Volume 15 Issue 8 www..gov/centers/stennis September 2019

Getting closer! See page 3 Page 2 LAGNIAPPE September 2019

hings are heating up around here – and I am The test crews at Stennis remind me of the story of talking about more than the leather seats of my Ben Hogan, the great golf legend. Hogan was unlike Tgreen ’63 Plymouth convertible after sitting in many other golfing greats – by his own admission, he the sun all afternoon. Ark! did not possess an innate gift for the game. Instead, he practiced and practiced and practiced. Then, he With NASA committed to Green Run testing of the practiced even more. Space Launch System (SLS) core stage, work crews at the B-2 Test Stand have kicked it into high gear. Stories tell of him hitting hundreds of golf balls a day, During the recent lift and installation of the core stage working his way through each club in his bag. Along pathfinder simulator (a size and weight replica of the the way, he studied the golf swing and, in the eyes of actual core stage), teams worked two shifts around the many, perfected it to a level of consistency and purity clock. They will resume that same schedule later this that has never been equaled. year as the SLS flight core stage arrives for testing. When it comes to propulsion testing, the Stennis teams Two lifts of the pathfinder simulator originally were are much the same. They have studied and performed planned in preparation for handling the actual core and honed their skills to an incredible level, just as stage when it arrives later this year. However, only Hogan did with his golf swing. No matter the pressure, one was conducted before the pathfinder was removed hogan knew his swing could perform. In that same from the stand for transport to Kennedy Space Center. manner, Stennis test teams have responded – and met – every challenge set before them. There were several reasons for the decision to forgo an additional lift, including the fact that the Stennis team Green Run core stage testing is their newest challenge, performed the first exercise so well. Of course, when and if the pathfinder exercises are any indication, it you think about it, what else would anyone expect from will be met as well. After all, folks around here know the experienced folk around here. a thing or two about dealing with all kinds of heat. Ark!

Lagniappe is published monthly by the Office of Communications at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center. Access monthly copies at: www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis/news/publications/index.html Contact info – (phone) 228-688-3749; (email) [email protected]; (mail) NASA OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS, Attn: LAGNIAPPE, Mail code IA00, Building 1100 Room 304, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529 Managing Editor – Valerie Buckingham Editor – Lacy Thompson Staff Photographer – Danny Nowlin Page 3 LAGNIAPPE September 2019

NASA’s MOON to MARS MISSION NASA clears milestone in preparation for Green Run testing ASA cleared a milestone area and system of the test stand, as in preparation for Green well as the high-pressure industrial NRun testing of its Space water system and high-pressure gas Launch System (SLS) core stage facility that support test operations. with an Aug. 23/24 lift and instal- lation of the core stage pathfinder NASA is building the SLS flight simulator onto the B-2 Test Stand at core stage at its Michoud Assem- Stennis Space Center. bly Facility in New Orleans and is scheduled for transport to Stennis The lift and installation of the core by the end of the year. The stage stage pathfinder – a size and weight recently completed a critical review replica of the SLS core stage – is in preparation for adding the last helping teams at Stennis prepare for piece of the core stage structure: the Green Run test series. For this the engine section. After this piece test of the new core stage, Sten- is added, the four RS-25 engines can nis will lift the flight core stage for be connected to the stage. Artemis 1, the first SLS mission into the stand. SLS and the new When the stage is completely as- Orion spacecraft being built are the sembled, NASA’s Pegasus barge will foundation for NASA’s Artemis deliver it to Stennis. For the Green Program, which will send the first Run test, the core stage flight unit woman and next man to walk on will be lifted and installed onto the the Moon by 2024. B-2 stand, using procedures de- veloped and practiced during the Stennis modified the B-2 Test Stand recent core stage pathfinder lift. for the core stage Green Run test- ing. The procedure involved lifting NASA then will conduct a series of the core stage pathfinder from its tests to check out stage systems and horizontal position on the B-2 Test make sure all are working as needed. Stand tarmac with the facility boom Once systems are checked, NASA crane line attached to the forward will conduct a full hot fire test of end and a ground crane line at- the stage, firing its four RS-25 en- tached to the aft end. gines simultaneously, just as during an actual launch. The pathfinder then was “broken over” into a vertical position. Once The hot fire test will generate more the ground crane line was discon- than 2 million pounds of combined nected, the core stage pathfinder thrust and provide critical perfor- was lifted into place by the stand mance data needed to demonstrate boom crane. This “fit test” validated the core stage design is flightworthy auxiliary lift equipment, procedures, and ready for launch. and verified that stand modifica- tions and preparations are in place Following necessary refurbishment and prepared for delivery and of the stage, it will be transported testing of the SLS core stage flight by barge to Kennedy Space Center B-2 Test Stand operators perform a lift and installation of the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage pathfinder through the in Florida. At Kennedy, the stage night of Aug.23-24. The procedure marked yet another milestone as Stennis prepares to install and test the actual core stage hardware. that will help power the maiden SLS flight – Artemis I. As photos on this and the following page show, operators used two will be mated with other SLS major cranes to lift the pathfinder from its horizontal position, “break” it over into a vertical position and hoist it up and into place on To prepare for the test, Stennis elements and prepared for launch the stand. The exercise allowed operators to practice the procedure and helped confirm the test facility is ready to receive the modified or upgraded every major of the Artemis 1 mission. core stage when it is delivered later this year. Page 4 LAGNIAPPE September 2019

NASA’s MOON to MARS MISSION Page 5 LAGNIAPPE September 2019

Learning to track water using NASA satellite data Students use real data from NASA’s GRACE satellites to track water mass activities related to tracking water mass changes include estimating water changes in the U.S. With schools resuming across the country the last sev- resources using heat-map data, creating a line graph for a specific location, eral weeks, NASA has STEM activities to keep students motivated. Student assessing trends and discussing implications. NASA in the News

NASA looks to understand space weather Goddard visualizer creates CGI Moon kit For the first time, researchers have detected water vapor A new NASA out-of-this-world animation allows human- signatures in the atmosphere of a planet beyond our solar ity to experience their closest galactic neighbor as never system that resides in the “habitable zone,” the region before through an online “CGI (computer-generated around a star in which liquid water could potentially pool imagery) Moon kit.” The new resources uses data from on the surface of a rocky planet.Astronomers at the Cen- NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), which has ter for Space Exochemistry Data at the University College been orbiting the Moon for 10 years. One of the primary London used data from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope goals for the LRO is to accurately map the topography of to find water vapor in the atmosphere of K2-18b, an exo- the Moon to prepare for safer landing to sights of interest planet around a small red dwarf star about 110 light-years for NASA’s Artemis Program. Using data and imagery away. If confirmed, this will be the only exoplanet known from the reconnaissance orbiter, Ernie Wright brings the to have both water in its atmosphere and temperatures Moon to life in unprecedented detail. Wright is a science that could sustain liquid water on a rocky surface. Liquid visualizer who works at the Scientific Visualization Studio water would only be possible if the planet turns out to be at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, terrestrial in nature, rather than resembling a small version Maryland. He created the online CGI Moon kit in order of Neptune. Given the high activity of its red dwarf star, to make NASA’s data more accessible to 3-D artists. How- K2-18b may be more hostile to life as we know it than ever, as NASA prepares for Artemis flights, including one Earth, as it is likely to be exposed to more high-energy that will carry the first woman and the next man to the radiation. It surface gravity would be significantly higher Moon by 2024, Wright’s animations will assist in planning than on our planet. K2-18b is one of hundreds of “super- for safer, more successful missions. For more about LRO, Earths” – exoplanets with masses between those of Earth visit: https://www.nasa.gov/lro. To access the Moon kit, and Neptune – that has been found by Kepler. visit: https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/4720. Page 6 LAGNIAPPE September 2019 2019 NASA Honor Awards tennis Space Center Direc- led 100 percent of work to comple- as well as improvements to agency tor Rick Gilbrech and NASA tion and activated all 29 systems, payroll and labor processing. SScience Mission Directorate preparing Stennis for a new chapter Associate Administrator Thomas in rocket propulsion testing. Rachel Zurbuchen presented annual NASA Harrison- Honor Awards to Stennis employees Woodard during an onsite ceremony Sept. 10. Three Stennis employees received received the NASA’s Exceptional Service NASA Excep- Two Stennis employees received Medal. This medal is awarded to tional Service NASA’s Outstanding Leadership government employees for sustained Medal for Medal. This medal is awarded to performance that embodies multiple more than 18 government employees for notable contributions to NASA projects, years of sup- leadership accomplishments that programs or initiatives. port and distinctive accomplishments significantly influenced the NASA to the Stennis Space Center propul- mission. John W. Bai- sion test mission. Harrison-Woodard ley received worked as a contractor before joining Richard J. the NASA the NASA team as a safety and qual- Gilbrech Exceptional ity engineer in 2013. Her work has received Service Medal helped improve organizational effi- a NASA for a 20-year ciency and reduce center costs while Outstanding agency career ensuring safety and data quality. She Leadership (plus 10 with also has focused on human perfor- Medal for the Depart- mance to help prevent human error strong leader- ment of the Air Force) that spans or injury during test projects. ship skills as such areas as technology develop- director of Stennis Space Center, ment and commercialization, applied which has resulted in lasting con- science, communications, propulsion Five Stennis employees received tributions to NASA priorities and testing and strategic development. NASA’s Exceptional Achievement programs. Since his appointment in Bailey has served in various roles, Medal. This medal is awarded to 2012, Gilbrech has led in delivery of including as director of the Stennis government employees for a signifi- top-quality engineering products and Engineering and Test Directorate. He cant specific achievement or sub- services that meet expectations on was named Stennis associate director stantial improvement in operations, schedule and within budget. Stennis in June 2018. His professionalism, efficiency, service, financial savings, also has improved and sustained a leadership and dedication reflect science or technology that contrib- premier safety culture and established NASA’s highest traditions of service. utes to the mission of NASA. itself as a top center in terms of workforce culture and satisfaction. Michele Ronald J. Campbell Bald received Barry E. received the NASA Robinson the NASA Exceptional received the Exceptional Achievement NASA Out- Service Medal Medal for standing Lead- for more than accomplish- ership Medal 20 years of ments as for sustained agency service. an attorney leadership as Campbell began her career at Stennis adviser in the Office of the Chief the B-2 Test in the Office of Human Capital, be- Counsel at Stennis and across the Stand core stage test project manager fore joining the Office of the Chief agency. His work has raised the at Stennis Space Center. The project Financial Officer as a payroll/labor quality of the NASA legal team’s goal was to ready the B-2 facility for analyst in 1999. Her in-depth knowl- performance and substantially testing the Space Launch System edge and expertise has benefited improved operations, efficiency and core stage. Robinson coordinated several areas of work at Stennis and the implementation of best practices. work across six separate facilities across the agency. Campbell’s career He was a key catalyst in development and involving 29 separate B-2 stand reflects a history of exceptional sup- of a “best in class” on-line system systems. By February 2019, he had port to NASA/Stennis operations, See AWARDS, Page 7 Page 7 LAGNIAPPE September 2019

Stennis. Since innovations that have shaped Stennis AWARDS its launch in information technology capabilities Continued from Page 6 2015, the pro- and services. His expertise has gram has been helped elevate Stennis services to that has enabled greater unification recognized an exceptional level of excellence, of the NASA legal community for across NASA consistency and modernization. more effective delivery of services. as an extreme- ly effective Dao approach to Two Stennis employees received the Kooamphorn ensuring workforce development and received NASA Early Career Achievement growth. Powell’s impeccable leader- the NASA Medal. This medal is awarded to a ship and expertise have been critical Exceptional government employee for unusual to the success of the program. Achievement and significant performance during Medal for the first 10 years of an individual’s significant Ryan E. early career in support of the agency. re- accomplish- Roberts ceived NASA’s ments as a senior contracting officer Michael in the Stennis Office of Procurement. Exceptional J. Vallan She provided critical support in Achievement received awarding and managing contracts for Medal for the NASA the B-2 Test Stand restoration and extensive ef- Early Career modification project. Kooamphorn forts that were Achievement also is responsible for the Financial critical to the Medal for Resources Planning Programing and successful activation of the modified significant Control contract. She is recognized B-2 Test Stand. As B-2 Test Stand contributions as a subject matter expert in her director, Roberts provided invaluable as an attorney adviser in the Stennis field and has developed a reputation influence and strong technical leader- Office of the Chief Counsel. His exemplifying NASA core values. ship during the activation process. efforts include skillfully pursuing a Work included a range of activi- patent application over a number John T. Pazos ties, including tests of various stand of months, leading to a successful received systems. As issues were encountered, outcome. He has worked with the NASA Roberts directed efforts to imple- the legal community and Stennis Exceptional ment strategies to mitigate each one, personnel to find outcomes to Achievement providing leadership essential to pressing issues, as well as with Medal for project success. intellectual property attorneys contributions across NASA to promote language to significant consistency in that area. infrastructure One Stennis employee received improvements as a senior mechanical NASA’s Exceptional Public Service Melissa design engineer in the Stennis Medal. This medal is awarded to R. Wagner Engineering and Test Directorate. individuals who are not government received Pazos provided key contributions employees but have made exception- the NASA to the project to replace Stennis’ al contributions to the mission Early Career high-pressure industrial water system of NASA. Achievement piping. Throughout his work, Pazos Medal for always looks for innovative and cost- Timothy J. critical support effective design approaches and is Jones received to both NASA adept at applying new technologies. the NASA and commercial rocket propulsion Such a focus contributed to saving Exceptional test projects as a contract specialist in millions during the piping project. Public Service the Stennis Office of Procurement. Medal for his Wagner is responsible for every facet Christine Q. Powell received dedication of five Stennis propellant contracts NASA’s Exceptional Achievement and expertise and is the center’s focal point for all Medal for her work as assistant as the most issues involving propellants. She has director in the Stennis Engineering senior SaiTech computer provided significant support to other and Test Directorate. Powell was a programmer on the Information centers as well. Her performance has guiding force in development and Technology Services contract at a direct impact on the center’s ability growth of the Systems Engineering/ Stennis Space Center. For 28- to achieve mission success. Project Management Program at plus years, Jones has contributed See AWARDS, Page 8 Page 8 LAGNIAPPE September 2019

Engineering The Bastion Technology Inc. AWARDS and Test Construction Safety Team at Continued from Page 7 Directorate. Stennis received the NASA Silver Tran provided Achievement Medal for providing Four Stennis employees and two key knowledge exceptional construction safety groups received the NASA Silver and support support during the B-2 Test Stand Achievement Medal. This medal is during the restoration project and all across awarded by NASA center directors high-pressure the Stennis test complexes. The to individuals or teams for a stellar gas facility team has supported multiple direct achievement that supports one or upgrade project, helping to modify construction projects, performing more of NASA’s core values. existing systems and activate new numerous formal and informal Kristie Foster technical systems. Tran demonstrated inspections to ensure safety received the teamwork and a commitment to compliance. It is a sought-after safety NASA Silver excellence in helping address multiple resource with years of hands-on Achievement challenges and supported the 24- construction experience. The Stennis Medal for her hour facility demonstration that safety program is a model for NASA exceptional culminated the upgrade project. due in large part to support provided quality by the Bastion team. Its dedication assurance Derek B. exemplifies NASA’s uncompromising work as a Zacher commitment to safety, excellence, support contractor for Bastion received the teamwork and integrity. Technologies at Stennis. Her efforts NASA Silver were critical during the B-2 Test Achievement Team members included: Stand restoration and high-pressure Medal for his Support Team gas facility upgrade projects. She also outstanding Mark Bridenbeck provided environmental management leadership Donald Smith support to the prior Stratolaunch and technical Jupiter test projects at the E-1 expertise as a mechanical engineer in The XSP Project AR-22 Test Test Stand. Foster’s distinctive the Engineering and Test Directorate Team received the NASA Silver accomplishments exemplify NASA’s at Stennis. Zacher has helped to Achievement Medal for outstanding commitment to safety, excellence and address various technical challenges performance during the AR-22 integrity. on the A-1 Test Stand, including one “10 Tests in 10 Days” campaign. concerning the liquid hydrogen run Completion of the project marked Timothy tank, a virtually irreplaceable asset to the first time a large liquid oxygen/ S. Stiglets the stand and its ability to perform liquid hydrogen engine had been received the testing. His lasting contributions to tested so often in such a short period NASA Silver ensure the future effectiveness of the of time. The project team – which Achievement stand are a reflection of every NASA Medal for his core value. See AWARDS, Page 9 leadership of the product data lifecycle management team for Saitech Inc. at Stennis. Recognized as a subject matter expert for the design and data management system, Stiglets has led significant accomplishments for system operation and planning, helping the center as it transitions from a manual paper process to an efficient, automated one. His contributions are preparing center systems to support the next generation of propulsion testing.

Peter V. Tran received the NASA Silver Achievement Medal for his outstanding support as a mechanical operations engineer in the Stennis Bastion Technology Inc. Construction Safety Team Page 9 LAGNIAPPE September 2019 AWARDS Continued from Page 8 included test stand personnel as well as individuals in Stennis finance, procurement, legal and human capital offices – met a variety of challenges, including a lightning strike that impacted test systems, with innovation and determination. The outstanding work led to a historic “first-ever” achievement and marked a major milestone in development of the XS-1 spaceplane.

Team members included:

NASA Angelica Baker XSP Project AR-22 Test Team Cory Beckemeyer John Bourgeois Maury Vander Bradley Denmark Gregory Carmouche Eugene Wiggins George Drago Thomas Carroll Derek Zacher Jerry Duggan David Carver Christina Zeringue Shelton Dunn Jack Conley Leland English Howard Conyers Support Team Noah English Armando Delgado Mathew Adams Daniel Ezell Robert Drackett Ryan Adams Bradley Favre Brian Eller David Armbruster Dan Fillette Robert Gargiulo Michael Atkinson Brandon Fleming Daniel Goad William Averill Blake Ford Christine Grapusa Jeffrey Barros William Fowler Joshua Greiner James Bennett Paul Fuller Jared Grover David Bogdan Kerry Gallagher James Hamilton Van Bolden Willard Gallagher Mark Hancock Chelsea Boone Jonathan Gallaway Rachel Harrison-Woodard Byron Bordelon Dillon Goss Aaron Head Roger Bridges Patrick Guidry Jeffery Henderson Vincent Buffington Kenneth Hancock Michael Holmes Marvis Burkett Aaron Hart John Hornor Terrence Burrel Steven Helmstetter Melissa Huggins James Cain Robert Herrin Scott Jensen Kirby Campbell Rubin Herrin Lester Langford Cheley Carpenter Petter Hobgood Hooper Lavigne Michael Carr Hans Holzinger Jeffrey Lott Christopher Coogan Jeret Howard Ryan McKibben Buford Cooper Micah Jones Kristopher Mobbs Devin Cousins Yancey Jordan Clarence Kennedy Ke Nguyen Eric Cranford Travis Kennedy Raymond Nichols Deanna Dartez Robert Kenny Jeffrey Renshaw Ronald Dartez Caleb Kimble Ronald Rigney Taylor Davie Stephen Koch James Ryan Billy Davis Dustan Ladner Ryan Seals Christopher Davis Dwayne Stockstill Lavell Ladner John Davis Roger Ladner Gary Taylor Kyle Deckwa Aaron Lancaster Neil Toupin Jordan Dedeaux Nyla Trumbach Robert Delcuze See AWARDS, Page 10 Page 10 LAGNIAPPE September 2019

were recognized for years of service Alicia Kidd (MSFC) AWARDS and other noteworthy contributions. Sarah Maine Continued from Page 9 Bradley Messer Length of Service Awards Charla Pledger (MSFC) Ray Leblanc Cynthia Spraul (MSFC) Dion Lee Patricia White Jesse Luc 35 years Thomas R. Galloway Cade Malley Support Team Derek Martin 30 years Delunzo Bartee Bruce Matthews John W. Bailey Jr. Margaret Snowden-Foozer Kevin McCaleb Don H. Beckmeyer Candice Talley Jimmy Meitzler Gary L. Benton Sara Stuart William Mitchell Anthony J. Goretski Jr. Kent Morris Bartt J. Hebert Stennis Microsoft Office 365 Patrick Morris Brain M. Hey Implementation Team Don Necaise Joseph W. Lacher NASA Ke Nguyen Amy M. Langdale Rae Anderson Chad Nicholas Anne H. Peek Cory Beckemeyer Carley Odom Kenneth E. Volante Michele Beisler Todd Pearson Christopher Carmichael Mark Powe 25 years Christopher Quinn Phillip Hebert Jenette B. Gordon Bridget Jones William Ritchie Mary V. Kennedy Stephen Rose Mark M. Moody Allecia Kimble Timothy Roson Barry E. Robinson Joseph Ladner Harold Ross Linh Lam Travis Rubio Group Achievement Award William Miltier Mounir Sabbagh Bonita Oliver Clinton Saucier SACOM (Synergy-Achieving Jennifer Rolison John Searles Consolidated Operations Debra Rushing Craig Shaw and Maintenance) Contract Karen Seals Grant Shaw Administration Team Michael Shaw Diane Sims NASA Robert Sheaffer Robert Southers James Cockrell Ashley Speed Michael Sheffield Tammy Bissell (MSFC) Kevin Stiede Marcus Shoemake Gregg De Felicibus John Shupe Angela Hall Melissa Wagner John Simon Carol Kellar See Page 11 Michael Slade AWARDS, Donald Smith Hunter Smith Trevor Smith Jared Spiers Stephen Steelman Travis Thomas Gillion Thompson Christopher Thoms William Vaughn Terry Wactor Ryan Weir Eugene Wilkerson Rodney Wilkinson Donald Wilson Mark Wittorf Thomas Wolfe

In addition to medal recipients, vari- ous Stennis individuals and groups SACOM Contract Administration Team Page 11 LAGNIAPPE September 2018 AWARDS Continued from Page 10

Support Team Tammy Bridenbeck James Brown David Bunales Jonathan Campista Deborah Duke Shannon Ellis David Glasenapp Christine Hanna Christina Jones Susan Langdon Kimberly Lawson Caroline Necaise John Pitalo Charity Potter Donna Rubio Clyde Sellers High-Pressure Gas Facility Space Launch System Upgrades Team Jennifer Stevenson Timothy Stiglets Bridget Jones Mark Turowski Kevin Wingate Son Le Melissa Wagner Jeffrey Johnston Chris Mulkey Casey Wheeler Huy Nguyen Rachel Harrison-Woodard High-Pressure Gas Facility Space Nicholas Nugent Launch System Upgrades Team Kevin Oramous Support Team Scott Andres NASA Stephen Rawls Rae Lyn Anderson Robbie Randall David Armbruster John Bakker Barry Robinson Jeff Barros James Biles Andrew Bracey Mark Robinson David Blansett Greg Carmouche Robert Simmers Byron Bordelon Craig Chandler Dwayne Stockstill Mark Bridenbeck Jasper Cook Peter Tran Roger Bridges Marvis Burkett Terrence Burrel James Cain BJ Cooper Devin Cousins Ronnie Dartez Billy Davis Jordan Dedeaux Jerry Duggan Jason Evans Susan Fendley Kristie Foster Adam Fulks Colby Fulton Shannon Hariel Ruth Hextall Petter Hobgood Stennis Microsoft Office 365 Implementation Team See AWARDS, Page 12 Page 12 LAGNIAPPE September 2018 AWARDS Continued from Page 11

Micah Jones James Jordan Miran Kapidzic Philip Kopfinger Lisa Ladner Catriona Ladner Shaw Daniel Levens Hannah Lynch Paul Lusich Benjamin McGrath Jonathan Mirandy Nicole Narvaez Eugene Necaise David Olson B-2 Test Stand High-Pressure Industrial Water (Firex) Team Ty Proffit Alvin Richard Aaron Mannion Miran Kapidzic Travis Rubio Nicholas Nugent Lisa Ladner Grant Shaw Timothy Rustine Daniel Levens Donald Smith Barry Robinson Hannah Lynch Paul Stevens Cheryl Timko Benjamin McGrath Adam Stockstill David Olson Bradley Tyree Contractor Support Ty Proffitt Trevor Wagoner Scott Andres Donald Smith Perry Waller Jo Anthony Ronald Snyder S Kristen Weyenberg David Armbruster Paul Stevens Charles Wilder Jeff Barros Dale Tutor Rhonda Wolfram Mark Bridenbeck Trevor Wagoner Melissa Carver Perry Waller S Kristen Weyenberg B-2 Test Stand High-Pressure BJ Cooper Industrial Water (Firex) Team Kristie Foster LeRoy Wilson NASA Ruth Hextall Elizabeth Calantoni James Jordan SpaceX Raptor Full-Scale Oxygen Pre-Burner Team NASA Christoffer Barnett-Woods John Bourgeois Jack Conley Armando Delgado Robert Drackett Melissa Huggins Bridget Jones Justin Junell Michael Kersanac Truc Le Christopher Mulkey Kevin Oramous Aster Pastoral Peyton Pinson Benjamin Powell SpaceX Raptor Full-Scale Oxygen Pre-Burner Team See AWARDS, Page 13 Page 13 LAGNIAPPE September 2019

Kerry Gallagher B-2 Test Facility Activation Team AWARDS Jonathan Gallaway NASA Continued from Page 12 Dillon Goss Rae Lyn Anderson Patrick Guidry Angelica Baker Robbie Randall Kenneth Hancock John Bourgeois Stephen Rawls Mack Hester Elizabeth Calantoni Jason Richard Darwyn Hilsher Belfield Collymore Robert Smith Petter Hobgood Jack Conley Dwayne Stockstill Howard Jeret Jasper Cook Janice Tasin Dion Lee Dawn Davis Richard Wear Eric Lichtenstein Jason Edge Charles Wilder Paul Lusich Brian Eller Bruce Matthews Alex Elliot Contractor Support Kenneth McCormack Daniel Goad Justin Alison Jimmy Meitzler Pablo Gomez David Blansett Kenneth Morgan Christine Grapusa Van Bolden Carley Odom Phillip Hebert Jace Boudreaux Randy Overton Charles Heim Roger Bridges Christopher Quinn Andrew Henken Samuel Clay John Searles Dao Kooamphorn Jesse Crawford Grant Shaw Lester Langford Joni Dumas John Shupe Aaron Mannion Susan Fendley Bryan Vieages Bryon Maynard Dan Fillette Terry Wactor Ryan McKibben Ford Blake Raymond Williams Raymond Nichols Adam Fulks Anita Wilson Paul Fuller See AWARDS, Page 14

B-2 Test Facility Activation Team Page 14 LAGNIAPPE September 2018 AWARDS Kyle Deckwa Catriona Shaw Continued from Page 13 Tony Dilorenzo Craig Shaw Shelton Dunn Michael Shaw Nicholas Nugent Bradley Favre John Shupe Ryan Roberts Kristie Foster Michael Slade Barry Robinson Ruth Hextall Billy Smith Debra Rushing Gerald Howard Robert Smith Timothy Rustine Micah Jones Tammy Smith Ryan Seals Miran Kapidzic Donald Smith Karma Snyder Brandon Ladner Frances Songy Dwayne Stockstill Byron Ladner Larry Southern Cheryl Timko Chadwick Ladner Jared Spiers Nyla Trumbach Lisa Ladner Paul Stevens Mark Turowski Jeff Lawson Chad Tournillon Darrel Varner Ray Leblanc Dale Tutor Kenneth Volante Daniel Levens Trevor Wagoner Melissa Wagner Curtis Lockwood Perry Waller Casey Wheeler Hannah Lynch S Kristen Weyenberg Burnley Wigley Gary Marshall LeRoy Wilson Derek Martin Jesse Yarbrough Contractor Support Benjamin McGrath Scott Andres Jimmy Miles Safety and Mission Assurance David Armbruster Thomas Mitchell Jr Crystal Ball Team Jeff Barros Tuan Ngo NASA James Bennett Chad Nicholas Dinna Cottrell Brett Bossier David Olson Karen Davis Jace Boudreaux Alan Peterson Charles Hallal Mark Bridenbeck Ty Proffitt Carmen Ramirez-Pagan Cheley Carpenter Mark Robinson Timothy Rustine BJ Cooper Stephen Rose Kamili Shaw John Davis Mounir Sabbagh Sandeep Shetye (ARC) Irene Wirkus (GRC)

Contractor Support Charles Broussard Nhi Cmerek John Dunn Anastasiya Glyantseva Guy Bruce Mark Holmes Bertha Jackson Rashaad Jackson Christopher Jones Thang Le Matthew Muir Tuyet-Anh Nguyen Lamar Nicholson Carolyn Owen Laura Pair Irina Patrikeeva Ryan Rivas

Safety and Mission Assurance Crystal Ball Team See AWARDS, Page 15 Page 15 LAGNIAPPE September 2019

NASA science leader visits Thomas Zurbuchen (second from right), associate administrator of the NASA Science Mission Directorate, stands atop the B-2 Test Stand during a visit to the site Sept. 10. Zurbuchen visited Stennis to participate in annual NASA Honor Awards presenta- tions but also toured site facilities, including the B-2 stand and met with various Stennis personnel groups. He was hosted during the stand tour by Maury Vander (l to r), head of the Test Op- erations Division in the Stennis Engineering and Test Directorate; Stennis Deputy Director Randy Galloway; and Ryan Roberts, B-2 Test Stand director.

AWARDS Cont. from Page 14

Special Recognition Awards

J. Harry Guin Outstanding Leadership Award Bartt J. Hebert

Director’s Certificate of Appreciation Rhonda M. Lavigne

Space Flight Aware- ness Award Michael Panell Neil Toupin

Silver Snoopy Award Adam Murrah Armstrong officials visit Stennis Stennis Chief of Staff Anne Peek (l to r) and Stennis Associate Director John Bailey stand in front of the Space Chief Financial Launch System (SLS) core stage pathfinder simulator at the B-2 Test Stand with officials from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center on Aug. 22. During their visit, Armstrong leaders toured the B-2 Test Stand, which is Officer University Peer preparing to test the SLS core stage, and other facilities and met with site leaders. Armstrong visitors included (r to Award-Leadership l): Center Director David McBride, Associate Center Director Sean McMorrow, Chief of Staff Roberta Sherrard and Deborah Norton Deputy Center Director Patrick Stoliker. Page 16 LAGNIAPPE September 2019 Stennis retains VPP Star status for safety and health Note: The following is part of a regular focus on safety and health more than 2,000 organizations, including several NASA at Stennis Space Center. It was written by Karen Patton with the centers, have been designated VPP Star sites. Stennis Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate. To reach that goal, an organization must demonstrate tennis Space Center began its journey to become an comprehensive and successful safety and health manage- OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star ment programs in the workplace. This includes achieving Sstatus site in 2007. injury and illness rates at or below the national average of their respective industries. NASA and its five major NASA contractors at Stennis first underwent individual OSHA reviews and audits to In the evaluation process, OSHA reviews an organiza- receive Star status. Throughout that tion’s safety and health policies process, Stennis officials worked and conducts onsite visits. Once to educate the center workforce of VPP Star status is achieved, OSHA the importance of good safety and returns at regular intervals to make health practices. sure designated sites are continuing in their safety and health efforts. Stennis received VPP Star Site status on April 8, 2011. Stennis VPP Star status is more than a underwent a second VPP recer- mere designation for organiza- tification audit June 10-14, 2019 tions. NASA and its prime contrac- and was recommended by the tors have seen an overall decline audit team for continued participation in VPP. Synergy in injuries and lost time since 2011. Leaders also say the Space Services (S3), which holds the Synergy-Achieving safety and health emphasis promotes a deeper sense of Consolidated Operations and Maintenance (SACOM) teamwork, especially at a site like Stennis, where multiple contract for Stennis and Michoud Assembly Facility, also agencies must coordinate efforts. participated in a VPP certification audit July 22-26, 2019, and was recommended for participation in the program. The VPP elements provide NASA and its prime contrac- tors a common way to define and maintain their indi- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration es- vidual safety and health programs. Each organization’s tablished VPP in 1982 as a proactive safety management commitment to VPP ensures all personnel at Stennis model so organizations and their employees could be work in an environment where safety and health is held recognized for excellence in safety and health. Since then, in the highest regard.

Stennis promotes women’s equality U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, the first woman to represent the state in Congress, speaks to Stennis employees during an onsite Women’s Equality Day Program on Aug. 28. Women’s Equality Day is observed each August to commemorate the certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution granting American women the right to vote in 1920. This year’s theme focused on “Celebrating Woman’s Equality.” Page 17 LAGNIAPPE September 2019 Women have long history of support to NASA Note: NASA’s John C. Stennis complex math calculations for the trajectories of orbits Space Center has played a pivotal around the Earth. role in the success of the nation’s space program. The following Katherine Johnson was one of these women. She is an offers a glimpse into the history African American woman who worked for NASA as a of the rocket engine test center. mathematician for more than 30 years. Her calculations helped Apollo 11 fly to the Moon. Margaret Hamilton, n July 1958, President Dwight Eisenhower signed the a programmer, and Thora Halstead, a space biologist, National Aeronautics and Space Act that established worked alongside Katherine Johnson. These women Ithe National Aeronautic and Space Administration. worked in the background to help the United States win The United States was on its way to space, and a woman the space race in the 1960s. by the name of Eilene Galloway Many other was instrumen- women worked tal in the cre- alongside them. ation of NASA, Even more researching and were lost to writing space history, along legislation and with their ac- policies for the complishments burgeoning because of their fields of space work being in law and interna- the background tional space law. and because they were Galloway may women. have been the Women who provided critical support during the early years of NASA included (l to r): Dorothy Vaughn, first woman to Katherine Johnson and Mary Jackson In 1967, NASA help NASA and established the the United States reach its goal of exploring space and Federal Women’s Program to promote equal opportunity putting a human on the Moon, but she was definitely not for women in federal government positions and to recruit the only woman. woman who are technically trained. Stennis Space Center embraced that program and established programs like Many women worked behind the scenes at NASA to ac- Science Engineering Career Days to show high school complish the task of reaching space. The public tends to girls the different career paths women can take and how hear primarily about the women who became . to accomplish those goals. The first woman in space was Russian Valentina Teresh- kova who entered orbit in 1963. America did not put a Such programs have encouraged girls and women to take woman in space until 20 years later. was the non-traditional career paths. In 2016, more women are first American woman to fly to space. going into science and engineering careers, but encour- agement is still needed. Women are an important part Women like Eilene Galloway were always in the shadow of the space program, and as the United States make its of their male counterparts. For instance, in the 1950s way to Mars and beyond, it will need scientifically minded and 1960s women were the “calculators” who did the women and men to lead the way.

Hail & Farewell

NASA welcomes the following: Trevor Brownlow Student Trainee Office of Communications Alison Dardar Management and Program Analyst Office of the Chief Financial Officer

NASA bids farewell to the following: Roger Simpson Manager Rocket Propulsion Test Program Office Page 18 LAGNIAPPE September 2019

Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity Honoring Hispanic Americans: Essential to the blueprint of our nation he tradition of observing Hispanic heritage began veteran of seven space flights: STS-61C in 1986, STS-34 in 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1989, STS-46 in 1992, STS-60 in 1994, STS-75 in 1996, Tdesignated a week in mid-September as National STS-91 in 1998, and STS-111 in 2002. He logged more Hispanic Heritage Week. Twenty years later, in 1988, than 1,500 hours in space, including 19 hours during President Ronald Reagan extended that week to a month- spacewalks. long observance. Diaz received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineer- The heritage month’s dates refer to Independence Day ing from the University of Connecticut in 1973 and a anniversaries of Latin Ameri- doctorate in applied plasma can countries – Sept. 15 is the physics from the Massachusetts anniversary of independence Institute of Technology in for Costa Rica, El Salvador, 1977. Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico declared The Navy’s First Admiral its independence Sept. 16, and Chile on Sept. 18. Admiral David Glasgow Farra- gut was born in 1801 and died The federal government is in 1870. He was the son of a strengthened by the diversity Spanish American immigrant of its people as it underlines and Revolutionary War veteran. that patriots of Hispanic He served in the American American Heritage continue to Navy from 1810-1870 and build legacies of freedom and was the first person to achieve diversity. the rank of admiral. Farragut began his career in the Navy at NASA’s First Female Hispanic nine years old as a midshipman. He remained on active duty until his death. Dr. Ellen Ochoa was born in , Calif., in 1958. She was the first female Hispanic astronaut to fly in Farragut is perhaps most famous for his victory at the space. NASA selected Ochoa as an astronaut in 1990. She Battle of in 1864, where he led his fleet spent nearly 1,000 hours in space during four shuttle mis- through a field of “torpedoes” – submerged explosives – sions: STS-56 in 1993, STS-66 in 1994, STS-96 in 1999, while they took Confederate fire from the shore. Accord- and STS-110 in 2002. ing to Loyall Farragut’s biography of his father, as the fleet moved through the bay, the admiral knew it was too Ochoa then went on to serve as the 11th director of NA- late to turn back, so he shouted, “Damn the torpedoes! SA’s from 2012 until she retired on Four bells! Captain Drayton, go ahead! Jouett, full speed!” May 25, 2018. She was Johnson’s first Hispanic director In popular culture, he is often quoted as saying, “Damn and its second female director. Ochoa is the recipient the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” The Union fleet lost of numerous awards, including the Harvard Founda- one ironclad ship to the explosives, the USS Tecumseh, tion Science Award, Women in Aerospace’s Outstanding and 335 men, but Farragut took and se- Achievement Award and the Hispanic Heritage Leader- cured the blockade. ship Award. Farragut was the first person to hold the ranks of vice She is a classical flutist and pilot, and she also enjoys vol- admiral, rear admiral, and full admiral in the U.S. Navy. leyball and bicycling. Ochoa received a bachelor’s degree In the years following his leadership, five U.S. Navy ships in physics from San Diego State University in 1980, have been named in honor of Farragut. followed by a master’s degree and doctorate in electrical engineering from Stanford University in 1981 and 1985, Honoring Hispanic Americans respectively. Please join the Stennis Space Center community in NASA’s First Male Hispanic Astronaut honoring Hispanic Americans on October 8, 2019 in the Logtown Conference Room in the Roy S. Estess Building Dr. Franklin R. Chang Diaz was born in 1950 in San (Bldg. 1100) at 11 a.m. with a panel discussion celebrat- José, Costa Rica. Chang Díaz became the first Hispanic ing the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic astronaut when NASA selected him in 1980. He is a Americans at Stennis.