SPACE CENTER

September 24, 1999 Roundup VOL. 38, NO. 18 L YNDON B. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS Astronaut Candidate Class of 2000 to be named

he tension is mounting as the JSC Teresa Gomez, NASA assistant man- of 22 people reviewed applications during responsibility for the coordination of Astronaut Selection Office enters the ager in the Astronaut Selection Office, July and August to determine highly qual- shuttle operations in the areas of crew T homestretch in naming the NASA reviewed this year’s batch of applications ified applicants. A total of 388 were activity planning, consumables usage, Astronaut Candidate Class of 2000. to ensure that the candidates met basic deemed to be from such individuals. experiment and payload operations, and This process takes place every other qualifications. A total of 2,644 applicants Upon completing this task, the panel is space station assembly and operations. year. This year 3,014 applications were qualified. “Once we determine that the disbanded and the center director Mission specialist and pilot astronaut received by the July 1 deadline. applicant meets the basic qualifications, appoints the Astronaut Candidate Selec- candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree “Our plan is to select candidates every then the information on the application is tion Board made up of astronauts and from an accredited institution in engineer- two years in the odd numbered years,” entered into a database,” said Gomez. The members of NASA management. In addi- ing, biological science, physical science, said Duane Ross, NASA manager, Astro- database is essential in managing the tion, at this point in the process, the or mathematics. Mission specialist candi- naut Selection Office. “We establish a enormous amount of information that the Astronaut Selection Office gathers infor- dates must possess at least three years of deadline for applications near the first of office receives. mation from references listed on applica- related, progressively responsible, July. At that time we consider all of the At this point in the process, the JSC tions from the highly qualified individu- professional experience. Pilot astronaut applications that we have received. We director establishes the Astronaut Candi- als. Additional medical information is candidates must have at least 1,000 hours continue to accept applications after that date Selection Rating Panel comprised also gathered as necessary. pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. date, but they will be considered for the primarily of current astronauts who have The Astronaut Candidate Selection Mission specialist applicants must be able next selection.” space flight experience. This year’s panel Board reviewed applications from highly to pass a NASA Class II space physical. qualified applicants during the past two Pilot candidates must be able to pass a months to select candidates to be inter- NASA Class I space physical. viewed. The group of 388 highly qualified Mission specialist candidates must be individuals will be narrowed down to 120 between 58. 5 and 76 inches in height, applicants who will be brought to JSC for while pilot astronaut candidates must be interviews with the selection board. between 64 and 76 inches. There is no Narrowing the list from those applicants age limit. The average age of selected judged to be highly qualified to those who applicants is 35. will be interviewed is a difficult task. Selected applicants are designated “The key qualification we look for astronaut candidates and assigned to the is how related and how applicable a Astronaut Office at JSC. The astronaut person’s experience is to the kind of job candidates undergo a one- to two-year that astronauts do,” said Ross. “If the appli- training and evaluation period during cation and the references indicate that the which time they participate in a basic candidate is a team player and is adaptable astronaut training program designed to to different kinds of situations and environ- develop the knowledge and skills required ments, that information is as important as a for formal mission training upon selection person’s educational background.” for a flight. Pilot astronaut candidates The key is to have a background in maintain proficiency in NASA aircraft all areas. Academic achievement, during their candidate period. participation in athletics, volunteer work NASA accepts astronaut candidate in the community–all of these factors applications on a continuous basis and are considered. plans to make selections every two years Weeklong interviews and medical as needed. Military applicants must apply examinations will be conducted with through their respective military service. groups of 20 applicants. The Astronaut JSC has an agreement with the services Selection Office anticipates that all that active duty personnel will not be 120 interviews will be completed by the considered unless they have been end of January. nominated. Interviews indicate what the candidate is like as a person. “We’re selecting Application forms and other informa- people who will fly with each other and tion are available through the World Wide live together on orbit for long periods Web at the following address: of time,” said Ross. “They have to be http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/ah/jscjobs team players who can get along with /aso/ascan.htm others very well.” The next astronaut candidate class will Completed applications must be mailed be announced in March or April 2000. to NASA, Johnson Space Center, Astronaut The astronaut candidates will report for Selection Office, Mail Code AHX, 2101 duty to JSC next summer. NASA Road 1, Houston, TX 77058. Pilot astronauts serve as both space shuttle commanders and pilots, while For more information, contact

JSC Photo S99E11915 by Robert Markowitz mission specialists, working with the the Astronaut Selection Office at Teresa Gomez and Duane Ross have managed the astronaut candidate selection commander and pilot, have overall 281-483-5907. process since 1984.

Interim Control Nutritionists Open House Module nears examine role of photo contest completion. diet in space. winners.

Page 2 Page 4 Page 7 2 September 24, 1999 SPACE CENTER Roundup Station ICM team completes first milestone

By Nicole Cloutier system and “talked” to the ICM. Teams reconfigured for launch on a Titan both of the ISS Motion Control Systems from MOD, NRL, Goddard Space Flight launch vehicle and renamed the Titan Group, have been resident at NRL in Center, and White Sands Complex all Launch Dispenser. Some of its charac- Washington, D.C. for the past few months light controllers for the Interim participated in the week long test to try out teristics have been changed due to as the ICM flight controller representatives Control Module, in conjunction with the independent command system. NASA’s human space program. For for MOD. F Electronic Systems Test Laboratory “The command system used by the instance, to adapt to ISS’s changing cen- “It’s been a real education for me per- and Naval Research Laboratory engi- ICM in the MCC is completely indepen- ter of gravity and mass, the ICM uses a sonally, and for our team,” notes neers, recently completed successful test- dent of the existing command system three-axis stabilization system versus the Metrocavage, also ICM propulsion lead. ing of MCC-Houston’s ICM commanding used by the ISS or shuttle,” said Bryan spin-stabilization designed in the earlier “By being up at NRL, it’s given us the capability. ICM is a contingency propul- Lunney, group lead of ISS Motion Con- version. Because of that, the team also opportunity to have some good ‘hands-on’ sion module for the ISS that’s being trol Systems. “In fact many things about needed to incorporate propellant manage- experience with how the hardware oper- designed and built by the NRL in the ICM are quite unique.” ment devices for the tanks. And to meet ates. I’m really looking forward to this Washington, D.C. The ICM will provide The ICM is actually a modified the human space program redundancy fall when the ICM subsystem functional- attitude control and reboost capabilities version of the Shuttle Launch Dispenser, requirements, a new command and ity testing is in full swing.” for the International Space Station. a shuttle-deployed propulsion system control architecture was developed “Typically, you’re pretty well divorced “This was the first integrated test for originally designed by engineers at the and incorporated. from the engineers who build the systems,” the ICM communication system and a lot NRL for the National Reconnaissance “Within MCC the biggest difference said Smith of the current arrangement. was accom- Office. In the late 80s, the SLD was is the ICM’s dedicated front end proces- “But on this project we actually sit with plished,” said sor and command system,” said Eric the NRL engineers in the lab, in their Brian T. Gallagher, ICM flight controller for the meetings with them while they discuss Smith, ICM Command Telemetry and Data Handling problems, ideas or ways to make the flight con- system. “Additionally, unique MCC ICM safer and that is where we get a lot troller and hardware and software tools have been of our knowledge.” MOD lead for acquired to support ICM’s capability to Likewise, it’s rare that the engineers the test. “It process stored command sequences.” who design systems actually play a part was a very Another difference with the ICM is in the product’s actual manufacture, but well orches- that controllers need to be knowledgeable at the NRL, you’ll find the JSC design trated test.” with all of the subsystems, not specialized engineers are helping to build the ICM Although for one subsystem exclusively as with the at the site. the team com- station program. Lee Graham, the NASA deputy pleted a bat- “The cross training is fairly unique in the project manager resident at NRL, has tery of smaller flight control world,” added Smith. “An seen the daily efforts of the working tests with both ICM controller will have the opportunity to relationship between NASA and NRL. NRL and the learn many subsystems and fly them all at “Both sides of this partnership have a ESTL in the the same time. It’s a challenge, but it’s also very strong drive for mission success and months before what attracted each person to come work both sides have developed a solid respect to prepare for on the ICM.” for the other. A lot of people, and the test, this JSC has a core team of 10 flight con- especially the MOD folks working the was the first trollers working on ICM, but that number ICM, have had a direct and significant time con- is expected to grow by the end of the contribution to this. An added benefit of trollers tied in year. ICM could fly as early as 2A.3 and the NASA and NRL partnership, as many MCC with the to meet that timeline, members from people have already said, is that you get tracking and JSC’s ICM flight controller team rotate to to see and work the whole gamut here data relay the NRL for two-week tours of duty. from design, to build, to integration, to satellite Kevin Metrocavage and Kristin Geeza, test and, finally, to operation. Nothing can match being right there with the flight A Naval Research Lab engineer inspects vehicle as it progresses towards flight.” the Interim Control Module, a contingency The ICM team is now concentrating propulsion component for the ISS. their efforts towards its first vehicle level end-to-end test scheduled for December 1999. Following the end-to-end test, the ICM will be shipped to the Kennedy Space Center in early 2000 where it will undergo additional testing and integration. The ICM is currently scheduled for launch no earlier than August 2000 pending the availability of the Russian Service Module. ■

The Interim Control Module provides a unique project for JSC engineers partnering with the Naval Research Laboratory. Shown here are JSC team members standing, from the left, Mike Hamilton, Randy Hubbard, Sheik Alli, Kevin Metrocavage, Mike Lammers, Rob Alexander, and John Bendle. Seated from the left are Brian Smith, Eric Gallagher, Stan Siemienski, and David Randall.

Not shown are Mark Jenkins, Kristin Geeza, Bruce Powers, Adam Dershowitz, Stein Cantrell-Avlos, Bretty Maryott, Robert Frost, and Molly Meyer. JSC Photo S99-10462 by James Blair

AVOIDING STRESS Automation, Robotics Chill & Simulation Division Managers, from left, Henry Kaupp, Charley out Price, Charles Gott and Andre Sylvester dress up like Bill Chill at work to avoid stress. SPACE CENTER Roundup September 24, 1999 3 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS JSC engineers help community business Local Embry-Riddle site announces TOP matches business problem with space technology graduates, expands program local aviation seat belt manufacturer and quality control director for ABI. “But is the latest company to take advan- we don’t necessarily know testing equip- chool is out for three NASA operations, management, safety, and A tage of the acclaimed Technology ment. We were running into dead ends employees who graduated from human factors. Other degree programs Outreach Program sponsored by NASA trying to find solutions readily available on S Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univer- include bachelor’s of science in manage- and the Clear Lake Area Economic the market.” sity this month. Nina Duncan, a quality ment of technical operations, and master’s Development Foundation. After one call to Cathy Kramer, TOP specialist, received a bachelor’s degree in of science in technical management, which In a ceremony in August, TOP executive director, Ballard said he had a professional aeronautics and Mike Engle, is designed for entry and mid-level man- organizers unveiled their newest success response in less than 24 hours. Within operations data file manager, and Danny agers in a technical environment. story, Aircraft Belts Inc., and explained two weeks, Ballard had met with JSC Ewing, MOD aerospace engineer, each “The response to ERAU programs has how the acclaimed program helped this engineers and the process began. received master’s of aeronautical science been overwhelming,” said Powers. “Stu- small Kemah business champion a large “By sharing our engineering test pro- degrees. The three are the first to gradu- dents and employers see the results of what technical hurdle. cedures, which emphasize safety, quality ate from the center, which opened during was taught in class in the evening being “TOP is unique,” said Jim Reinhartsen, control and accurate measurements, we the summer of 1997. used in the workplace the next day.” president of CLAEDF. “We want compa- showed ABI how we do business here “It is very rewarding to have our first The ERAU Houston Center has nies, like ABI, to understand that NASA is and how that leads to a quality product,” class of graduates,” said Larry Powers, nearly 200 students in the program, 30 here to help them and we have a real desire said Rodney Rocha, manager for the who relocated from New Mexico to direct percent of which are working on graduate and mission to help them.” JSC’s Structural Test Lab in Bldg. 13. the Houston center. “Embry-Riddle level coursework. As a result of increasingly stringent JSC’s Joe Riccio, Juan Padron and always takes pride in assisting students to FAA regulations and customer require- Rocha all were part of the team to help the realize their academic goals.” Registration for the next term is ments, ABI was in need of updated testing company. They examined the ABI testing The Houston center also has added a September 27. Classes begin October 18. and verification equipment and new specialization in space studies to its For more information about ERAU’s equipment for its then brought master’s of aeronautical science program Houston Center, visit their Web site at aviation restraints ABI on site to which already includes specializations in http://ec.db.erau.edu/cce/centers/houston and harnesses. show them Specifically, the NASA’s testing company sought facilities, includ- testing equipment ing equipment that could help used for testing them verify the the lines on the forces on differ- X-38 parafoil. ent components “ABI needed of the belt assem- a miniature ver- bly. However, sion of one of the there was no test setups we commercially have in the JSC available equip- Structural Test ment to fit their Lab where com- needs. The alter- ponents may be native was to subjected to design test equip- forces ranging ment themselves. from a few “We know Aircraft Belts Inc., a local company with nearly 30 pounds to employees, is the latest company to tap TOP for seat belts,” said free technical assistance. Through the TOP hundreds of Norman Ballard, partnership, three JSC engineers helped ABI Please see JSC Photo S99-09475 by Robert Markowitz vice president develop new testing methods and hardware for Business, page 6 its seat restraints and harnesses. JSC employees, from left, Mike Engle, Nina Duncan, and Danny Ewing are the first graduates of Embry-Riddle’s Houston Center. ‘Lost in Space’ star tours JSC Astronaut Collins receives Comets’ jersey

JSC Photo S99-10637 by James Blair LOCKHART VISITS JSC –Actress June Lockhart, foreground, who played the role of the mother in TV’s “Lost in Space” series, and her granddaughter, Christianna Triolo, JSC Photo S99-10968 by James Blair AN HONORARY COMET –Leslie L. Alexander, president, Houston visited JSC late last month where they toured the Mission Control Center and the Sonny Comets, presents a team jersey to Col. Eileen Collins, commander of Carter Training Facility. Craig Schafer, background, manager, Microgravity Science, STS-93, at halftime during the team’s championship playoff game shows the visitors the International Space Station Trainers in Bldg. 9B. September 4 at the Compaq Center. 4 September 24, 1999 SPACE CENTER Roundup

into space and decreasing the Preparing for extended amount of waste produced are important concerns. Of course palatability is of key importance.” space flight: nutrition and Nutrients studied in space flight include water, sodium, potassium, the human body calories, protein, calcium, and iron. Water is extremely important to maintain hydration and is essen- tial to prevent the space flight medical problem of kidney stone s lengthy stays space flight, despite the fact that to improve food for long-duration formation. Astronauts frequently aboard the Interna- pre-flight and in-flight energy space missions and to enhance the do not drink enough. They need at tional Space Station requirements are the same. The packaging, preparation and storage A least eight cups of fluids from loom in the near balance between energy intake and of commercially produced food. drinks and food. Without future, and plans for energy expenditure regulates body JSC will sponsor the commer- adequate calories and protein, the potential missions to Mars begin to weight. In space flight, where cial space center. Commercial astronauts cannot maintain their unfold, the need for a better intake is often reduced and expen- partners in the center will provide muscle strength and actually lose understanding of nutritional diture is unchanged or increased, additional resources in a collabo- muscle tissue. Obviously this is requirements for astronauts during there is a loss of body mass. This rative effort to develop the new important for good health and extended-duration space flight may have significant effects on technologies. performance during space flight becomes evident. medical and research studies, and Improvements in the shelf life and critical for space walks and Nutrition is key to maintaining also affect crew health. and safety of food for space flight returning to Earth. physiology on the ground, and it As space flight evolves from could lead to similar improve- Furthermore, calories, protein, is even more critical in flight. The short-duration space shuttle ments in commercially produced and calcium are essential for bone responsibility for overseeing this missions to extended habitation and packaged food available to the health. Water, sodium and critical area is that of the scientists aboard the ISS, NASA will be public. Partnerships with the pri- potassium are essential for cardio- in the JSC Nutritional Biochem- challenged to provide astronauts vate sector will be essential ele- vascular function. Research with istry Laboratory, whose charge is with more palatable and more ments of the Food Technology these nutrients has been completed to define nutritional requirements nutritious food. The development Commercial Space Center, in throughout the human space for space flight–that is, determine of advanced food technologies addition to the academic institu- program with recent work on how many calories and other is essential for successful long- tion’s own resources. STS-95 and the Shuttle-Mir nutrients a crewmember needs in duration missions. “A consortium of universities program. Further work will be a given day, and how these Toward that end, NASA recently and companies in the food pro- completed on upcoming shuttle requirements are altered in flight selected Iowa State University to cessing industry will work with flights and aboard the ISS. versus on the ground. head up research that could lead to NASA to ensure that the foods that Current issues of primary con- better food for astronauts and safer, are developed will be usable for Bone Loss cern to the researchers involve the more nutritious packaged foods both space and terrestrial pur- The ability to understand and astronauts’ dietary intake, bone for everyone. Iowa State will head poses,” said Dr. Dennis Olson, counteract weightlessness-induced loss, and iron absorption in space. the National Food Technology director of the center. “Diminishing bone loss remains a critical issue for Commercial Space Center, working the weight of foods to be carried •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Diet •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• astronaut health and safety during and after extended- duration “A problem that exploration missions. we’ve seen repeat- “Bone loss is one edly in flight is that of the more critical the crewmembers problems that we face do not eat as much in preparing crews for as we’d like them long-duration mis- to, and that’s our sions,” said Smith. first concern,” said “A number of other Dr. Scott M. changes occur during Smith, lead for the short-duration space JSC Nutritional flight, including Biochemistry vestibular and cardio- Laboratory. vascular changes, but Crewmembers those tend to be more typically eat a high acute and tend to be carbohydrate diet, more of immediate and proportions of impact during re-entry, macronutrients landing, and in the (i.e., protein, first days to weeks carbohydrate, and after the mission.” fat) generally meet Calcium is lost from standard recom- bones during space mendations. flight due to skeletal However, food and unloading and fluid intake insufficient levels of decrease during JSC Photo S99e10114 by Robert Markowitz vitamin D. Vitamin D Dr. Helen W. Lane demonstrates the conversion of rice grains to food products that will be used for advanced life support. These types of foods will be processed during the BIO-PLEX test bed being built by the Engineering Directorate in Bldg. 29. Also, illustrated is the upcoming NASA book that is an anthology of nutritional research during space flight from the early 1970s to the recent NASA-Mir missions. SPACE CENTER Roundup September 24, 1999 5 plays a critical role in calcium following the doses. Mathematical vitamin D, pharmaceutical agents, peroxidation, which could damage absorption and metabolism. Sun- modeling techniques will be used ultraviolet light treatment and the body’s DNA,” said Lane. light, specifically ultraviolet radia- to monitor the movement of resistive exercise. In a European Due to this concern, the amount tion, is essential for synthesis of calcium through the body Space Agency-sponsored study, of iron included in the astronauts’ vitamin D. Spacecraft are heavily compartments using software vitamin K supplementation diets has been lowered, but this may shielded to reduce crewmembers’ developed at the National reduced urinary calcium loss for prove to be unnecessary. An experi- exposure to the harmful types of Institutes of Health. Information one Mir crewmember. This may ment to be conducted aboard the radiation. Thus, the lack of ultravio- gained from these experiments have an impact on bone health space station will help determine let light during space flight may will be critical for monitoring and during weightlessness, but more whether or not iron storage is a decrease vitamin D pools in the counteracting the loss of bone data are clearly needed. problem for space travelers if it is body, which poses a concern over mineral during flight, and for Further study is also required to not absorbed into the bloodstream. lengthy missions. understanding Earth-based bone define the efficacy of vitamin D- Antioxidants (e.g., vitamins A, The absorption of calcium is diseases, such as osteoporosis. fortified diets, supplemental vita- C, and E) may provide a feasible decreased during space flight, In-flight determinations of min D and the use of in-flight countermeasure for crewmembers further compounding the problem; calcium kinetics have been col- ultraviolet light treatment. during long-duration space flight. thus bone loss in space is lected thus far from six people, Resistive exercise helps build This may help reduce risks associ- increased, while bone building is three from Mir 18 in 1995 and bone mass and a resistive exercise ated with high iron, as well as with decreased. The recommended three from the Phase 1C Mir device is planned for use aboard radiation exposure. Further daily amount of calcium is 1,000 missions in 1997-98. For the Mir the ISS. studies to determine the efficacy mg. Typically, the body absorbs 40 18 crewmembers, calcium absorp- of antioxidants will be conducted to 50 percent of the daily dosage tion during the last week of the Iron Absorption aboard the ISS. on the ground but only 20 to 25 115-day flight was substantially percent in space. lower than measurements noted “The problem with iron that we Conclusion “We need to be able to identify pre-flight. Furthermore, absorption see during space flight is the the mechanisms responsible for did not return to pre-flight levels opposite of what we see on the Researchers have only just bone loss and determine a means until three months after return to ground,” said Smith. “For people begun to scratch the surface of to counteract them for future Earth. Results also show that bone on the ground, iron deficiency is a understanding the impact of extended exploration missions to calcium is lost at rates of approxi- concern. In flight, from the data weightlessness on the human body. become a reality,” said Dr. Helen mately 250 mg per day during space that we have, it appears that there A more complete understanding Lane, NASA chief nutritionist. flight. This loss is due to lower is abundant iron available for will not only enable the exploration “We can’t go to Mars without first calcium intake, reduced fractional crewmembers. That’s a concern of our universe, but will provide developing a countermeasure for absorption, increased calcium because there are negative the information needed for the bone loss.” excretion, and increased bone consequences of getting too maintenance of human health and Understanding the regulation of resorption. Recovery continued for much iron.” treatment of diseases on Earth. ■ bone and calcium metabolism many months after flight at a rate Upon examining astronauts during space flight will be critical slower than the in-flight loss. If it is who have returned from space, For more information: for identifying and developing assumed that the rate of bone researchers have noted high JSC is publishing a book that methods for counteracting flight- mineral loss observed in flight is amounts of iron stored in contains the significant accomplish- induced bone loss. The ability to constant throughout the flight and the body. Despite this noted ments of nutrition in space flight. This monitor calcium movement in and that the rate of recovery is also increase, the amount of red blood book, Nutrition in Spaceflight and out of various storage pools constant, it will take about 2.5 cells is low. Thus the iron is not Weightlessness Models, edited by Helen W. Lane and Dale A. Schoeller throughout the body (blood, bone, times the mission length to recover serving to build red blood cells (University of Wisconsin), distributed etc.) would allow much more the lost bone. during flight; it is just stored. by CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, detailed and dynamic studies of Potential countermeasures for in- “We are concerned about iron will be an international distribution. how the regulatory systems are flight bone loss include vitamin K, storage because it can lead to •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• functioning over time. During experiments to be conducted during shuttle mission STS-107 and aboard the ISS, researchers will use state-of-the-art tracer techniques to measure calcium kinetic changes before, during and after flight. This method involves the use of two stable isotopes of calcium, one of which is administered orally and the other intravenously. The appearance and disappearance of these isotopes in biological samples (e.g., blood, urine, and saliva) will be documented over the days and weeks

JSC Photo S99-05484 by Robert Markowitz The JSC Nutritional Biochemistry Laboratory, from left, Diane DeKerlegand, Molly Whitley, Jeannie L. Nillen, Patti Gillman, Barbara L. Rice, Myra D. Smith, Scott M. Smith, Vernell Fesperman and Janis E. Davis-Street. 6 September 24, 1999 SPACE CENTER Roundup Ripped America Recycles Day set for November 15 from the “For Our Children’s Future...Buy Recycled Today” ROUNDUP he JSC Environmental Stewardship access it from the JSC internal home page effort by putting materials in their Ripped straight from the pages of old Space News Roundups, here’s Committee’s Recycling Work under News and Events. recycling bin or taking them to a drop-off what happened at JSC on this date: T Group is gearing up to celebrate The theme for America Recycles Day center. But many people don’t realize that America Recycles Day on November 15. 1999 is “For Our Children’s Future...Buy another important step to keep recycling To build awareness at JSC, the group is Recycled Today.” The theme is based on working is to “Buy Recycled” or “Close 1969 planning contests to get employees the goal of America Recycles the Loop” by purchasing products involved, while teaching them about Day, which is to increase made from recycled content reliminary examination of the recycling and buying recycled products at the purchase of RECYC materials. Purchasing A LE rock and dust samples the same time. recycled-content IC S recycled-content products P There are four chances to win. Once a products and R D helps maintain market brought back from the Moon E month until America Recycles Day recycling A demand for recyclables M last July has been conducted in the Y (September, October, and November), throughout A and ensures the Lunar Receiving Laboratory by a there will be a puzzle or other contest America so that • continuation and • group of university and government published or mailed out. The first 300 we conserve expansion of recycling people each month to submit a correct resources for programs everywhere. specialists who make up the Prelimi- solution will receive a prize. Names of future generations. If consumers purchase nary Examination Team. the winners for the three contests will be We want to make more products with One of the most exciting observations placed in a pool and a winner will be consumers aware of recycled content, randomly selected to win the grand prize. the importance of manufacturers will continue according to the PET “is the great NO Civil servants and on-site contractors “buying recycled” and to V. 15 to use it in their products and age of the igneous rocks from this working at JSC, Ellington Field, Sonny emphasize the message that expand the usage to lunar region.” Carter Training Facility and El Paso you’re not really recycling unless you buy even more products. The PET group also said that “the Forward Operating Location are eligible. recycled products. America Recycles Day Look for another article about America The puzzle for September is a word promoters challenge all Americans to Recycles Day and the next contest in an chemical composition of Tranquility search for items that can and cannot be make a pledge to increase their purchase October issue of the Roundup. If you Base fines and igneous rocks are included in our JSC white paper recycling of recycled content products. For more have any questions about recycling or unlike those of any known terrestrial bins. So, while you are solving the puzzle information about America Recycles buying recycled at JSC, contact ■ rock or meteorite.” take note of the do’s and don’ts of JSC Day visit their Web site at Jo Kines at x33218. paper recycling. You will receive a copy http://www.americarecyclesday.org/. of the puzzle via a JSC flyer or you can Most Americans help the recycling 1974 he JSC Solar Observatory has Volunteers needed for Continued from Page 3 ••••••••••••••• T closed and personnel from the NOAA who operated the obser- human-body Business vatory since it opened in 1970, have moved to Marshall Space Flight Cen- thousands of pounds depending on the hardware’s test require- ments.” said Riccio, manufacturing engineer. ter in Huntsville, Alabama. Built in measurement study The engineers provided design concepts for testing 1966 for the then Manned Spacecraft equipment as well as plans for an inexpensive, safety barrier Center, the solar observatory was first The Civilian American and European Surface Anthropometry Resource made of Lexan to protect testing staff. part of NASA’s Solar Particle Alert survey is the most comprehensive human-body measurement study under- “They put together a very good package of information, Network (SPAN), a support operation taken. This survey was conceived by the U.S. Air Force to assist NATO coun- which has led us down the road that we are traveling at this point,” said Ballard. ABI is now working to implement the tries in the design and manufacture of defense industry tools and is co-spon- for the Apollo program. The station is designs and plans to have the equipment completed in the one of seven around the world and sored by more than 20 commercial industry partners. CAESAR is an next two months. was operated by NASA and contrac- international study of body sizes and shapes of male and female volunteers “Our finished testing equipment will be a lot more tor personnel until the latter Apollo between the ages of 18 and 65. comprehensive than our original thoughts,” said Ballard. “Working with TOP and the engineers really opened up CAESAR anthropometric data collection will be conducted at JSC through missions in 1970 when NOAA took options we hadn’t even considered. And seeing the JSC over operation of SPAN. October 6. Data will be collected in Bldg. 266, Rooms 109, 110, and 111. testing facilities was an eye-opener as far as the range of Hours of operation are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. testing capabilities that existed.” 1989 This effort, conducted by a data collection team from Wright-Patterson Air Force ABI is the fifth client to complete the process since the TOP was founded less than one year ago. “We’ve already had Base, is hosted by the JSC Flight Projects Division. Data is being ennedy Space Center began several hundred [site] visits,” said Reinhartsen. “And we’ve collected from participating members of the astronaut corps, as well as from received more than 30 Requests for Technical Assistance.” BonnK battening down the hatches volunteers solicited from the civilian and contractor personnel at JSC. TOP services are designed to speed the transfer of space Monday for a potential strike by technology to the private sector by providing free technical ■ Hurricane Hugo, but by Thursday pre- assistance to local small businesses. Call 1-888-520-8808 or 281-483-5857 to volunteer. dictions for landfall put the storm well north of Cape Canaveral. Even so, Atlantis –poised on launch pad 39B - was to remain prepared to be placed in a “ride-out” configuration should the pad area see strong Exchange Store hours enough winds. To shorten the amount The following discount tickets are available at the Exchange Stores General Cinema Theaters ...... $5.50 Monday-Friday of time required to roll Atlantis back to Sony Loew’s Theaters ...... $5.00 the VAB, the payload bay doors were Bldg. 3 7 a.m.-4 p.m. AMC Theaters ...... $4.75 closed early in the week, launch pad Fiesta Texas ...... adult . . .$18.25 . . .(child under 48") . . . $15.50 Bldg. 11 9 a.m.-3 p.m. AstroWorld One-day Admission ...... $21.00 platforms were retracted and loose Water World ...... $10.75 items were secured. Moody Gardens (2 events) ticket does not include Aquarium or Pyramid . . $10.75 All tickets are nonrefundable. Moody Gardens – Aquarium only ...... $9.25 Metro tokens and value cards Sea World ...... adult . . .$27.25 . . . .child (age 3-11) . . .$18.25 Schlitterbahn Water Park . . . . .adult . . .$20.75 . . . .child (age 3-11) . . . $17.50 are available. Space Center Houston ...... adult . . .$10.25 . . . .child (age 4-11) . . . $6.50 For more information, (JSC civil service employees free.) please call x35350. Space Center Houston Annual Pass ...... $18.75 Splash Town Water Park . . . . . adult . . .$14.50 (child 48" and under) . . . $11.50 Effective October 1, the JSC Exchange will accept personal checks with a valid Texas driver’s license. A NASA badge will no longer be required. There will be a $25 charge on all returned checks. SPACE CENTER Roundup September 24, 1999 7 NASA hosts conference exploring commercial interest in station living quarters

ASA invited private industry to The conference The habitation module will be Houston from Aug. 24 - 26 to explored the for- launched from the space shuttle and N participate in a conference that mation of a com- attached to the station in November 2004. explored potential commercial interest in mercial consortium In addition to aerospace industries, NASA a government and industry partnership to that would own, is hoping to attract other businesses and build the crew habitation module for the use and maintain investors to spur International Space Station. all or part of the innovation in the “NASA is dedicated to the commercial module. NASA commercial use use of space and fostering private enter- would be one of of space. These prise on the new frontier,” said Dan Tam, many module users non-aerospace special assistant to the NASA administrator and customers of companies may for commercialization. “On Earth, it has the consortium. have ideas related been demonstrated time and time again that Current station to sponsorship, with market support, private industry can plans specify that space tourism, do a better job than the government. We the module be a entertainment, expect the same will be true in space.” traditional metallic advertising, edu- NASA needs a crew-quarters module design similar to cation or technol- that will house at least four crewmem- other International ogy development. bers. The module should also include Space Station mod- This activity bedrooms, a kitchen, a pantry, a dining ules. A more recent will serve as a and meeting area, videoconferencing and NASA concept has pathfinder for entertainment equipment, windows, proposed an other commercial storage space, exercise equipment and a innovative, space fabric uses of the medical examination room. version of the living quarters module. International The Habitation Module Commercial- Conference participants considered Space Station and ization Conference was held at the existing designs and new ideas for commercial Nassau Bay Hilton and Marina Hotel. the module. involvement in other NASA programs. ■ JSC Photo S99-10614 by Bill Stafford NASA Astronaut Charlie Precourt, chief of the Astronaut Office, addresses those in attendance at the Habitation Module Commercialization Conference, providing a flight crew perspective on the merits of the station’s baseline habitation module and the TransHab (inset) concept of a habitation module.

Winners of the Open House Best of Show Brian Zemba Photo Contest

First Place Barton K. Gibson Third Place Harold Robertson Second Place Barton K. Gibson 8 September 24, 1999 SPACE CENTER Roundup NASA BRIEFS

NASA OCEAN RADAR WATCHES FOR BREAKUP OF ICEBERG http://www4.jsc.nasa.gov/ah/exceaa/Gilruth/Gilruth.htm A NASA satellite instrument is keeping an eye on an iceberg the size of Rhode Island, the first time this space technology has Hours: The Gilruth Center is open from 6:30 a.m.-10 Weight safety: Required course for employees wishing been used to track a potential threat to p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, to use the Gilruth weight room. Pre-registration is required. international shipping. and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Contact the Gilruth Center Cost is $5. Annual weight room use fee is $90. The cost NASA’s new orbiting SeaWinds radar at (281) 483-3345. instrument, flying aboard the QuikScat for additional family members is $50. satellite, will monitor Iceberg B10A, which Sign up policy: All classes and athletic activities are on Exercise: Low-impact class meets from 5:15-6:15 p.m. snapped off Antarctica seven years ago and a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up in person at the has since drifted into a shipping lane. Mondays and Wednesdays. Cost is $24 for eight weeks. Gilruth Center and show a yellow Gilruth or weight room Iceberg B10A, which measures about 24 Step/bench aerobics: Low-impact cardiovascular badge. Classes tend to fill up two weeks in advance. miles by 48 miles, was spotted by the instru- workout. Classes meet from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Tuesdays ment during its first pass over Antarctica, Payment must be made in full, cash or by check, at the demonstrating SeaWinds’ all-weather and and Thursdays. Cost is $32 for eight weeks. Kristen time of registration. No registration will be taken by day-night observational capabilities. The Taragzewski, instructor. massive iceberg extends about 300 feet telephone. For more information, call x33345. Yoga: Stretching class of low-impact exercises designed above water and may reach as deep as Gilruth badges: Required for use of the Gilruth Center. 1,000 feet below the ocean’s surface. It is Employees, spouses, eligible dependents, NASA retirees for people of all ages and abilities in a Westernized format. breaking up into smaller pieces that could Meets Thursdays 5-6 p.m. Cost is $32 for eight weeks. Call pose a threat to commercial, cruise and and spouses may apply for photo identification badges from fishing ships if the pieces are blown back 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Darrell Matula, instructor, at x38520 for more information. into the shipping lane by high winds. Saturdays. Cost is $10. Dependents must be between Ballroom dancing: Classes meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. “Although the iceberg isn’t posing a threat 16 and 23 years old. Thursdays for beginner, 8:30-9:30 p.m. for intermediate to ships in the area right now, pieces of B10A could be blown back into the ship- Nutrition intervention program: Six-week program and 7:30-8:30 p.m. for advanced. Cost is $60 per couple. ping lane and become a danger to ships includes lectures, a private consultation with the dietitian Country and western dancing: Beginner class meets using the Antarctic’s Drake Passage,” said and blood analysis to chart your progress. Program is Dr. David Long, a member of the Sea- 7-8:30 p.m. Monday. Advanced class (must know basic Winds science team from Utah’s Brigham open to all employees, contractors and spouses. For steps to all dances) meets 8:30-10 p.m. Monday. Cost is Young University, Provo, UT. Long said details call Tammie Shaw at x32980. that the SeaWinds instrument will be able $20 per couple. Defensive driving: One-day course is offered once a to help scientists at the National Ice Fitness program: Health-related fitness program Center, Suitland, MD, track pieces of the month at the Gilruth Center. Pre-registration required. includes a medical screening examination and a 12-week iceberg down to about 2.5 miles in size. Cost is $25. Call for next available class. individually prescribed exercise program. For information Stamp club: Meets every second and fourth Monday call Larry Wier at x30301. X-34 ROCKET PLANE TO BEGIN at 7 p.m. in Rm. 216. EXTENSIVE TESTING

NASA’s experimental X-34 rocket plane will undergo testing in New Mexico, California and Florida under a test plan recently approved by agency officials. Both schedule and cost implications are currently being evaluated. September 27 October 2 To support the expanded flight test Star Party: The JSC Astronomical Society will host a program, engineers from Dryden Flight Alzheimer’s support group meets: The Clear Lake public star party at Challenger 7 park October 2. Research Center and Orbital Sciences Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group will meet at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call Chuck Shaw at x35416. Corporation, Dulles, VA, will upgrade the to 9 p.m. September 27 in the first floor conference room, first airframe, designated A-1A, for flight. St. John Hospital West building, Nassau Bay. For more October 4 Following a series of tow tests on the information, contact Nancy Malley at (281) 480-8917 or ground at Dryden, the A-1A will be used to John Gouveia (281) 280-8517. NSBE meets: The National Society of Black Engineers conduct unpowered test flights from will meet at 6:30 p.m. October 4 at Texas Southern Orbital’s L-1011 carrier aircraft at the September 29 University, School of Technology, Rm. 316. For details, Army’s White Sands Missile Range. call Kimberly Topps at (281) 280-2917. Astronomy seminar: The JSC Astronomy Seminar Club At the same time, Orbital, NASA’s contrac- will meet at noon September 29 and October 6 and 13 October 7 tor for X-34, will complete assembly of the in Bldg. 31, Rm. 248A. For more information, call Warning System Test: The site-wide Employee Warning second X-34, designated A-2. Its Fastrac Al Jackson at x35037. System will perform its monthly audio test at noon October 7. rocket engine will be installed on the vehicle and test fired on the ground at Spaceland Toastmasters meet: The Spaceland Toast- For more information, call Bob Gaffney at x34249. Holloman Air Force Base, NM, test masters will meet at 7 a.m. September 29 and facilities. After these ground test firings, October 6 and 13 at the House of Prayer Lutheran Church. October 8 the first series of powered flight tests of For more information, call George Salazar at x30162. Astronomers meet: The JSC Astronomical Society will the X-34 will take place at Dryden. meet at 7:30 p.m. October 8 at the Center for Advanced Spaceteam Toastmasters meet: The Spaceteam Toast- Space Studies, 3600 Bay Area Blvd. For information, call masters will meet at 11:30 a.m. September 29 and Chuck Shaw at x35416. NASA SELECTS 103 SMALL October 6 and 13 at United Space Alliance, 600 Gemini. BUSINESS PROJECTS For information, call Patricia Blackwell at (281) 280-6863. October 10 Westside NSS meets: The “Westside” group of the Clear September 30 In an attempt to stimulate the development Lake area chapter of the National Space Society will of new technologies, NASA has selected meet at 2 p.m. October 10 at Silicon Graphics, 11490 Communicators meet: The Clear Lake Communicators, a 103 research proposals for negotiation of Westheimer, Suite 100. For information, call Murray Clark Toastmasters club, will meet at 11:30 a.m. September 30 Phase II contract awards for its Small at (281) 367-2227. and October 7 and 14 at Freeman Library, 16602 Diana Business Innovation Research Program. Lane. For more information, call Allen Prescott at October 12 The selected projects have a total value of (281) 282-3281 or Mark Caronna at (281) 282-4306. Aero Club meets: The Bay Area Aero Club will meet at approximately $62 million and will be Radio Club meets: The JSC Amateur Radio Club will meet 7 p.m. October 12 at the Houston Gulf Airport clubhouse conducted by 90 small, high-technology at 6:30 p.m. September 30 at the Piccadilly, 2465 Bay Area at 2750 FM 1266 in League City. For more information firms in 27 states. Blvd. For more information, call Larry Dietrich at x39198. call Larry Hendrickson at x32050. In addition to stimulating innovation, the Inventors Luncheon: The 1999 JSC Inventors Luncheon, CLA-NSS meets: The Clear Lake area chapter of the SBIR program aims to increase the number honoring inventors from December 1997 to December 1998, National Space Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. October 12 of small businesses, including women- will be held at noon September 30 in Room 216 of the Gilruth at the Freeman Memorial Branch Library, 16602 owned and disadvantaged firms, conducting Center. Cost is $9.35 and reservations must be made by Diana Lane. For more information call Murray Clark federal research and commercializing the September 25. For additional information call x30837. at (281) 367-2227. results of federally funded research.

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