April 23, 2013 Vol. 53, No. 8 Spaceport News John F. Kennedy Space Center - America’s gateway to the universe

NEW DISCOVERIES, NEW FRONTIERS DRIVE FY 2014 BUDGET Cabana: President’s space Proposal exploration vision clarifies ahead of schedule

By Bob Granath president was here in an empty mission Spaceport News high bay challenging us to go to an asteroid by 2025,” said By Steven Siceloff n the third anniversary Bob Cabana, Kennedy director. Spaceport News of President Obama’s “Today, this is a world-class visit to Kennedy Space ennedy Space Center O production facility with a flight Center, where he set his space NASA/Kim Shiflett vehicle, Orion, getting ready will have a leading role exploration vision for the in NASA’s plans to Kennedy Space Center Director Bob to fly next year. We’ve made K Cabana told workers the center will play a future, news media representa- capture an asteroid and launch tremendous progress in our vital role in NASA’s future plans March 10 at tives were given an opportunity astronauts to explore it, transition to the future.” the Training Auditorium. to see up close the Orion space- the center’s director told Dan Dumbacher, deputy excited about this mission.” craft that could take astronauts employees shortly before the associate administrator for on an asteroid sampling mis- agency’s 2014 budget proposal The overall budget Exploration Systems Devel- was released. proposal for NASA features sion as early as 2021. opment; Mark Geyer, Orion “It does everything that needs $2.3 billion for Kennedy proj- Key leaders from across program manager; Keith He- to be done as far as developing ects and programs, including the agency shared progress fner, Space Launch System the technologies and the skills the Launch Services Program, being made on the spacecraft (SLS) program planning and that we need for exploration Commercial Crew Program and and infrastructure that will control manager; and Scott Col- beyond planet Earth,” Ken- Ground Systems Development send humans to the asteroid, loredo, chief architect for the nedy Director Bob Cabana said. and Operations Program. and eventually to Mars. Orion Ground Systems Development “Testing out our spacecraft on The proposal is the first step currently is being prepared and Operations program, also a real mission instead of a pure in the budget process with in Kennedy’s Operations and discussed progress being made test flight I think is very excit- Congress offering its own sug- Checkout Building (O&C) for on final assembly and integra- ing. The team here at Kennedy, gestions during the next few its first flight test, Exploration tion of Orion for the uncrewed we’re ready to get on board Flight Test (EFT)-1, in 2014. and make this happen. I’m very To MISSION, Page 2 “Three years ago today, the To PRESIDENT, Page 3

Employee spotlight Astronaut Hall of Fame Space apps Rescued eaglets Inside this issue... Page 2 Pages 4 - 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 2 SPACEPORT NEWS April 23, 2013 Introducing engineering drives FIRST mentor By Anna Heiney Spaceport News

rowing up in Hartwell, Ga., GDustin Dyer never expected he’d someday be working for NASA. “When I went off to school, I thought I wanted to be a struc- tural engineer,” Dyer recalled. But while CLICK ON PHOTO NASA/Jim Grossmann attending undergraduate Launch Services Program engineer Dustin Dyer says working with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics classes at the University students gives him a chance to introduce them to the joys and challenges of engineering. Dyer oversees the software and control system effort for FIRST teams 1592 from Cocoa High and Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy. For more on the FIRST Robotics program, click on the photo. of Georgia, he realized he wanted to go a dif- and control systems ed the successful liftoff and control system ef- operates it at the compe- ferent route. He fol- engineer in the Launch of the Landsat Data fort for FIRST teams tition. lowed his new course Services Program. Continuity Mission, 1592 from Cocoa High “We go with them and by enrolling in graduate A big part of his job is which launched Feb. 11 School and Holy Trinity help them maintain the school at Georgia Tech, performing the computer from Vandenberg Air Episcopal Academy. systems, but it’s up to where he specialized in simulations that verify Force Base in California “We try to give the them to drive and win,” control systems engi- and validate a rocket’s aboard a United Launch kids the freedom to Dyer said. neering. While there, expected performance Alliance Atlas V rocket. come up with ideas,” Working with the he interviewed with on a given mission, us- Another of Dyer’s Dyer explained. “Then FIRST team is a creative Kennedy Space Center ing data supplied by the roles in the Launch we start getting more outlet for Dyer, but more representatives at a company providing the Services Program is involved with the actual important is the opportu- career fair. launch vehicle. serving as a mentor for engineering and devel- nity to introduce students Dyer came to work “They give us their high school students opment work.” to the joys and challenges for NASA in January design and their inputs, participating in FIRST Dyer pointed out that of engineering. 2008 and has supported and we run independent Robotics. FIRST, short ninth- and 10th-graders “You can see a lot of a variety of programs, simulations and com- for “For Inspiration and often haven’t yet taken growth in a kid over four including space shuttle pare, and whatever dif- Recognition of Sci- more advanced courses, years or so,” Dyer said. safety and mission as- ferences we find, we go ence and Technology,” such as trigonometry, “It’s just a great way for surance, International off and explain,” Dyer organizes students into and need help making me to share my passion Space Station payload said. “That’s one of the teams, with professional their ideas a reality. The and, hopefully, give these development, and ways we put our stamp mentors to provide team handles fabrica- kids a chance to steer to- engineering. Today he’s on design adequacy.” technical guidance. Dyer tion and assembly of ward a profession they’ll a guidance, navigation Dyer recently support- oversees the software its robot creation, and love.”

From MISSION, Page 1 as soon as 2021, four years we have a key role in all of it,” Complex concept. in advance of the goal set by Cabana said. The budget proposal includes months. The new fiscal year President Barack Obama when For example, the Orion space- about $99 million for continued begins Oct. 1. he visited Kennedy in 2010 and craft is being readied in the Op- modifications to the VAB, plus The centerpiece of the propos- challenged NASA to send astro- erations and Checkout Building about $14 million for Launch al is NASA’s aim to capture an nauts to an asteroid by 2025. for a flight test in 2014 to check Pad 39B, which is deep into asteroid with a robotic craft and Developing the rocket, space- out the design’s fitness. its modifications schedule to maneuver it into an orbit closer craft and in-space propulsion Modifications for processing, accommodate the rocket, as to Earth. Astronauts would system needed to make the mis- ground support equipment and well as those from commercial launch in an Orion spacecraft sion work involves aspects of launch facilities for the Space companies. aboard a Space Launch System processing, launch and research Launch System rocket (SLS) are “We continue to make that rocket to collect samples and in which Kennedy specializes, already far along and the pro- pad not just to support SLS, but conduct firsthand research on Cabana said. posal includes money to keep we also want to make it avail- the relocated asteroid. “Everything we’re doing making the changes to complete The mission could take place leads to making that successful, the 21st century Space Launch To MISSION, Page 3 April 23, 2013 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 3

From PRESIDENT, Page 1 provides funding for an initia- tive to robotically capture an flight test that will see the asteroid and redirect it to a vehicle travel farther into space stable orbit in the Earth-moon than any human spacecraft has system. Astronauts then would gone in more than 30 years. launch in Orion aboard an SLS The main objective of EFT-1 is rocket to collect samples of and to test Orion’s heat shield at the explore the relocated asteroid. high speeds generated during a Designed to expand human return from deep space. presence and enable explora- “What you see behind us is tion of new destinations in the an example of that wonderful solar system, Orion and SLS progress that has been made by are part of the president’s goal the Orion team,” said Dum- to reach beyond where anyone CLICK ON PHOTO NASA bacher. “There is also great has gone before. A notional concept of a solar-electric powered spacecraft, designed to capture a small near- Earth asteroid and relocate it safely close to the Earth-moon system so astronauts can progress by the Space Launch “I believe it’s more important explore it. To see a video and learn more, click on the photo. System team getting the launch to ramp up our capabilities to vehicle ready.” reach -- and operate at -- a se- technological capabilities with “We’re looking forward to it. The president’s Fiscal Year ries of increasingly demanding each step forward,” Obama said It will be a challenge, it will be 2014 budget request for NASA targets, while advancing our in his 2010 address at Kennedy. complex. But NASA’s up to the “And that’s what this strategy challenge and the team you see does. And that’s how we will represented here is ready and ensure that our leadership in willing to take it on.” space is even stronger in this The president’s proposal new century than it was in the is the first step in the budget last.” process with Congress offering All of the Orion subsystems its own suggestions during the and components created around next few months. the country are coming together The new fiscal year begins in the O&C. In the near future, Oct. 1. the production team will apply During the president’s 2010 heat-shielding thermal protec- address at Kennedy, he spoke tion systems, avionics and other of the value of NASA’s work. hardware to the spacecraft. “For pennies on the dollar, NASA’s SLS will boost the space program has fueled Orion off the planet on a test jobs and entire industries,” flight in 2017. It is designed he said. “For pennies on the to be flexible for launching dollar, the space program has NASA/Jim Grossmann spacecraft for crew and cargo improved our lives, advanced Speaking on April 15, 2010, in the Operations and Checkout Building at Kennedy Space missions. our society, strengthened our Center, President Barack Obama outlines the course his administration is charting for NASA and the future of U.S. leadership in human spaceflight. Behind him is a mock-up of “We are thrilled with this economy, and inspired genera- an Orion spacecraft that could transport U.S. astronauts as early as 2017. mission,” Dumbacher said. tions of Americans.”

From MISSION, Page 2 this year’s budget proposal. MAVEN is designed to orbit Mars and find “You can see that the Commercial Crew out how and why the Martian atmosphere able to support other commercial launch Program is funded extremely well and changed. operations,” Cabana said. that’s crucial,” Cabana said. “Our Launch Services Program continues The Saturn V-class rocket will be stacked The budget plan calls for $780 million to be the backbone for providing our sci- atop the mobile launcher inside the VAB for Kennedy’s portion of the program. That ence missions to make NASA successful,” and will launch from Pad 39B. amount will allow astronauts to begin flying Cabana said. The SLS will make it first flight in 2017 on privately developed spacecraft and rock- LSP also will be involved with a landing with Orion for a shakedown flight test. As- ets in 2017, said Charles Bolden, NASA on Mars in 2020 by a scientific rover, which tronauts are slated to fly Orion for the first administrator. comes on the heels of the success of the time in 2021. That mission could be the one The Launch Services Program (LSP) Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity. that carries the crew to an asteroid, depend- is slated for about $77 million under the The asteroid exploration mission is ing on how the plan progresses. proposal. It will oversee several launches in expected to stretch across three of the The Kennedy-based Commercial the next fiscal year, starting with the Mars agency’s directorates and impact planning Crew Program (CCP) will keep working Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mis- for a number of areas at Kennedy, Cabana toward a 2017 milestone of its own, under sion (MAVEN) spacecraft in November. said. Page 4 SPACEPORT NEWS April 23, 2013 April 23, 2013 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 5 Trio of space shuttle astronauts inducted into Hall of Fame By Bob Granath on the precipice of being able to six space missions, spending Spaceport News do that.” over 57 days in space. Brown’s Kennedy Center Director shuttle missions include serving pace shuttle astronauts Bob Cabana welcomed the trio as pilot on STS-47, STS-66 and Bonnie Dunbar, Curt of honorees back to the Florida STS-77, and commanding STS- Brown and Eileen Collins S spaceport. 85, STS-95 and STS-103. The joined an elite group of Ameri- “Much has changed here at STS-95 mission aboard Dis- can space heroes as they were the Kennedy Space Center since covery in 1998 was one of the inducted into the U.S. Astronaut these people were flying on the Hall of Fame on April 20, dur- most memorable as the flight space shuttle,” said Cabana, also that included Astronaut Hall of ing a ceremony at the Kennedy a Hall of Fame astronaut. “But Space Center Visitor Complex. Fame charter member Glenn. one thing that hasn’t changed is Collins expressed appre- They were welcomed to the our desire to excel and explore ranks of legendary pioneers ciation to those who set an beyond the bounds of planet example in her life, at home and such as John Glenn, Neil Arm- Earth. We’re now stepping up strong and Sally Ride – distin- in her career. to meet the president’s chal- “My mom and dad, they were guished members of the Hall of lenge to send astronauts to an my heroes,” she said. Fame. asteroid.” Collins also thanked Cabana, This induction is the twelfth Introduced first was Dunbar who was chief of the Astronaut NASA/Kim Shiflett group of space shuttle astro- who was selected as a NASA Office during her tenure, and the NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks nauts named to the Hall of Fame astronaut in 1981. Inspired by women astronauts who served at the ceremony during which Bonnie and the first time two women the early efforts of the fledgling Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins were before her for being outstanding were inducted at the same time. space agency of the late 1950s, inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of CNN’s principal correspon- role models. Fame at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Dunbar applied to be an astro- Complex on April 20. dent for coverage of NASA’s naut at an early age. She now works to inspire space programs, John Zarrella, “I did send a letter to NASA others. retired U.S. Air Force colonel. served as master of ceremonies when I was about eight or CLICK ON PHOTO NASA/Kim Shiflett “We live in such a great coun- Her accomplishments on four and introduced the attending Space shuttle astronauts, from left, Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins stand together after being inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. To try with such great opportuni- spaceflights include serving as nine,” she said. “I was looking learn more about the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, click on the photo. members of the U.S. Astronaut at the stars one night, it was a ties,” she said. “I like to talk pilot on STS-63, STS-84, and Hall of Fame as they came very clear crisp night . . . and I veteran, she served as a mission Museum of Flight until assuming He also spoke of having a vision continue to make this nation great. to young people about STEM. commanding STS-93 and the forward and took their seats on thought ‘this is what I want to specialist on STS-61A, STS-32, her current role. for reaching goals. Our dreams determine who we are There are many opportunities return-to-flight mission fol- the stage. During his remarks, do with the rest of my life. This STS-50, STS-71 and STS-89. Like Dunbar, Brown began “Dreams are very, very impor- and what we do in life. Never think out there.” lowing the loss of the shuttle he honored Armstrong and Ride is what my passion is.’ ” All totaled, she logged more than thinking of a career at an early age. tant,” Brown said. “Dreams are and never believe that your vision Collins was selected to be Columbia, STS-114. Collins who died during the past year. Dunbar expressed apprecia- 50 days in space. Following her “As far back as I can remember what made this country great. will not come true.” an astronaut in 1992. The first has logged more than 38 days in NASA Administrator and tion for the many people who retirement from NASA in 2005, as a kid, I wanted to fly. Flying was Dreams are what made NASA Brown began his career with woman to pilot and command space. She retired from NASA Hall of Fame astronaut Charlie helped her throughout her career Dunbar served as president of The my passion,” Brown said. such a great institution and dreams NASA in 1987. He went on to fly a spacecraft, she also is a in 2006. Bolden noted that his fellow to make her dreams come true. astronauts, including the Hall “You never get anywhere of Famers at the ceremony, all without a lot of help,” she said. share a common vision. “I had family, I had teachers, “The people sitting on this I had professors who helped stage had dreams when they along the way.” came into this program,” he Dunbar now leads the Univer- said. sity of Houston’s STEM (sci- Bolden added that NASA ence, technology, engineering now is working to continue and math) Center and joined the those dreams, a theme that was faculty of the Cullen College of echoed by those inducted dur- Engineering. ing the Astronaut Hall of Fame “Now I have an opportunity ceremony. to give back,” she said. “Part of “Going to the moon and then that giving back is to ensure we on to Mars will take a lot of keep our vision forward and that effort,” he said. “Today, for the we continue to explore.” NASA/Kim Shiflett first time in my lifetime, we’re A five-time spaceflight Twenty-six members of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame stand together after Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins were inducted into the elite group at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Page 6 SPACEPORT NEWS April 23, 2013 Enthusiasts converge for Space Apps challenge By Linda Herridge their selected challenge Spaceport News topics. They also com- municated with partici- stronauts travel- pants virtually around the ing to an asteroid world. near the moon, A “It was exciting to to Mars or other near- be a part of this event,” Earth locations may Metzger said. “I’m a have a stop off point to strong believer in crowd gather fresh fruits and sourcing.” vegetables to sustain Brandon Morel of them during their space Orlando and Samantha voyage. Messer of Jacksonville, A design concept for a worked on the Kennedy space-based greenhouse Space Center Spaceport called the Deployable 2040 challenge. They Independent Greenhouse participated in the chal- System (DIGS), which NASA/Charisse Nahser lenge because of their could be stationed near Students from the University of Florida, University of Central Florida and University of Puerto Rico brainstorm interest in the future of the moon, was selected ideas for the Moonville Lunar -- Industry Game challenge during the 2013 International Space Apps Challenge space travel. as the top winner of the on April 20 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Center for Space Education. At right, is Dr. Phil Metzger, a physicist in Kennedy’s Swampworks, who served as a subject-matter expert. 2013 International Space “When will I ever again have this unique Apps Challenge (ISAC) opportunity to ‘work for opportunity to share my from Kennedy Space More online NASA’ for the weekend,” Center. It also received For more information about the International Space Apps Burke said. “Their solu- ideas about the space “People’s Choice” rec- Challenge at Kennedy, visit http://spaceappsksc.tumblr.com. tions may revolutionize center of the future?” For more information at the International Space Apps Challenge, Morel said. ognition. The event was visit http://spaceappschallenge.org. how NASA approaches a part of the worldwide challenge.” “This topic is relevant ISAC on April 20 and 21. The three other teams to us as residents of The event at the Center challenge came from a opportunity to return to at Kennedy worked on Florida,” Messer com- for Space Education diverse group of people the center for a launch. Kennedy Space Center mented. at Kennedy’s visitor with different back- “We designed a green- Spaceport 2040, Seven The judges were Luke complex brought NASA grounds: Jamie Szaf- house for astronauts trav- Minutes of Science, Roberson from Kenne- engineers and scientists ran, a developer in the eling to the moon, Mars and Moonville -- Lunar dy’s Engineering Direc- together with 21 profes- Launch Control Systems or near-Earth objects to Industry Game. torate; Robert Hubbard, sionals and students from Project in the Ground collect fresh produce,” The Seven Minutes of business development a variety of non-NASA Systems Development Szafran said. “We were Science challenge team manager in Kennedy’s backgrounds to solve and Operation Program; under quite a bit of time was named the runner- Center Planning and challenges relevant to Jessica King, an em- constraint with about 23 up. Kennedy’s winner Development Director- improving life on Earth ployee from Valencia hours to do the work, so and runner-up entries ate; and Sean Mondesire, and in space. Kennedy College; Pat Starace, it was exciting. It feels will go on to the global from A Little Evil Tech- was the first NASA cen- an animator and mobile great to win.” competition, where the nology in Orlando. ter to host the challenge. application developer Caley Burke, an Best in Class will be an- A summary of all Worldwide, more than from Orlando; and Mike engineer in the Launch nounced on May 22. projects for Kennedy 9,000 people and 484 King, an audiovisual Services Program and Dr. Phil Metzger, a challenges will be re- organizations came to- design engineer from coordinator of Kennedy’s physicist at Kennedy’s viewed by teams from gether in 83 cities across Orlando. The DIG team event, said the Space Swampworks, and Tracy the center and ideas 44 countries, as well as brainstormed with others Apps Challenge brings Gill of the Research and from the projects will online, to participate. online and a Kennedy participants with diverse Technology office of be shared with Kennedy When the event came subject-matter expert on skills and backgrounds Kennedy’s Center Plan- management to consider to an end Sunday, there the greenhouse design. together, across the ning and Development as potential center and were more than 750 solu- They also analyzed how world, to develop new Directorate were among project improvements. tions submitted for 58 it would be deployed into ways of solving chal- five subject-matter The management team challenges. space before presenting lenges that NASA faces. experts who met with will review the concepts Kennedy’s winning their concept to a panel “People from all walks Kennedy participants and evaluate them to presentation in the of three judges. of life with a passion and answered questions determine if implementa- Deployable Greenhouse The group earned the for space were given the that helped guide them in tion is possible. April 23, 2013 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 7 Rescued eaglet returned to nest box By Bob Granath Spaceport News

hen a strong thun- derstorm recently Wblew through Ken- nedy Space Center, two eagles landed -- falling to the ground along with their nest. Fortu- nately, ecologists at the space- port, who take great care to track the birds and protect their habitat, stepped in and rescued the eaglets, who were believed to be six to seven weeks old. Kennedy is a nesting area for numerous bald eagles. Space center employees and visi- tors alike enjoy watching their majestic flights overhead. In addition to being the national bird of the United States, bald eagles have been a popular im- age on a dozen mission patches CLICK ON PHOTO Photo courtesy of Russ Lowers/IHA for American human space- An uninjured eaglet is returned to a nest box in a pine tree near where he was found by Jim Lott, an arborist from the Audubon Center after flights. the March 24 storm. The nest box was built using a wood frame and wire mesh and is filled with twigs and straw. "We do a survey of the eagle ground," said Lynne Phillips, a bottom and filled with twigs Ecologists at Kennedy have nesting areas about three times physical scientist in the and straw. plenty of opportunities to track a year," said Becky Bolt, a Environmental Management "We placed him in a pine tree the activities of local bald wildlife ecologist with Branch of Center Operations. near where the original nest eagles. The 140,000 acre Mer- InoMedic Health Applications Phillips pointed out that the was located," Bolt said. ritt Island National Wildlife (IHA) Inc. "A couple of days eaglets were not yet mature The second eaglet remains Refuge includes fresh-water after the big storm, we found enough to fly. at the Audubon Center where impoundments, salt-water three eagle nests had been "A bird that can't fly is help- treatment continues for an eye estuaries and brackish marshes. blown to the ground. One had less," she said. "While there problem. an eaglet standing in the nest. are predators, such as bobcats, "The Audubon Center's The diverse landscape provides We then spotted another lying that could have threatened the vet doesn't think the eye was habitat for more than 310 spe- on the ground, about 100 yards eaglets, their main problem injured in the fall, and the cies of birds, 25 mammals, 117 away." was dehydration. Fortunately, problem may be due to an fishes, and 65 amphibians and IHA is NASA's Medical and neither eaglet had any broken illness or disease," Bolt said. reptiles including species such Environmental Support con- bones." "We want him to be able to fly as wood storks, Florida scrub tractor at Kennedy. With the assistance of others before being released. We hope jays, Atlantic loggerhead and The two eaglets found March from IHA and the Merritt that we will be able to release leatherback turtles, ospreys and 26 south of Kennedy's Vehicle Island National Wildlife Ref- him in the next few weeks." alligators. Assembly Building (VAB) and uge, both birds were collected Wildlife experts note that the Eagles usually nest in the north of Schwartz Road, were and taken to the Audubon ability to fly is a key to survival area from September to late east of Kennedy Parkway. Center for Birds of Prey in for eagles or other birds living April or early May. The thunderstorm that passed Maitland, Fla. The center in the wild. "We average about 14 to 15 through the Space Coast on the provides medical treatment, "Before they can fly, a bird eagle nests each year," Bolt afternoon of March 24 lasted rehabilitation and release of can't escape predators, or find less than 30 minutes, but it Florida’s raptors. food and water," Bolt said. said. "The same pair of eagles pounded the area with heavy Two days after the rescue, "Once fledgling eagles learn to usually returns to the same rain, hail and winds exceeding one eaglet was returned to the fly, their parents will lead them nest. The one along Kennedy 60 miles per hour. area where he was found. to the river and show them how Parkway, south of the VAB has "It was easy to see how that A nest box was built with a to catch fish. They learn by been there as long as anyone would blow the nest to the wood frame, wire mesh in the watching what other eagles do." can remember." Page 8 SPACEPORT NEWS April 23, 2013 April 23, 2013 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 9

Spotlight on Commercial Crew Development Scenes Around Kennedy Space Center SpaceX Dragon/Falcon 9 The NASA Partner Integration Team (PIT Crew) working with Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft combination recently talked about spacecraft propulsion and parachute systems. Later this month, the PIT Crew will travel to McGregor, Texas, for a SuperDraco abort engine test. Plans call for eight SuperDracos to be built into the sidewalls of the Dragon spacecraft, allowing a crew to escape from danger at any point of launch.

Sierra Nevada Corp. Dream Chaser/Atlas V Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) Space Systems put the Engineering Test Article of its Dream Chaser through a Ground Resonance Test at the company’s facilities. The testing is standard for aircraft CLICK ON PHOTO NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB and helicopters and Technicians work on the payload fairing April 15 that will protect NASA's IRIS spacecraft during launch aboard confirms that vibrations an Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL rocket at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. For more on the mission, from machinery inside click on the photo. the craft won’t make it shake itself apart. Wind tunnel testing continues following a recent test readiness review. The NASA/Kim Shiflett testing, also scheduled for May and June, is tied to one of the Members of the Kennedy Space Center Running Club and other Kennedy workers offer a moment of silence to honor those affected by the recent terrorist attacks in Boston. The group gathered April 18 and milestones SNC will meet to reduce risk in spacecraft designs. also walked a lap at the Operations and Checkout Building running track. Other signs of support for those affected last week were shown as Kennedy workers wore their favorite running shirts to work and flags at the center were flown at half-staff.

CLICK ON PHOTO NASA/Tony Gray A bobcat is on the prowl at Kennedy Space Center on April 6. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR) manages Ken- nedy’s unincorporated areas. The refuge is hosting a photo presentation, “Bobcats of the Refuge,” at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 25 at the CLICK ON PHOTO NASA/Jim Grossmann MINWR Visitor Center on State Road 402. Join MINWR volunteers and staff to conduct a butterfly survey at 9 a.m. Saturday, April A crane lifts a segment for a set of twin, full-size solid rocket booster (SRB) replicas in front of the shuttle Atlantis exhibit under construction at the NASA/Jim Grossmann 27. No experience is necessary. Bring water, snacks, insect repellent, and wear closed shoes and long pants. Call 321-861-5601 Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on April 11. An external tank replica will be added later between the SRBs. The SRBs stand 150 feet tall, Engineers and technicians use an aerial lift to work on one of three large antennas at the Ka-Band Objects for reservations. For more on the MINWR, click on the photo. while the external tank will reach 184 feet when it is finished. For the latest on the exhibit, click the photo. Observation and Monitoring (Ka-BOOM) site in the Industrial Area on April 12. Page 10 SPACEPORT NEWS April 23, 2013 Special leadership program selects engineers By Bob Granath ing in 1998,” he said. Spaceport News “I went to work for Lockheed Martin the wo NASA engi- next year.” neers from the He was a software TKennedy Space engineer for Lockheed Center’s Engineering and Martin and United Space Technology Directorate Alliance before going to recently were selected work for NASA in 2004. by the Asian-American Vo also earned a mas- Governments Executives ter’s degree in software Network (AAGEN), to engineering in 2006. participate in a special Today, Vo leads and leadership program. They coordinates the Engi- will join 18 participants neering and Technology from other federal agen- Directorate’s imple- cies across the nation. mentation of the safety- Johnny Nguyen, chief critical command and of the Fluids Test and control capabilities that Technology Develop- are required for rees- ment Branch, and Khoa tablishing our nation’s Vo, technical integration ability to launch humans manager for the Con- into space. trol and Data Systems Like Nguyen, Vo ap- Division, were selected preciates his job with the for the year-long Senior space agency. Executive Services (SES) “It’s an opportunity to development course. help define where we go The program is in the future,” he said. sponsored by AAGEN “We’re currently in a with participation by the transition phase. Now is White House Initiative the time to make a differ- NASA/Bob Granath on Asian-American and ence because what we do Johnny Nguyen, chief of Kennedy Space Center’s Fluids Test and Technology Development Branch, left, and Pacific Islanders, the Khoa Vo, technical integration manager for Kennedy’s Control and Data Systems Division, were selected for now will have an impact Office of Personnel Man- the Senior Executive Services (SES) leadership development program. for decades to come.” agement and the Equal Both Nguyen and Vo SES development pro- help the agency.” Nguyen went on to Employment Opportunity believe the SES develop- Commission. gram curriculum consists Nguyen also is looking earn a Master of Busi- ment program will aid in “It’s an opportunity to of two to three days of forward to the program. ness Administration helping define NASA’s be mentored and learn class work in Washing- “It should be an op- from UCF in 2004. He direction. from some of the most ton, D.C., once each portunity to learn new now manages personnel, “I hope to get some experienced federal quarter. The sessions in- leadership skills and resources and technical insights into some of the leaders,” Vo said. “It’s clude speakers, network- better understand how skills to ensure that tech- struggles other agencies exciting to be chosen.” ing and classes focusing the federal government nology activities support are facing and some of Nguyen agreed that on personal branding, works,” he said. all programs and projects the things that have been it is an honor to be risk taking, communica- A Space Coast native, for fluids technology successful,” Nguyen said. selected. tion and building trust as Nguyen grew up in development at the space “Hopefully, I will learn “I’m looking forward a professional. Port St. John, Fla., and center. best practices to bring to the sessions,” he said. Vo said he believes the attended Titusville High “Its exciting work,” he back to NASA.” “I know there is going to SES program will be per- School. said. “Space exploration “We will use these to be some homework.” sonally valuable, but also “In 2001, I graduated improves life on Earth, learn and share other per- Founded in 1993, allow him and Nguyen to from the University of and our work is part of spectives,” Vo said. “That AAGEN is a non-profit, add value to NASA. Central Florida (UCF) that mission.” will make us mindful of non-partisan organization “The program should with a degree in me- Vo immigrated to the big pictures and issues of top Asian-American, help us continue to grow chanical engineering,” he United States from Viet- that are affecting our Pacific Islander career and be more effective said. “I started working nam as a teenager and federal government and and appointed executives and better equipped as for NASA at Kennedy as now lives in Orlando. learn more about apply- in the federal, state and leaders,” he said. “That a co-op in 1998 while I “I studied computer ing diverse approaches local governments. The will better position us to was going to school.” science at UCF, graduat- and opinions.” April 23, 2013 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 11 Lunar exploration workshop highlights ideas By Linda Herridge that changes our thoughts on a Spaceport News Mars exploration architecture.” Rob Mueller, senior tech- ngineers and research- nologist in the Surface Systems ers from Kennedy Space Office of Kennedy’s Engineer- Center and other organi- E ing and Technology Directorate, zations and companies around presented “Mining Resources the country recently discussed in the Moon’s Permanently innovative ideas on the best Shadowed Craters.” ways to mine for resources on Mueller said one of NASA’s the moon and the steps neces- goals is to extend and sustain sary to achieve them. human activity across the solar They heard from subject- system. Some of the key tech- matter experts on more than 50 nologies needed to achieve this related topics and exchanged include robotics and automa- information during the Third CLICK ON PHOTO NASA/Jim Grossmann tion, power systems, habitation International Workshop for Pat Simpkins, director of Engineering and Technology at Kennedy Space Center, addresses life support, and space resource Lunar Superconductor Appli- participants during the Third International Workshop on Lunar Superconductor Applications on April 9. For information about Lunar Superconductor Applications, click on the photo. utilization. cations, held April 9-10, and “We know there’s water out a LunarCubes Briefing, held dy is up to so much more than transfer. April 11, in Cocoa Beach, Fla. launching rockets,” Simpkins Larson said NASA’s Aero- there in the solar system and Workshop organizers Bonnie said. “We definitely are not out space Exploration Systems Pro- we know it’s vastly more water Dubrow and Russell Cox, both of business.” gram is moving forward with than we have here on Earth,” with Flexure Engineering in His presentation focused on the Regolith and Environment Mueller said. “You could College Park, Md., welcomed the work the center is doing Science and Oxygen and Lunar argue that Earth is resource- participants in the room and to support NASA’s priorities, Volatile Extraction (RESOLVE) constrained and we’re starting many others participating on including the Launch Services, lunar ice prospector that would, to feel the effects.” the Web from other locations. Commercial Crew, the Ground in the future, explore the moon. During the last 10 years, mis- “During the next three days Systems Development and RESOLVE prototypes have sions to the moon have revealed you will be listening to some Operations programs, as well been tested near the volcanic locations where ice water could of the leaders, the scientists as the Space Launch System, area of Mauna Kea in Hawaii, a be located beneath the surface. and engineers, who are actually the Orion multi-purpose crew rocky, desolate area that mimics The moon is not flat, but has paving the way for what’s new vehicle and Advanced Explora- the moon’s surface. permanently shadowed craters in the world,” Dubrow said. tion Systems. ISRU is important, Larson at the north and south poles that Cox told attendees that While NASA announced it said, because it can help to hold ice water and volatiles. there’s been more interest in the will send humans to an asteroid reduce mass and cost, expand “The moon’s Shackleton moon in the last 10 years than by as early as 2021, and step up human presence in space, solve crater at the South Pole is a any time since the 1960s. He efforts to improve detection and terrestrial challenges, enable very compelling target,” Muel- said there are a lot of maturing characterization of asteroids, space commercialization, and ler said. “Researchers think that pieces of technology and mis- other technologies are being provide risk reduction and flex- up to 22 percent of the surface sion concepts coming about. developed to explore the moon. ibility. content could be water ice.” “Superconductor technology “The future of NASA and Larson said no single process Extreme access will be is going to be one of the most Kennedy is bright,” Simpkins for technology is the best. required on these missions into important technologies of lunar said. Development of two or more the permanently shadowed exploration,” Cox said. “It is Bill Larson, retired NASA approaches is most likely to regions of the moon, Muel- going to open up the frontier In-Situ Resource Utiliza- ensure success. ler said. There are hundreds in a way that has never before tion (ISRU) project manager, “We are trying to work on of small craters at the moon’s been possible. shared information about space the core technologies that will North Pole, and there is data “We are at the beginning of resources and the major areas allow us to get to any destina- that shows they might contain a new renaissance in space. We of ISRU when considering tion that is selected,” Larson up to 600 million metric tons of are moving from ‘gee could we developing a base on the moon. said. “In 2020, we hope to have water ice. do that’ into ‘how are we going These include resource charac- an ISRU demonstration payload Mueller said space mining re- to do that.’” terization, mission consumable on Mars that supports the cur- quires access, resource excava- Pat Simpkins, director of production, civil engineering rent human design reference tion, extraction, and then some Engineering and Technology at and surface construction, manu- mission. However, if RE- level of processing. Kennedy, updated the group on facturing and repair, energy SOLVE hits the mother load of activities at the center. “Kenne- generation, and storage and water on the moon, then maybe To LUNAR, Page 10 Page 12 SPACEPORT NEWS April 23, 2013 Looking up and ahead . . . NASA Spinoffs: Did you know? * All times are Eastern With baseball season in full swing, take a look at how a few NASA spinoffs have changed the way “America’s Pastime” is played. 2013

April 24 Technology developed at Ames Mission: ISS Resupply Research Center to take high- Launch Vehicle: ISS Progress 51 resolution imagery on Mars is now Launch Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan being used in baseball stadiums Description: Progress 51 will carry supplies, hardware, fuel and water to across the country. Fans navigate the the ISS. in-game photos that capture nearly May 28 the whole stadium online and tag Assembly Flight: 35S themselves and their friends using Mission: Expedition 36/37 social media tools. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz TMA-09M Launch Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan NASA collaborated in Launch Window: 4:31 p.m. research that developed Description: Soyuz TMA-09M will carry three Expedition 36/37 crew liquid metal alloys with members to the ISS. the elasticity of plastics and twice the strength of titanium. The material June 5 appears in numerous products, including Mission: ISS Automated Transfer Vehicle 4 baseball bats. The alloys take the shape of impressed Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5 objects but return to their original shape. Launch Site: Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana Launch Pad: ELA-3 Description: The European Space Agency’s ATV-4, also known as the NASA technology has led to the “Albert Einstein,” will deliver several tons of supplies to the ISS, docking June invention of Temper Foam, which 15 with the Zvezda Service Module on the Russian segment of the station. is used in batting helmets and catchers’ equipment. The key June 26 All launch vehicle, spacecraft and integration activities will continue to to shock reduction is a high- protect for a launch date of May 28. tech interior padding developed Mission: Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) at Ames Research Center to Launch Window: 10:29:57 p.m. to 10:33:57 p.m. protect astronauts from the forces Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL experienced during liftoff. Launch Site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Description: IRIS is designed to provide significant new information to NASA developed a Video Image increase our understanding of energy transport into the corona and solar wind Stabilization and Registration technology and provide an archetype for all stellar atmospheres. that was the basis for a Video Analyst System (VAS) for the FBI to analyze To watch a NASA launch online, go to http://www.nasa.gov/ntv. video images from hand-held camcorders at night. VAS is used in baseball to give video contrasts and comparisons of a batter’s technique. From LUNAR, Page 9 resources, but accessing the permanently shadowed regions For more about NASA Spinoffs, go to http://www.nasa.gov/spinoffs. “Solar system resource utili- of the craters is going to be zation is the key to expanding hard and harsh.” civilization off Earth,” Mueller “How very fortunate it is that said. we have all of this amazing “The solar system has vast technology,” Dubrow said. amounts of resources, but Other presentations from Spaceport News there’s a catch. They must be Kennedy’s Engineering and John F. Kennedy Space Center acquired and processed to be Technology Directorate includ- Public Affairs Directorate useful. Our job is to figure out ed “Cryogenics in Space” from Spaceport News is an official publication of the Kennedy Space Center and is published online on alternate Fridays in the interest of KSC civil service and contractor employees. how to do that. cryogenic engineer William No- Contributions are welcome and should be submitted three weeks before publication to Public “Asteroids have huge tardonato, and “Cryogenics and Affairs, IMCS-440. Email submissions can be sent to [email protected]. amounts of resources in the Energy at the Extremes,” by Managing editor ...... Stephanie Covey Asteroid Belt and so do near- James Fesmire, senior engineer Editor ...... Frank Ochoa-Gonzales Earth asteroids. The lunar poles and co-founder of Kennedy’s Assistant editor ...... Linda Herridge also are showing evidence of Cryogenics Testbed Laboratory. Copy editor ...... Kay Grinter volatiles as is Mars,” Mueller A second presentation from Editorial support provided by Abacus Technology Corp. Writers Group. NASA at KSC on the Web, at http://www.nasa.gov/kennedy added. “We need to develop the Larson focused on “RESOLVE: SP-2013-04-080-KSC technologies to extract these NASA’s Lunar Ice Prospector.”