daily Integrated Communications the customer in terms of who New contracts at Support contracts. News Bulletin online. Services, or KICS, will end they call, for example.” CCAFS will include In- The NASA Protective Two e-mail accounts Sept. 30. Since January, the Riquelme said infor- stallation Operations and Services contract will have have been set up to ac- center’s Institutional Con- mation will be sent out to Maintenance Services, a 60-day phase-in period cept feedback, questions or tracts Transition Team has all workers as soon as it is Security Protection Services, beginning Aug. 1, while the concerns to help ensure a been hard at work, preparing available. Fire Protection/Emergency Mail Services, Custodial and smooth transition. The global for the contract transition. Kennedy contracts will Management and Emergency Grounds Maintenance/Pest addresses are: KSC-JBOSC- Currently, the J-BOSC include Institutional Support Medical Services, Grounds Control contracts will have Transition and KSC-KICS- contractor is Space Gateway Services, Protective Ser- Maintenance and Pest Man- a 30-day phase-in period Transition. Support and the KICS con- vices, Information Manage- agement Services, Vehicle beginning Sept. 1. Peggy Parrish, the lead tractor is InDyne. ment and Communications Operations and Maintenance A similar phase-in for transition communica- The J-BOSC contract Services, Medical/Envi- Services, Combined Refuse schedule for the Air Force tions planning, said a transi- includes services at Ken- ronmental services, Mail Collection and Disposal contracts is anticipated based tion Web site is in the works nedy and Cape Canaveral Air Services, Technical Train- Services, and Installation on the dates the new con- so the team can post updated Force Station. The follow-on ing, Custodial Services, and Support. tracts are awarded. information as it becomes institutional contracts will Grounds Maintenance and Though NASA and the “We’re working togeth- available. include eight new contracts Pest Control. Air Force will have separate er on this transition,” said Look for the Web site at Kennedy and seven new The Kennedy Institu- contracts beginning Oct. 1, Wayne Beaulieu, a transition address in the KSC Daily contracts at CCAFS. tional Support Services con- Riquelme said there will be team member from CCAFS. News or a future Spaceport Joyce Riquelme, deputy tract was awarded to ReDe- opportunities where each More information will News article. Spacesuits remain cool despite always-changing fashion trends By Steven Siceloff as 30 minutes to get inside one. For example, a pressure switch Spaceport News That’s because the ensemble on the suit tells the main parachute is several layers of thin clothing, to open at 14,000 feet. The har- he technical marvel that is not just one big suit an astronaut ness has water-sensitive devices to the space shuttle system, climbs into and zips up. The orange detach the parachute when the astro- does not stop with the space- T part that everyone sees as astro- naut reaches the water. Otherwise, craft. nauts walk from the Astrovan to the the unconscious crew member could Spacesuits the astronauts launch pad is simply the top layer. be dragged around the waves behind wear during launch and landing With the helmet, visor and are examples of high-tech clothing a billowing canopy. gloves locked in place, the suit Other water-sensing items designed to hold communications fully encloses the astronaut in an air equipment, oxygen tanks, para- deploy a life preserver around the bubble inflated to 3.5 pounds, about astronaut in the water. The helmet chutes and enough water for a day. the same air pressure as a person is equipped with a valve that lets All while keeping the astronaut would find 30,000 feet above Earth. air inside after the oxygen runs out. cool. That is slightly lower than the cruis- There also is a larger life raft in the You won’t see a bulky pres- ing altitude of many airplanes. sure suit, weighing 91 pounds and That air pressure was chosen suit, along with a bailing cup to painted orange, on the fashion because the bailout scenarios for an scoop water out of the suit. runways of Paris, but they are an NASA/Amanda Diller astronaut in the unlikely event of Since the suit is designed to essential element to any astronaut’s Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC an emergency call for the crew to keep an astronaut alive for 24 hours, wardrobe. Chhipwadia describes the elements of the it also carries a supply of drinking helmet that is part of the launch and entry evacuate the spacecraft at 30,000 No one goes into space aboard water. suit (seen on the table) used by shuttle feet, Chhipwadia said. a shuttle without one because it crews during their missions. Once an astronaut gets out of a NASA’s spacesuit collection could be the key to keeping an crippled shuttle, the suit is designed also is versatile. The agency has astronaut safe in case of emergency “It’s not really designed to walk to act automatically. 12 different size suits for its astro- situations. around and move like a (spacewalk- “We have to protect the uncon- nauts, but they are not custom-fitted, According to shuttle crew ing suit) is, it’s really to stay seated scious crew member as well as the which means they can be used by escape subsystem manager K.C. and stay alive,” Chhipwadia said. conscious crew member,” Chhipwa- several astronauts over the course of Chhipwadia, it’s all about safety. That means it can take as long dia said. many different missions. Page 4 SPACEPORT NEWS June 13, 2008 June 13, 2008 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 5 Scene Around Kennedy Space Center

NASA/Cory Huston High school students release a weather bal- loon June 6 during part in a five-day, free pro- gram called the Governor’s School Summer Academy. Funding for the program supports NASA/Jim Grossman planning to establish a Governor’s School for Workers maneuver the lightning mast onto the ground on Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy. It is part of the lightning protection system being Science, Mathematics and Space Technology built for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X. at or near Kennedy.

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@mail.nasa.gov. for NASA Fifteeen students received their preschool diploma from Kennedy Space Center Child Development Center during a graduation ceremony June 7. About 80 people attended. The graduates are headed for kindergarten. Page 4 SPACEPORT NEWS June 13, 2008 June 13, 2008 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 5 Scene Around Kennedy Space Center

NASA/Jim Grossman A group from the first graduating class of astronauts after the Apollo program gathers at the Banana River viewing site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center before the launch of space shuttle Dis- covery on its STS-124 mission. In 1978, after nine years without new astronauts, a new group of 35 astronauts was selected. Since then, a new group has been selected about every two years.

NASA/Bill Ingalls NASA/Kim Shiflett Suzu Sawanuki presents artwork by her husband Toshiro Sawanuki to James Hattaway, associate direc- A technician inspects a replacement part for the Zvezda Service Module toilet on tor for Business Operations at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. the International Space Station following its arrival at Kennedy Space Center. Page 6 SPACEPORT NEWS June 13, 2008 Kennedy visit inspires boy in Doodle 4 Google contest By Jennifer Wolfinger Spaceport News or many computer users, the Google logo is a familiar Fsight. For 12-year-old Karl Berg, the emblem represented an opportunity to share his enthusiasm for NASA. Through the Doodle 4 Google for NASA competition, U.S. students were From left, Pvt. Marin, Pvt. Miloro, Pvt. Cook, 2nd Lt. Chris Scott, Cpl. Galletti, Sgt. 1st Class for NASA given a chance to design Google’s Maschek, Cpl. McGrane are among the troops of Charlie Company 2/7 Cavalry stations at Karl Berg ‘s inspiration came from his 2007 Fort Hood, Texas. They are performing security tasks in Iraq. homepage. The students’ doodles visit to Kennedy. were required to center around the theme “What if …?” I wanted to show the progression of Co-workers adopt son’s In his “Reach for the Stars” de- flight in my doodle and accomplish- sign entry, Berg said, “What if: two ments of NASA,” said Berg, a home simple words that have led mankind school student from Colorado who Army unit headed to Iraq to achieve incredible accomplish- just completed the sixth grade. ments that were once thought to be Submissions were divided into By Jennifer Wolfinger impossible. Among these amazing four grade groups and the contest Spaceport News Adopt a unit feats are the Wright Flyer, missions included four stages of judging. At to the moon, and the space shuttle. hile American soldiers To adopt an Army unit, go to: the regional level, 40 winners were We must keep asking ‘what if,’ and and NASA workers www.forthoodausa.org/ selected from a pool of 400 state be inspired to reach for the stars.” support different na- adopted_units_cav.shtml finalists. W Before designing his logo, Berg Berg was one of the 40 regional tional objectives, it didn’t stop a found inspiration when he and his team of Information Technology winners that traveled to Google- teammates would adopt me and family visited Kennedy Space Cen- and Communication Services’ plex, the company’s headquarters my son as family after only a short ter in September 2007. According to employees from supporting a re- in Mountain View, Calif., for a tour, time of me working with them,” him, he enjoyed walking under the cently deployed U.S. Army unit. fun, food and the announcement of Keim said. massive Apollo rocket at the KSC When several of Ann Marie the national winner. The soldiers, who deployed Visitor Complex, looking at the dif- Keim’s colleagues saw photos of According to Berg, when the to Iraq in early June, perform ferent mission patches and banners, her son, 2nd Lt. Chris Scott, in students entered the campus, 7,000 security tasks throughout Iraq, but and was fascinated to learn that the his military uniform, many asked employees lined the pathway and their missions can change based space shuttle and its launch platform if his unit stationed in Fort Hood, cheered for them. The winner was on immediate needs. travel on a gravel surface due to its Texas, needed any assistance. She selected May 21 and that image was Once the Kennedy team weight. informed them that units could be “I’ve always liked drawing used for the May 22 logo. receives the unit’s address, they “adopted.” Her co-workers within and thought it would be a neat The competition is held to en- intend to send care packages to the security office immediately experience to take part in a competi- courage and celebrate the creativity them monthly. Keim said they signed up. tion created by a world-renowned of young people. For more informa- “We feel great about the will coordinate “packing parties” internet search engine. I’ve always tion and to see the various doodles, support we received. Everyone is to make personal grab bags with been intrigued by flight and NASA. visit www.doodle4google.com. excited that an agency like NASA snacks, lip balm, sunscreen and would take an interest in our small other useful and uplifting items. unit in such a big Army,” Scott “I am truly humbled by the said. “It also means a lot to realize interest and support my team- that people are still out there that mates, and even those outside care about our soldiers and the of my team, have shown. The sacrifices we make. Our company unquestioning support leaves me has about 90 soldiers in it.” speechless – not an easy thing,” Keim, an information tech- Keim said. nology specialist, said more than Keim, Lt. Scott and his fel- 60 pounds of essentials, goodies low soldiers are grateful for those and NASA decals were quickly supporting them including Henry shipped to the unit’s 90 members Yu, Diana Kniffin, Elaine Brabaw, at Fort Polk, La., where the troops Dawn Kniffin, Dave Roberts, were participating in a month of Janet Thompson, Mark Mason, for NASA pre-deployment exercises. Maria Donat, Truemilla Johnson Karl Berg’s award winning Doodle 4 Google highlights the Wright Flyer, missions to the “It is so awesome that my and KICS employee Ted Cayer. moon and the space shuttle. June 13, 2008 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 7 Sally’s ride 25 years ago was a giant leap for women By Kay Grinter Reference Librarian merica celebrated a mile- stone in the advancement Aof women in the workplace 25 years ago as Sally Ride launched to orbit aboard space shuttle Chal- lenger June 18, 1983. With the arrival of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA created a new category of astronaut: the mis- sion specialist. No longer would astronaut selection be limited to those trained as test pilots. The new vehicle was designed for science and research investigations in Earth orbit and could support crews larger than three. In January 1978, NASA an- nounced the candidates selected for the first astronaut class of the new era. Sally Ride, a recent recipient of a Ph.D. in physics from Stanford University, was chosen along with five other women who excelled in their respective scientific fields:

Anna Fisher, Shannon Lucid, Judy NASA file Resnik, Rhea Seddon and Kathryn The STS-7 crew, from left, Mission Specialists Norman Thagard and Sally Ride, Commander Robert Crippen, Mission Specialist John Sullivan. Fabian and Pilot Frederick Hauck, answer questions from the media at Kennedy on June 3, 1983. Kennedy Space Center’s former director, Bob Crippen, was com- problems with the toilet on either of 7 crew on emergency procedures mander of Ride’s historic mission. Remembering my flights.” at the Shuttle Landing Facility and From his home in South NASA alumnus Art Willett was the role of Chief 5, the fire officer Florida, Crippen said: “Any one of Our Heritage a “pad rat” and member of the team in charge of all rescue operations in the six women NASA hired would that supported the STS-7 prelaunch the event of an emergency landing. have been qualified to be the first Crippen was impressed with activities, including the terminal “Ride was very knowledgeable American woman in space. They Ride’s performance and requested countdown demonstration test and wanted to learn all facets of our were all great. Sally’s thorough that she serve on the STS 41-G launch dress rehearsal. jobs,” Tome said. “She was very knowledge of the shuttle arm and mission which he commanded in “It was Sally’s first mission, attentive and appreciative of our other shuttle systems made her an October 1984. and we tried to make her feel at efforts.” especially good choice.” From her office at the Universi- home,” Willett said. “It was stress- Crippen praised the Kennedy Ride was one of five crew ty of California in San Diego where ful enough for her with all the team for doing “an excellent job of members aboard STS-7, slated to she is now employed, Ride said: attention of being the first woman preparing us to go fly.” deploy two communications satel- “Bob was the ideal commander. He astronaut to fly in America’s space Today, Ride is involved with lites - the ANIK C-2 for TELESAT had a real focus on teamwork and program. She really seemed to have Sally Ride Science, a company she Canada and the PALAPA-B1 for cooperation. We all got along, liked it together. From interacting with founded in 2001. Its innovative Indonesia, as well as release and re- each other, and had a good time her during the training activities, I science content promotes children’s trieve the Shuttle Pallet Satellite on while we were in flight.” got the impression that she was a interests in science, math and tech- which 10 microgravity experiments On STS-7, the shuttle arm was smart individual and looked forward nology. A key part of their mission were mounted. Other crew mem- put through its paces. to using her skills in space.” is to make a difference in girls’ lives bers included Pilot Rick Hauck and “During the mission, John and Ride remembers her first dress and in society’s perception of the Mission Specialists John Fabian and I split the duties, releasing and re- rehearsal on Pad 39A, as well. roles of women in technical fields. Norm Thagard. These three were trieving the satellites,” Ride said. “Getting out of the simulators “My involvement in the space also among the astronaut candidates Asked to comment on similar in Houston, seeing the hardware up program shows that girls and young chosen in 1978. experiences with astronauts on re- close for the first time, and being women can do anything that they “Sally was an integral part of cent shuttle and station flights, Ride inside the actual orbiter made the want to do,” Ride said. “That if they the crew and functioned as flight was forthcoming: “I was one of the upcoming flight seem real,” she have an interest in math or science, engineer, positioned between the lucky ones and did not experience said. they should pursue their dreams.” commander and pilot on the flight any space sickness. I adapted pretty Space Gateway Support’s Rog- For more information on deck. She monitored our tasks and quickly to microgravity on both er Tome was the assistant fire chief Sally Ride Science, visit kept us ‘honest’,” Crippen said. my missions. And there were no at launch time. He briefed the STS- www.sallyridescience.com. Page 8 SPACEPORT NEWS June 13, 2008

Today is deadline NASA Employees of the Month: June to buy BBQ tickets Tickets will not be avail- able after June 13. The 2008 KSC Best BBQ will be June 20 at KARS Park I (Area 2) from 3 to 6 p.m. Food will be served from 3:15 to 5 p.m. There will be a homemade dessert contest. For more in- formation, call Janice Everett at 867-8421. Also, a spades tourna- ment will be held along with a cake walk, 3-legged race, intern scavenger hunt, kara- oke, volleyball and an intern vs. employee tug-o-war. To sign up for the spade tournament, call T.C. Wil- NASA liams at 476-3648 or Gloria Y. Employees of the Month for June are, from left, Ralph Mikulas, Launch Services; John T. Jones, Engineering Directorate; Penny Myers, Johnson at 867-9150. External Relations; Gladys I. Morales, Engineering Directorate; Irma Granell, Chief Financial Office; Carol Cavanaugh, Center Operations; For more information call Cindy Dunn, Human Resources Office; Lisa Peckham, International Space Station & Spacecraft Processing Directorate; and Neil Berger, Brittani Sims at 476-4000. Constellation Project Office. Not pictured are Tracy Lee Belford, Chief Counsel; Bill Dearing, Information Technology & Communications Services; Eugene (Trip) Healey, Launch Vehicle Processing; and Chris Weaver, Safety & Mission Assurance.

Looking up and ahead June 20 Launch/VAFB: Delta II, OSTM/Jason II; 3:46-3:55 a.m. How has the price of gas affected the June 20 2008 KSC Best BBQ: 3 to 6 p.m. KARS Park I way you get to work or travel overall? June 26 Leukemia/Lymphoma Symposium; 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Mission Briefing Room in O&C Building “I now drive a motorcycle. And let’s not even discuss the rising cost of food.” Target Oct. 8 Launch/KSC: Atlantis, STS-125; TBD Jerome Bostick, electrician Target Nov. 10 Launch/KSC: Endeavour, STS-126; TBD with United Space Alliance No earlier than Nov. 13 Launch/CCAFS: Delta II, STSS; TBD No earlier than Nov. 24 Launch/CCAFS: Atlas V, LRO; TBD “I live on the other side of the bridge in Titusville. No earlier than Dec. 1 Launch/CCAFS: Atlas V, SDO; TBD It has affected the other cars in my household.” Target Dec. 4 Launch/KSC: Discovery, STS-119; TBD Chris Grubbe, contract No earlier than Dec. 12 Launch/CCAFS: Delta IV, GOES-O; TBD administrator with NASA

“I use cruise-control more. Not much you can do when you have to travel 37 miles each way.” John F. Kennedy Space Center Dennis Dammann, project manager with Met-Con Inc. Spaceport News

“I try to cut back as much as I can. I drive a Spaceport News is an official publication of the Kennedy Space Center and motorcycle on evenings and weekends.” is published on alternate Fridays by External Relations in the interest of KSC civil service and contractor employees. Russ Planke, project superintendent, Contributions are welcome and should be submitted three weeks before with Speegle Construction II publication to the Media Services Branch, IDI-011. E-mail submissions can be sent to [email protected]

Managing editor...... Candrea Thomas “If (gas) continues to rise I may have to Editor...... Frank Ochoa-Gonzales carpool, vanpool or even telework.” Neil Roever, computer science staff IV Editorial support provided by InDyne, Inc. Writers Group. with United Space Alliance NASA at KSC is on the Internet at www.nasa.gov/kennedy USGPO: 733-049/600142