SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY th ANNIVERSARY CORPORATION NEWS ... An Innovative Advanced 1979–2019 Technology Company VOL. 26, NO. 1 HAMPTON, VIRGINIA SUMMER ISSUE 2020

40 integration in the National Airspace System STC Awarded ETSS and Aircraft Acoustic Research. As the Lead In This Issue... Contract Meteorologist, Ms. Bestul largely 1 ETSS Contract Contract oversees project support across the team. She Science and Technology Corporation (STC), 1 Mars, MEDL12 is the primary meteorologist behind: 1 Orion AA-2 as a subcontractor to New Horizons Aeronau- Renovation/Overhaul of SoDAR 2000. Orga- tics, was awarded the Engineering Technical 2 Employee Recognized nizing and overseeing enclosure renovations, 2 Contractor Award Support Services (ETSS) contract in January acoustic foam replacement, speaker replace- 2019. The ETSS contract encompasses engineer- 2 Cogswell Award Win ment, and pioneering NASA Armstrong Flight 2 ATC Project ing expertise for research, flight, and mission Research Center (AFRC) ability to remotely operations, engineering support for 3 Methane Instrument access data from the SoDAR. facilities and safety/mission assurance, 3 Hurricane Forcasting support for various technical functions An operational SoDAR allows 3 New Contracts including project planning and control, for three-dimensional wind 3 AA-2 Awards range support, lab support, and special measurements from the surface studies, and most recently, CAD drawing of the Earth to nearly 2,000 ft above ground level (AGL) Orion AA-2 Launch control engineering. Ms. Kim Bestul On July 2, 2019, years of hard As part of our series on employee highlighting wind shear and turbulence features near the surface. work and effort culminated in spotlights, we would like to highlight the efforts the Ascent Abort test flight called Ms. Construction of a permanent Automated Sur- of three STC engineers on this contract: AA-2. The years of effort were on Kimberly Bestul, Ms. Tegan French, and Mr. face Observing System (ASOS) similar weather Rocky Garcia. tower for NASA AFRC. Market research and display for just over 3 minutes, Kim Bestul has served as lead meteorologist recommendation of suite purchase based on but what a 3 minutes it was! for various field and flight research projects compatibility with existing outdated sensors. Launch is always an exciting time. The roar of the engines, the ground lighting up, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) – Continued on page 4 (see ETSS CONTRACT) and the ever increasing speed of the rocket, is between the sensors and the Sensor Support both invigorating and beautiful. A handful of On To Mars, MEDLI2 Electronics (SSE) unit. STC technicians Mrs. STC personnel, who worked intimately with NASA's goal is to eventually get humans to Cathy Kern, Mr. Rick Thomas,and Mrs. Jeri different aspects of the AA-2 effort, were on Mars and STC is once again in the thick of Carter worked diligently on MEDLI2 and in hand at Cape Canaveral, FL to witness the helping achieve that goal. Hardware installed particular the harnessing between the sensors fruits of their labor. Those attending the launch onto NASA’s Mars 2020 entry vehicle in August and the SSE. These flight cable harnesses are included Mr. Mike Barney, Mr. Tony Daley, 2019 helped to increase the safety of future 30-feet-long groups of electrical wires that will Mr. Eric May, Mr. Matt Stearman, Mr. Bill Mars landings. The Mars Science Laboratory transmit signals for some MEDLI2 sensors. It Weigel, and Mr. Aaron Wright. The primary (MSL) Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) takes about 8 weeks to build and test all of the areas of STC's contribution included platform Instrumentation 2 (MEDLI2) project developed harnesses. After completion, they were shipped modifications for Space Launch Complex (SLC) a suite of sensors that will measure aerothermal to Lockheed Martin for integration onto the 46 and the crew module and separation ring environments and the performance of thermal Mars 2020 heat shield. flight test articles. protection system (TPS) MEDLI2 will measure pres- The platform modifications were material during the entry sure, temperature, heat flux, required for SLC 46 to accommo- phase on the Mars 2020 and radiation on the capsule date the modified aero-shell for the mission. MEDLI2 recently that encloses the Mars 2020 Peacekeeper rocket used for the flight completed environmental rover during Mars atmospheric test. This larger diameter aero-shell testing on flight hardware entry. The data collected will required modified platforms that at NASA's Langley Re- extend the groundbreaking matched up with it properly. Three search Center, Hampton, entry data collected by the such platforms were required. The VA. The testing included new platforms were required to vibration and thermal vac- first MEDLI instrument suite Mr. Rick Thomas and Mrs. Cathy Kern refit the Mobile Access Structure uum testing, demonstrated flown aboard the Mars Science the ability of the hardware to survive the large Laboratory mission in 2012 (MAS) to accommodate a modified vibratory loads experienced during the launch, and improve designs of entry systems for future Peacekeeper booster. The AA-2 ar- and the extreme cold during the cruise to Mars. robotic and human missions to Mars. ticle used a single stage Peacekeeper MEDLI2 includes three types of sensors The Mars 2020 spacecraft entered Mars’ missile first stage motor [SR118] (thermocouples, heat flux sensors, and pressure atmosphere traveling about 12,500 miles per inside an aero-shell to replicate the Orion transducers), a data acquisition and signal con- hour (mph). MEDLI2 started collecting data Service Module 5.5-meter diameter. The exist- ditioning unit (the Sensor Support Electronics about 5 hours prior to the entry and continued ing MAS had to be modified with platforms Unit) to record the heating and atmospheric to collect data throughout the entry and part designed and built at NASA Langley Research pressure experienced during entry and through of the descent phases. It took about 6 minutes Center, by STC, to surround the Orion Abort parachute deployment, and the harnessing – Continued on page 4 (see MARS, MEDL12) – Continued on page 4 (see ORION AA-2) Page 2 STC Newsletter Vol. 26, No. 1, Summer 2020 STC Boulder, CO Employee Recognized DCSA Awards STC Hispanic Heritage unity, service, and diversity in my poster. the Cogswell Award Month is observed annu- My poster illustrated colorful hands to ally from September 15– symbolize the diversity amongst Hispanic The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) has awarded STC’s Corporate Of- October 15. The month Americans. The diversity is also represented fice in Hampton, VA the 2020 James S. Cogswell serves to recognize and by the patterns located throughout the celebrate the achieve- Outstanding Industrial Security Achievement image and I based the illustrated pattern Award. The announcement said: Your facility has ments and contributions on traditional Latino art motifs. I then of American citizens demonstrated you are among the "best of the best" showcased the idea of service through the in implementing an industrial security program whose ancestors came symbol of hands positioned in fists. Fists of excellence. Only 61 out of the approximately from Spain, Mexico, the Ms. Sydnee Masias are a symbol of strength and support and is 12,500 cleared facilities in the U.S., and 2 out of Caribbean, and Central often used to express unity. Next, the hands 500 from the Hampton Roads area, were chosen and South America. lead into a silhouette of the United States this year. This prestigious award was established Each year the National Council of Hispanic to reinforce the idea of unity, service, and in 1966 in honor of the late Air Force Col. James Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM) diversity within our nation." S. Cogswell, the first chief of industrial security receives thousands of submissions Ms. Masias is a graphic de- within the DoD. Congratulations to STC’s Security for their Hispanic Heritage Month signer and scientific illustrator Team of Mrs. Carol Lightner (Security Officer), Poster contest. STC employee, Ms. at the National Oceanic and Mr. Jeff Manning and Mrs. Jennifer McCauley Sydnee Masias, located in Boulder, Atmospheric Administration in the Hampton Office andMs. Glenda Lissimore CO, was the artist chosen in 2019 (NOAA). For the past two in Belcamp, MD Office. to be featured on their poster! Ms. years she has worked on a Masias described her entry with the variety of projects, including following words, "The range in ways creating visuals for national Aberdeen Test that Hispanic Americans serve our conferences and designing country is as diverse as the people posters for NOAA’s public Center – Welding, themselves; from the sciences to spaces. Outside of her work the arts and everything in between at NOAA, she is active in Fabrication, Hispanic Americans have a long his- the Denver art community tory of serving our nation through and participates yearly in the Machining and the individual communities and organiza- One Club of Denver Paper Fashion Show tions. I wanted to represent this, as well as, fundraiser. Painting Project Since January 2017, STC has been supporting the mission of the Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) at the Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD. NASA Ames Contractor of the Year Award APG is the oldest of five military weapons proving Mr. Geoffrey Ament, an STC employee 7-by-10 ft wind tunnel sting mount. He grounds dating back to 1918. ATC’s mission is to who works on the AEMMS contract at NASA was the test director for the first-ever wind test all forms of weapons and systems in order to Ames in Mountain View, CA, was recently tunnel test of a simulated rotorcraft in ensure they provide the maximum safety for our awarded the NASA Ames Contractor of the forward flight at Mars atmospheric condi- U.S. war fighter against constantly evolving enemy Year Award. Mr. Ament is a Research Associate tions, which led to a data report that he threats, and also, that our weapons are highly ef- in the field of Mechatronics Engineering. The presented at the 2018 AHS conference in fective against our enemies and the threats they award citation reads, "Mr. Ament's desire to San Francisco, CA, and subsequently led pose against the U.S. STC supports the testing explore, design, and innovate embodies the to a NASA Contractor Report (NASA/ efforts at ATC with manufacturing that includes true spirit of what a NASA Engineer should CR-2018-219736). Furthermore, as part fabrication, welding, machining, and painting. The be. He is articulate, meticulous with his work, of the Mars Helicopter risk reduction ef- items manufactured support the testing performed and strives for excellence." In their nomina- fort, he designed and assembled the test on the many test ranges at ATC. Vehicles, ships, tion letter the nominators cited that, "Since hardware for the rotor blade spin-up in aircraft, structures, body armor, weapons, etc., are the start of his employment as a Science and the JPL Space Simulator, a requirement tested for all branches of the U.S. military, Home- Technology Corporation (STC) research as- for Mars Helicopter testing; moreover, he land Security, State Department, and U.S. allies. sociate in August of 2015, Mr. Ament has led efforts to build a dust chamber and Because of APG’s proximity to Washington, DC, made substantial contributions to NASA's coaxial rotor control system to perform the testing being performed can be easily witnessed RLVT mission with respect to both terrestrial dust studies in order to study saltation by members of Congress and the Pentagon. Within an environment of proving and ex- and Martian flight. In 2017, he was part of and the effects of dust on the helicopter's perimenting, STC’s support must be highly adept the Multicopter Unmanned Aerial Systems onboard sensors. Currently, Mr. Ament is and agile in order to perform workscopes that are (UAS) performance test team, during which the lead for all rotorcraft testing performed dynamic and often ad hoc. Work instructions can he designed and manufactured quadcopter at Martian atmospheric densities in the be highly detailed and specific, such as, adherence mounting hardware for mounting to the Planetary Aeolian Laboratory (PAL), and to tech manuals or ad hoc sketches that change daily The STC NEWSLETTER is published by he designed (and is currently assembling) a over the life of the project. STC management must 2-by-2 meter wind tunnel for rotor testing Science & Technology Corporation, ensure its work force of craftsmen are skilled and at Martian atmospheric conditions as well 21 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 150, capable to perform the challenging work put before as terrestrial UAV testing." Hampton, Virginia 23666. them. Because of the excellent support provided STC would like to congratulate Mr. Editing & Layout: Delores Shackelford by STC’s corporate shared services, the on-site Ament on this award and to thank him for management can focus its efforts on directing the Tel: (757) 766-5833/Fax: (757) 865-1294 the years of exceptional service that he has craftsmen in their execution of the ATC mission Web site address: www.stcnet.com provided to NASA Ames through STC. support requirements. Vol. 26, No. 1, Summer 2020 STC Newsletter Page 3

STC Methane Detection Instrument NEW CONTRACTS STC is developing the algorithm and sup- by Mark Schoeberl • June 2020 – STC was awarded a GSA Methane is one of the porting the calibration approach working with Utah State University (USU) to develop Small Business (SB) Pool 4 OASIS most powerful green- contract. house gases, about 30 a remote methane sensing instrument using times more effective at commercial off the shelf (COTS) equipment. • June 2020 – STC was awarded a MAC trapping infrared (IR) The prototype instrument, called FINIS, has IDIQ contract for U.S. Army Evalua- radiation than CO2. been calibrated in the lab, tested in an outdoor tion Center (AEC) Support Services Burning methane as a environment, and on an airplane. The instru- (AECSS) from the U.S. Army. substitute for coal or oil ment can measure > 2 cm of column methane. • May 2020 – STC was awarded a also reduces CO2 emis- The atmospheric abundance of methane is about subcontract from ASTRA for the EWS 1 cm. This means it can detect moderate to sions. The improvements small methane leaks from a pipeline. STC is Project OT-1A Prototype Rapid Revisit in CO2 emissions are FINIS mounted to look evaluating the calibration processes and working Optical Cloud Imager (RROCI). out a window. The cancelled out if meth- with the students. The project is being headed • January 2020 – STC was awarded a actual instrument is ane leakage approaches by Dr. Charles Swensen at USU. contract for the PROTECH Weather the black box with the about 5–10% of the During the air- Domain from NOAA. white cord. Below that methane production. craft flights, the in- • December 2019 – STC was awarded is the flight computer Regulators have focused strument flew over the Mechanical and Composite Hard- and to the left is the on leakage from methane scheduled releases context camera. wells, transmission lines, ware Fabrication Support Services of methane, landfills, (MCHFSS) contract from NASA Lang- compressors, and the distribution system. Cur- oil processing facili- rently, methane leaks are monitored using in ties, and agricultural ley for the 4th time. situ sensors, but a remote measurement flying centers. The data FINIS mounted in the • September 2019 – STC was awarded in low orbit or on an aircraft would be a more aircraft on top of a mount the follow-on task order for OFCM under is currently being to reduce vibration efficient way to spot leaks. processed. the PROTECH Satellite Contract. • March 2019 – STC was awarded a subcontract from Jackson and Tull for STC Researchers Investigating How to Improve a Lockheed Martin Technical Services Hurricane Forecasting IDIQ Contract. by Rebekah Esmaili, Research Scientist • December 2018 – STC was one of the awardees of the Seaport Next Genera- The STC-developed NOAA-Unique the model, but these missions are costly to fly and tion Contract with the Naval Warfare Combined Atmospheric Processing System only provide point observations. Fortunately, Systems Command. (NUCAPS) is the NOAA operational product satellites can see the surrounding environment system for four polar-orbiting satellite plat- outside of the aircraft path. In particular, forms—MetOp-A, MetOp-B, Suomi-NPP, and NUCAPS sounding data is valuable because it AA-2 Awards NOAA-20. NUCAPS retrieves satellite sound- can estimate atmospheric moisture at different On September 25, 2019, NASA Langley ings, or profiles of atmospheric temperatures, heights (figure below); in the case of Tropical Research Center (LaRC) had an awards cer- moisture and other trace gases, from infrared and Storm Jerry, this was emony to celebrate the AA-2 Flight Test with microwave radiance measurements. After more useful for corroborating special guests Don Reed, Griff Corpening, than 50 years of research in satellite sounding the model output. and Jenny Devolites at the Reid Center and to technology, NUCAPS is the first such product So on September 18, recognize the various contributions. As Head to become operational at the National Weather 2019, a Gulfstream-IV of the Orion Flight Test Management Office Service (NWS) with support from STC. (GIV) airplane took off (FTMO), Don Reed led the AA-2 Flight Test On September 18, 2019, Tropical Storm from Barbados at 9 a.m. (14Z) for a 7.5-hour Mission with support of his Deputy, Griff Jerry was anticipated to become a hurricane research mission that released over 30 drop- Corpening, while Jenny Devolites led the CM/ sondes into Tropical Storm Jerry. The flight overnight. To evaluate NUCAPS potential, SR (CSR) Project Team that included the CSR STC coordinated with NOAA's National was coordinated with the Joint Polar Satellite structures Hardware delivered by NASA LaRC. Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, FL, for a System (JPSS) satellite overpasses, which had joint NESDIS-NHC science research mission. an overpass at 16:33Z. The aircraft dropsondes STC personnel were recognized for their contri- Mr. While hurricane forecast models have become were used to make comparisons between the sat- butions with specific recognition going to increasingly accurate, aircraft measurements and ellite observations (such as NUCAPS), forecast Bill Weigel, Mr. Aaron Wright, and Mr. Eric satellite observations are critical for interrogating models, and aircraft dropsondes. The goal of the May. The awards and appreciation can best be model performance. Tropical Storm Jerry was a campaign was to assess when and where satellites summed up by Mr. Kurt Detweiller, Project tricky storm to forecast because Jerry was on the could strengthen decision making regarding Manager, AA-2 Flight Test Article Project, who leading edge of a phenomenon called the Saha- hurricanes. The flight took a "lawnmower" said, "I wish to personally thank you and all of ran Air Layer, a warm dry layer that originates back and forth pattern to sample the environ- your employees for all efforts over the last three from Africa. The dry air can suppress hurricane ment and then later circumnavigated the storm and a half years in the building of the Orion development by forming an atmospheric inver- itself (figure below). The coordination between Ascent Abort 2 Crew Module, Separation Ring, sion, which prevents air from rising and forming NHC and STC provided Mechanical Ground Support Equipment, and convection. However, to the south, there was valuable information to Mobile Access Structure Platforms. From my a moist tropical marine air mass that fed the hurricane forecast mod- vantage point, Science and Technology Corpo- system there by making Jerry stronger. These els and for evaluating the ration truly stepped up to the job and worked types of competing environments create model NUCAPS satellite prod- well with the government in manufacturing, uncertainty as some model runs will favor one uct, research which can delivering, and integrating this hardware. Proof process over another. Hurricane reconnaissance ultimately help increase confidence in warnings in this quality was demonstrated in the actual flights provide measurements that can "correct" about hurricane hazards. successful flight test." Page 4 STC Newsletter Vol. 26, No. 1, Summer 2020

– ETSS CONTRACT (Continued from page 1) Ms. French forecasted for, prepared, and branch chiefs that attend weather conditions Upon assembly, the tower will allow for stan- deployed multiple weather instrumentation for the day. This allows planning for protection dard atmospheric measurements in addition suites and handled data collection for this of people and assets outdoors (i.e., heat stress to present weather and lightning detection on- project. She also coordinated with United States conditions and timing, inclement weather tim- site. Tower data will pump directly into NASA Air Force (USAF) for weather balloon launches ing—wind or precipitation—move people and network/public weather website—a first of this and data collection and conducted/led air data susceptible instrumentation/aircraft indoors). capability on-site. calibration analysis post flight. Additionally, Mr. Garcia She is also a forecaster for Stratospheric Ms. French has also been a primary weather is now in the lead forecaster Observatory for Infrared Astronomy [SOFIA] tower instrumentation consultant—led the position for UAS integra- project—global flying 747SP with telescope inventory, calibration, computer programming, tion in the National Air- on board for space research. Forecasts include and assembly of each of the numerous weather space [UAS-NAS] Flight takeoff and landing conditions at the surface, tower suites owned by NASA AFRC, which Test 6 Series. Forecasts cloud coverage and heights, turbulence, icing, included soldering and thorough understanding include takeoff and land- and any other significant weather of datalogging wire diagrams. ing conditions for both the She was recently awarded NASA Center In addition, Ms. French has been the lead Mr. Rocky Garcia developer behind a current heat stress condition UAS and Intruder aircraft, Innovation Funds for her proposed idea for weather conditions enroute (wind conditions development of an advanced instrumenta- system—heat stress conditions are critical to track during the summer months in the desert. aloft, turbulence, icing, cloud coverage and tion suite, SonicSonde. When completed, heights, in addition to timing of inclement the SonicSonde will serve as a lightweight, Ms. French has not only led the assembly of the tower used to measure these conditions, weather or crosswind issues). The FT6 series comprehensive, tethered instrument that can aims to test the detect and avoid system on be used for high-resolution boundary-layer but she has worked closely with NASA IT and Group 3 (500 lbs) UAS. To do so, manned measurements capturing three-dimensional SharePoint personnel to display the current flag wind, temperature, pressure, relative humidity condition on the Armstrong Xnet site for all T-34, TG14, and King Air aircraft are used and air quality data, displaying data via in-house personnel across the center to have easy access. as intruder aircraft. The goal of the research is developed software in near real time. Ms. French stands beside a research-quality to help the Federal Aviation Administration Ms. Tegan French is a weather sensor suite. Multiple suites are typically (FAA) develop standards for UAS in the NAS. lead meteorological engineer deployed in support of field research projects. Mr. Garcia also assists in weather instru- on several NASA ETSS Mr. Rocky Garcia is the current lead forecast- mentation deployments writing procedural initiatives. She provides er for daily operations briefs. He is responsible manuals, contributing to team synoptic map weather forecast briefings for briefing the operations branch/various other analysis, and general construction. for NASA flight tests us- ing observations, models, – ORION AA-2 (Continued from page 1) testing at Plum Brook, OH. The CM built for Ms. Tegan French and pattern recognition. Test Booster (ATB) and Launch Abort Vehicle the AA-2 flight test reused the CM initially She also provides field support by deploying [comprising a Separation Ring, Boilerplate started for AA-1 as part of the Constellation meteorological instrumentation to test sites. Crew Module (also built at NASA Langley program. It was then repurposed for AA-2. Ms. French is the lead on projects including: Research Center), and Launch Abort System] When work began on the modifications to Lead Meteorologist for recent supersonic-flight outer mold line. Three platforms were built, each the CM for AA-2, it had to be moved from field campaign, CarpetDIEM. CarpetDIEM slightly different from the other, but the overall the surface table it was sitting on to another aims to research the feasibility of vast area instru- dimensions of each were 24 feet x 24 feet. To surface table that would provide better access. mentation deployment necessary for upcoming ensure the platforms would fit seamlessly once Once moved and positioned, the real work Low Boom research. Upcoming Low Boom at Canaveral Air Force Station, STC built a test could begin. Changes to the CM included a research aims to demonstrate sonic-signature platform that had the same dimensions as the modification to the angle of the profile of the flight in a means nondisruptive to the public MAS. The test platform was laser tracked to outer mold line. This was required to accom- with the intent to prove supersonic commercial confirm that the dimensions of the completed modate the new profile while trying to maintain travel can be the way of the future. structure matched the dimensions of the MAS. the integrity of the work already completed as Air data calibration analysis involves hand As each MAS platform was completed, it was part of AA-1. The STC team was instrumental analysis of the entire atmospheric profile at 12Z transported to the test platform for fit up and in ensuring the quality and schedule were main- and 00Z per flight day, producing insight on load testing. The platforms were then trucked, tained to meet the launch date as set by NASA. accuracy error—used as the means for aircraft one at a time over three nights, to Fort Eustis, The team worked in shifts and on weekends to instrumentation calibration. VA where they were loaded on a barge and ensure schedule. They adapted when engineer- ing changes were made or issues encountered. – MARS MEDLI2 (Continued from page 1) shipped down to Florida for installation. Bill Weigel, STC’s lead fabricator for the platforms, Once the CM was completed and shipped to to slow the spacecraft JSC, the team immediately started on the SR. from 12,500 mph to just went down to Florida on multiple occasions to assist with the installation of the platforms. The SR served as the connection between the under 2 mph. MEDLI2 CM and the rocket and again had to meet measured crucial entry Due to the fit up with the test platform, the exacting tolerances. The team performed laser and descent performance platforms went in smoothly, with only minor data on the Mars 2020 heat shield and back adjustments were needed. The MAS was now tracking to ensure specifications were met and shell. The key objectives of MEDLI2 were prepared for accepting the Orion ATB. provided a model in which to perform virtual to reduce design margin and prediction un- In addition to the MAS plat- fit ups prior to performing the actual mating certainties for the aerothermal environments forms, STC was instrumental and integration of the CM and SR. and aerodynamic database. Close analysis of in the fabrication of the crew In addition to the plat- MEDLI2 flight data is vital to future NASA module (CM) and separation forms, CM and SR, STC exploration of the Red Planet. ring (SR) flight test articles. Aaron fabricated the transportation This dovetails into the AEMMS contract at Wright, STC's lead fabricator for fixture called the KAMAG, NASA Ames where they perform modeling and the flight test articles, went to for transporting the launch simulation of EDL, and will be able to lever- Houston's Johnson Space Center abort system to the pad for age the data obtained by MEDLI2 to improve (JSC) to help with the mating and integration at the MAS with the aero-shell and models providing more information for safer integration of the CM and SR once they were rocket. Again, Bill Weigel lead this effort with landings on Mars. completed and the CM had passed vibration Mike Barney.