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Home , Mission Specialist, NASA Astronaut Group 13, Scott Carpenter

May 13, 2011 Vol. 51, No. 9 Spaceport News John F. - America’s gateway to the universe

Cape Crusaders Cabana shares perspective on , future direction By Linda Herridge supporting NASA’s science support, strap in Spaceport News missions with expendable launch vehicles (ELVs). ennedy Space Currently, there are five Center Director shuttle crew NASA ELV launches re- Bob Cabana told maining this year, and three By Steven Siceloff Not to mention the pure K a packed audience at the Spaceport News excitement that comes with of those will launched from National Space Club nearby Air getting ready to go into orbit. Committee luncheon, May he crew of space Station. They might not be 10, that NASA is not going shuttle Endeavour will Juno is a five-year mis- thinking so much about out of business and Kennedy climb into the crew strapping themselves into the sion to Jupiter. The Gravity T NASA/Kim Shiflett is not closing its doors after Recovery and Interior Labo- compartment shortly before seats on the shuttle. NASA is the last launch sunrise on Monday ahead of ratory (GRAIL) is a mission “You’ve got your mind in the White Room at Launch Pad 39A during his KSC: Framing the the scheduled liftoff at 8:56 helping the STS-134 crew strap into to the moon and NASA’s on a lot of stuff when you’re Future presentation. a.m. Heading up the launch getting into the shuttle and space shuttle Endeavour during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Cabana touched on tower and getting to the getting ready to launch into (MSL) with its Curiosity Test (TCDT) on April 1, just as he will current work including hatch, they will be greeted space,” said astronaut Stan on launch day. rover will be the largest preparing for the next by the Closeout Crew and Love, a mission specialist on rover to explore Mars. space shuttle launch, the once they get inside the the STS-122 mission. “And on STS-74 and STS-100, “MSL is really an awe- , shuttle, other will hooking up connections isn’t worked as an ASP before some mission and some of International Space Station, help them into their seats as always top of your priority his first flight. He credits the the flight support hardware NASA’s budget and continu- the shuttle stands on its tail list.” experience with teaching has already arrived at Ken- pointed to the stars. That’s why the crew him the details of launch day. ing resolution and what the nedy,” Cabana said. It is that second group gets help from other “Working at the Cape as future holds for the center. The International Space of astronauts, the ones not astronauts who get into the a Cape Crusader, C-squared, “We’re on track for Station has been occupied flying, that is responsible for shuttle with them but have whatever you want to call Endeavour’s launch, by humans for nearly 11 making sure the Endeavour no intention of flying that it,” Hadfield said, “I learned May 16, at 8:56 a.m.,” years, beginning with Ex- crew commanded by Mark day. Those astronauts are so much about how the Cabana said. “The crew is pedition 1 that docked Nov. Kelly is ready to go when the known formally as Astronaut vehicles get ready, about the in great spirits and they’ll 2, 2000. To date, more than engines ignite on STS-134. Support Personnel, but attitude at KSC, and about be back at Kennedy this 200 people from eight dif- After all, astronauts they go by several names, what it is to be one of the Thursday for our Monday ferent countries have visited climbing into a space shuttle including ASPs, Cape crew members getting in and morning launch attempt.” the space station. are typically thinking Crusaders because they out of the vehicle.” Cabana said with all “We will have astro- about lots of things, from are assigned to NASA’s It’s not as easy as the change going on at the nauts living and working trajectories and abort Kennedy Space Center in putting on a seatbelt, after center, there’s been one con- on the space station until scenarios to systems and Florida, or just C-squareds. all. For one thing, on launch stant, the Launch Services at least 2020, and Kennedy when to talk to the launch , a Program, which continues team and mission controllers. Canadian astronaut who flew See CRUSADER, Page 3 to do an outstanding job See CABANA, Page 2

NASA Explorer Schools Freedom 7 event New NASA Stamps Endeavour turns 20 Inside this issue... Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 7 Page 2 SPACEPORT NEWS May 13, 2011 NASA Explorer Schools dare students to dream big By Rebecca Regan investigation. The project things and working with you Spaceport News was awarded the “NASA in the future.” Sports Challenge” and Afterward, the students nspiring the next gen- will be played aboard the participated in hands-on edu- eration of explorers, International Space Station cational and skill-building Iscientists, engineers and later this year, with a few activities. Elementary stu- educators to “dream big” modifications. The goal is for dents built miniature robots was the goal of this year’s astronauts to gather objects and high schoolers built NASA Explorer Schools and build devices to save speakers. Symposium at Kennedy the planet, which actually is As he worked on his Space Center. just a large, soft ball, from speaker, Fernando Zamora- The symposium kicked CLICK ON PHOTO NASA/Kim Shiflett incoming meteorites. Jimenez, an eighth-grader off May 4 with a welcome A student participates in a hands-on activity during the NASA Explorer Schools Sym- Thurston ended their from High Point, N.C., said, dinner in the company of posium at Kennedy Space Center on May 6. To read the full story, click on the photo. presentation with a small “From this experience, I’ve Bob Cabana, Kennedy’s over the rainbow dreams do the multitude of career paths piece of advice for the space learned that if you try your director and a former space come true because that was a the space agency offers, participants: “Play safe.” hardest, there really are shuttle astronaut. About 60 dream mission from start to including studying Earth’s Curtin said if she could rewards.” fourth- through 12th-grade finish.” climate, the sun, the solar ask the astronauts questions In the past, the NASA students and their teachers The symposium par- system, or galaxies and black after they played, they would Explorer School Symposium listened as Cabana shared ticipants were competitively holes, as well as designing be, “Who won?” and “What only was open to fifth- a vivid memory of seeing selected after they completed and launching rockets and was the most challenging through ninth-grade students. shuttle Endeavour awaiting an original investigation capsules that will travel to part?” Priscilla Moore, an educa- liftoff on Launch Pad 39A focused on existing NASA low Earth orbit and beyond. The symposium’s career tion specialist at Kennedy, with a remarkable rainbow missions or research inter- “Keep learning,” Rabelo panel boasted a wide variety said adding older students overhead. Later that day in ests and presented it to the said. “Continuous learning is of Kennedy employees, delivers NASA educational December 1998, Cabana and space agency via the Digital so important because science from a wildlife ecologist and content to many more. his crew would lift off on Learning Network. As their is always changing.” human resource specialist “The NASA Explorer the 12-day STS-88 mission reward, they spent four days Fifth-graders Nell to a chemist, engineer and Schools mission is to be the to begin construction of the at the space center. Curtin and Hazel Thurston contracting officer. agency’s classroom-based International Space Station. Luis Rabelo, a proj- from K.W. Barrett Elemen- “When I was in fourth- gateway to middle and “Our very first day in ect manager for NASA’s tary in Arlington, Va., and grade, I was only interested high school students,” said orbit, the wake up music Experimental Program to their classmates developed in Girl Scouts and soccer,” Moore, “inspiring them to was Judy Garland’s, ‘Some- Stimulate Competitive Re- a sports game for space, chemical engineer Annie participate in NASA mis- where Over the Rainbow. It search, or EPSCoR, was on called “Save the World,” Caraccio said. “So congratu- sions and develop their apti- brought tears to my eyes,” hand to listen to the students’ using Sir Isaac Newton’s lations . . . I look forward to tudes in science, technology, Cabana said. “Somewhere presentations and explained three laws of motion for their seeing you accomplish great engineering and math.”

From CABANA, Page 1 gram Office at Kennedy to manage and federal agencies to prioritize presence on or near the center.” the commercial space activities that and modernize launch assets, and Cabana said work continues to will be processing payloads for will be critical to the nation’s future provide the capability to support define the architecture for explora- commercial partners like SpaceX . The effort includes a production, processing and recovery tion beyond Earth. He said the 21st to ferry to the station beginning in recommended $4.25 billion through- of space systems. Century Ground Systems Program 2012,” Cabana said. This extension out five years for the development “These Space Act Agreements Office at Kennedy will provide the will expand the station’s scientific, of commercial crew systems, includ- will allow us to take advantage of necessary program management for technological and educational de- ing $850 million in the president’s American ingenuity to get to low the ground infrastructure develop- velopment potential to drive science budget for next year. Earth orbit, so NASA can focus on ment and ground operations integra- and technology that will deliver “We’re making progress with the future of deep space explora- tion to support multiple government benefits to humanity. plans to develop a new space launch tion,” Cabana said. and non-government users. With regard to NASA’s budget system and Multi-Purpose Crew Kennedy’s Center Planning and Cabana said Kennedy will and continuing resolution, Cabana Vehicle, with a recommended Development Office was formed in lead in some areas of technology said: “These are difficult economic investment of $14 billion over the October 2008, and reorganized in capabilities with participation from times we are in. NASA’s budget will next five years, including nearly $3 June 2010, to help Kennedy move other NASA centers. Among these remain flat in the years ahead, and billion in the next year’s budget,” forward with new partnerships. capabilities will be life sciences and it’s crucial for us to invest wisely Cabana said. “Partnerships are going to be habitation systems, space launch and and become more efficient if we Kennedy will implement the key in our future,” Cabana said. suborbital technologies and track- are going to meet the president and 21st Century Ground Systems Pro- “The mission of this organization ing, timing, communications and NASA administrator’s challenge to gram to modernize its facilities for is to facilitate retention of the navigation technologies. out-educate, out-innovate and out- multiple commercial and govern- highly skilled aerospace work “Kennedy is going to be inte- build the rest of the world.” ment customers. Cabana said Ken- force, as well as Kennedy’s gral for the future,” Cabana said. Cabana said NASA has estab- nedy will partner with commercial, facility assets by attracting “We have a lot of great work com- lished the Commercial Crew Pro- the Department of Defense, state new businesses to establish a ing our way.” May 13, 2011 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 3 NASA, space community remember ‘Freedom 7’

By Anna Heiney landing at the precise mo- first flight. In 1971, he Spaceport News ment when Shepard began commanded the Apollo 14 and ended his mission 50 mission, landing along with n the morning of years ago. Lunar Module Pilot Edgar May 5, 1961, astro- “It was an intense Mitchell in the Fra Mauro Onaut countdown. Everybody region originally intended crawled into the cramped had their job. There was no as Apollo 13’s target while Mercury capsule, “Freedom joking around,” said former Command Module Pilot Stu- 7,” at Launch Complex 5 at Chief Test Conductor Bob art Roosa orbited overhead. Florida’s Cape Canaveral Moser. “But we enjoyed it, “I remember every time Air Force Station. The slen- NASA/Kim Shiflett and it worked. Congratula- he spoke, he always gave Invited guests tour the blockhouse at Complex 5/6 on May 5 during a celebration der, 82-foot-tall Mercury- tions to all of us. We were a credit to everyone in NASA Redstone rocket rose from of Alan Shepard’s historic flight 50 years ago. From left are Robert Sieck, former shuttle launch director; Andy Anderson, former manager for communications in the great team.” who built the good ships the launch pad at 9:34 a.m. Mercury Mission Control Center; Bob Moser, former chief test conductor for the The flight was sig- that brought him home to us EST, sending Shepard on Mercury-Redstone launches; and John Twigg, former backup chief test conductor nificant not only because it safely,” Churchley said. “We for the Mercury-Redstone launches. a remarkably successful, displayed bravery and tech- thank you all very much.” 15-minute suborbital flight. humankind,” Cabana said. identity of the first astronaut nological progress, but also has But more than that, it The flight of “Freedom to fly a secret until word of because it played out before changed dramatically in kick-started America’s fu- 7” boosted spirits through- Shepard’s command got out journalists and the public. the ensuing half-century. ture as a spacefaring nation. out the country at a time just days before the launch. For the first time, the world A space shuttle flight is On the 50th anniversary was able to share in the ten- typically about two weeks; of Shepard’s pioneering when the U.S. appeared to After ignition, Shepard be faltering in the quest for reached up to start the sion and excitement as the long-duration increments flight, his three daughters, historic event unfolded on aboard the massive Interna- a viable space program. Just mission clock. The vehicle Laura Churchley, Julie television in real time. tional Space Station last sev- weeks before, on April 12, experienced some vibration Jenkins and Alice Wacker- “To me -- and I’ve gone eral months. Today’s space 1961, Russian cosmonaut about a minute and a half mann, joined former space through hundreds of launch- missions are intricate and Yuri Gagarin had become into flight when it pierced workers and their families, es and done countdowns complex, requiring years of the first human in space, the area of peak aerodynam- community leaders and oth- in hundreds of launches training and rehearsal, with orbiting the Earth for 108 ic , but Shepard en- ers on the same launch pad -- the first is always very crews of five, six or seven to celebrate the flight and its minutes in the Vostok 1 joyed a smoother ride as the special,” said Jack King, astronauts working together legacy. spacecraft. Redstone pushed skyward. former chief of NASA’s on a single flight. Rather “In the audience today, A U.S. Navy , Once the Mercury spacecraft Public Information Office, than a race to the finish, a we have more than 100 Shepard was one of the separated from the rocket, now called Public Affairs. spirit of international coop- workers from the Mercury first astronauts selected by the capsule turned, with its “I must admit, it’s the only eration provides a backdrop era who devoted their lives NASA. The “Mercury Sev- heat shield facing forward. one when I was misty-eyed. for today’s space program. to flying humans safely in en” astronauts -- M. Scott During the short flight, The first American in space! “It’s an honor to share space,” said Kennedy Center Carpenter, Leroy Gordon Shepard took in the amazing I couldn’t be prouder. And I this day with so many peo- Director Bob Cabana. He Cooper, John H. Glenn Jr., view and experimented with couldn’t be prouder for be- ple who helped NASA pio- asked them to stand, and Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom Jr., the spacecraft’s controls. ing a part of it.” neer human spaceflight and they were greeted by a Walter M. “Wally” Schirra At the anniversary “Freedom 7” was only enable the agency’s many round of applause. Jr., Donald K. “Deke” Slay- event, the entire flight was the beginning of Shepard’s accomplishments throughout “You should be ex- ton, and Shepard -- were replayed in a video that spaceflight career. He went our existence,” NASA Ad- tremely proud of what you introduced to the nation in began five minutes before on to serve as chief of the ministrator did for our country and for . NASA kept the launch time, with liftoff and Astronaut Office after his said. “I salute all of you.”

From CRUSADER, Page 1 “You’re walking on the back wall, technicians who work through the crew compartment is standing on a you consider that that’s the actual choreography to get six or seven wall instead of a floor and reaching day the shuttle’s nose is pointed ground now. You have to really astronauts in place quickly and toward areas they aren’t all that skyward, so the crew really does figure all that out. That’s the first precisely. used to, the switches throughout the have to climb into their seats because time you really get to do all that.” “It’s a very well-polished orbiter have to be looked after, too, they are tilted 90 degrees. Getting Plus, the astronauts are process,” Hadfield said. “The to make sure they are in the right in place means wriggling in on their wearing suits -- the Closeout Crew up in the White position. backs and lifting their legs over their bulky, orange flight suits that are Room really know their job. They’re Hadfield said his appreciation heads. designed to help the crew survive an experts and see us astronauts roll of his own launch days was There are plenty of things to get emergency. The ensembles are more through and they take good care of heightened by his time as an ASP. used to the first time an astronaut commonly referred to as “pumpkin us and they make sure we don’t miss “Having worked here as an gets in a shuttle seat to fly, said Steve suits” and they have numerous a step. And you as the Astronaut astronaut support crew, if anything, Swanson, a mission specialist aboard fittings and connections that have to Support Personnel, you’re helping it gives you more confidence, more STS-117 and STS-119. be prepped before liftoff. with that process, but really those understanding,” Hadfield said. “It “The first time you get in there The ASPs work closely with guys have the responsibility.” therefore makes your readier for the for real, it’s amazing,” Swanson said. the Closeout Crew -- a team of Because everyone going to the time when the engines light.” Page 4 SPACEPORT NEWS May 13, 2011 First American in space, MESSENGER earn stamp By Steven Siceloff a space station and then explorers and scientists Spaceport News glide back to Earth. For have worked hand-in-hand,” example, Shepard was said Jim Adams, NASA’s young, grinning flying in a capsule that did deputy director of Planetary Alan Shepard not have a forward-facing Science. “As exploration adorns a new stamp A window, but a periscope that and science work together released May 4 to celebrate he deployed a few minutes in the future, we all look the astronaut’s history-mak- after liftoff. Shepard and ing launch 50 years ago to forward to what the future his capsule splashed down holds.” become the first American in the Atlantic Ocean in space. Shepard’s flight of Donato Giancola of after descending under Brooklyn, N.Y., and Phil just 15 minutes on May 5, parachutes. Jordon of Falls Church, 1961, marked the first steps The Redstone rocket Va., worked together on the of a national effort that sent astronaut during the stamps’ Carpenter told the crowd used a single engine to hurl stamp designs. Giancola has astronauts to the moon and unveiling at the Kennedy assembled at the visitor Shepard and his “Freedom received dozens of awards back eight years later. Space Center Visitor complex’s Rocket Garden. 7” Mercury capsule on a for his illustrations of Opposite Shepard in Complex. Both missions Shepard and Carpenter ballistic arc 116 miles into the stamp set is a depiction launched from Cape were two of seven test space and more than 300 science fiction and fantasy of the MESSENGER Canaveral Air Force Station pilots chosen by NASA miles from its launch pad. books. The designs are spacecraft as it entered adjacent to the space center. in April 1959 to form its That single engine generated based on NASA images. Mercury’s orbit in March, “Today we celebrate first class of astronauts. about 78,000 pounds of “A decision was made the first spacecraft to orbit the 50th anniversary of Shepard was 38 at the time thrust. For comparison, the not to put 44 cents on the the planet closest to the many, many important of his Mercury mission escape rocket on top of the stamp, but it is forever,” sun. Together, the designs issues, among them is the but did not fly again for 10 Apollo/Saturn V produced Carpenter said. “It is bookend a time span during first steps from the home years when he commanded nearly twice that of the appropriate to the time we which NASA launched planet that were taken by the Apollo 14 mission whole Redstone. should honor and remember some 1,500 missions, the family of man,” said and walked on the moon. “It’s an impressive Alan B Shepard and including uncrewed probes , one of the An inner ear condition thing to think about how Freedom 7.” to distant worlds and the Mercury astronauts who, called Meniere’s Disease edge of the solar system. like Shepard, flew the one- grounded the astronaut and “These stamps, which man capsule into space. he instead served as chief will go out by the millions President John F. of the Astronaut Office across this country, are a Kennedy set America on a before surgery corrected testament to the thousands course for the moon soon his condition and he began of NASA men and women after Shepard’s mission training for the moon who shared dreams of ended, even though the landing. human spaceflight and nation had not accomplished Little of Shepard’s enlarging our knowledge even a day’s experience in flight would be recognizable of the universe,” said space. to those accustomed to Charlie Bolden, NASA “That was largely a watching space shuttles administrator and former response to Alan’s success,” launch into space, construct Former Kennedy Space Center Director Lee Scherer dies at 91 By Rebecca Regan ing from the California Institute of Spaceport News Technology and a doctorate from the University of Central Florida. ee Scherer, the second direc- From 1967 to 1971, he led the tor of Kennedy Space Cen- Apollo Lunar Exploration Office at Lter, died Saturday morning NASA Headquarters in Washington in his home. He was 91. and helped pick out landing sites Scherer was born in Charles- and exploration opportunities for ton, S.C., on Sept. 20, 1919. He at- the first human expedition on the tended the University of Kentucky, moon. was a 1942 graduate of the U.S. In 2009 as the nation was Naval Academy and a retired naval celebrating the 40th anniversary aviator. of Apollo 11, Scherer talked to the He also received a master’s CLICK ON PHOTO degree in aeronautical engineer- On May 21, 1976, Lee Scherer, Kennedy Space Center’s second director, landed the first plane on the See SCHERER, Page 5 Shuttle Landing Facility. For more photos of Scherer, click on the photo. May 13, 2011 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 5 Bobko, Helms join U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame By Steven Siceloff Spaceport News ne of the ’s Oearliest commanders and the first woman to live on the International Space Station took their places alongside the nation’s space heroes May 7 as they were welcomed into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Karol “Bo” Bobko and joined the Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The celebration came two days after NASA marked the 50th anniversary of Alan CLICK ON PHOTO NASA/Jim Grossmann Shepard’s flight in 1961 that Karol “Bo” Bobko and Susan Helms shake hands during their induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on May 7. made him the first American To learn more about the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, click on the photo. in space. lot sooner. The Air Force it as much as he did,” said She spent more than 5,000 said her presenter, NASA Bobko flew as the pilot chose him for its own Bobko’s presenter, former hours in space, with 163 Administrator and former on STS-6, the first flight of astronaut corps in 1966 to astronaut Jeff Hoffman. “He days of that on the station. astronaut Charlie Bolden. space shuttle Challenger, in crew the Manned Orbiting enjoyed flying so much that “It was one of the most She went for a jog on one April 1983. Two years later, Laboratory, or MOL, a his family said they could amazing things that I’ve occasion with her dog, he commanded Discovery project the Air Force later judge how close he was ever had the chance to do, Radar, and when she and the on STS-51D and landed canceled. getting to a flight because which was be part of a space dog got back, she said the the shuttle safely despite Like STS-1 Pilot Bob the smile on his face kept outpost” said Lt. Gen. Helm, jog had gone fine. a blown main gear tire. Crippen and five others who getting bigger and bigger now commanding the 14th But Radar went and laid Six months later, Bobko were in the MOL program, and bigger.” Air Force at Vandenberg Air down on the bed for two commanded Atlantis on its Bobko joined NASA. He Helms, an Air Force Force Base, Calif.. “That days. maiden flight, STS-51J. worked on the Apollo-Soyuz veteran like Bobko, truly was a human adventure “She outran the dog,” “My wife said Test Project as a support flew five times on the that has no equal.” Bolden said. whenever I was given a team member before flying shuttle beginning with While on the space Bobko and Helms join chance, I chose the career as a chase pilot on the STS-54 in January 1993. station, Helms performed a group that includes the path toward space,” Bobko shuttle prototype Enterprise Her spaceflight career a world-record spacewalk legends of Mercury, Gemini said. “All spaceflight is landing tests. included flights on lasting eight hours and 56 and Apollo, along with the beautiful and inspiring.” “Bo loved spaceflight Endeavour, Discovery, minutes. astronauts who flew the The astronaut thought and he wanted everyone Columbia, Atlantis and the Endurance was kind space shuttle on some of its he would go into space a working with him to enjoy International Space Station. of a trademark of Helms, most notable missions.

and the Apollo-Soyuz Test tory interview in 2002. with General Dynamics Commer- From SCHERER, Page 4 Project -- the last Apollo mission “There was a busload of people cial Services Group in San Diego. Spaceport News staff about his and the first collaborative mission that had come out to it, a Scherer is described as a life- work with NASA’s . for the United States and Russia. couple of reporters there who had long advocate of America’s space “We watched the first man step He also managed the trans- a few questions . . . I said ‘That is program and often joined the Ken- down onto the moon on a vague, formation of the center as NASA the most unimportant landing that’ll nedy work force on launch days and geared up for the Space Shuttle probably ever be made at this facil- rough television picture. It was returned for center director forums. breathtaking for everyone in the Program and was the first to land a ity,’” Scherer joked. “It was quite “We have lost one of our program,” he said. plane on the Shuttle Landing Facil- a thrill. I was a carrier pilot so I’m biggest boosters, and he will be Scherer then assumed the ity (SLF). used to landing in small areas. That role of director at NASA’s Dryden “I made about four landings runway goes right on out over the missed,” said current Kennedy Flight Research Center at Edwards over there with nobody to see me horizon.” Director Bob Cabana. “Please keep Air Force Base in California. but the alligators. Then went over to He returned to NASA Head- his family in your thoughts and During his tenure at Ken- the strip and made two touch-and- quarters as associate administrator prayers.” nedy from 1975 to 1979, Scherer go’s and then a full-stop landing,” of external relations until 1980, Scherer is survived by his wife, oversaw the launch of more than 50 Scherer recalled during an oral his- before becoming a senior executive Sheryn. Page 6 SPACEPORT NEWS May 13, 2011 Planetary science missions will keep processing team busy By Linda Herridge Area to prepare it for launch Earth. Spaceport News no earlier than Nov. 25. MSL will launch on Three components of an V rocket from uring a visit to Ken- MSL, the cruise stage, back CCAFS’ Complex 41 as nedy Space Center, shell and heat shield, arrived well. About nine months NASA’s Deputy Di- D at Kennedy on May 12 and later, in August 2012, it will rector for Planetary Science were transported to the reach Mars. Instead of air- Jim Adams said that even as PHSF for processing. bags, the rover is equipped the last shuttle launch nears, The rover’s 10 science with a unique sky crane that the year of interplanetary instruments will search will lower it to the surface missions to planets in our for signs of life, including after it is jettisoned from the solar system is ramping up. methane, and help determine descent stage. Adams conveyed this mes- if the gas is from a bio- “I’m excited about sage to Kennedy workers, logical or geological source. what MSL is going to tell including many from the The unique rover will use us about Mars,” Adams Launch Services Program a laser to look inside rocks said. “It will be the largest (LSP), during a presenta- and release the gases so that rover to visit the red planet tion at the Operations and its spectrometer can analyze -- about the size of a Mini Checkout Building Mission and send the data back to Cooper automobile.” Briefing Room, May 5. “All of NASA’s efforts to explore the solar system run through and depend upon the Launch Services Program as well as the entire Kennedy family that supports it,” Adams said. CLICK ON PHOTO NASA/Frankie Martin “It’s going to be a busy Lockheed Martin technicians in the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., prepare to install, deploy and test the Radio and Plasma Wave Sensor, called year.” WAVES for short, on to NASA’s Juno spacecraft on . WAVES is a science The agency’s Juno boom instrument that will measure radio and plasma waves emitting from Jupiter. spacecraft arrived at Ken- Juno is scheduled to launch aboard an Atlas V rocket on Aug. 5, 2011, reaching nedy April 8 and was Jupiter in July 2016. To learn more about Juno, click on the photo. transported to the Astrotech nal-shaped spacecraft will enter the Jovian atmosphere payload processing facility weigh 7,992 pounds. With and continue to relay infor- in Titusville, Fla. About 40 its solar arrays deployed, it mation as long as it remains Lockheed Martin workers will inscribe a circle more operational. and 20 from the Jet Propul- than 60 feet in diameter. Another spacecraft, the sion Laboratory in Pasa- “I wouldn’t say it’s a dena, Calif., are preparing Gravity Recovery and In- Juno for its mission. Several challenge,” Behling said. terior Laboratory (GRAIL) workers deployed and tested “It is just something that also will be processed by the Plasma Wave Sensor, has driven some require- LSP. called WAVES for short, on ments and has to be taken It is scheduled to arrive the spacecraft. into account when selecting May 20 at the Astrotech Prior to that, on March processing areas.” payload processing facility 14, the spacecraft’s solar ar- Adams said that Juno’s in Titusville, Fla. rays and some ground sup- solar arrays are so big that GRAIL will launch port equipment arrived. The an adjustment is needed to on the last Delta II heavy solar arrays will be installed, keep the spacecraft from rocket that NASA will use, followed by an illumina- wobbling. “It’s a very cool from Launch Complex 17B tion test and magnetometer design,” Adams said. at CCAFS, Sept. 8. Adams boom deployment test be- Juno will be carried said the spacecraft will map tween May 18 and June 9. aboard an Atlas V rocket on the internal structure of the LSP Launch Site Aug. 5, from Launch Com- moon to determine if its Integration Manager Jim plex 41 at Cape Canaveral core is solid or liquid. Behling said that the large Air Force Station (CCAFS). When NASA’s Mars size of the spacecraft is a The spacecraft will travel Science Laboratory (MSL) notable feature. to Jupiter and enter the with its Curiosity rover CLICK ON PHOTO NASA/Jack Pfaller When stowed for planet’s radiation belt to get arrives at Kennedy, it will Workers secure the second stage of a United Launch Alliance Delta II launch ve- launch, the spacecraft will an accurate view of what be processed in the Payload hicle to the first stage at Space Launch Complex 17B on May 10. The payload fair- ing then will be raised into the white room of the mobile service tower. The Delta II measure 13 feet high by the planet looks like. After Hazardous Servicing Facil- will carry NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory, or GRAIL, spacecraft 15 feet wide. The hexago- completing 33 orbits, it will ity (PHSF) in the Industrial into lunar orbit. To learn more about GRAIL, click on the photo. May 13, 2011 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 7 Endeavour arrived from California 20 years ago By Kay Grinter Reference Librarian

pace shuttle Endeav- our reported for duty Sat Kennedy Space Center 20 years ago, touch- ing down at the Shuttle Landing Facility atop a new modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft on May 7, 1991. Rollout from its as- sembly plant in Palmdale, Calif., was April 25, just days before. Endeavour was the replacement orbiter for shuttle Challenger, lost in an accident in January 1986. A contract awarded in July 1987 would return the shuttle fleet from three orbit- ers -- Columbia, Discovery and Atlantis -- to four. Construction of Orbiter Vehicle-105, or OV-105, be- NASA file/1991 gan in September. Endeav- Shuttle Endeavour, arrives at Kennedy Space Center atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747, on May 7, 1991. Endeavour is scheduled to lift off on its final mission May 16 at 8:56 a.m. our’s name, though, was not chosen until 1989 and was and Kennedy workers made Kibo module on STS-123 in able weather in Florida did Two other major modi- based on the entries in a na- sure it flew well. March 2008; and the Tran- require Endeavour to land at fication periods were spent tional student competition. Endeavour has flown quility module and cupola Edwards Air Force Base in at Kennedy. Some of the Endeavour’s namesake was 24 missions to date, spend- on STS-130 in February California following seven most significant upgrades a ship chartered to traverse ing 283 days in orbit and 2010. of its 24 missions. included installation of a the South Pacific in 1768 traveling 116,372,930 miles. Mike Parrish, USA’s Ray Zink, USA’s drag chute, improved nose and captained by the British On its first mission, vehicle operations chief manager for shuttle recov- wheel steering, installation explorer James Cook. STS-49, in May 1992, for Endeavour, summed up ery operations, explained: of a space station Less than four years Endeavour captured the the feelings of Endeavour’s “While landing in California and orbiter docking system, after construction began, the INTELSAT VI communi- processing team. means additional work and and a multifunction elec- much-anticipated, newest cations and re- “Endeavour is the posi- tighter schedules for the tronic display system, or member of the shuttle fam- released it into geosynchro- tive spirit that resides in all processing teams, having “glass cockpit.” ily arrived in Florida. nous orbit. of us,” Parrish said. “She the crew and orbiter back On April 12, NASA Ad- Randy Goodmon, now Endeavour carried is the exuberant pride that safely is all that matters to ministrator Charlie Bolden the flow manager for Endea- out the first Hubble Space is seen on our faces as she us. OV-105 is the ‘teenager’ announced the facilities vour for United Space Al- Telescope servicing mis- heads toward the sky. She is of the orbiters, the ‘new’ where the shuttles will be re- liance, or USA, Kennedy’s sion, STS-61, in December the majestic eagle that pro- one. I am always reminded tired at the conclusion of the shuttle processing contrac- 1993; expertly supported vided safe passage to those of that fact when we get her Space Shuttle Program later tor, was in the firing room two Space Radar Laboratory that sought to fly high on the ready to ferry back to KSC. this year. Endeavour, which when Challenger was lost. missions on STS-59 and wings like eagles.” Bolting Endeavour down to is preparing for its final lift “Challenger was a big STS-68 in April and October Although construction the SCA feels like strapping off May 16, will return to part of my life,” Goodmon 1994; and visited the Rus- of a shuttle launch pad at your kid into a roller coaster the state of its birth, but its said. “To see a replacement sian space station on Space Launch Complex-6 and watching them smile in old friends from Florida and arrive helped fill a void. It’s STS-89 in January 1998. on Vandenberg Air Force expectation of the upcoming other visitors always will be always nice to get new hard- In recent years, Base was under way in ride.” welcome in its new home, ware, but if we hadn’t gotten Endeavour made 11 trips 1986, Endeavour never got Endeavour also under- the California Science Cen- Endeavour, the sadness to the International Space to lift off from California. went an overhaul, known as ter in Los Angeles. would have continued.” Station, delivering several Work on the project was Orbiter Maintenance Down Added Zink: “I have no Keeping Endeavour as a vital components including canceled while NASA fo- Period, in Palmdale, spend- doubt she will enjoy her last spare on the ground, though, the first U.S. module, the cused on returning the space ing eight months between ride back to California, from was never NASA’s goal. The Unity node, on STS-88 in shuttle to flight status. July 1996 and March 1997 a ‘slightly’ more matured spacecraft was built to fly December 1998; ’s However, unfavor- in California. position.” Page 8 SPACEPORT NEWS May 13, 2011

NASA Employees of the Month: May Kennedy Space Center Activities

2011 KSC Spring Flag Football League Standings and Upcoming Schedule

POINTS POINTS Week 9 Schedule (May 18) TEAM RECORD SCORED ALLOWED 5:30 p.m. - FAT vs. Blood Hunters Islaughter 6-1 194 73 6:30 p.m. - Stuffers vs. Islaughters Stuffers 6-1 163 40 7:30 p.m. - Rowdies vs. Redheads Rowdies 4-3 128 91 Playoff (Week 10) (May 25) Blood Hunters 2-5 65 128 5 p.m. - 4 vs. 5 6 p.m. - 3 vs. 6 Redheads 2-5 46 133 7 p.m. - 1 vs. Game 1 Winner FAT 1-6 16 147 8 p.m. - 2 vs. Game 2 Winner Games are played Wednesdays at KARS Park I. For more information, contact Matt Jimeniz at 321-867-4509 or matthew.j.jimeniz@.gov.

2011 KSC Tennis League Rankings, Leaders and Upcoming Schedule

Singles Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 May 12 Schedule Rankings Rankings Rankings Rankings Young vs. Ingham Ken Young Alan Wheeler James Hudleston Lashelle McCoy Specht vs. Hosan Bob Ingham Calvert Staubus Kate Liu Sergio Briceno Wheeler vs. Staubus Billy Specht Scott DeWitt Laura Scott DeWitt vs. Panik Norm Hosan Kevin Panik Kyle Nowlin Hudleston vs. Liu Scott vs. Nowlin NASA/Tony Gray McCoy vs. Briceno Employees for the month of May are, from left, Art Edwards, Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate; Bob Page, Launch Integration Office; Harry Plaza, Center Operations; Marcelo Dasilva (Employee of The league seeks new players and is open to all Kennedy civil service and contractor personnel and the Quarter), Human Resource Office; Linda Shaykhian, Engineering Directorate; Kevin Panik, Launch dependents. Matches are played Thursdays at KARS Park I and II. For more information, contact Alan Vehicle Processing Directorate; Glenn Semmel, Engineering Directorate; and Tung Doan, Launch Wheeler at 321-867-3565 or [email protected]. Services Program. Not pictured are Maria Bland, Education and External Relations; Randy Eastman, Constellation Project Office; and Tara Francisco, Procurement Office. Doubles

COURT LEADERS FROM MAY 10 Court 9 - Scott Schilling Court 7 - Jay Hebert Court 4 - Amy Lombardo Court 2 - TBD Looking up and ahead . . . Court 8 - Andy Maffe Court 6 - Tom Li Court 3 - Laura Scott Court 1 - TBD

Scheduled for May 16 Launch/KSC: Endeavour, STS-134; 8:56 a.m. EDT COURT GROUPS FOR MAY 17 Planned for June 1 Landing/KSC: Endeavour, STS-134; 2:32 a.m. EDT Court 9 Court 8 Court 7 Court 6 Rod Downing Dave Davies Miguel Rodriguez Alan Wheeler No Earlier Than June 9 Launch/VAFB: Delta II, Bo Prichard Art Shutt Ray Jones Tom Li Chip Hooper Jeff Andress Norm Ring Aquarius / SAC-D Satellite; 10:20 a.m. EDT Andy Maffe Ron Feile Jay Hebert Brian Klein Teresa Bollig

Targeted for Early July Launch/KSC: Atlantis, STS-135; TBD Court 4 Court 3 Court 2 Court 1 Landing/KSC: Atlantis, STS-135; TBD Kyle Nowlin Laura Rochester TBD TBD Amy Lombardo Debbie dela Fuenta No Earlier Than July 14 Launch/CCAFS: Atlas V, GPS IIF-2; 2:51 p.m. Kate Liu Laura Scott Jane Mosconi Aug. 5 Launch/CCAFS: Atlas V, Juno; 11:40 a.m. EDT The league seeks new players and is open to all Kennedy civil service and contractor personnel and dependents. Matches are played Tuesdays at KARS Park I and II. For more information, contact No Earlier Than September Launch/CCAFS: SpaceX Falcon 9, Teresa Bollig at 321-264-8575 or [email protected]. Dragon C2; TBD

Sept. 8 Launch/CCAFS: Delta II Heavy, GRAIL; 8:37 a.m. to 9:16 a.m. EDT John F. Kennedy Space Center

No Earlier Than Oct. 8 Launch/CCAFS: SpaceX Falcon 9, Dragon C3; TBD Spaceport News

Oct. 25 Launch/VAFB: Delta II Heavy, NPP; Spaceport News is an official publication of the Kennedy Space Center and 5:47 to 5:57 a.m. EDT is published online on alternate Fridays by Public Affairs in the interest of KSC civil service and contractor employees. No Earlier Than Nov. 25 Launch/CCAFS: Atlas V, Mars Science Laboratory; Contributions are welcome and should be submitted three weeks before publication 10:21 a.m. EST to the Media Services Branch, IMCS-440. E-mail submissions can be sent to [email protected] No Earlier Than December Launch/CCAFS: Delta IV-Heavy, NROL-15; TBD Managing editor ...... Candrea Thomas Editor ...... Frank Ochoa-Gonzales No Earlier Than Dec. 7 Launch/CCAFS: SpaceX Falcon 9, Copy editor ...... Rebecca Regan Dragon C4; TBD Editorial support provided by Abacus Technology Corp. Writers Group. Early 2012 Launch/CCAFS: Atlas V, AEHF 2; TBD NASA at KSC is on the Internet at www.nasa.gov/kennedy USGPO: 733-049/600142