NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Celebrating the Future


Image above: Center Director Whitlow is pictured amid a crowd of attendees at the rededication event. Credit: NASA/Lawrence Oberle.

It is only fitting to celebrate how hard work can pay off, and that's exactly what members of Glenn's senior leadership and invited guests did during the rededication of the Space Power Facility (SPF) on June 11.

Among those recognized were members of the Glenn "capture" team. This team developed the proposal that led to NASA's Crew Exploration Project Office choosing to conduct integrated environmental testing on the Orion crew exploration vehicle in the SPF. Kudos for all your hard work, and your belief that NASA Glenn can make important contributions to this nation's space program!

The environmental tests will show how Orion hardware can meet specified performance requirements in simulated environmental conditions such as those experienced during launch, in-orbit operations and re-entry.

The rededication recognizes that, in 2008, we will begin modifying the facility to accommodate these important tests that will qualify the next human space flight vehicle for its journey into space. A new vibration and acoustic test chamber, a mechanical vibration test stand and electromagnetic interference equipment will enable us to test the fully assembled launch abort system, crew module, service module and spacecraft adapter.

In the past, the SPF has hosted the International Space Station's radiator and solar arrays, the Mars Rover landing system and most of the nation's major rockets, including Atlas and Centaur. While the new upgrades will position this unique facility for its next exciting challenge, there are many more on the horizon.

As the agency works to develop and test the next generation of lunar landers, robotic systems and military and commercial spacecraft, your dedication will turn these challenges into opportunities. Keep on believing in yourselves and in the future!

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