+ July 11, 2003

July 11, 2003 Vol. 42, No. 14 Spaceport News America’s gateway to the universe. Leading the world in preparing and launching missions to Earth and beyond. http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/snews/snewstoc.htm John F. Kennedy Space Center Jim Kennedy named KSC Director

William F. Readdy, Associate Bridges. “I think he will do a Future KSC Administrator for Space Flight at wonderful job of being my Director Jim NASA Headquarters in Washing- successor here. You can cer- Kennedy (left) ton, named James W. Kennedy as tainly count on me and Benita shakes hands the new Director of Kennedy (Bridges’ wife), from our new with current Space Center June 26. Kennedy place, to be boosters of this team Director Roy has served as KSC’s Deputy at KSC as well as the bigger One Bridges Jr. following the Director since November 2002. NASA team.” announcement “The programs we support are Prior to his assignment to at the Training so profoundly important,” said KSC in 2002, Kennedy was Auditorium. Kennedy. “The Space Shuttle deputy director of NASA’s Kennedy will processing for launching and George C. Marshall Space Flight assume his landing is so critical and we do it Center in Huntsville, Ala. new post so well at this Center. I want to Kennedy also served as Aug. 10. work with you to continue to project manager for major make it the best that it can be as initiatives, such as the X-34 and In 1998, he was selected as to implement the findings of the we attempt to get into the return the DC-XA, and he led the One the Deputy Director of Science Columbia Accident Investigation to flight. I will give it my all to NASA effort to help make the and Engineering, where he was Board, Jim’s knowledge of the make sure you have the re- Agency more effective and responsible for establishing and Space Shuttle and his leadership sources to do what we need to do efficient by encouraging team- maintaining a nationally recog- abilities are essential in making collectively as a Center to return work across all field centers. nized research and development our ‘Return to Flight’ effort a to flight safely.” In early 1996, he was the capability in space research and success.” Kennedy will succeed Roy manager for Marshall’s Space technology. One year later, he Kennedy first joined NASA in Bridges Jr., who was appointed Shuttle Projects Resident Office became the Director of Engineer- 1968 in the Aerospace Engineer- to lead NASA’s Langley Re- at KSC. Kennedy returned to ing. ing Cooperative Education search Center, Hampton, Va., Marshall when he received a “Along with his impeccable program at KSC. He earned a June 13. Senior Executive Service credentials, Jim brings stability bachelor’s degree in mechanical “When asked, I gave Jim my appointment in September 1996 to KSC at a time when we need engineering from Auburn strongest unqualified support for and was named manager of the it,” Readdy said making the University in 1972. After being succeeding me in this job,” said Solid Rocket Booster Project. announcement. “As we prepare (See KENNEDY, Page 7) Inside Special events planned for children On July 24, KSC will cel- a.m. Page 2 - Several sites ebrate Take Our Children To All children considered for Columbia debris Work Day. This will be the 11th must wear their Pages 3 - Education Office gives year the Center will open its badge and be faculty and students facility tour doors for the children of KSC with a badged employees, who are invited to employee at all Page 5 - Fleet of ëAmerican fuelí bring a son or daughter, grand- times. The vehicles in use at KSC child, niece or nephew to work sponsor is with them to share in the work responsible for experience. the children they This special day targets bring – the child children from 9 to 15 years old. may go with It encourages children to set another person goals for their future and to build to another work on these goals during their years Children must enter through Gates site, but ultimate responsibility Page 8 - Remembering Our in school. 1, 2, 2B, 2C, 3, and 4. Program remains will the sponsor. Heritage: Explorer 49 last Several exciting educational hours are from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Children may not be taken scheduled US mission to moon programs are being planned. Access will not be allowed before 7 (See EVENTS, Page 4) Page 2 SPACEPORT NEWS July 11, 2003 Storage of Columbia debris to be determined

After the Apollo 1 tragedy bia Material and Analysis occurred, the launch pad was Columbia Museum. used for another launch and debris “Through the efforts of then “abandoned in place” storage is outside researchers, we stand to with a memorial plaque. being learn a great deal regarding Following the Challenger considered hypersonic and thermodynamic accident investigation, the for the VAB properties and their affects on B Tower, an debris was placed in two off-site spacecraft parts. This will greatly Minuteman missile silos and lease assist in the design and flight adjacent underground building, safety of future spacecraft,” said equipment rooms at aban- and other Mike Leinbach, KSC Shuttle doned Launch Complexes 31 facilities. Launch Director. and 32 at Cape Canaveral Air “These letters of interest are Force Station (CCAFS). being reviewed for practicality Now that Columbia debris These include using a section of According to Steve Parker, and feasibility,” said Parker. reconstruction efforts at the current reconstruction NASA contract specialist, 15 “Some of the proposals are Kennedy Space Center are hangar, the Vehicle Assembly letters of interest ranging from seeking money to perform the complete and the Reconstruc- Building (VAB) B Tower, the private companies, aerospace research, which must be factored tion Team has issued their Spacecraft Assembly and consortiums and public universi- against what we already know report to NASA and the Encapsulation Facility, an off- ties have been received. from the accident investigation.” Columbia Accident Investiga- site lease building, or Complexes Proposals included perform- The Columbia Preservation tion Board, the questions on 31 and 32 silos at CCAFS. “The ing studies on pieces of the Team will present options and many minds are where will reconstruction hangar and the debris using various failure recommendations to KSC senior the debris be stored? And will VAB are the most likely,” said analyses methods; curation and management later this summer. the debris be offered to Thurston. management of debris; using the To honor Columbia, Space- organizations outside NASA In order to determine how debris for teaching failure port News will publish a 12-page for scientific study and best to store the debris, the analysis techniques; and studies color commemorative issue July research? Columbia Preservation Team of debris trajectory data. 25. The issue will contain stories “Several facilities are issued a “Request for Informa- Also proposed were studies of highlighting debris workers’ being considered for storage tion” (RFI) on May 9, with welded, brazed or soldered experiences in the field, the purposes,” said Scott responses due June 6. The RFI joints; studies of effects of efforts of the Reconstruction Thurston, Columbia Preserva- was sent to scientific, academic thermal cycling and zero gravity Team, the history of the first tion Team lead with NASA. and governmental organizations. over time; and creating a Colum- Space Shuttle and more. Shuttle program manager announces personnel changes

Space Shuttle Program positions. He began his manage- Office, International Space Director on Discovery’s STS-102 Manager Bill Parsons recently rial career in 1985 as Head, Station Program. mission in March 2001. Follow- announced several key leader- Communications Systems Edward J. Mango becomes ing Columbia’s accident, Shan- ship changes within the office as Section. From 1988 to 2002 he Deputy Manager, Orbiter Project non served as the Deputy it reorganizes and evolves served as a flight director Office. He has been the technical Director of the Columbia Task following the Columbia accident. including the Ascent and Entry assistant to the Space Shuttle Force that served as the interface “This is a critical time for the Flight Director for 28 Space Program Manager on detail from between NASA and the Columbia Agency and the shuttle program Shuttle flights. KSC. Accident Investigation Board. and I believe these changes and Steve M. Poulos, Jr., becomes Mango joined NASA at KSC Shannon joined NASA JSC in additions to my staff prepares us Acting Manager, Orbiter Project in 1986 and has held positions 1987 and has served in several to return to flight as soon as Office at JSC. He joins the that include Lead Project Engi- senior technical and managerial possible and, most importantly, shuttle program from the Engi- neer for the External Tank and positions. He began his manage- as safely as possible,” said neering Directorate where he Solid Rocket Motors; Lead rial career in 1992 as Head, Parsons. most recently was Chief, Crew Project Engineer for Atlantis Guidance and Control Systems N. Wayne Hale Jr. is now and Thermal Systems Division. during the Shuttle-Mir Program; Section. From 1993 to 2003 he Acting Deputy Manager, Space Poulos joined NASA JSC in Shuttle Project Engineer; and served as a flight director, Shuttle Program. He will return 1989 and has held positions Shuttle Launch Manager. Most including Ascent and Entry to the Johnson Space Center including Deputy Chief, Extra- recently he served as the Recov- Flight Director for 11 Space from the Kennedy Space Center vehicular Activity (EVA) ery Director for the Columbia Shuttle flights. where he has served as Manager, Equipment Branch, and Chief, debris recovery effort in East John F. Muratore is named Launch Integration, since EVA and Spacesuit Systems Texas. Manager, Systems Integration February. Branch in the Engineering John P. Shannon is named Office. He most recently was Hale joined NASA JSC in Directorate; Deputy Manager, Acting Manager, Flight Opera- Assistant to the Director of 1978 and has served in several EVA Project Office; and Deputy tions and Integration. Most Engineering at JSC. He joined senior technical and managerial Manager, Program Integration recently, he served as Lead Flight the JSC staff in 1983. July 11, 2003 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 3 Education Office give faculty and students tour Since the Education Office’s summer,” he said. Faculty summer programs went into full Fellows presented their Midterm force May 19, participants have Presentations July 2 in the taken advantage of all Kennedy Education Conference Room at Space Center has to offer. KSCVC as well. On June 6, Graduate Student All program participants Researchers Program (GSRP), became familiar with the Center. NASA Faculty Fellows Program On June 11, more than 100 (NFFP) and the National Re- students visited key KSC facili- search Council Associate were ties, the Shuttle Launch Pads and chosen by KSC. This included an more. At least two NASA and introduction to KSC’s senior contractor volunteers greeted management staff. Each person guests and broke them into also had a chance to mention smaller groups to meet the tour their educational institution, guidelines established by research project and which security personnel. directorate they’ll be supporting Thirty Space flight and Life Capt. Bren Wade explains procedures to 30 students who toured the Solid while at KSC. Sciences Training Program Rocket Booster retrieval ships June 25. “The GSRP is a grant for (SLSTP) students toured the attendees mingled with col- icebreaker exercise. students working to get a masters Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval leagues from different education “Students and faculty were or a PhD degree. The award Ships June 25. Lopez Del programs. The main objective of assigned to sit at tables with consists of $24K a year for up to Castillo explained that the the event was to provide infor- students not participating in the three years,” explained Eduardo success of these tours was made mation about KSC’s education same program, then asked to Lopez Del Castillo, program possible be the volunteers: programs at KSC that are open to briefly describe their program to management specialist. “Of the Cassandra Black, Karroll Purer, any student that is a U.S. citizen, everyone at the table,” explained nine selections made this year, Laurel Lichtenberger, Heriberto attends a university in the U.S., Cassandra Black, program only one was a returning student. Soto, Carlos Estrada, Margaret management specialist. “Volun- The students are assigned a Dutczak, Less Boatright, David teers from each table were asked research advisor at the university Rainer, Tom Purer and Mark to introduce a student or faculty and a research advisor at Femminineo. and talk about their program.” Kennedy. The Pipelining and Network- Education Specialists, represent- “NFFP consists of a 10 week ing Session, June 23, offered an ing various programs, also grant awarded for faculty afternoon of useful learning introduced themselves to the members to come and help us opportunities for about 150 crowd. with our applied and basic students. While at the KSC “It is essential that we inspire research projects during the Visitor Complex’s Debus Center, the students and faculty so they will consider permanent employ- ment with KSC and KSC’s contractor workforce,” said Black. Even more extraordinary activities are scheduled for the summer. For example, Education Faculty and students in the KSC Program participants will attend Education Program tour the VAB a workshop and Mentors/ Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands. Colleagues appreciation lun- Pam Biegert, Education cheon, July 9 at the Cocoa Beach Programs and University Re- Holiday Inn. Three speakers will search Division chief, welcomed give advice on how to success- the group and then introduced an fully strive for success. Visitor Complex offers summer deal Through an arrangement with Delaware North Park Services, all Employees of the Month KSC employees will get free admission to the Visitor Complex by July Employees of the Month, front row from left: Dorothy showing their badge at the ticket booth. This offer includes all Davis, Spaceport Engineering & Technology; Jennifer exhibits, IMAX films and the LC39 and Apollo/Saturn V bus tour. Wahlberg, ISS/Payloads Processing; Stacie Grega, Also included is admission to the Astronaut Hall of Fame, which Workforce & Diversity Management. Back row from left: is now part of the KSC Maximum Access visitor experience. Addi- Nathan Wood, ELV & Payload Carriers Program; John tionally, up to four accompanying guests are entitled to 50 percent Peters, Shuttle Processing; and Kim Myrick, Spaceport off the Maximum Access Pass, a savings of $66 for a group of four Services. adults. The program lasts through Labor Day and is a great chance to (See GLENN, Page 4) show your family how you are proud to be part of the KSC team. Page 4 SPACEPORT NEWS July 11, 2003 NASCAR group visits KSC

Clockwise: Above, Winston Cup drivers (from left) Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman and Dale Jarrett visited the SSPF during a tour of KSC July 2. Top right, Newman enters the Shuttle Endeavour. Jarrett (left) and Johnson sit behind the controls of Endeavour.

EVENTSÖ reached at 476-4000. guests are entitled to 50 percent and student programs and a (Continued from page 1) Contractor employees should off the Maximum Access Pass. panel session on different to any work area requiring a contact their public affairs office This offer includes all exhibits, engineering disciplines will be controlled access badge. Person- or human resources office to IMAX films and the LC-39 and featured. Members of the nel working in these areas, which obtain badges and determine the Apollo Saturn V bus tour. Exploration Station staff plan include the Vertical Assembly level of participation available to Also included is admission to two science demonstrations. Building, Oribiter Processing them, as not all contractors are their newest attraction, the For children of NASA Facility, Launch Control Center, participating. Astronaut Hall of Fame. For employees, a short program is Columbia Reconstruction Among special events those that just want to visit the planned at the IMAX 2 Theater at Hangar, Operations and Check- planned for the day: Astronaut Hall of Fame, a special the KSC Visitor Complex at 8 out Building, and Space Station From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the price ticket of $5 per person will a.m. If there are any individuals Processing Facility, may arrange KSC Headquarters Building, be available for this day and can who require a sign language for another person to take their fingerprinting will be available be purchased at the facility. interpreter, please contact child to an approved area. in the Lobby and KSC Security Children will really enjoy this Debbie Houston at 867-6923 no The Federal Women’s will have several displays at the new attraction with several later than July 15. Program Working group mem- SW Corner of the parking lot. hands-on activities and simula- For all activities at the Visitor bers will issue badges to children Displays will include Emergency tors. Astronaut Hall of Fame is Complex, participants should of NASA employees July 21, 22, Response Vehicles, SWAT, and located on SR 405 approximately remember to arrive early to go and 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in K-9. five miles west of the Visitor through the security checks. the KSC Headquarters Building Parents and children can take Complex. Sharp objects, large backpacks and Operations Support Building advantage of the KSC Visitor A new Education and Career and coolers are not allowed. Lobbies. Peggy Parrish will issue Complex Summer Special. By Fair is planned from 1:00 p.m. to On CCAFS, the Air Force badges to NASA employees at showing their badge at the ticket 3:30 p.m. at the Debus Confer- Space Museum, Lighthouse, and CCAFS on the same dates and booth, employees will have free ence Facility at the Visitor cafeteria will be open. Please times. Parrish is located at the admission to the Visitor Complex Complex. There will be several note, this is subject to change in Hangar I Annex and she can be and up to four accompanying booths and exhibits on careers the event of a launch operation. July 11, 2003 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 5 Fleet of 'American fuel' vehicles used at KSC A growing number of Govern- toxic, lighter than air and carried At only 20 percent concentra- tant to remember: Utilizing ment Services Administration in very strong fuel tanks. tion, it significantly reduces American fuels is not about fleet vehicles at KSC are Alterna- Ethanol and biodiesel are emissions, smoke and even odor. saving money, it is about reduc- tive Fuel Vehicles (AFV), but it is considered “renewable” because B20 is currently available at ing our nation’s dependence on up to you to utilize these vehicles they are made from biomass the Citgo station behind the imported petroleum and reducing and to operate them on an (plants). Ethanol is an alcohol Headquarters building, so pollution. ‘American fuel,’ including made primarily from corn. It is capitalize on its benefits for your If you have any question or natural gas, ethanol and sold as E85 which is a blend of personal diesel vehicle as well. concern using Natural gas, E85 biodiesel. With an annual petro- 85 percent ethanol and 15 The construction you may have or B20 please call NASA Trans- leum consumption of nearly 1 percent gasoline. noticed at the Citgo station is to portation at 867-3420, or GSA at million gallons, KSC can displace This makes up at least 85 add a fueling island specifically 867-4906 for assistance. a significant amount of imported percent of the fuel domestically for E85. Natural gas is currently Honda’s natural gas Civic GX fuel and at the same time reduce produced, and since the corn available at M6-689, the old GSA has the lowest emissions of any pollutant emissions. actually absorbs CO2 during motor pool. production vehicle on Earth. Over half of the gasoline and growth, it has excellent green- Pricewise, natural gas is KSC just added five of the diesel we burn in our vehicles house gas reduction compared cheaper than gasoline, while E85 Hondas to the fleet of approxi- comes from overseas. AFVs to gasoline. E85 has an octane and B20 cost more. It is impor- mately 100 natural gas vehicles. operate on domestically pro- rating of 100, emits approxi- duced fuels and have lower mately 20 percent less pollutants emissions than gasoline and but provides 5-15 percent fewer diesel. miles per gallon than gasoline. Natural gas, which is mainly There about 300 E85 ve- methane, has the lowest emis- hicles at KSC and can be sions of any current fuel. Cur- identified by an “ethanol fuel” rently there are about 100 natural sticker on the inside of the gas gas vehicles at KSC. Some are cap door. dedicated, meaning they only Biodiesel is made from operate on natural gas, but most vegetable oil, typically soybean. are bi-fuel, meaning that they can Its use in diesel fueled vehicles operate on either gasoline or is growing rapidly because it natural gas. improves the cetane rating and You have the choice to use the lubricity over conventional natural gas rather than the diesel. Most commonly gasoline in these bi-fuel vehicles. biodiesel is sold as a 20 percent Natural gas has an octane rating blend with petroleum diesel, of 120, emits approximately 80 called B20, because at that Hondaís natural gas Civic GX has the lowest emissions of any production percent less pollutants, is concentration it is a “drop-in vehicle on Earth. KSC recently added these five to the fleet of cheaper, and in many ways safer, replacement” for any diesel approximately 100 natural gas vehicles. Natural gas is currently available at M6-689, the old GSA motor pool. than gasoline. Natural gas is non- vehicle.

July Health Education New flags in VAB pay tribute to military Program Offered Two United Space Alliance (USA) fixed crane technicians, Exercise has something for Brent Worlow and Bill Taylor, everyone. Physical activity came up with the idea of install- can bring us better health, a ing the Armed Forces flags to pay longer life, a trimmer appear- tribute to the members of the ance, a brighter outlook on NASA and contractor families life and much more. who have served, or are currently The benefits of life-long serving, in the Armed Forces. activity make an impressive The two employees purchased list, which is growing longer the flags with their own money as new discoveries are made. and requested permission to Discover what exercise can do install them in the VAB Transfer for you physically, mentally, Aisle. Permission was obtained emotionally, psychologically from NASA, and a NASA flag and socially. protocol officer was consulted on Packets will be available the proper order of the flag at all medical facilities in July display. The flags were framed by and upon request to Carol the Launch Equipment Shop and New U.S. military flags on display in the VAB, from left, include branches of Roth, 867-3414, or e-mail installed by the USA Mobile the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Prisoners Of War- Roth-1, Carol. Missing In Action Cranes Shop. July 11, 2003 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 6 Shuttle engineer mentors winning team The Merritt Island Merrymakers, four sixth-grade girls from Tropical Elementary, swept the top three prizes in the Great Toy The Merritt Island Challenge held June 21 in Northhampton, Mass. The group’s “Wet Merrymakers won Your Pants” game won best in their category (Get Out and Play first place at the Great Toy outdoor games and toys), as well as the Challenge Choice Award Challenge, a which was decided by balloting from all the children attending the national engineering event. and science fair. Troy Heron, an orbiter logistics engineer in the Shuttle Processing The group received Directorate, mentored the group to prepare for event (see June 13 ribbons from Spaceport News). The toy and game-design competition was created Astronaut Hall of by the Sally Ride Science Club and Smith College to encourage Fame member Sally students’ interest in engineering and science. Ride and include, The girls also won the grand prize, a week at Space Camp in from left, Megan Heron, Natalie Huntsville, Ala. Heron found the mentoring experience very reward- Edinger, Sara Jones ing and would recommend it to everybody. and Jamie Dodich. “This was an outstanding result of the hard work that the young ladies have put in since last October,” said Heron. “The team and our toy were featured on ABC’s Good Morning America recently in a “It was inspiring to see how team work, the design process, segment. They set our toy up on the sidewalk outside the studios in these girls and boys embraced the mechanics of developing a New York and actually played it.” the challenge to engineer an prototype and, most importantly, The three top TOYchallenge designs were selected from 243 original toy,” said Sally Ride. the fact that science and engi- entries submitted by teams of children in grades five through eight. “The lessons they’ve learned neering are just plain fun, are The toys and games were evaluated on originality, creativity, engi- over the course of TOY Chal- invaluable to their academic and neering elegance, feasibility, communication and team participation. lenge, especially those regarding professional futures.” Five schools in KSC district chosen for Explorer program NASA’s new education Centers during the summer. make learning science, math- students entering related careers. initiative, the NASA Explorer Among the 50 Explorer ematics and technology more The nation’s continued leader- Schools Program, was launched School Teams selected from 30 appealing to students. The ship in science and technology June 30 during the National states, five schools were from program is directed specifically depends on the efforts of NASA Educational Computing Confer- Kennedy Space Center’s district at students in grades five and others,” she said. ence (NECC 2003) in Seattle. Dr. that includes Florida and Geor- through eight. The new initiative is spon- Adena Williams Loston, NASA gia. The schools are Carol City “At NASA, we feel compelled sored by the NASA Education associate administrator for Elementary School, Opa Locka, to act, to implement proactive Enterprise in collaboration with education, and astronaut Don Fla.; Stewart Magnet Middle and innovative approaches, such the National Science Teachers Pettit formally announced the School, Tampa; Oscar Patterson as the NASA Explorer Schools Association (NSTA). It estab- first 50 competitively selected Elementary School, Panama City, Program, to help stem the decline lishes a three-year partnership NASA Explorer Schools. Fla.; Howard W. Bishop, in the number of young people between NASA and 50 NASA Nearly 1,000 educators, Gainesville, Fla.; and Bunche pursuing study of science, Explorer Schools teams, consist- policy makers and educational Middle School, Atlanta, Ga. technology, engineering and ing of teachers and education technology industry representa- During the commitment math disciplines,” said Loston, administrators from diverse tives, including education period, NASA KSC will invite who visited KSC in June. communities across the country. representatives from Kennedy teachers from the selected “If we can help in ways For a list of NASA’s first 50 Space Center, were present at the schools to the space center to unique to NASA’s mission, to Explorer Schools or information conference. The innovative acquire new teaching resources hold students’ interest in match about NASA’s Explorer Schools program will send the nation’s and technology tools, using and science through the middle Program, visit the program’s web science and mathematics teach- NASA’s unique content, experts school years, we would antici- site: http:// ers “back to school” at NASA and other resources, to help pate a marked increase in explorerschools.nasa.gov. NASA program selects research and education projects The NASA-sponsored Florida Space Grant Consortium (FSGC) at cation,” said Florida Lt. Governor Toni Jennings. “By leveraging the University of Central Florida and the Florida Space Research state and NASA funding, the grant program supports our mutual Institute (FSRI) have selected 18 space research and education interests in space technology development.” projects to receive over $357,000 in grant awards. The grants com- The approved projects will involve seven different universities, bine federal and state funds for projects that support the expansion of including Florida Institute of Technology, University of Central Florida’s space industry in areas including spaceport technology, Florida and University of Florida, among others. NASA and multiple space-based research and payload development, and space education companies will also be involved in the grant projects. and training. The projects cover a variety of topics, including thermal protec- “Strategic investments like these will improve Florida’s research tion for reusable launch vehicles, a Mars aerial reconnaissance and education capabilities while promoting space industry diversifi- vehicle and early education for space science. July 11, 2003 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 7 One NASA brings benefits to agencyís astrobionics program Biological and medical team is developing advanced technologies across NASA are technologies to monitor astro- stronger now, thanks to a NASA- naut health during space flight wide teaming effort called and ground tests. The monitoring ‘astrobionics.’ The program program is called the Smart develops new technology and Healthcare Management System. hardware for space - and ground- One of its systems, Lifeguard, based research, as well as measures human vital signs. It providing the latest information was recently delivered to about its work across the agency. Johnson Space Center for use Astrobionics functions as an during human tests in an under- integrated program/project team water laboratory off the Florida providing a NASA-wide technol- coast. ogy capability in support of The astrobionics group also is NASA’s Office of Biological and developing advanced, shoebox- Physical Research. The NASA sized biological payloads for use team brings people together to John Hines, manager of the astrobionics group at NASAís Ames Research in small autonomous satellites collaborate not only within Center, helped create project teams to identify common technology needs that are part of the Fundamental NASA, but it also links NASA across multiple programs and across multiple NASA centers. He believes the Space Biology Program. Scien- people with peers in other One NASA effort facilitates teaming while breaking down historical barriers. tists intend to use these payloads government agencies, academia Kennedy Space Center. ing cost sharing and other for genetics studies of the effects and industry. “A primary example of the benefits. of microgravity and space Astrobionics assists such key OneNASA concept within Recently, astrobionics began radiation on biological speci- NASA programs as fundamental astrobionics is the Biomolecular a new project, the Technology mens such as yeast, various cells space biology, bioastronautics, Systems Research Program Integration Agent (TIA). TIA and nematodes. astrobiology and biomolecular (BSRP),” said Hines, who also is helps researchers and managers “The interesting thing about systems research. BSRP program manager. “BSRP to define requirements, assess these biological payloads is that “Particularly in biological is the agency’s lead for research potentially useful technologies you have to do all your analysis technologies, there are a lot of into molecular and nano-scale and integrate them into ongoing in space, and transmit data back commonalities that cross many biological technologies and and future projects. It has a to Earth because no samples will disciplines at many NASA represents the NASA element of database of its assessments for be returned,” said Hines. centers,” said John Hines, a collaboration between NASA participating users. To foster collaborations manager of the astrobionics and the National Cancer Insti- TIA includes a team of outside of NASA, the group at NASA’s Ames Research tute. The program manager is at scientists and technologists who astrobionics program uses a Center. “Because many groups Ames. The deputy, Darrell Jan, is find new technologies and know- number of tools and procedures and areas can use the same at JPL, and the enterprise how and decide if these could be to carry out partnerships. To technologies, and there are not scientist is at Headquarters. useful in ongoing or future space formalize cooperation with other enough resources to conduct all BSRP hopes to expand to support efforts. government agencies, program these activities, this ‘OneNASA’ research at Johnson, Marshall Astrobionics may build new participants use memoranda of effort facilitates teaming and and Glenn, in addition to Ames hardware that scientists can use understanding and agreements. leveraging while breaking down and JPL. Products resulting from to conduct research during To work with industry, the historical barriers that blocked the BSRP can be used in a variety space flight. This hardware program utilizes Space Act collaboration among centers. of biological and medical should be reliable, safe, auto- agreements and other kinds of “We’ve created project teams applications.” mated and tailored to dovetail agreements and contracts. To to identify common technology To develop a particular with the unique environments work with academia, the needs across multiple programs technology, astrobionics works onboard spacecraft. astrobionics team makes coop- and across multiple NASA either entirely within NASA or The effort could include a erative agreements, grants and centers,” said Hines. “The scope with external partners. After development cycle that starts at a contracts. of the program includes project researchers have decided that a requirements definition and goes More information about the management, technology and potential technology has merit, step-by-step to final certifica- astrobionics program is on its product definition, technology astrobionics may develop tion, documentation and testing. web site at: http:// development and application.” working prototypes for testing. For example, the astrobionics www.astrobionics.arc.nasa.gov. The program presently Successful technologies then includes participants at Ames, can be transitioned to flight and KENNEDYÖ (Continued from page 1) Johnson Space Center, Houston; other applications hardware called to active duty in the U.S. the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, developers for final implementa- Marshall’s Leadership Award, Air Force, he earned his master’s Pasadena, Calif. (JPL); and tion. By its very nature, the NASA’s Silver Snoopy Award, a degree in business administra- NASA Headquarters, Washing- astrobionics sequence of steps Distinguished Service Medal and tion from Georgia Southern ton. In addition, discussions creates liaisons between pro- a Meritorious Rank Award. He University in 1977. recently began about the future grams and projects and supports also has received a Group Kennedy has received use of the astrobionics effort at the OneNASA concept. The Achievement Award and several numerous awards during his Marshall Space Flight Center, collaborations that result can be Special Service and Performance NASA career, including Glenn Research Center and helpful to all parties by provid- Awards. Page 8 SPACEPORT NEWS July 11, 2003 Twin Mars Exploration Rover lifts off NASA launched its second Mars. Flight controllers at Meridiani Planum on Jan. 25, Mars Exploration Rover, Oppor- NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labora- 2004, three weeks after Spirit tunity, on July 7 aboard a Delta tory received a signal from lands in a giant crater about II launch vehicle. Opportunity’s Opportunity at 12:43 a.m. halfway around the planet. Both dash to Mars began with liftoff at Tuesday EDT. rovers will examine rocks and 11:18 p.m. EDT from Cape As of early Tuesday, July 8, soil for clues about whether past Canaveral Air Force Station. Opportunity’s twin, Spirit, has environments at their landing The spacecraft separated traveled 48 million miles since sites may have been hospitable successfully from the Delta’s its launch on June 10 and is to life. third stage 83 minutes later, after operating in good health. Visit http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/ it had been boosted out of Earth Opportunity is scheduled to mer for information about the orbit and onto a course toward arrive at a site on Mars called mission. Opportunity liftoff aboard a Delta II. 30 years ago: Explorer 49 used to measure solar radio noise NASA launched the Explorer the spacecraft body at its center. 49 satellite on June 10, 1973, Other fixtures included a two- from KSC using a three-stage element, 120-foot long dipole Remembering Our Heritage Delta with nine solid motors on antenna and a 675-foot boron the first stage. libration damper boom. The second of two approved The communication system Radio Astronomy Explorer included three transmitters and (RAE) missions, the satellite tape recorders. All these features measured galactic and solar contributed to Explorer 49 radio noise at frequencies where weighing 723 pounds at launch. ionization caused by solar On June 20, the dipole radiation affect the transmission antenna was extended by ground of radio waves, using the moon control and the experiment for focusing or aperture blocking turned on. After a two-week for increased resolution. calibration, the dipole was Scientists planned to use the retracted and the orbit adjusted satellite’s occulations to pinpoint as needed. the source of signals more The two main “V” antennas, precisely as they appeared and joined in an “X” shape, were disappeared on the moon’s then deployed to 600 feet. After horizon during each orbit. another week, the V antennas The main structure was a 36- were deployed to their full length inch cylinder with four fixed to achieve the mission’s gravity- solar panels providing 38 watts gradient, three-axis stabilization of power to a nickel-cadmium mode. battery with a capacity of six The spacecraft was the first to hours. Its most prominent feature use boron filament for the was its four 750-foot booms inertial booms that helped which deployed in space to form stabilize it during the lunar The Explorer 49 satellite launched on June 10, 1973, from KSC using a a giant “X” radio antenna with trajectory. three-stage Delta with nine solid motors on the first stage.

Three Toastmaster Clubs offered at KSC John F. Kennedy Space Center Kennedy Space Center hosts and evaluation techniques. three Toastmasters clubs, KSC Toastmasters meet Spaceport News including KSC Toastmasters, weekly in HQ 2201 at 11:30 for Alpha Toastmasters and LC-39 one hour. Meetings usually Toastmasters. The clubs provide feature one or two prepared five formal training to NASA and to seven-minute speeches with Spaceport News is an official publication of the Kennedy Space Center and is published on alternate Fridays by External Relations and Business contractor employees, leading to formal two to three-minute Development in the interest of KSC civil service and contractor employees. improved speaking and leader- evaluations, and several one to Contributions are welcome and should be submitted two weeks before ship skills that are applied both two minute impromptu speeches publication to the Media Services Branch, XAE-1. E-mail submissions can be in the workplace and the commu- called “Table Topics.” sent to [email protected] nity. KSC Toastmasters are rated Managing editor...... Bruce Buckingham Toastmasters meetings ‘President’s Distinguished’ by Editor...... Jeff Stuckey include practice in prepared and Toastmasters International for Editorial support provided by InDyne Inc. Writers Group. impromptu speaking, friendly, the fourth straight year. This is NASA at KSC is located on the Internet at http://www.ksc.nasa.gov constructive speech evaluations, the highest honor a club can and formal training in speaking obtain. USGPO: 733-133/600035