NASA Begins 5Th RS-25 Test Series

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Volume 14 Issue 8 www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis August 2018 NASA begins 5th RS-25 test series

NASA conducts a successful hot fire test of RS-25 developmental engine No. 0525 – featuring a new flight controller unit – on the A-1 Test Stand at Sten- nis Space Center on Aug. 14.The test was viewed by new NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and other guests. (See page 3 article) Page 2 LAGNIAPPE August 2018

It is estimated somewhere between 500 million to It was only fitting, then, that new NASA Administra- 600 million people around the world watched Neil tor Jim Bridenstine wasted little time in making his first Armstrong step onto the surface of the Moon in July visit to the site as agency leader. More fitting, he was 1969. It was the largest television audience at the time, able to view the Aug. 14 test and see firsthand the Sten- although they were not all in the same room. Ark! nis blended test team of NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne and Syncom Space Services engineers and operators Probably nowhere near that many folk watched the at work. He also got a firsthand look at site facilities, NASA-TV and social media live broadcast of the RS- including the Aerojet Rocketdyne Engine Assembly 25 rocket engine test here Aug. 14 – but it is safe to say Facility, the E Test Complex and the B-2 Test Stand. an awful lot of attention is focused on Stennis Space Center these days. More importantly, the new NASA leader was able to visit with center and resident agency leaders, local Stennis is at the forefront of NASA’s work to build and media members, community representatives and site launch its new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket that employees. In doing so, he certainly discovered that the will carry humans deeper into space than ever, to such Stennis team approach does not just extend to engine destinations as the Moon and Mars. The RS-25 engines testing. It is the very idea on which the center is built. that will help power SLS at launch are being tested here – and the core stage that will be used for the first SLS From the start, Stennis was a team effort of agency, flight will be tested on site as well. companies and community working together, supporting one another, believing in one another, enabling Stennis did the same work for Apollo and space shuttle one another to do more. Therein lies the true secret missions. However, for years, its remote location about Stennis – it believes the old adage that “team- and low profile led many people to view it as one of work makes the dream work,” even when those dreams NASA’s – and Mississippi’s – “best-kept secrets.” promise to carry one to the deep reaches of space.

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 August 2018 FULFILLING NASA’S EXPLORATION MISSION NASA administrator visits Stennis, views RS-25 engine test tennis Space Center showcased what it does The Aug. 14 hot fire was the first RS-25 test at (Right photo) NASA best for new NASA Administrator Jim Stennis since February, when operators powered Administrator Jim Bridenstine on Aug. 14, hosting the agency the engine to its highest operating level ever. It Bridenstine (second from S right) views an RS-25 leader for the first in another series of RS-25 also was the first test of developmental engine rocket engine hot fire tests in support of NASA’s No. 0525 since August 2015. It marked the first engine test at Stennis Space Center on Aug. Space Launch System (SLS) Program. in a series of nine scheduled tests on engine No. 14. Joining the new 0525 through the rest of the year and into 2019. agency leader were (l Operators conducted a successful test of RS-25 Each will feature an RS-25 flight controller for to r) Mississippi Gov. developmental engine No. 0525 – complete with a use on an actual SLS mission, as well as testing Phil Bryant, U.S. Sen. new flight controller unit – on the A-1 Test Stand engine components made with innovative manu- Roger Wicker of Missis- as Bridenstine and other agency officials watched. facturing designed to reduce the cost of future sippi, U.S. Rep. Steven The visit was Bridenstine’s first to the south Mis- engines. All test objectives were met during the Palazzo of Mississippi, sissippi center since he was confirmed as adminis- hot fire. Stennis Space Center Director Rick Gilbrech trator in April. and U.S. Rep. Trent NASA is building the SLS rocket as the largest, Kelly of Mississippi. “I have witnessed rocket launches before, but this most powerful space vehicle in history to return was a new and unique experience,” Bridenstine humans to deep space missions. The SLS rocket (Left photo) The RS-25 said following the test. “It was like watching a will launch crews of up to four astronauts aboard test at Stennis Space Center on Aug. 14 was launch, but it never leaves the ground, and you the Orion spacecraft to explore various deep- viewed by a number of can feel the power of the engine within your body. space destinations, including the Moon and Mars. guests, including NASA And what the power of this RS-25 engine repre- officials, astronauts, sents is America’s ability to fly deeper into space Each SLS rocket will be powered at launch by elected officials, com- than we ever did before. This was a great test.” four RS-25 engines firing simultaneously to pro- munity leaders and vide a combined 2 million pounds of thrust and representatives of key “It was an honor to host Administrator Briden- working in conjunction with a pair of solid rocket companies involved stine and to provide him an opportunity to see boosters to provide more than 8 million pounds in the construction of NASA’s Space Launch the Stennis test team work,” Stennis Director Rick of thrust. RS-25 engines are being built by Aero- System rocket. Gilbrech said. “It also is an honor to be part of jet Rocketdyne for the SLS flights. the effort under way to help move this nation to main engines. For initial SLS flights, the engines ing parts of the engine that can be made using In addition to testing individual RS-25 engines the Moon again, then on to Mars.” The initial RS-25 engines are former space shuttle will be operated at 109 percent of rated power. new manufacturing techniques. When new engines and components, Stennis is preparing to test the For subsequent SLS flights, designed to carry are produced, components can be made with core stage for the first SLS flight – Exploration larger, heavier cargos and the crew vehicle to deep these advanced processes, and the engine produc- Mission-1 – which will showcase the new rocket space, the engines have been modified to operate tion cost can be reduced by more than 30 percent. and send an uncrewed Orion spacecraft into at 111 percent of rated power. To date, Stennis This test featured a main combustion chamber space beyond the Moon. For that testing, the has conducted 22 tests running with engines oper- fabricated using a bonding technique called hot flight core stage will be installed on the B-2 Test ating just over 10,000 cumulative seconds for SLS. isostatic pressing (HIP), which saves considerable Stand at Stennis, and all four RS-25 engines will time and money over more traditional methods. be fired simultaneously, just as will occur during A key component of latest modification is the The HIP process uses high pressure and heat to an actual launch. controller, which operates as the “brain” of the create bonds that can withstand extreme stress. It engine to help it communicate with the rocket already has been used on main combustion cham- The first flight will be followed by Exploration and to provide precision control of engine opera- bers in two other Aerojet Rocketdyne engines. Mission-2, which will carry humans aboard the tion and internal health diagnostics. Orion spacecraft, returning astronauts to deep The Aug. 14 hot fire also represented the fifth test space for the first time in more than 40 years. Stennis tested the first RS-25 flight controller in of a 3D-printed pogo accumulator assembly, a This mission will also be powered by Stennis- March 2017. For the testing, flight controller units critical component that dampens potential engine tested engines. are installed on a developmental engine and fired propellant pressure oscillations that can cause a just as during an actual launch. Once tested and rocket to become unstable in flight. Testing of RS-25 tests at Stennis are conducted by a team of certified, the controllers are removed for installa- the 3D-printed component also is part of the NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne and Syncom Space tion on an RS-25 flight engine. ongoing effort to use advanced manufacturing Services engineers and operators. Aerojet Rock- to reduce engine construction costs. NASA and etdyne is the RS-25 prime contractor. Syncom To get the most out of each test, NASA is not Aerojet Rocketdyne plan to test a number of 3D- Space Services is the prime contractor for Stennis only testing the flight controllers, but also is test- printed components for the RS-25 engine. facilities and operations. Page 4 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 FULFILLING NASA’S EXPLORATION MISSION

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine visited Stennis Space Center on Aug. 14 to meet with various leaders and view an RS-25 rocket engine test on the A-1 Test Stand. As shown, Bridenstine spent a full day at Stennis, visiting the E Test Complex and the B-2 Test Stand (right photo), speaking live on NASA TV following the RS-25 engine test (left photo), speaking to site employees during an all hands session (bottom left photo), meeting with area media for a question-and-answer session (bottom center photo) and speaking to gests during a post-test reception at INFINITY Science Center. Bridenstine also visited the Aerojet Rocketdyne En- gine Assembly Facility and met with center managers during his first visit to Sten- nis since he was confirmed as NASA administrator (see page 5 photos). Page 5 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 FULFILLING NASA’S EXPLORATION MISSION

(Top photo) NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine visits the Aerojet Rocketdyne En- gine Assembly Facility to view an RS-25 engine. (Center photo) NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine visits with Stennis Director Rick Gilbrech, Deputy director Randy Galloway, Associate Director John Bailey and other senior managers during his Aug. 14 visit to the rocket engine test site. (Bottom photos) Astronauts Jeff Williams (left) and Butch Wimore (right) talk about their experiences in space flight with RS-25 rocket engine test viewing guests Aug. 14. Page 6 LAGNIAPPE August 2018

Parker Solar Probe launches to ‘touch the sun’ A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket launches NASA’s Parker it will directly explore solar processes that are key to understanding and Solar Probe on a mission to touch the Sun, on Aug. 12 from Cape Ca- forecasting space weather events that can impact life on Earth. The probe naveral Air Force Station, Florida. The Parker Solar Probe is the first-ever was launched aboard a Delta IV rocket powered by a trio of Aerojet rocket- mission into a part of the Sun’s atmosphere called the corona. Once there, dyne RS-68 engines tested at Stennis Space Center. NASA in the News

NASA names commercial flight astronauts NASA completing McAuliffe’s lost lessons NASA introduced to the world Aug. 3 the first U.S. Christa McAuliffe made history when she became the astronauts who will fly on American-made, commercial first teacher selected to go to space as part of NASA’s spacecraft to and from the International Space Station Teacher in Space project. These educators would fly to – an endeavor that will return astronaut launches to U.S. space then return to share their experiences with stu- soil for the first time since the space shuttle’s retirement dents. McAuliffe’s plans included filming several demon- in 2011. The agency assigned nine astronauts to crew the strations to be used in educational packages for students first test flight and mission of both Boeing’s CST-100 and teachers across the globe. However, as part of the Starliner and SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. NASA has worked space shuttle Challenger crew, she died tragically on the closely with the companies throughout design, develop- morning of Jan. 28, 1986, when the orbiter broke apart ment and testing to ensure the systems meet NASA’s just 73 seconds after launch. NASA canceled the Teacher safety and performance requirements. Scheduled Starliner in Space project in 1990. McAuliffe’s lessons were lost test flight astronauts are Eric Boe, Christopher Ferguson for a moment, but not forgotten. Challenger Center, a and Nicole Aunapu Mann. Crew Dragon test flight astro- leading science, technology, engineering and mathemat- nauts are Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley. Starliner ics (STEM) education organization, worked in partner- first mission astronauts are Josh Cassada and Sunita Wil- ship with NASA to complete some of the lessons she liams. Crew Dragon first mission astronauts are Victor had planned to perform aboard Challenger. Most of the Glover and Michael Hopkins. Additional crew members lessons will be completed as originally planned, but some will be assigned by NASA’s international partners at a elements have been reimagined based on materials avail- later date. Learn more about NASA’s Commercial Crew able aboard the orbiting laboratory. Find the lessons at: Program at: https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. www.challenger.org/christa. Page 7 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 2018 NASA Honor Awards tennis Space Center Director Ralph M. Gary L. Ben- Rick Gilbrech and Kennedy Gonzalez nett received Sspace Center Director Bob Ca- received the the NASA bana presented annual NASA Honor NASA Excep- Exceptional Awards to Stennis employees during tional Service Public Service an onsite ceremony Aug. 15. Medal for 35 Medal for 39 years of ser- years of con- Four Stennis employees received vice, including tractor service NASA’s Exceptional Service the last 12 in at Stennis, in- Medal. This medal is awarded to the Stennis Safety and Mission Assur- cluding as a facilitator and mechanical government employees for sustained ance Directorate. Gonzalez served as technician. He has provided oversight performance that embodies multiple a contractor before joining the NASA and technical expertise to a variety of contributions to NASA projects, team in 2006. As a contractor, he activities and projects across the Sten- programs or initiatives. implemented a host of new and im- nis test complexes, demonstrating an proved processes that contributed to innate ability to grasp and solve com- James Bevis the success of the space shuttle main plex technical issues, a commitment received a engine test project. For NASA, he to quality and a solid work ethic. posthumous has served in a variety of safety-relat- Bennett has contributed to virtually NASA Excep- ed roles, including as the first NASA every propulsion test project at Sten- tional Service audit manager at Stennis. Gonzalez nis since the space shuttle. Medal for is noted for his range of knowledge 15 years of and technical experience and has Marsha services as dedicated his career to supporting the L. Ladner the Stennis NASA missions. received the chief financial officer until his death NASA Excep- in November 2017. Bevis began his Dwayne K. tional Public NASA career as a budget analyst in Stockstill Service Medal 1980. He joined the Stennis team in received the for 38 years of 1995 and assumed the chief financial NASA Excep- outstanding officer role in 2002. Bevis contrib- tional Service contractor ser- uted extensively to the success of the Medal for his vice in various roles at Stennis. She NASA/Stennis mission by providing career contri- began her career as a drafter and also expert management and oversight of butions and his served as a facility utilization special- program and institutional funding of work as deputy ist and the NASA Rocket Propulsion about $300 million annually. chief of the Electrical Branch of the Test Program Office liaison. Since Stennis Engineering and Test Direc- 2008, Ladner has served as propel- Hugh V. Carr torate. Stockstill began his NASA lant coordinator, responsible for received the career in 2000 and has made key tech- fulfilling all propellant requirements NASA Excep- nical contributions to the success of for Stennis test complexes. Her tional Service the Stennis propulsion test mission. diligent work and business knowl- Medal for his He has served as the lead electrical edge has been key to the success of expertise and engineer for the E-1 Test Stand and numerous high-profile test activities service as a A-1 Test Stand facilities and as the and projects. NASA en- data acquisition system subject matter vironmental expert. He has contributed to a range specialist since 1988, as well as 11 of high-profile test projects and Four Stennis employees received years of contractor service prior to initiatives. NASA’s Exceptional Achievement that time. Carr serves as administra- Medal. This medal is awarded to tor of the Stennis natural resources government employees for a signifi- program and manager of the NASA- Two Stennis employees received cant specific achievement or sub- wide Geographic Information System NASA’s Exceptional Public Service stantial improvement in operations, (GIS) Principle Center. His career Medal. This medal is awarded to efficiency, service, financial savings, service has been characterized by individuals who are not government science or technology that contrib- exceptional ingenuity and innovation employees but have made excep- utes to the mission of NASA. and has contributed greatly to the tional contributions to the mission success of the Stennis mission. of NASA. See AWARDS, Page 8 Page 8 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 safety engineer in the Stennis Safety One Stennis employee received AWARDS and Mission Assurance Directorate. NASA’s Exceptional Technology Continued from Page 7 Her leadership in developing a new Achievement Medal. This medal is audit schedule has helped eliminate awarded to government or nongov- Kevin D. duplication and reduce the number ernment individuals for exceptional Camp of audits and hours spent on audit achievements in technology develop- received activities. Her efforts have received ment, transfer or application. the NASA numerous accolades across NASA. Exceptional Achievement Jorge F.

Medal for Jeffrey A. Figueroa re- received contributions Renshaw ceived NASA’s the NASA as a NASA Exceptional Exceptional logistics management specialist and Achievement Technology Stennis transportation officer. Camp Medal for Achievement was the key logistic leader in the his work as Medal for relocation of the Stennis warehouse lead attor- his work as operations to Michoud Assembly an autonomous systems subject Facility in New Orleans. As ney for the matter expert. A NASA electronic transportation officer, he has been mission-critical Regional Multiple instrumentation systems engineer, instrumental in managing Stennis’ Award Construction Contract Two Figueroa has led in creation of large fleet of vehicles in an efficient, (MACC-II). The MACC-II vehicle capabilities now known as the cost-savings manner. He also has encompasses 24 individual contracts NASA Platform for Autonomous led in Stennis property disposal and for work at Stennis and various other Systems and in the development equipment yard cleanup efforts. agency locations. It has been recognized as a groundbreaking success of autonomous systems at four that provides a model for future pro- agency centers. His efforts include Aaron T. curement efforts. Renshaw provided guidance of the project to implement Mannion autonomous processes in Stennis received critical legal support to the contract high-pressure gas operations. the NASA team throughout the effort. Exceptional Achievement Medal for his One Stennis employee received Four Stennis employees received the leadership in NASA’s Exceptional Public Achieve- NASA Early Career Achievement the project to ment Medal. This medal is awarded Medal. This medal is awarded to a upgrade the Stennis high-pressure to individuals who are not govern- government employee for unusual industrial water system. Mannion has ment employees but have performed and significant performance during served as a NASA project manager in exceptional service in support of the first 10 years of an individual’s the Stennis Design and Construction NASA’s mission. early career in support of the agency. Project Management Division since 2012. His knowledge and expertise William Jack L. enabled the high-pressure industrial B. Ritchie Conley water project to be implemented in received received an efficient and timely fashion critical the NASA the NASA to maintaining the Space Launch Exceptional Early Career System test project schedule. Public Achievement Achievement Medal for his Medal for Karen B. Pat- contributions his efforts ton received as a NASA NASA’s in modification of the B-2 Test mechanical operations engineer since Exceptional Stand derrick crane, as well as his 2011. Conley is an experienced test Achievement emergency response and work to conductor and propellant transfer Medal for repair a damaged natural gas line in engineer, having served in those roles her efforts to a timely and safe fashion. Ritchie in both the A and E test complexes. identify ineffi- helped identify and resolve several He has made major contributions to ciencies in the issues during the critical derrick crane various test projects and cutting-edge Stennis audit, inspection and surveil- project. He has provided 11 years of efforts at Stennis and is recognized lance processes and to implement a contractor safety support at Stennis as an expert in liquid oxygen transfer. new integrated internal audit sched- and Michoud Assembly Facility. ule. Patton serves as a facility system See AWARDS, Page 9 Page 9 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 for quality expertise in construction Karma AWARDS contracting. She has awarded/ K. Snyder Continued from Page 8 administered several construction received the projects at Stennis and also served NASA Silver Sarah M. as a contract specialist at Wallops Achievement

Maine Flight Facility. She is a champion of Medal for received employee involvement and serves on her work as the NASA a number of employee teams. an aerospace Early Career technologist Achievement and support of key projects Medal for Three Stennis employees and one related to propulsion test and her work group received the NASA Silver test infrastructure facilities. She as a NASA Achievement Medal. This medal is previously served as the systems contracting specialist and officer awarded by NASA center directors engineer for the Space Launch since 2011. Maine has contributed to individuals or teams for a stellar System core stage test activity on the significantly to a range of essential services and projects. She currently achievement that supports one or B-2 Test Stand. She has provided serves as the CORE contracting more of NASA’s core values. extensive support to the center’s officer for the Synergy-Achieving range utilization efforts and is one of Consolidated Operations and Laurence two people designated as an official Maintenance contract. Her efforts in de Quay range safety officer for unmanned that and other roles have contributed received the aircraft systems operations at Stennis. significantly to the business goals of NASA Silver the NASA procurement community Achievement The Rocket Test Facility Co- Medal for his Location Team received the Adam W. substantial NASA Silver Achievement Medal Murrah contributions for outstanding collaboration and received to develop- performance in the execution of a the NASA ment and issuance of several critical test program on the B-1/B-2 Early Career critical and complex technical Test Stand. The NASA/contractor Achievement engineering standards at both the team was assembled to determine Medal for center and agency levels. A NASA if RS-68 testing on the B-1 side his work theoretical simulation analyst, de of the stand could safely proceed as a NASA Quay has served as the Stennis in conjunction with Space Launch environmental specialist since Engineering and Test Directorate System core stage testing on the B-2 2012. His efforts have been integral manager of technical standards side. The team specifically focused to the success of a number of since 2005. He also serves as the on possible hydrogen and air/oxygen environmental projects at Stennis, Stennis representative on the NASA blast overpressure from RS-68 including work on the Area 9 Engineering Standards Panel. testing negatively affecting the core Sanitary Wastewater Treatment stage. The team developed a process Facility. He also serves as manager Justin Junell to test overpressure levels and for both the Stennis Cultural received the evaluated resulting data to determine Resource Program and the National NASA Silver that both test projects could proceed Environmental Policy Act. He also Achievement safely. Team members included was tapped to serve a stint as acting Medal for his representatives from Stennis, the NASA federal preservation officer. leadership Rocket Propulsion Test Program of the Office, Marshall Space Flight Center, Cheryl A. investigation the White Sands Test Facility, Aerojet Timko into the Rocketdyne, Boeing, Syncom Space received high-pressure liquid oxygen bleed Services and Bangham Engineering. the NASA valve failure on the E-1 Test Stand Early Career in July 2017. Junell led all phases Team members included: Achievement of the investigation, creating a Medal for comprehensive fault tree and formal NASA her work lessons learned, which were shared Andrew Bracey as a NASA with project stakeholders and the Thomas Carroll contract specialist since 2008. In propulsion test community. His David Carver that time, Timko has provided an efforts were marked by attention Craig Chandler outstanding level of contracting to technical detail and exceptional competency, gaining a reputation leadership skills. See AWARDS, Page 10 Page 10 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 AWARDS Continued from Page 9

Jonathan Dickey Bruce Farner Daniel Goad Juan Gomez Aaron Head Michael Holmes Scott Jensen Michael Kersanac Joseph Lacher Dwayne Stockstill Jacqueline Wall Dale Woolridge

Contractor Support Cheryl Bennett William Bonney Byron Bordelon Terrence Burrel Eric Cranford Billy Davis Douglas Dike Joni Dumas Gregory Freudenthal Rocket Hoyt Anthony Jackson Willie Johnson Bradley Jones Travis Kennedy Dion Lee Alan Mayne Matthew Melerine Kevin Parker David Poche Rocket Test Facility Co-Location Team Harold Ross Mounir Sabbagh 30 years Jack Conley Sheena Weyenberg Beth L. Bradley Laurence de Quay James Williams Hugh V. Carr Jr. Jonathan Dickey Sandra Zar James M. Cockrell Robert Drackett Dinna L. Cottrell Robert Gargiulo David P. Failla Glen Guzik In addition to medal recipients, sev- Thomas Lipski Rachel Harrison-Woodard eral additional Stennis individuals and Tiffany Hawkins groups were recognized for service 25 years Paula Hensarling and contributions as well. Lavaniel S. Ward Melissa Huggins Bridget Jones Length of Service Awards Group Achievement Award Justin Junell Michael Kersanac 40 years Aerojet Rocketdyne AR-1 Truc Le Patricia H. Fairley Subscale Pre-Burner/ Thomas Meredith Main Injector and AR-1 Fullscale Christopher Mulkey 35 years Pre-Burner Test Projects Raymond Nichols Freddie Douglas III NASA Rosa Obregon Wendy T. Holladay Christoffer Barnett-Woods Aster Nino Pastoral Dorsie Jones John Bourgeois David E. Walters Gergory Carmouche See AWARDS, Page 11 Page 11 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 Mack Hester Vicente Munoz AWARDS John-David Hinson Dennis Necaise Continued from Page 10 Jason Hobgood Chad Northrop Petter Hobgood Carley Odom Peyton Pinson David Hodge Curtis Olive Kevin Power Jeret Howard Kevin Oramous Robbie Randall Stephen Rawls Kristi Hurt Donald Osborne David Roberts Kurt Jarrell Randy Overton Robert Southers Timothy Jarrell Robert Pair Dwayne Stockstill Gary Jennings Kevin Parker Janice Tasin Daniel Jocks Ralph Penton Peter Tran Willie Johnson Lasonya Pulliam Richard Wear Andrew Jones Christopher Quinn Robert Williams Marsella Jones Tal Raboteau Ricky Jones Mitchell Railey Contractor Support Colin Kappe Bobby Rodriguez Justin Alison Raymond Keim Harold Ross Vicki Ard Kyle Kellgren Travis Sanders Glen Beech Austin Ladner John Searles Cheryl Bennett Lisa Ladner Raymond Seymour Gary Bennett Robin Ladner Grant Shaw William Berry Timothy Ladner John Shupe Charles Blackmon Carl Lee David Slavinsky David Blansett Dion Lee Shane Smith Jeffrey Blevins Eric Lichtenstein Timothy Smith Van Bolden Joseph Lizana Darrin Spansel Jesse Bourgeois Jeremiah Lumpkin Billy Spence Roger Bridges Paul Lusich George Spence Kenneth Burley Rickey Lyons Joshua Spence Terrence Burrel Michael Marodis Todd Stefanski Samuel Clay Bruce Matthews Adam Stockstill Nicholas Coleman Joshua McBeth Jonathan Strickland Kenneth Cook Kenneth McCormack Joshua Tarter Brian Corr Jacob McKinley Torey Tarter Mark Corr Lori Mills Courtney Thoms Jesse Crawford Mark Mills Stephen Thoms Taylor Davie Marlon Mitchell Horace Davis Timothy Mitchell See AWARDS, Page 12 Phillip Dossett Joni Dumas Willie Ellis Brian Everett Jack Fabre Susan Fendley Dan Fillette Anthony Fleming Rogers Gipson Jerrick Goff Dillon Goss Dale Green Patrick Guidry Timothy Gwinn Leslie Hanna Josh Hansell Charles Hariel Scott Hariel David Harriel Kenneth Hawkins AR-1 Subscale Preburner/Main Injector and AR-1 Full Scale Preburner Test Projects Team Page 12 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 AWARDS Continued from Page 11

Julian Ulloa Terry Wactor James Wahl Curtis Watkins Jason Wheat Cleveland Whitfield Charles Wilder Raymond Williams Ryan Williams Anita Wilson Donald Wilson Samuel Wright Rickie Zerkus

B-2/Space Launch System Green Run Core Facility Contract Funding Process Integration and Automation Team Construction Team Matthew Ladner Contractor Support NASA Jesse Lamonte Anita Anthony Katie Kopcso Lester Langford David Armbruster Elizabeth Calantoni Aaron Mannion Jeff Barros Nicholas Cenci Travis Martin James Bennett Jasper Cook Bryon Maynard Brett Bossier Dawn Davis Nicholas Nugent Mark Bridenbeck Jason Edge Richard Rauch Jason Brooks Alex Elliot Ryan Roberts Terrence Burrel Daniel Goad Barry Robinson Cheley Carpenter Juan Gomez Mark Robinson Chris Carter Christine Grapusa Debra Rushing Christopher Carter Mark Hancock Claude Sanders Anna Carver Phillip Hebert Karma Snyder Christopher Cloutet Charles Heim Mark Turowskil Buford Cooper Andrew Henken Darrel Varner Joseph Costa Jason Hopper Casey Wheeler John Davis Kanokwan Kooamphorn Burnley Wigley Randy Dedeaux Douglas Dike Anthony Dilorenzo Bradley Favre Brandon Fleming Carl Flettrich Kristie Foster Kerry Gallagher Charles Gillis Eric Goller Dale Green Ruth Hextall Gerald Howard Curtis Hyatt Timothy Jarrell Erica Jones Micah Jones William Jones James Jordan Byron Ladner

B-2/Space Launch System Green Run Core Facility Construction Team See AWARDS, Page 13 Page 13 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 AWARDS Continued from Page 12

Chadwick Ladner Gergory Ladner Lisa Ladner Richard Ladner Melissa Lathem Angela Lee Harlie Lee Joseph LeSieur Daniel Levens Curtis Lockwood Hannah Lynch Gary Marshall Andrew “Sandy” Martin Benjamin McGrath Gregory McVay Jimmy Miles Pressure System U&R Stamp Certification Team Jerry Miller Stephen Mugg Frances Songy David Keith Nicole Narvaez Jonathan Spence Leslie Ladner Tuan Ngo Jonathan Strickland Karen Seals Chad Nicholas Daniel Tarter Steven Taylor David Olson Dale Tutor Kevin Parker Rodney Valdes Contractor Support Ty Proffitt Sutha Vallipuram Angela Cuevas Alvin Richard Perry Waller Alison Dardar William Ritchie Benjamin Wiesel Richard Marshall Rodney Sampson Sheena Weyenberg Shellie Martinez Tina Schultz Jason Wheat Desiaralle Mendel Michael Shaw Rodney Wilkinson Jennifer Rolison John Shupe Jennifer Stevenson Michael Slade Contract Funding Process Sara Stuart Billy Smith Integration and Automation Team Donald Smith NASA ISO 9001:2015 Robert Smith Kimberly Driebergen Transition Audit Team Ronald Snyder Angela Hall NASA Anita Douglas Donna Dubuisson Rachel Harrison-Woodard Jesse Lamonte Karen Patton Carmen Ramirez-Pagan Delton Rodriguez James Ryan Robert Simmers Robert Southers Karen Vander

Contractor Support Jeffrey Barros Robert Cales Kevin Cognevich Stephen Ivanyisky Bertha Jackson Rhonda Lavigne

ISO 9001:2015 Transition Audit Team See AWARDS, Page 14 Page 14 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 AWARDS Continued from Page 13

James Mirandy Todd Sandeman

Pressure System U&R Stamp Certification Team NASA Son Le

Contractor Support Barbara Andres Glen Beech Jeffrey Blevins Jennifer Cardinal Steven Costello Scott Curet William Davis Regionalized Multiple Award Construction Contract Two (MACC-II) Source Evaluation Board Richard Ferrill Dale Heintzelman Regionalized Multiple William Miltier Wilmon Henderson Award Construction Scott Olive Robert Jones Contract Two (MACC-II) Todd Pryor (JSC) Stephen Koch Source Evaluation Jeffrey Renshaw Jackie Ladner Board Team Michael Rewis Robin Ladner NASA Claude Sanders Jeremy Lebouef Ronald Bald Thad Stripling (MSFC) Benjamin McGrath Keith Britton (KSC) Jacob McKinley Christopher Carmichael Systems Engineering/Project Dennis Necaise David Christani Management (SEPM) James Necaise Kay Doane Advocate Team Aaron Pearson Kimberly Driebergen NASA Nettie Ryan Jason Edge Cabrina Bell George Smith Charles Heim Gary Benton Timothy Smith Heather Hendrix Anita Douglas Donal Snyder Veronica Lansey (HQ) Robert Gargiulo Michael Theriot Deborah Lyon (HQ, Retired) Charles Liberto Travis Martin Scott Olive Christine Powell Thomas Rich Joseph Schuyler Gary Taylor

Liquid Hydrogen Barge Vaporizer Repair NASA Henry Bakker Craig Chandler Rachel Harrison-Woodard Tiffany Hawkins Son Le Harry Ryan Richard Wear Robert Williams

Systems Engineering/Project Management (SEPM) Advocate Team See AWARDS, Page 15 Page 15 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 AWARDS Continued from Page 14

Contractor Support Roy Ard Marvis Burkett Terrence Burrel Louis Carrier Billy Davis Benjamin Gill Philip Kopfinger Benjamin McGrath Mark Powe Stacey Smith

Stennis Space Center Office of Education NASA Michele Beisler Christopher Copelan Liquid Hydrogen Barge Vaporizer Repair Team Katrina Emery Mitchell Krell Marci Rogers Space Flight Awareness Kelly Martin-Rivers Stacy Schmidt Management Award Joy Smith Marquez Singleton Harry M. Ryan Nathan Sovik Louis Thompson Dawn M. Davis William Trest Contractor Support Headquarters Yolanda Anderson Office of the Rebekah Blair Special Recognition Awards Chief Financial Officer Award Kristy Brunfield Michele Campbell Stephen Culivan Peer Award Sabrina Edmondson for Diversity Enhancement ACES Reasonable Breeana Fortenberry Anthony J. Goretski Equitable Adjustment Seth Johnson (REA) Team Maria Lott Peer Award Mary S. Horne April McIntosh for Professional Achievement Joseph D. Ladner Jordan McQueen Michael J. Vallan Monica M. Watts

Agency Agreements Business Process Design and Documentation Team Edwad J. Toomey Kelly E. Sullivan

Office of the General Counsel Teamwork Award Michael J. Vallan Ronald J. Bald

Women of Color STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Professional Achievement in Government Award Stennis Space Center Office of Education Dawn M. Davis Page 16 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 Federal official tours Stennis Lisa August (white jacket), a budget examiner in the U.S Office of Management and Budget stands atop the B-1/B-2 Test Stand during a visit to Stennis Space Center on July 26. In addition the B stand, August toured various site facilities, including the A-1 Test Stand, E Test Complex and NASA Shared Services Center. The Office of Manage- ment and Budget serves the president of the United States in oversee- ing implementation of his vision across the Executive Branch.

Boeing managers visit Stennis

Stennis director honors site retiree Center Director Rick Gilbrech presents Gail Mitchell with a director’s Certificate of Appreciation at her retirement reception July 31. Mitchell retired after 29 years of service at Stennis, including 25 of those years working Boeing senior managers participating in the company’s Program Management Develop in the site’s Conference Center. “It’s been great being Program visited Stennis Space Center on July 27 to learn about ongoing work at the site out here,” Mitchell said. “You’re all my friends. I love this and tour facilities. The group toured the Aerojet Rocketdyne Engine Assembly Facility, place and promote it everywhere I go.” as well as the B-2 Test Stand, which is being prepared to test the core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System rocket. Page 17 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 New NASA resource puts world at one’s fingertips new NASA web resource designed by the Ad- Once the data and tools were collected and a toolkit vanced Technology and Technology Transfer design determined, Stennis personnel worked with the A Branch at Stennis Space Center places the world NASA Technology Transfer System programmers at at one’s fingertips – in very real fashion. NASA’s Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Cali- fornia, to build the system. The resulting toolkit already The new NASA Remote Sensing Toolkit puts a myriad of has garnered praise. Earth science data sets and tools in the hands of users, including industry, government and academia. The federal General Services Administration (GSA) has featured the toolkit on its Performance.gov website, “NASA collects a lot of Earth science data and builds which showcases ways to deliver “smarter, leaner and specialized software tools to analyze it,” explained Duane more effective government.” Armstrong, chief of the Stennis Advanced Technol- ogy and Technology Transfer Branch. “However, these The GSA identified the Remote Sensing Toolkit as “an are not always example of easy to find. how a better ap- The toolkit is proach to gov- designed to help ernment data people find the can help drive data and tools more effective they need.” government and help grow The user- innovation and friendly toolkit the economy.” is designed like popular web- The GSA as- based tax return sessment falls services. Once in line with accessed, a Armstrong’s simple interface hope that the helps guide the new toolkit user to sources approach of data or tools. becomes a blueprint for NASA’s Tech- organizing nology Transfer information and Program execu- tools in other tive asked Sten- areas as well. nis to design the “The potential toolkit. Stennis benefit of this technology staff is not limited searched NASA’s Software Catalog, software reposito- to remote sensing,” he said. “This is an example of how ries and hundreds of websites to identify various remote we can adapt and organize data for maximum benefit in sensing data sets and tools. Stennis also devised and built other areas.” a framework to organize the diverse information in a way that required only a handful of simple questions to iden- The toolkit approach enhances NASA’s ability to share tify the resources for users. information and provide value to a range of users, Armstrong said. He noted that more than 1,000 people “Stennis is no longer involved in remote sensing, but already have signed up for upcoming webinars to learn Stennis’ remote sensing tools are part of the new kit,” what the toolkit offers and how best to access its data and Armstrong noted. tools.

The Stennis-developed tools include such applications To access the new NASARemote Sensing Toolkit, visit: as ForWarn, a satellite-based monitoring and assessment https://software.nasa.gov/remotesensing/ tool to track changes in forest vegetation across the country; and the coastal salinity and temperature application For more information regarding the Stennis Advanced that provides daily access to ocean salinity and tempera- Technology and Technology Transfer Branch, visit: ture information. https://technology.ssc.nasa.gov/ Page 18 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 Astro Camp participants enjoy ‘out of this world’ visit with NASA astronaut Participants in the NASA Astro Camp® program sponsored by NASA Stennis Space Center enjoyed an “out of this world” treat July 19, speaking live with astronaut Ricky Arnold aboard the International Space Station. Students from the INFINITY Science Center Astro Camp and 50+ other Human Exploration and Operations-sponsored Astro Camps located in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas engaged in a 20-minute call to the space station as part of NASA’s Year of Education on Station, which features Arnold and fellow educator/astronaut Joe Acaba during their stays aboard the orbiting space station. Arnold is a member of the Expedition 55 crew that launched to the ISS earlier this year. Acaba served as a member of the Expedition 53/54 crew last fall and early this year. Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance and interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Astronauts living in space on the orbiting laboratory communicate with NASA’s Mission Control Center on Earth 24 hours a day through the Space Network’s Tracking and Data Relay satellites. Twenty students at INFINITY asked Arnold questions submitted by all camps, which included topics such as use of robotics, physical adjustments to zero gravity, what food he missed the most and whether he “had ever made a mistake in space.” Stennis Safety and Mission Assur¬ance Director Freddie Douglas (top right) spoke to students at INFINITY following the call. Page 19 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 Bastion focused on Stennis pressure systems safety Note: The following is part of a regular focus on safety and health tion personnel perform engineering analysis, participate at Stennis Space Center. It was written by Jim Mirandy of Bastion in audits, perform surveillance, review non-destructive Technologies. evaluations and provide certification reports and documentation packages. tennis Space Center works under pressure. Specifi- cally, pressure vessels and systems play a significant This system information is shared with NASA and the Spart in our rocket engine test program. test and facilities contractor to ensure it accurately re- flects the overall health of the system. Stennis operations use a variety of inert, cryogenic and flammable commodities, each having their own set of The Bastion Technologies Engineers and Inspectors risks and dangers when stored under pressure. For many are subject matter experts who maintain an expertise in of these systems, pressure system there are miles technology that and miles of pip- supports Stennis’ ing, tubing, tanks pressure system and systems that certifications, have to be evalu- re-certifications, ated and main- repairs, alterations tained. and re-ratings.

Keeping these The Bastion extensive pressure pressure vessel systems safe and system team also operating correctly is a big job and takes a great team. works with other NASA centers to share information and As part of that team, Bastion Technologies supports methods to ensure best practices are being used within the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate by the NASA community. providing engineers and inspectors with over 40 years of combined experience who look at the various pressure Maintenance and reliability of the pressure systems at systems throughout the site. Stennis is of paramount importance to the center’s and surrounding community’s safety. The Bastion Technolo- In this role, they maintain, and contribute to the sitewide gies team is proud to help contribute to the effort of piping and pressure vessel certification program. Bas- keeping Stennis safe for everyone.

An engaged safety culture keeps Stennis Space Center rocketing forward! To contribute to this page, contact: Kamili Shaw at [email protected] or Karen Patton at [email protected]

Carefulness costs you nothing. Carelessness may cost you your life. Safety starts with awareness. Awareness starts with you. Knowing safety is not enough. Practice it!

Hail & Farewell

NASA bids farewell to the following: Jason Hopper AST, Mechanical Experimental Equipment Engineering and Test Directorate

NASA welcomes the following: Hooper LaVigne AST, Electrical Experimental Equipment Engineering and Test Directorate Page 20 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 1971 – Space shuttle testing comes to Mississippi Note: For more than 50 years, NASA’s John test assignment – Jerry Hlass. He was working on his C. Stennis Space Center has played a pivotal role master’s thesis at George Washington University. It was in the success of the nation’s space program. This titled “Search for a Role for a Large Government Facil- month’s Lagniappe provides a glimpse into the ity,” with the focus on the Space Shuttle Program and the history of the south Mississippi rocket engine test use of MTF. center. Hlass, who later led the Mississippi facility as director, he Mississippi Test Facility (MTF) was built on had the ear of the NASA Site Evaluation Board. When rocket testing, and a new program was forming asked his opinion, he gave his case for MTF. – to build T After consideration, a reusable space shuttle. Roy Estess, on March 1, 1971, then working as the Mississippi Test an engineer, was Facility officially assigned to put was selected for the together a presenta- “sea-level testing of tion to convince the rocket engines NASA to select to power the space MTF to perform shuttle.” The roar tests on the space of rocket engines shuttle main en- would be heard gines. again throughout south Mississippi. In December 1970, Estess had Work began on the presentation modifying the test ready for NASA stands for the new Headquarters. He endeavor. The gave the presenta- space shuttle main tion to a board of engine test project NASA managers. officially began on He spoke of the May 19, 1975. The low cost for facility so-called “burp” modifications that test did not include would be needed full ignition of the for the space engine. The first shuttle main engine full ignition space tests, the test expe- shuttle main engine rience already at the test occurred on south Mississippi June 12, 1975. facility as a result Twelve days later, of Apollo testing on June 24, 1975, and the local com- An in-stand camera offers a look at a 1981 space shuttle main engine test. the first full-dura- munities’ willing- tion space shuttle ness to support the program. main engine test was conducted.

The board was very impressed with Estess and his With single-engine testing under way, attention at the knowledge of the program. One board member told him newly-renamed National Space Technologies Labora- that his presentation was “the best we’ve had out of all tory squarely turned to the shuttle’s main propulsion test three places” seeking the testing assignment. article (MPTA), the three liquid-fueled engines, external fuel tank and simulated orbiter structure to be tested Unknown to Estess, a now-familiar name was in the before the shuttle launched from Kennedy Space Center camp for MTF to be selected for the space shuttle engine in Florida. Page 21 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity Mississippi and the woman suffrage amendment n the 20th century, Mississippi legislators were called forced to flee to Chicago because her life was in jeop- on to act on two U.S. constitutional amendments that ardy. There, she became active in suffrage activities and is Ihad major implications for women. The first was the recognized for her courage in expanding opportunities for woman suffrage amendment, ratified in 1920 to become women of color in the suffrage movement. the 19th Amendment. The second was the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), submitted to the states in 1972 but There was one major state suffrage campaign in 1914 that left unratified when the deadline expired in 1982. failed, and by 1915, many Mississippi suffragists had concluded the state was unlikely to act on its own. They be- The woman suffrage movement in America began in lieved they would only get the vote if an amendment was 1848 after women were left out when the 14th and 15th added to the U. S. Constitution. Kearney and Somerville amendments extended the right to vote to African-Ameri- joined with other southern women who tried to convince can men. In the 1870s, suffragists sought the right to vote fellow southerners that suffrage by federal amendment through an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as was not a threat. Somerville accepted a vice presidency in through a proposed 16th Amendment. All efforts failed. NAWSA and was highly influential in convincing south- National suffrage leaders reluctantly concluded that they ern suffrage leaders to support the proposed amendment. would have to focus on state suffrage amendments. National suffrage leaders organized the final push for By 1890, national leaders, united in a large suffrage congressional approval of the amendment. They urged organization called the National American Woman Suf- suffragists from “hopeless” states like Mississippi not frage Association (NAWSA), realized that to achieve all to campaign for state suffrage amendments since they this they would have to “bring in the South.” They were would probably fail and make the federal amendment all too aware this might be hard. Many white southern- seem unpopular. Suffragists in some southern states were ers were hostile to the movement because it was an furious, but Somerville and other Mississippi suffragists outgrowth of the antebellum effort to end slavery. They followed the lead without protest. also took pride in women remaining in traditional role as “southern ladies” – which meant staying out of politics When Congress sent the woman suffrage amendment to except to encourage men to rule wisely for their sakes. the states for ratification in June 1919, the state’s rights Yet, a growing number of women in the South were eager issue was an additional and powerful obstacle to its suc- to have the vote, both to improve legal, educational and cess. Many southern politicians feared that if the woman employment opportunities for women and to promote suffrage amendment was approved, the federal govern- needed reforms. But they were getting nowhere. ment would then enforce the 14th and 15th Amendments requiring the states to allow black men to vote. Nellie Nugent Somerville of Greenville, Mississippi, was active in the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, a Nevertheless, Mississippi suffragists formed a Ratification national organization that had endorsed woman suffrage. Committee and opened a headquarters in Jackson, the Somerville accepted the presidency of the Mississippi state capital. By this time, the amendment had been rati- Woman Suffrage Association, lending the social and po- fied by 22 states. The suffragists were aided by national litical reputation of her family, plus her own considerable Democratic Party leaders, including President Woodrow organizing skills, to this movement. Wilson, who thought American women were on the verge of gaining the vote and was eager to win their In 1906, Belle Kearney of Madison County, Mississippi, favor. Mississippi did not ratify the amendment, but in a traveling professional speaker, returned home long August 1920, it was at last added to the Constitution after enough to bring the woman suffrage association back to Tennessee became the 36th and final state to ratify. It had life – but soon left it again in the hands of Somerville. taken almost 75 years for suffragists to win this victory. Gradually, the suffragists built support. They established chapters in many towns, made speeches, sponsored By the 1970s, when Mississippi was debating the proposed booths at the state fair and won over a few newspaper Equal Rights Amendment, many regarded the state’s fail- editors and political leaders. However, they never won ure to ratify the 19th Amendment as an embarrassment over the vast majority of state legislators. since Mississippi was the only state that had never done so. Thus, on March 22, 1984, the Mississippi Legislature – Most Mississippi women working for woman suffrage on a day when few legislators were listening and with no were white, except for Ida B. Wells of Holly Springs. Wells opposition – finally ratified the 19th Amendment. was an African American activist/suffragist known for her relentless work on behalf of the anti-lynching movement. Information for this article came from the Mississippi Historical Wells wrote editorials exposing lynching activities and was Society and suffrage100ma.org. Page 22 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 Stennis hosts Take Our Children to Work Day

Nearly 200 children of Stennis employees visited the site July 19 to take enjoyed presentations and an opportunity to visit site facilities and learn part in the annual Take Our Children to Work Day activities. Participants about the work performed at Stennis.

NASA selects technology projects for development ASA has selected 20 research and technology • Through Wall Wireless Intelligent Sensor and proposals – valued at $15 million – from 19 Health monitoring (Twall-ISHM) System), devel- NAmerican small businesses. Each is partner- oped by American GNC Corporation of Simi Valley, ing with research institutions for Phase II of NASA’s California; and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, competitive Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) New York. program. The selections include two projects monitored by supporting Stennis Space Center. • High Performance Simulation Tool for Multiphys- ics Propulsion Using Fidelity-Adaptive Combus- STTR supports NASA’s future missions into deep space tion Modeling, developed by Streamline Numerics, and benefits the U.S. economy. Selected proposals will Inc. of Gainesville, Florida; and Stanford University of support the development of technologies in the areas of Stanford, California. aeronautics, science, human exploration and operations, and space technology. The awards are for small compa- Small businesses have created approximately 55 percent nies partnering with research institutions from across the of all jobs in the United States since the 1970s. The country. STTR program encourages small businesses and research institutions to develop innovative ideas that meet the “Our STTR program focuses both entrepreneurs and specific research and development needs of the federal leading research institutions on NASA’s long-term goals, government. bringing the latest in aerospace research to our programs,” said Jim Reuter, acting associate administrator For a complete list of the 2017 STTR selections, visit: for the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate https://sbir.nasa.gov/prg_selection/node/60150 (STMD) in Washington. “We are excited to see the results of these latest awardees.” For more about the Stennis Space Center Advanced Technology and Technology Transfer Branch, visit: The two projects supporting Stennis Space Center are: https://technology.ssc.nasa.gov/ Page 23 LAGNIAPPE August 2018

Faces of Stennis Each month, Lagniappe will feature employees at Stennis Space Center whose work enables the center to fulfill its mission as the nation’s largest rocket engine test center. This month’s employee is highlighted on the following page. Page 24 LAGNIAPPE August 2018 Marc Shoemaker

When it comes to space, Marc Shoemaker has two early controls engineering lead for seven years, supporting memories, both from grade school in Birmingham, Ala- a number of engine test projects. Shoemaker now is bama. One involves the loss of the space shuttle Chal- moving to become the electrical operations lead for the lenger. The other came when his school set up a mock E-3 Test Stand. He also will provide help with control space shuttle, and Shoemaker was chosen to command systems buildup and activation on the B-2 Test Stand. a crew mission. “I was in the mock cockpit, and we had “The best thing (about Stennis) is that we get to closely monitors, control panels and headsets that we used witness and be a part of so many different pieces of the while we simulated a mission launch through flight and process of going to space,” Shoemaker says, noting landing,” Shoemaker recalls. “It was a great interactive everything from engine development testing to facility way to learn about a lot of different roles and responsi- modification and activation to flight certification hot fires. bilities that went into manned space flight.” Years later, He likens the entire process to “building the first steps of Shoemaker lives in New Orleans and fills one of those a stairway to the stars.” Shoemaker is proud to be part of space flight roles as a NASA electrical engineer at Sten- the work, which he hopes will inspire future generations nis Space Center. He worked as a contractor at Kennedy and build momentum for even bigger and bolder space Space Center in Florida before relocating to Stennis in missions. “It is exciting to think that Stennis is – and will 2011. At Stennis, he has served as the A Test Complex continue to be – a big part of that,” he says.