VOL. 37 NO. 10 Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas May 22, 1998

In this issue JSC contractors win Low Award for quality JSC aircraft operations contractor highest quality and excellence grams are directly related to its per- critical to the training of our astro- DynCorp and space suit contractor award for contractors and subcon- formance. nauts and the safe, efficient opera- ILC Dover Inc., are two of five tractors and the oldest award for ILC Dover specializes in develop- tion of JSC’s varied aircraft fleet. ILC aerospace companies awarded the organizational quality. ing high-technology engineered soft- Dover’s work at JSC gives space space agency’s highest honor for “These companies exemplify goods, and has a long record of out- walking astronauts the security and excellence and quality this month. excellence and outstanding achieve- standing performance in the flexibility to do construction work in NASA Administrator Daniel S. ments that prove beneficial to NASA development of EVA space suits, space that will become even more Goldin presented the 1998 George and the nation’s industry,” Goldin with a field group at JSC supporting critical as we begin to build the M. Low Award to the companies at said. them. International Space Station. I con- the 13th annual NASA Continual DynCorp supports a wide array of “Johnson Space Center is ex- gratulate both DynCorp and ILC Improvement and Reinvention aircraft equipment and systems at tremely proud to have such hard Dover on this well-deserved honor.” Conference on Quality Manage- Ellington Field, and the success of working and quality-conscious part- DynCorp’s Johnson Support Divi- Model railroad firm on track ment in Alexandria, Va. The award, NASA’s astronaut training program ners,” said JSC Director George sion and Allied Signal Technical established in 1985, is NASA’s and shuttle mission support pro- Abbey. “The work DynCorp does is to produce high-quality Please see NATIONAL, Page 8 spacecraft mock-ups. Page 2 JSC earns ISO 9001 certificate JSC laboratory managers JSC is the first NASA field center to earn ISO 9001 proves you can, too, go certification and one of the largest U.S. research and home again. development organizations so honored. National Quality Assurance USA presented the cer- Page 3 tificate of ISO 9001 registration to JSC Director George Abbey on May 13. The presentation followed a suc- cessful independent audit by NQA of the JSC Quality System in late February. The third-party auditors examined such areas as management commitment, design control, documenta- tion, purchasing, test and inspection, and corrective action procedures. NQA found that JSC met or exceed- ed the stringent quality standards in all areas. “This certification is a significant testimonial to the excellence of our quality system at JSC, and also JSC Photo S98-06855 by Steve Candler serves as a starting point for continuing improvement of Neurolab crew meets school Kevin Beard, lead auditor for the National Quality Assurance USA, presents the Certificate our overall technical and management processes,” children that adopted astro- of Registration to JSC Director George Abbey at a May 13 ceremony recognizing JSC as Abbey said. nauts, mission. the first NASA field center to earn ISO 9001 certification. ISO 9001 comprises the most detailed, comprehen- Pages 4-5 sive set of standard requirements for quality programs established by the International Standards Organiza- tion. To date, nearly 20,000 U.S. organizations have Barrios, Johnson Engineering earn kudos received ISO 9001 certification. All NASA centers are required by NASA Adminis- Pair earns Small Business Contractor of Year awards trator Daniel S. Goldin to be ISO 9001 registered by September 1999. NASA is the first federal agency to Barrios Technology, Inc. and Johnson tors has been exemplary,” Abbey said. “They seek the quality certification. Engineering Corp. recently were selected as have proven to be key players in this center’s JSC’s certification applies to all center human space JSC’s 1998 Small Business Contractor of the operation and management of the agency’s flight responsibilities, including program and project Year by JSC Director George Abbey. human space flight programs. Their work has management, spacecraft engineering and design, flight The distinguished awards were presented been instrumental in the Space Shuttle Pro- crew training, space and life sciences research, and Space walk support team by Business Management Director Jim gram and will be crucial to the success of the mission operations in support of NASA’s Human faces off in teamwork build- Shannon to Sandy Johnson, president of International Space Station Program. Con- Exploration and Development of Space enterprise. ing softball challenge. Barrios Technology, and Tom Short, president gratulations to both Barrios and Johnson JSC began with a project program in its Safety, of Johnson Engineering, at the Government Engineering on earning these well-deserved Reliability and Quality Assurance directorate in 1995. In Page 6 Procurement Connection ’98 awards and honors.” 1996, White Sands Test Facility received its ISO regis- appreciation luncheon at the George R. Brown Barrios was selected for its outstanding effort tration. ISO requirements became JSC’s official quality Convention Center in Houston. in providing Information Systems Analysis and program for the entire center in May 1997. “The work performed by these two contrac- Please see TWO, Page 8 Please see JSC, Page 8 Discovery launch marks start of new space era By John Ira Petty tank weighs about 7,500 pounds less Team that got carbon diox- With a new launch date and a than the original. The tank arrived at ide scrubber back on line new, super-lightweight external Kennedy Space Center’s turning hangs STS-90 plaque. tank, the Space Shuttle basin in early February for Page 7 Discovery moved closer testing and pre-launch to its 24th flight, the ninth TS-9 processing and underwent and final docking with the S 1 a tanking test on Monday. Russian Space Station STS-91 Commander Mir. The mission will Charlie Precourt will be complete Phase 1 of the making his fourth space International Space Station flight. Pilot Dom Gorie will Program. make his first flight; Mis- Shuttle managers were sion Specialist Wendy set to meet Wednesday to Lawrence her fourth review mission prepara- DISCOVERY flight; Mission Specialist JSC Photo STS-90-S-014 by Hector Gongora tions and set an official Franklin Chang-Díaz, his SIGN HERE—STS-90 Payload Specialist Jim Pawelczyk shakes Ballet folklorico helps JSC launch date. The launch target date sixth flight; and Mission Specialist hands with students from Westwood Elementary School. Hundreds of third and fourth graders from the Friendswood celebrate Cinco de Mayo in has been moved to June 2, providing Janet Kavandi her first flight. additional time to accommodate Russian Valery Ryumin will be mak- school who adopted the Neurolab mission in their studies joined cafeteria. orbiter processing and launch prepa- ing his fourth space flight, his first the Neurolab crew’s friends, family members and coworkers in Page 8 rations at Pad 39A. as a mission specialist. welcoming them home on May 4 at Ellington Field’s Hangar 990. The new super lightweight external Please see STS-91, Page 2 Page 2 Space News Roundup May 22, 1998 Thomas close enough to end to begin looking back Andy Thomas is close enough to the States in preparing for Phase 2 of the In the midst of an extended period of Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano. planned end of his stay aboard the Russian International Space Station program, assem- packing up, Thomas had another loading Thomas’ scientific experiments continue space station Mir to begin to look back a lit- bly of the multinational research outpost. and unloading job to help with. The Mir crew as he nears the end of his more than four tle. All in all, he’s pleased with what he sees. “The whole effort has been one finished loading refuse in the months in orbit. They comprise 27 separate “From a personal point of view, yes, I’m of learning how to work in a spirit of Progress M-38 resupply ship linked studies in advanced technology, Earth sci- satisfied with the outcome,” Thomas said. cooperation,” he said. Even during IR-2 to the Mir and prepared for the ences, human life sciences, microgravity “We came up here with a fairly ambitious his training in Russia, one focus M 5 arrival of the Progress M-40 resup- research, and International Space Station science program, which was primarily my was learning how to work together ply ship, launched May 14 from the risk mitigation. responsibility during the mission, and that’s to achieve the training goals. Baikonur Cosmodrome to carry Earlier this month, Thomas completed the been completed.” Aboard Mir, “We’ve learned how to food, water and supplies to Mir. second of three phases of the Renal Stone He said his fellow crew members, work together here on board.” The previous Progress undock- Risk Assessment experiment. The final Commander Talgat Musabayev and Flight Thomas has gained a lot of per- ed May 15 to begin moving toward phase will be completed just prior to Engineer Nikolai Budarin, had some very sonal insights on long-duration its destruction in the Earth’s atmo- Thomas’ return to Earth. ambitious space walk work, to straighten up space flight—“what’s the best way sphere. Thomas has less than three weeks left a bent solar array and replace an engine. to live on board; what’s the best THOMAS Thomas continued to monitor aboard the Mir Space Station. In early June, “They’ve achieved that; they’ve worked very way to package food; what’s the large fires in Honduras and the Discovery will dock with Mir and bring hard on these tasks. So I think all in all, a best way to do day-to-day housekeeping; Yucatan Peninsula. Thomas has been photo Thomas home to complete almost 1,000 great deal has been accomplished.” what’s the best way to live in a confined documenting Earth surface changes days of U.S. astronaut occupancy aboard Thomas said he believes his mission has space for an extended period of time,” and throughout his stay on orbit. Last week he the station, including more than 26 months been a help to both Russia and the United more. was able to photograph the eruption of of continuous time on orbit. ‘Launch Break’ Mission Operations to feature more camera shots makes adjustments JSC employees are encouraged to take another “Launch Break” for among key managers the upcoming STS-91 mission, par- ticipating in an officially recognized JSC’s Missions Operations Direc- Milt Heflin has been named voluntary pause in the workday to torate has made a number of key deputy chief of the Flight Director watch the launch. personnel changes that are effective Office, replacing Bantle. Heflin’s While the pause is voluntary, JSC immediately. most recent assignment has been as managers are encouraged to pro- Lee Briscoe has been appointed deputy manager of the EVA Project vide breaks in meetings and other the directorate’s chief engineer. Office. During his career with NASA, non-critical activities. Center organi- Following several co-op tours, Heflin has served in numerous key zations are asked to allow access to Briscoe joined JSC in 1965 after positions, including recovery engi- conference rooms and other loca- graduating from Texas A&M Uni- neer during the Apollo, Skylab, and tions with NASA Television. versity with a degree in industrial Apollo-Soyuz missions, flight con- A primary location for observing engineering. Since then, he has troller and flight director for 20 shut- the launch will be Teague Audi- held progressively responsible tle flights. Heflin joined JSC in 1966, torium, where the countdown and positions in Mission Operations after earning a bachelor’s degree in ascent will be shown on the large and the Space Shuttle Program, physics and mathematics from the screen. A speaker from the Flight including flight director; deputy University of Central Oklahoma. Director Office will provide in-per- manager of space shuttle opera- Jack Knight has been selected as son commentary during the launch tions; and most recently chief of the chief of the Simulator Operations and respond to questions after- Flight Director Office. and Technology Division, replacing ward. For the first time, additional Jeff Bantle has been selected to Bob Holkan, who is retiring. Most technical shots used for analysis by replace Briscoe as the chief of the recently, Knight was Mission Opera- the mission evaluation room at Flight Director Office. Since joining tions’ chief engineer. His career with KSC will be projected on a second JSC in 1984, Bantle has held pro- NASA began in 1965 after earning a screen, and a separate audio feed gressively responsible positions in bachelor’s degree in electrical engi- from the launch pad will be heard. NASA Photo KSC-98PC-0593 Mission Operations, including sec- neering from Georgia Tech. He has STS-91 launch is tentatively The STS-91 flight crew poses for a group portrait in the white room tion head in the Systems Division held progressively responsible scheduled for 5:10 p.m. CDT June on the Orbiter Access Arm at Launch Complex 39A during Terminal and most recently deputy, Flight positions in the Systems Division, 2. Call the Employee Information Countdown Demonstration Test activities. From left, they are (back Director Office. He holds a bache- including section head, branch Service at x36765 for the latest row) Pilot Dom Gorie; Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence and lor’s degree in mathematics/physics chief, technical assistant for sys- information or check the Daily Commander Charlie Precourt; and (front row) Mission Specialists from Ripon College and a master’s tems integration, deputy division Cyber Space Roundup at http:// Franklin Chang-Diaz, Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space degree in aeronautics from George chief and division chief. He also was www.jsc.nasa.gov/pao/roundup/ Agency; and Janet Kavandi. Washington University. a flight controller. STS-91 features search for anti-matter with powerful spectrometer (Continued from Page 1) procedures and hardware required makes up about half of the mission, about working in space,” Dye said. away Specials. The shuttle’s robotic Precourt, an Air Force colonel, has for an international partnership in scheduled for 10 days. The multi-national AMS is operat- arm also will be tested with its new made two previous visits to Mir. This orbit. The program has produced “It’s the first high-energy particle ed largely by ground command. It is station-related equipment. The shut- flight, he said signals “the end of one priceless lessons, not only in long- physics experiment to fly on the basically a large magnet that can tle also will release a tracer gas into era and the beginning of another,” duration space flight, but in the kind space shuttle,” Lead Flight Director bend and record the path of high- Mir’s damaged Spektr module to try the Phase 2, assembly, phase of the of international cooperation that will Paul Dye said. “The AMS is not real- energy particles. Potentially, AMS to pinpoint a leak. A single Spacehab international research outpost. be required for the International ly designed to fly on the shuttle—it’s can detect particles that can’t be module will be carried in Discovery’s For the return trip from Mir, they Space Station. designed to fly on the space station.” seen inside the Earth’s atmo- cargo bay. will be joined by Andy Thomas, who Discovery also will carry the It will remain on the ISS for several sphere. AMS data will be recorded The June 2 launch is scheduled arrived on Mir with STS-89, launched Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer inves- years. “The flight on STS-91 is a on board, and the crew can back up for 5:09 p.m. CDT. The launch win- Jan. 15. tigation into space. The objectives chance for the scientists to check out ground control if there is a com- dow, typically of flights to Mir, is The Phase 1 Program has main- are to search for anti-matter and the hardware, to check out their mand problem. short—seven to 10 minutes. The taining a continuous American pres- dark matter in space and to study operations, see how the concept Several other experiments will be landing is set for the afternoon of ence in space and developing the astrophysics. The investigation works and see what they can learn aboard Discovery, include two Get- June 12. Model railroad firm leaps into space age By John Ira Petty “In some respects,” said Ron making a station model. When Frank Angstead took an Angstead, “you can achieve more Discussions continued off and on accounting job at the InterMountain detail in plastic injection than working until about 18 months ago, when Railway Co. in Longmont, Colo., 10 by hand.” CNC (computer numerically Johnson Engineering called to say it years ago, he hadn’t given a lot of controlled) devices can produce tool- was ready to proceed. That company thought to the International Space ing for detail as fine as .003 of an inch provided detailed drawings of the sta- Station. He thinks about it a lot in that application, he said. tion, and work on the molds began. now. So does his son, Ron. Both Frank and Ron Angstead, InterMountain Railway will offer The company makes model rail- who joined the company as a produc- the ISS model in three versions. way cars using injected plastic tion worker nine years ago and is now Museum-grade models will be com- molding. Now they’re moving into a vice president, are principals in the pletely assembled and offer great the space age, with a remarkably company. Its founder, toolmaker Fred detail. The primary market will be accurate and detailed 1:1/44 scale Brummett, also remains a principal. aerospace companies. Those models model of the station. Sales have grown from $96,000 in will sell for between $1,000 to $2,000. They exhibited the model in the 1989 to about $1.2 million today. Models for education will be partly lobby of the Teague Auditorium The company’s focus remains assembled, and offer less detail. during the International Space model railroad cars, in various scales Including lesson plans, they will sell Station Workshop for news media and from various eras. But Frank for about $600. Kit models will be as representatives May 12-14. Angstead said they see a lot of poten- detailed as the museum quality mod- The display model was about 95 tial in the station model, which will be els, but require assembly—perhaps percent complete. It lacked only the available soon, and models of other 10-15 hours. They’ll cost $150-$160. NASA Photo by Steve Candler Canadian arm, the service module spacecraft that could follow. “Key to the model’s success is that Frank and Ron Angstead display a museum-grade model of the (for which a control module was The company got into the space it will be more robust, cost less and International Space Station, made using computer numerically substituted) and a number of tiny model business unexpectedly. About offer more detail than hand-made controlled injected plastic molding. The company doesn’t plan to detail parts. The finished version three years ago Johnson Engineering models,” said Frank Angstead, Inter- stop with the station models. It is developing plans for detailed will be made up of about 300 parts. asked if InterMountain would consider Mountain’s chief executive officer. models of the X-33 and X-38 spacecraft. May 22, 1998 Space News Roundup Page 3 Community News

Outreach volunteer urges Oceaneering expands in all employees to carry Clear Lake NASA story back home NASA contractor Oceaneering International Inc. recently announc- Proving that the saying “You morning with a live closed-circuit ed an expansion and reorganization can’t go home again” is off the television feed to the entire school, resulting from the addition of con- mark, JSC’s Extravehicular Mobil- with students directing and perform- tracts for commercial launch vehicle ity Unit Laboratory manager ing anchor desk reporting functions. thermal protection. recently returned to his hometown Joined by his wife, Barbara, who Art Stephenson is the new presi- of Columbia, S.C., to share the works for United Space Alliance and dent of Oceaneering Advanced Tech- wonder and excitement of his job was making her first education out- nologies. Formerly vice president and with today’s students. reach visit, Sanders presented an general manager of Oceaneering Johnny Sanders, who works for autographed picture of Astronaut Space Systems in Clear Lake, JSC space suit prime contractor Winston Scott to the school on Stephenson now oversees three divi- Hamilton Standard in supporting behalf of all JSC employees sions that com- Engineering’s Crew and Thermal Following that, he shared an edu- prise Advanced Systems Division, went back to his cational videotape about “Camping Above: Teacher Betty Mack and fifth-grade students at Lyon Street Technologies: old school, Lyon Street in Space,” because “the content is Elementary School in Columbia, S.C., try out some space hardware Oceaneering Elementary, in March for a follow- excellent for child development during a visit by alumnus Johnny Sanders, now Hamilton Standard’s Space Systems, up visit with the current fifth-grade classes aimed at children 4 years old manager of the JSC Extravehicular Mobility Unit Laboratory. Below, Oceaneering class. Teacher Betty Mack, who and below,” as are NASA highlight Sanders and his wife, Barbara, a United Space Alliance employees, Thermal Sys- helped Sanders on two previous tapes and the “ Andy the Astronaut” show some of the space equipment they shared with the students. tems and Ocea- visits, had shared the students’ video. neering Tech- request that he return to the The culmination of the visit was an nologies. The school he graduated from in 1965. opportunity for the fifth graders (and space and ther- The return visit was prompted their teachers) to don a space suit, mal systems Stephenson both by the students’ interest in his helmet and gloves. divisions are vocation and by a promise made Although the students at Lyon based in Clear Lake, which the tech- in 1996 that he would return to talk Street had written letters asking if an nologies division, which supports the about NASA and bring space can- astronaut could come to their school, U.S. Navy, Department of Energy and dy if they stayed in school. When there was none available on that the entertainment industry, is based Sanders returned, he took with date. However, former Astronaut in Maryland. him 30 bags of space candy pur- Charlie Bolden’s, mother Mrs. Mark Gittleman is the newly chased at Space Center Houston. Charles Bolden Sr., who lives in the appointed vice president and gener- “The support by JSC, CTSD, area, helped fulfill the request. al manager of Oceaneering Space and Hamilton Standard has Following his visit to the elemen- Systems. brought NASA into the world of tary school, Sanders said he spent Ron Welch is vice president and these young people,” Sanders the next day at C.A. Johnson High general manager of Oceaneering said. “All space employees should School for an off-the-cuff talk with Thermal Systems, which recently go back, to your birth home and retired Air Force Col. Charles separated from the space systems bring NASA to town. The small Watson’s R.O.T.C. class. Astronaut division as a stand-alone business to light that shines on JSC and con- John Young wore a high altitude suit address significant expansion. The tractor personnel is a big glow in originally designed for Watson’s use thermal division is on contract in your hometown.” in the SR-71 “Blackbird” on STS-1, Clear Lake to provide insulation prod- Sanders said he began his Sanders siad. ucts to protect launch vehicles such as the Atlas, Delta, Titan, X-34 and Kistler K-1 from overheating. To han- dle the expansion, Oceaneering recently leased an additional 7,000 McKay to keynote AIAA’s annual Technical Symposium square feet in Webster for manufac- The Houston Section of the the “Evidence for Life on the Planet Technologies for New Environ- vants may show their NASA badges turing to augment its 55,000 square American Institute of Aeronautics Mars.” Dr. Ken Cox, assistant to the ments: Systems Engineering, at the AIAA registration booth for foot building on Space Center Blvd. and Astronautics will host its annual JSC Engineering Director, will pre- Robotics,” “Space & Life Sciences: complimentary admission; the cost “We are very pleased with the Technical Symposium from 8 a.m.-5 sent “A Futurist Perspective for Humans in Space,” and “The Red will be covered by subsequent added contract we have received in p.m. May 28 at Space Center Space” at 3:30 p.m. Planet: Mars or Bust!” voucher through the JSC Human our commercial launch vehicle ther- Houston. Participants may register early or Each attendee will subsequently Resources Office. mal protection business,” Stephen- This year’s theme will be at the entrance to Space Center receive a CD-ROM with a copy of all More information and electronic son said. “Oceaneering is committed “Technologies for the 21st Century,” Houston the day of the conference. symposium presentations and relat- registration are available on the to continue our strong support of and more than 50 speakers and six Sessions will include: “Inter- ed information. Internet at: http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/ NASA and NASA’s contractors in technical sessions are planned. national Space Station: The Next Cost for the whole day, including aiaa/ or contact Edward Jablonski, development of extravehicular activi- The keynote speaker will be the Logical Step,” “Space Shuttle: lunch, is $25 for members, $35 for AIAA JSC ATS ’98 general chair- ty tools for astronauts, robotics, life internationally recognized planetary Better, Faster, Cheaper,” “Earth non-members. Cost for a half day is man, at 336-4294. support and specialized equipment scientist Dr. David McKay, of JSC’s Science Remote Sensing—New $20 for members, $25 for non-mem- To register by phone, call Janet for human space flight such as refrig- Space and Life Sciences Director- Opportunities with the ISS,” “The bers. Space Center Houston parking Stewart at 333-6724 or Miros Garza erator/freezers for shuttle and space ate, who will provide an update on Earth Science Enterprise,” “New is free for participants. JSC civil ser- at x30934. station.” Give the ‘Gift of Life’ Keep Your Modifications Safe, and Watch Your Step Next Onsite Blood Drive What Happened On April 8, 1998, a JSC employee walked between two computer equipment cabinets at JSC coming up June 2-3 and stepped into an uncovered cable access opening (approximately 8 inches by 10 inch- es). The employee fell, suffering injuries to the right shin, knee, leg, and hip that resulted in The next JSC Onsite Blood Drive is personnel are always available in a Lost Time Incident. A more serious injury could have resulted—a broken leg, knee, or hip. set for June 2 and 3 and employees case a donor becomes light-headed. are encouraged to give the gift of life. Generally, donors can give blood Results of the Investigation Employees wishing to donate every eight weeks. In some cases, a The space between the two computer equipment cabinets was created when another blood may visit the Teague Audi- donor may be deferred if, for exam- computer equipment cabinet was removed. As a result, an uncovered cable access open- torium lobby anytime between 7:30 ple, their blood is low in iron or ing in the floor was exposed. An orange cone was placed beside the opening but was lat- a.m. and 4:30 p.m., including lunch they’ve been on certain medications. er removed. Although the area is well illuminated, the black-bordered access, together with time. Appointments are only neces- If prospective donors have ques- the dark underfloor, created the illusion that the opening was covered. sary if employees plan on donating tions, about how a medical condition platelets or plasma but no appoint- may affect their ability to give blood, What You Can Do ments are necessary for whole blood they may call St. Luke’s Blood Donor When building or modifying equipment, facilities, or systems, ensure that you do not cre- donations. Center at 791-4483. ate any hazards for area occupants during your work activities, prior to leaving the area, or For those who have never donat- Under the St. Lukes’s agreement, prior to releasing the work area back to the area’s occupants. When working in floor holes ed blood, the process is pretty sim- with NASA and contractors, the hos- or openings, use one (or a combination) of the following safety measures to ensure that area ple. It starts with a blood sample. pital provides blood assurance cov- personnel are not exposed to tripping or falling hazards: constantly guard (standby and Afterwards, one pint of blood is erage for all JSC personnel and their monitor) the work area while you are performing your work; cover floor holes or openings drawn. Drawing whole blood takes immediate families. Coverage in- that are not being constantly guarded; install a barrier system (not just a cone) that reliably seven to 10 minutes, with the over- cludes all fees associated with blood prevents area occupants from inadvertently entering the areas adjacent to holes or open- all process usually taking around 45 products for blood transfused in any ings that are not constantly guarded; or close access to the entire work area to prevent occu- minutes including screening. The Houston area hospital. Immediate pants’ entrance into work sites where holes or openings are not constantly guarded. Even donated blood undergoes several family is considered to be the if you are familiar with an area, be aware that it can change or be modified quickly. Always tests, including the tests for hepatitis spouse of an employee, any depen- be aware of the potential for fall and trip hazards. In unfamiliar areas, take extra precautions and HIV. If there are positive test dent children and parents of an against hazards. results donors are notified by mail. employee and spouse. JSC Safety Alert All results are kept confidential. For more information about the Usually there are no negative reac- JSC on-site blood drive, call Amy tions to giving blood, but trained Mendez at x32604. Page 4 Space News Roundup May 22, 1998 Science on the Edge Neurolab crew saw 1 faces of support team S90-S-017 whenever they broke out piece of equipment

By John Ira Petty be a member not only of the crew but of the entire team. “The he seven STS-90 crew Neurolab mission has pushed for- members were all ward the edge of science in space smiles on their return to much further than we’ve ever been Ellington Field after the before,” the mission specialist said. lengthy and demanding Much of the credit for the success Neurolab flight, and full of the lengthy mission goes to of gratitude to the many those in the welcoming crowd and Tpeople who had helped make the to many other not able to be there, mission a success. she added. 2 “What an experience,” said After thanking those at the cere- Columbia Commander Rick mony for being there, Mission S90-S-016 Searfoss. Specialist Rick Linnehan singled 1 JSC Director George Abbey and JSC Director George Abbey out the principal investigators for the STS-90 crew, from left Payload began the May 4 ceremonies by special thanks. He said they are Specialists Jay Buckey and Jim welcoming the crowd, the crew true heroes for pushing the fron- Pawelczyk, Payload Commander Rick and Westwood Elementary School tiers of medical science and Linnehan, Commander Rick Searfoss, students with their choir. research for the benefit of society. Mission Specialists Kay Hire and Dave The Harmony Singers, 30 fourth Neurolab was basic research. “We Williams and Pilot Scott Altman, recite graders from the Friendswood hope to use this information to the pledge of allegiance with students school that had “adopted” the STS- build on what we’ve already from Westwood Elementary School, 90 during the astronauts’ training learned and to improve the quality who adopted the Neurolab mission in period, sang the National Anthem of human life on the planet. That’s their studies. and two other songs inside Hangar what NASA’s about.” 2 Westwood Elementary students 990 before Abbey turned the Payload Specialist Jim pledge allegiance with the STS-90 crew microphone over to Searfoss. Pawelczyk said the experience of and their friends, family and coworkers Searfoss praised his fellow crew space flight and the experience of in Hangar 990 at Ellington Field. members, saying they were world- the Neurolab mission goes beyond 3 Payload Specialist Jim Pawelczyk class in their fields technically, words. Some crew members had checks out a banner displayed at the great human beings, hard workers trained for as long as two years. homecoming ceremonies. The banner in sometimes trying situations. “It’s been amazing to me to watch features cartoon charaters “Pinky and They also were “pleasant and fun the process of bringing together so the Brain” and a “Cranial Crusaders” to be around…. We were having a many of the faces we see here, so logo in honor of the mission’s research good time up there.” many of the faces at the other in to how the human brain and nervous Searfoss had told the crew early NASA centers,” in this one defining system adapt to weightlessness. in the flight that a gauge of how moment, this mission, he said. He Several of the crew members sported they were doing was whether they urged people at the ceremony to temporary tattoos with the logo during where having fun. “I think we look around at those faces, the mission. maxed out that gauge and … the “because it’s really all of you that 4 Payload Specialist Jim Buckey science return and the overall mis- made this mission happen. We signs autographs for coworkers and sion objectives we achieved were acted as your ‘hands’ in accom- children alike following the speeches very strong.” plishing the flight’s scientific He cited the support of literally objectives.” at Ellington. 3 thousands of people—the mission “It was great flying on your mis- S90-S-012 control team, the science trainers sion,” said Payload Specialist Jay and the orbiter crew trainers and Buckey. “This was a tremendous the families who face daunting team effort, and in a way I think challenges and sacrifices behind you all were there with us.” He said crew members who are in a very that every time crew members took demanding business. a piece of equipment from a lock- Pilot Scott Altman seconded er, “we’d see the people who Searfoss in thanking those who worked on it—people who’d made had made the mission possible— it, people who’d shown us how to including the Neurolab team, the use it, people who stowed it in that training team, the rest of the crew location.” It was a tremendous and his understanding and sup- group of people who made portive family. One of five Neurolab happen, Buckey said. crewmembers on their first space He added that looking out a flight, he said he would never for- Columbia window at the Earth get the first look out the window at below, “you remember not to get the bright blue band of the Earth’s jaded about space flight…. This is atmosphere. “I felt very honored to an amazing capability that we be put in that place.” have.” It’s important, he said, to Mission Specialist Dave Williams appreciate that we can do it, “that said the cutting-edge science of we’ve been able to work together Neurolab helps prepare for partici- to make it happen.” pation in the International Space In conclusion, Abbey termed the Station. “It’s going to be a really mission historic. He said the inter- exciting era.” The Canadian astro- action of the crew with the ground naut, who opened with brief greet- and the way the whole science ings in English, French and Welsh, program worked on Neurolab set thanked those at the Canadian an example for the way the agency 4 Space Agency in preparing him for and its partners around the world

JSC Photos by Hector Gongora the mission. need to work together on the S90-S-013 Kay Hire said it was an honor to International Space Station. ❑ May 22, 1998 Space News Roundup Page 5

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S90e5155 Selected Cities The 39-degree inclination of the STS-90 mission gave Commander Rick Searfoss and the orbiter crew excellent opportunities to photograph U.S. cities from the flight deck while while research continued in the Spacelab. Just a few of the Earth- observation sites were: 1 Houston, Texas 2 Miami, Florida 3 Epcot Center, Florida 4 The Bronx, New York City 5 Provo, Utah 6 San Francisco, California 7 New Orleans, Louisiana 8 Atlanta, Georgia 9 Cleveland, Ohio 4 5 10 Las Vegas, Nevada 11 Los Angeles, California S90e5265 S90e5215

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S90e5283 S90e5214 S90e5299 Page 6 Space News Roundup May 22, 1998 2222 YYearsears AgoAgo atat JSCJSC Orbiter insulation tiles pass 100 re-entry heat chamber tests

Reprinted from the May 21, 1976, issue of were used in the test. the Space News Roundup. Each tile, nominally 6 by 6 inches, was Materials which are planned for use as part sprayed with the glass mixture (silicon tetro- of the space shuttle orbiter heat protection boride additive with bora silicate glass) and then armor were recently subjected to the pressures placed in the chamber and exposed to re-entry and 2,300 degree heat of 100 re-entries with no temperatures of 2,300 degrees F. Pressure damage, according to thermal specialists at inside the chamber also was regulated to dupli- JSC. cate the variable pressures the orbiter will under- The shuttle orbiter, which is designed for go during the re-entry phase of the shuttle mis- reuse up to 100 times without major refurbish- sion which begins at 400,000 feet altitude. The ment, will have four separate light-weight, maximum re-entry heat is experienced when the reusable heat-resistant materials affixed to the orbiter reaches 200,000 feet altitude and is trav- exterior of the 122-foot long space plane. The eling at 12,000 miles per hour. NASA Photo S-76-24749 thermal protection system which will provide The test sequence, which lasted up to 30 NASA and Lockheed thermal engineers look over high temperature reusable insulation for heat management as the vehicle speeds into minutes, was repeated during the month-long the space shuttle orbiter which recently underwent heat and pressure tests simulating 100 orbit and returns to Earth, consists of coated program to duplicate the 100 missions the re-entry cycles. The test was designed to test a new glass coating which was baked onto the reinforced carbon-carbon for nose cap and wing orbiter will execute before refurbishment and reusable tiles. From left are Robert Stuckey, subsystem manager for the reusable insulation leading edges where temperatures exceed maintenance of the thermal protection system of the Structures and Mechanics Division; O.J. Clevinger, Northrop Services test engineer; 2,300 degrees; high temperature reusable sur- will be necessary. This is the first time that the and Donald J. Tillian, of the Thermal Protection Branch of the Structures and Mechanics face insulation for areas where maximum sur- high temperature tiles have gone beyond 60 Division. The nine test tiles are shown in front of the JSC test chamber. face temperatures which reach 700-1,200 test cycles in NASA thermal test facilities with- degrees and flexible reusable surface insula- out showing some signs of degradation. purity silica (glass) fiber with a silica binder. The face insulation. Approximately 7,000 of these tion, 3 by 4 sheets of Nomex fiber, for areas At the end of the 100th test and after inspec- new coating, reaction cured glass which is tiles, nominally 8 by 8 inches square, will be which will not exceed 700 degrees F. tion of the tiles, Robert Dotts, subsystem man- formed by mixing silicon tetroboride with boro- applied to the upper wing and side fuselage. The HRSI tests completed one week ago at ager of the reusable surface insulation system silicate glass, is mixed with alcohol and sprayed They are the same material as the high tem- JSC, began in early April, and were supplied by for JSC, said, “We now have a system (the tiles on the tiles and then heated in an oven to a tem- perature tile except for the differences in coat- the Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., plus the new glass coating) which can fly 100 perature of 2,200 degrees F. This results in a ing and optical pigment used to obtain solar Sunnyvale, Calif., which has the responsibility missions. We have a lot of confidence in the black waterproof glassy covering capable of absorptance and high emittance. for developing the orbiter thermal protection new development.” withstanding the 2,300 degree heat of re-entry. The reinforced carbon-carbon insulation cov- system. The test centered on the high temper- The high temperature tiles nominally vary in The reaction-cured glass was developed by ers those parts of the orbiter which will experi- ature insulation materials which were coated thickness from three- quarters of an inch to an Ames research team headed by Howard ence the highest heat load (in excess of 2,300 with a new glass mixture developed by thermal three inches. Approximately 25,000 of these Goldstein. This coating was introduced into the degrees F) and it covers about 500 square feet, specialists at Ames Research Center. tiles will be bonded to the orbiter’s aluminum LMSC, Sunnyvale tile production facility in late along the nose and leading edge of the wings. The insulation tiles were placed beneath a exterior. They will cover portions of the upper 1975. LMSC fabricated the tiles and submitted Altogether the insulation materials weigh graphite heater in a test chamber in a thermal and lower fuselage, or about 5,000 square feet them to JSC for the month-long test program. approximately 20,000 lbs. The orbiter, which is laboratory of JSC’s Engineering and Develop- of the vehicle’s surface. More than 50 percent of the shuttle orbiter is 122 feet in length, weighs, without fuel and pay- ment Directorate. Nine high temperature tiles The HRSI is made of a low density, high covered with the low temperature reusable sur- load, 150,000 lbs. at liftoff. Team EVA shares fun at Gilruth in extracurricular softball tourney Pulling off successful space walks Competition for the traveling trophy managerial skills of Hayden Krueger and making them look easy is not the was evident, but all the participants were Scott Stevens, Chuck Franca, only thing that the JSC EVA commu- had plenty to laugh and talk about at Katie Allen, Elizabeth and Steve nity is good at—a few of them know the office the next week. Scores were Conner, David and Kelly Rodrigues, how to play softball, too. kept and a champion was crowned Rod Toler, Cuong Nguyen, and Amie Four teams representing the but the real winner was the EVA Tavanese. Mission Operations Directorate, EVA community, which used the opportu- The MOD team included Coach Project Office, the Safety, Reliability nity to further develop its team spirit Paul Boehm, Terry Neal, Kerri Knotts, and Quality Assurance Office’s as it prepares for the assembly and Gary Flynt, Anna Jarvis, Sean Safety and Mission Assurance maintenance of the International Dougherty, Arne Aamodt, Ed Tom, Division and Engineering’s Crew and Space Station. Phillip Fox, Scott Bleisath, Colin Thermal Systems Division got togeth- This year’s champions were from Anglin, Alan Groskreutz, Daryl er on May 2 at the Gilruth Center and the Crew and Thermal Systems Hemmingway, and Michelle Hollinger. competed in the second annual Division. The team was comprised of The EVA Project Office, last year’s Team EVA Softball Challenge. Joey Marmolejo, Joe Nowetner, Bill champs, placed second this year, rep- The event, an idea from the EVA Lilly, Bruce Sauser, Joe Settles, resented by Coach Al Morey, Dave Project Office, grew by an additional Ketan “K.C.” Chhipwadia, Craig Adlis, Irene Bibyk, Larry Gana, George team this year, with S&MA joining the Donnellan, Lee Willis, Jason Poffen- Gurgis, Greg Harbaugh, Robbie mix. The tournament allows these berger, Steve Poulos, Mike Lawson, LaBrier, Mike Mankin, Greg Smith, close-knit groups to get together and Matt Davis, Hiep Nguyen, Michael Robert Yowell and John Russo. EVA Project Office Manager Greg Harbaugh presents the “Team EVA” tro- have some fun with, and at the Nguyen, David Hower, and Coach All of the teams offered thanks to phy, a space suit helmet over a softball, to Glenn Lutz, coach of this year’s expense of each other, and is a great Glenn Lutz. Calvin Schomburg and Sean Clarady Team EVA Softball Challenge champions from the Engineering team building experience, said par- Members of the S&MA team, who umpired the games at the Gilruth Directorate’s Crew and Thermal Systems Division. ticipant Glenn Lutz. which placed forth, playing under the Center. Gilruth Center News Ticket Window

Nutrition intervention program: Six-week program includes lectures, a private consultation with the dietitian Bldg. 3 Exchange Store hours are 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. and blood analysis to chart your progress. For more information call Tammie at x32980. Bldg. 11 Exchange Store hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Defensive driving: One-day course is offered once a month at the Gilruth Center. Pre-registration required. For more information, please call x35350. Cost is $25. Call for next available class. Stamp club: Meets at 7 p.m. every second and fourth Monday in Rm. 216. The following discount tickets are available at the Exchange Stores: General Cinema Theaters ...... $15.50 Weight safety: Required course for employees wishing to use the Gilruth weight room. The next classes are scheduled for at 8 p.m. May 28 (must be on time to receive credit for class). Pre-registration is required. Cost is Sony Loew’s Theaters ...... $15.00 $5. Annual weight room use fee is $90. Additional family members are $50. AMC Theaters ...... $14.75 Exercise: Low-impact class meets from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Cost is $24 for eight weeks. Astroworld Early Bird Tickets (valid thru 5/31) ...... $18.50 Aikido: Introductory martial arts class meets from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. New classes begin Astroworld One Day Admission ...... $24.25 the first of each month. Instruction is by a fourth-degree black belt. Learn to defend yourself and get a great aer- (valid at all Texas Six Flags Theme Parks) obic workout. Cost is $35 per month. Astroworld Season Pass ...... $57.75 Step/bench aerobics: Low impact cardiovascular workout. Classes meet from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Monday, (valid at all Texas Six Flags Theme Parks Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost is $32 for eight weeks. For more information, call Kristen at x36891. and Water World) Yoga: Stretching Class. Low impact exercises expertly designed for people of all ages and abilities in a Moody Gardens (2 of 6 events) ...... $ 9.75 Westernized format 5-6 p.m. Thursdays. Cost is $32 for eight weeks. Sea World ...... adult $27.25 . . . .child (3-11) $18.25 Ballroom dancing: Beginning and advanced students meet from 7-10 p.m. Thursdays. Cost is $60 per cou- Schiltterbahn ...... adult $20.75 . . . .child (3-11) $17.50 ple. Space Center Houston . . . .adult $10.25 . . . .child (4-11) $17.00 Country and western dancing: Beginner class meets 7-8:30 p.m. Monday. Advanced class (must know basic Metro Tokens and value cards available. steps to all dances) meets 8:30-10 p.m. Monday. Cost is $20 per couple. Coming Soon: Splashtown Water Park and Houston Comets Tickets. May 22, 1998 Space News Roundup Page 7 Employees’ children earn NASA scholarships The children of five NASA and Susan W. Davis who work at of Lewis Research Center employ- renewable annually for a maximum fund directly or through the Combined employees will receive scholarships the Marshall Space Flight Center; ee (and brother of previous scholar- of $8,000 over six calendar years. Federal Campaign. Other major con- to attend the colleges of their choice Joseph M. Comberiate, son of ship winner Gaurav Bansal), The scholarship fund was estab- tributors include the Freedom Forum from the NASA College Scholarship Goddard Space Flight Center Narottam P. Bansal. lished to award scholarships agency- (to honor the Hubble crew members Fund. employee Anthony B. Comberiate; This brings the total number of wide to qualified dependents of NASA in 1994 and again in 1997 to honor The fund’s board of directors, Joyce Won-Kai Yue, daughter of recipients to 78 and 41 of these and former NASA employees. The Shannon Lucid) and the JSC Chapter chaired by JSC’s Harvey Hartman, Langley Research Center employee have graduated. fund was established as a direct result of the NASA Alumni League. met on May 8 to select the five recipi- Glenn K. Yue; Jennifer Autumn The NASA College Scholarship of a substantial unsolicited gift by the Further information about the ents of the 1998-1999 $8,000 grants. Stuckey, daughter of NASA Head- Fund Inc., board has determined that noted Pulitzer Prize winning author, Scholarship Fund may be obtained This year’s winners are Katie quarters employee Ronald K. six scholarships will be awarded next James A. Michener. Many NASA from Mary O’Connell at x35774 or Lynn Davis, daughter of Daniel J. Stuckey; and Saurabh Bansal, son year. Each scholarship will be employees have contributed to the Teresa Sullivan at x31034.

UH offers graduate People on the Move study alternatives Interested in graduate engineering Human Resources reports the following personnel opportunities? The University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engi- changes as of May 9, 1998: neering offers two distance learning options for students in the JSC Key Management Assignments community: instructional television Jan Davis was selected as manager, Headquarters International or UH courses at the University of Space Station Independent Assessment Office (located at JSC). Houston-Clear Lake. Bruce Hilty was selected as the deputy division chief, Operations Students seeking a master’s Technology Division, Mission Operations Directorate. degree through either of these Sue Rainwater was selected as chief, Mechanical Booster, options can reasonably expect to Maintenance, and Crew Systems Branch, Systems Division, Mission complete their program part-time in Operations Directorate. three to four years. This summer’s Mike Fodroci was selected as chief, International Elements and classes will run from May 26-Aug. Operations Assurance Branch, Space Station Division, Safety, 11 and will include Advanced Digital Reliability, and Quality Assurance Office. Design, from 6-8 p.m. Monday and Dane Russo was selected as assistant branch chief, Medical Wednesdays, and Logistics Engi- Operations, Medical Sciences Division, Space and Life Sciences neering I, from 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays Directorate. Photo by Bill Foster Lead Flight Director Al Pennington, center, presents the STS-90 plaque and Thursdays. Additions to the Workforce to Stephen Koerner, left, and Victor Badillo. Through the instructional televi- Melissa Owens joins the Launch Package Managers Office in the sion option, students attend virtual International Space Station Program Office as a launch package engi- classrooms on-site at JSC with their neer. Carbon dioxide scrubber repair on-campus counterparts or watch Linda Watters-Garcia joins the Vehicle Office in the International videotapes of the class at their con- Space Station Program Office as a secretary. venience. Students may complete Richard Von Wolff joins the Engineering Office at the White Sands nets two teams plaque honors degrees in computer science, elec- Test Facility as an electrical engineer. trical engineering, or engineering The In Flight Maintenance and tion and suppression, designed a management. Promotions Electrical, Environmental, Consum- repair using aluminum tape to block Through the UH at UHCL option, Bridget Broussard-Guidry was selected as a financial management ables Manager teams shared the a non-essential line in the RCRS students may attend traditional specialist in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. honors of hanging the STS-90 system. This allowed the system to classes with UH engineering profes- Anita Lile was selected as a financial management specialist in the plaque in Mission Control. be reactivated and the mission to sors at UHCL. Students participating Office of the Chief Financial Officer. Lead Flight Director Al Pennington continue for its full duration. in UHCL classes may complete Bitsey Mendez was selected as a financial management specialist in bestowed the honor on the two “I am immensely pleased to see degrees in Industrial or Mechanical/ the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. teams for their “creative work” in the number of younger faces in the Aerospace Engineering. Stephanie Castillo was selected as a computer specialist in the developing a procedure to recover members of this flight control team In addition, UH offers several Program Integration Office in the Space and Life Sciences Directorate. the Regenerative Carbon Dioxide and note that the standards of excel- degrees through their traditional pro- Removal System, used to scrub lence that we take for granted in grams. Reassignments Between Directorates excess carbon dioxide from the MOD have not been lost but instead Because JSC strongly supports Tom Kwiatkowski moves from the International Space Station shuttle’s atmosphere. grow stronger in our personnel,” academic training for its employees, Program Office to the Flight Crew Operations Directorate. Working together, the IFM team, Pennington said. the center will pay for tuition and Pandora Spoth-Vickery moves from the Business Management which helps develop and test all in- In addition to its work on the fees of up to six hours per Directorate to the Engineering Directorate. flight maintenance work, and the RCRS restoration, the EECOM team semester. Civil servants may get Karen Schmidt moves from the Public Affairs Office to the Center EECOM team, responsible for pas- was recognized for its “outstanding their courses paid up-front by JSC Operations Directorate. sive and active thermal control of the work and exceptional persistence” in by submitting approved Applica- Kathy Kaminski moves from the EVA Project Office to the Space vehicle, cabin atmosphere control, solving the Flash Evaporator System tions for Training, JSC Form 75, to Shuttle Program Office. avionics cooling, supply/waste water and clogged waste dump line prob- UH. For more information, call Kaz Reassignments to Other Centers system management, and fire detec- lems on the Neurolab mission. Hall-Farley at x33075. Raul Mejia of the Technology Transfer and Commercialization Office moves to Langely Research Center. NASA Alumni League’s local chapter elects new JSC officers Resignations Nanci Olson of the Engineering Directorate. The JSC Chapter of the NASA as vice-president. Harold Benson ested in information about the NAL Alumni League has selected its new will be secretary and Lonnie Jenkins may contact Chaffee at Norman.H. Retirements officers for the 1998 year. membership chairman. [email protected] or Vaughan Dick Thorson of the Information Systems Directorate. Chet Vaughan will serve as presi- The NAL is open to all previous at [email protected]. dent, while Norm Chaffee will serve employees of NASA. Those inter- com Dates&Data

May 25 contact Liz Fountain at x35257. June 2 meet at 11:30 a.m. June 3 For the Clear Lake Golf Club. For Memorial Day: Most JSC offices Spaceland Toastmasters meet: Launch break: STS-91 is sched- information and location, contact details, call Nancy Liounis at will be closed May 25 in observance The Spaceland Toastmasters will uled to launch at 5:09 p.m., and all Henry Duke at 280-4403 or Melissa x31865. of the Memorial Day Holiday. meet at 7 a.m. May 27 at the employees are encouraged to take a Sommers at 332-0698. House of Prayer Lutheran Church. “launch break” to watch the action. A Spaceteam Toastmasters meet: June 9 May 26 For details, call George Salazar at primary location for observing the The Spaceteam Toastmasters will Aero club meets: The Bay Area Space Medicine Rounds: x30162. launch will be Teague Auditorium, meet at 11:30 a.m. June 3 at Aero Club will meet at 7 p.m. June NASA Flight Surgeon Christopher Communicators meet: The Clear where the countdown and ascent United Space Alliance, 600 Gemini. 9 at the Houston Gulf Airport club- Flynn will discuss “Human Lake Communicators will meet at will be shown on the large screen. A For details, call Chuck Kubricht at house at 2750 FM 1266 in League Performance in Long-Duration 11:30 a.m. May 27. For details con- speaker from the Flight Director 282-3908 or Brian Collins at City. For more information, call Space Flight: How Much Does tact Henry Duke at 280-4403 or Office will provide in-person com- x35190. Larry Hendrickson at x32050. Behavioral Medicine Matter?” for Melissa Sommers at 332-0698. mentary during the launch and Astronomy seminar: The JSC NPMA meets: The National the University of Texas Medical Spaceteam Toastmasters meet: respond to questions afterward. For Astronomy Seminar will meet at Property Management Association Branch’s Space Medicine Grand The Spaceteam Toastmasters will the first time, additional technical noon June 3 in Bldg. 31, Rm. 129. will meet at 5 p.m. June 9 at Rounds at 8:30 a.m. May 26 at the meet at 11:30 a.m. May 27 at shots used for analysis by the mis- An open discussion meeting is Robinette and Doyle Caterers, 216 Center for Advanced Space United Space Alliance, 600 Gemini. sion evaluation room at Kennedy planned. For more information, call Kirby in Seabrook. Dinner costs Studies, 3600 Bay Area Blvd. For For details, call Chuck Kubricht at Space Center will be projected on a Al Jackson at x35037. $14. For details call Sina Hawsey details, call Kay Nute 244-2019. 282-3908 or Brian Collins at second screen, and a separate at x36582. x35190. audio feed from the launch pad will June 4 May 27 Astronomy seminar: The JSC be heard. For schedule updates, call Warning System Test: The site- June 10 NMA meets: The JSC chapter of Astronomy Seminar will meet at the Employee Information Service at wide Employee Warning System PSI meets: The Clear Lake/NASA the National Management Associa- noon May 27 in Bldg. 31, Rm. 129. x36765. will perform its monthly audio test Chapter of Professional Secretaries tion will host a breakfast meeting at An open discussion meeting is at noon June 4. For more informa- International will meet at 5:30 p.m. 7 a.m. May 27 in the Nassau Bay planned. For more information, call June 3 tion, call Bob Gaffney at x34249. June 10. For more information, call Hilton Marina ballroom. Sylvan Al Jackson at x35037. Spaceland Toastmasters meet: Airplane club meets: The MSC Elaine Kemp at x30556. Rodriguez, veteran Houston journal- The Spaceland Toastmasters will Radio Control Airplane Club meets ist and KHOU-TV anchor, will dis- May 28 meet at 7 a.m. June 3 at the House at 7 p.m. June 4 at the Clear Lake June 11 cuss “The Changing Face of TV Radio Club meets: The JSC of Prayer Lutheran Church. For Park building. For more informa- MAES meets: The Society of News.” A spotlight speaker from the Amateur Radio Club will meet at more information, call George tion, call Bill Langdoc at x35970. Mexican American Engineers and JSC Public Affairs Office also is 6:30 p.m. May 28 at the Piccadilly, Salazar at x30162. NCMA meets: The National Scientists will meet at 5 p.m. June planned. NMA members may attend 2465 Bay Area Blvd. For details, Communicators meet: The Contract Management Association 11 at Mario’s Pizza in Webster. For for free; guest cost is $7. For details, call Larry Dietrich at x39198. Clear Lake Communicators will will meet at 11:30 a.m. June 4 at details, call Gerard Valle at x38835. Page 8 Space News Roundup May 22, 1998 NASA Briefs Open season begins for Thrift Savings Plan “Open season” for the Thrift employees make during open sea- returning to AH6/ Employee Ser- July 19-July 31will be effective Aug. Savings Plan began May 15 and will son will apply to all new contributions, vices; accessing the Employee 2. Astronomers see continue through July 31, allowing including contributions made through Express web site through the Human Employees who wish to move pre- eligible employees to join, add to payroll deduction; agency automatic Resources Home Page http://hro. vious TSP investments between the black hole feeding their retirement investments or 1 percent contribution for Federal jsc.nasa.gov/; or calling Employee C, F, or G funds, don’t have to wait Astronomers have obtained change the allotments to the various Employee Retirement System Express at 1-800-571-3453. for an open season. They may move an unprecedented look at the funds. employees; and the agency matching Only one change per open season funds 12 times each year either by nearest example of galactic During the period, employees will contribution for FERS employees. is permitted and it must be done by mailing a TSP-30 form to the Thrift cannibalism—a massive black be able to begin contributing to the FERS employees not making contri- July 31. The effective date for an Board or by calling the 24 hour-a- hole hidden at the center of a Thrift Savings Plan, change the butions, may still elect to invest all or election or change to an election day TSP “ThriftLine” directly at 504- nearby giant galaxy that is amount of their contributions, chang- part of their agency automatic 1 per- depends upon when changes are 255-8777. Those who call to make feeding on a smaller galaxy in ing the allocation of their contribu- cent contribution in any of the invest- submitted. changes will need their TSP personal a spectacular collision. Such tions among the C, F, or G invest- ment funds. Changes received May 15-July 4 identification number. fireworks were common in the ment funds,or stop their current Employees may sign up, make will be effective July 5; changes For additional information, visit early universe, as galaxies contributions. changes, or stop contributions by received July 5-July 18 will be effec- Employee Services in Bldg. 45, Rm. formed and evolved, but are The investment choices that completing a TSP election form and tive July 19; and changes received 140, or call x32681. rare today. Although the cause- and-effect relationships are not yet clear, the views provided by complementary images from Seafood success two instruments aboard NASA’s Hubble Space Tele- scope are giving astronomers new insights into the powerful leads to additional forces being exerted in this complex maelstrom. Research- ers believe these forces may even have shifted the axis of cafeteria pilots the massive black hole from its expected orientation. Kabobs, stirfry, spinach fettuccini to be Aerogel test may work for spacecraft joined by specialty dessert selections A new concept for spacecraft tiles also can be used on Earth The success of Tuesday specials I asked the cafeterias for their to make efficient, vacuum-like such as chicken and shrimp ideas about a summer give-away insulation for refrigerators, fur- kabobs in JSC’s Bldg. 3 cafeteria that would spark our patrons’ inter- naces and automobile catalytic has prompted the JSC Exchange est. So we’re going to give away a converters. The new material is to continue the pilot indefinitely in gas grill as a thank you.” similar to that used for the tiles Bldg. 3. During the month of June, cus- on the space shuttle to protect In addition to continuing the tomers will receive a ticket with the the vehicle from the heat gen- Tuesday Specials that were test purchase of the lunch special or an erated during re-entry into marketed, the cafeterias will be giv- equal or greater amount at the Earth’s atmosphere. However, ing away a gas grill to a lucky Bldg. 3 and 11 cafeterias. the new tiles have a layer of patron on July 1, and begin test Customers will put their names on aerogel, or “solid smoke,” marketing premium desserts in the tickets and drop them “in a hat.” mixed into the tile’s air spaces. June. A name will be drawn on June 30, Aerogel is made of silica, alu- “I’m delighted that the Tuesday and the grill will be given away on mina and carbon and other Specials Pilot will be extended July 1—just in time for the Fourth materials, and can weigh less indefinitely in Building 3,” said of July weekend with a couple of than the same volume of air. Harry Conran, the JSC cafeteria days to spare for assembly. The fibers that form the tiles manager. “Based on the last six In addition to the gas grill give- are mostly a mixture of silica weeks of sales, we clearly have away, the cafeterias are investigat- and alumina oxides. The aero- three seafood winners: chicken ing the possibility of offering premi- gel space-tile material could be and shrimp kabobs, the JSC stirfry, um desserts. “Currently we’re used in commercial products JSC PHOTO BY STEVE CANDLER and the seafood combo on spinach looking for a couple of leading can- that require mechanically tough CINCO DE MAYO—Claudia Pena and Jose Sada perform a fettuccini.” didates that will have broad super-insulation, such as cat- dance titled “La Negra” during a performance by the Mixteco “The Exchange management appeal,” Conran said, “such as a alytic converters for cars or Ballet Folklorico at the Bldg. 3 cafeteria during JSC’s Cinco de team appreciates the center’s sup- nice New York cheese cake and specialty refrigeration units. In Mayo Celebration. The dance is from the State of Jalisco, port to our new initiatives,” added perhaps a carrot cake. We’ll also addition, the new material Mexico. Sada is the founder of the Houston-based dance troupe. Karl Schuler, JSC Exchange be experimenting with other new could be used for furnaces; liq- Operations Manager. “In response, entrees in the near future as well.” uefied gas transport trucks; or liquid carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen containers. National quality awards go to two JSC contractors First lady, Goldin (Continued from Page 1) secutive award fee “excellent rat- the Mars Pathfinder airbag landing definitely made a positive impact on connect with France Services Corp., Lanham, Md., both ings,” 182 consecutive months system. NASA’s performance goals,” said received the award in the large busi- without a union grievance, a one- “ILC’s commitment to quality is Frederick Gregory, associate admin- Using the Internet, First Lady ness, service category. ILC Dover, third reduction in aircraft spares evident every time we perform a istrator for Safety and mission assur- Hillary Rodham Clinton and stu- Inc., Frederica, Del., received the costs and a 99.98 percent mission successful space walk,” said JSC ance at NASA Headquarters. dents at the Ecole Nationale de award in the large business, product effectiveness in its operation of the Engineering Director Leonard BST achieves consistently out- Chimie, Physique et Biologie in category. In the small business, T-38 astronaut training aircraft Nicholson. “The fact that we expect standing performance in a field often Paris recently talked to NASA product category BST Systems Inc., fleet. to complete the same amount of characterized as “black magic”— Administrator Daniel S. Goldin Plainfield, Conn., received the “DynCorp brought a new spirit of space-walking time in the next five aerospace batteries. BST developed and students at Kramer Middle award; and Advanced Technology teamwork to our aircraft operations,” years as we have throughout the the battery for the Mars Pathfinder. School in Washington, D.C. Co., Pasadena, Calif., received the said Flight Crew Operations Director entire U.S. space flight history to The battery lasted more than three Students shared groundwater award in the small business, service Dave Leestma. “We work well date reflects our confidence in quali- times the planned Mars surface-mis- and vegetation data collected category. together and have a common goal— ty-conscious suppliers such as ILC.” sion duration, 98 Martian days ver- using the CERES satellite and Dyncorp supports JSC’s fleet of the safe and efficient operation of Allied Signal Technical Services sus the required 30 days. lead each other on tours of their 45 aircraft, which fly more than our aircraft fleet. They have done a Corp. demonstrated exemplary Advanced Technology Co. is con- respective cities. NASA and the 14,000 hours a year in support of superb job and are well-deserving of operational proficiency of over sidered a world-class metal joining French space agency are forg- NASA activities. In its nomination, the George M. Low award.” 99.996 percent from 1995 through company, tackling jobs that most ing an international educational JSC reported that the contractor ILC received its honors both for 1997 with 99.94 percent systems organizations consider impossible. program that capitalizes on the was responsible for cost avoidance its work in supporting human space reliability covering the same time The company has produced 20 excitement of space exploration. savings of $21 million, 49,000 walks, and for its recent success in frame. imaging detectors that are operating flights without incident, seven con- the development and delivery of “Each of these companies has error-free in space. JSC becomes first ISO-9001 NASA center Two companies earn top small contractor award (Continued from Page 1) (Continued from Page 1) grams, including the Space Shuttle with a habitability study for Skylab, Three internal audits and center- The Roundup is an official publica- Integration Support to the Inter- Program and the Space Station which led to involvement and support wide ISO 9001 training were con- tion of the National Aeronautics national Space Station. Barrios is Program. for stowage design and payload inte- ducted that fall. NQA first audited and Space Administration, Lyndon responsible for developing and sus- The Johnson Engineering prime gration on every manned mission JSC in November 1997, and identi- B. Johnson Space Center, taining an electronic information sys- contract includes design, develop- since the first flight of the shuttle in fied only one major non-conforming Houston, Texas, and is published tem to provide ISS users with access ment, and fabrication of mockups 1978. area. The NQA reviewed the JSC every other Friday by the Public to technical and management pro- and trainers used for astronaut train- The Government Procurement corrective action processes in Affairs Office for all space center gram data. Tasks included database ing in the Mockup and Integration Connection has evolved into a col- February when the center success- employees. Deadline for the sub- development, applications develop- Laboratory at JSC and in the Neutral laborative effort between local, state, fully passed all audit requirements. mission of articles is Friday, three ment, systems operations and techni- Buoyancy Laboratory at the Sonny and federal government entities. This As part of ISO 9001 certification, the weeks before the desired date of cal planning. Carter Training Facility. Other unique event marks an exciting new NQA will audit the JSC Quality publication. Barrios employs 300 people pro- Johnson Engineering responsibilities day in inter-governmental coopera- System in the future to ensure contin- The Roundup office is in Bldg. 2, viding information technology, space include facility operations and sus- tion and information accessibility ued compliance and management Rm. 181. The mail code is AP3. operations, training, and configura- taining engineering in the MAIL and regarding government contracting improvements. The main Roundup telephone tion/change management services to the NBL; the development and provi- opportunities. Guests speakers at While many industrial companies number is x38648, and the fax NASA, the Department of Defense, sioning of flight crew equipment; the luncheon included Houston seek ISO certification to meet busi- number is x45165. Electronic mail and the contractor community, as crew station stowage design and Mayor Lee Brown, Master of ness or customer demands, JSC messages may be directed to well as the commercial sector. payload integration, human systems Ceremonies Bill Balleza, News expects the quality process to [email protected]. Johnson Engineering Corp. was engineering; and configuration man- Anchor from Channel 2, and keynote increase effective use of its selected for the company’s outstand- agement support. speaker Dr. Julian Earls, Lewis resources, said Lee Norbraten, direc- Editor ...... Kelly Humphries ing effort in providing Flight Crew Johnson Engineering has been a Research Center deputy director for tor of JSC’s ISO 9000 Office. Systems support to multiple pro- JSC contractor since 1974, starting operations.

NASA-JSC