Aerospace Frontiers
August 2007
Director's Address Highlights Center Accomplishments
"We're not the same center we were two years ago," reported Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr. during the State of the Center Address presented on July 30 and repeated on August 13.
Image right: The Pathfinder 2 segment was fabricated in segments and then welded together at Lewis Field. Credit: NASA/Quentin SchwinnWhitlow said NASA Glenn has made significant changes to better support the Vision for Space Exploration. "We recognized it was absolutely necessary that we change to make sure we had a major role within the agency."
He attributed this progress to the reorganization of the center to align with program assignments, the establishment of a new center governance model and the recruitment/reassignment of 12 senior managers. Other notable accomplishments include aligning the center with the national aeronautics reformulation, establishing the NASA Safety Center, implementing strategic workforce planning (skill mix changes) and optimizing infrastructure (closing buildings and developing a Facility Master Plan).
He noted that center goals, established by senior leadership earlier this year, have and will continue to govern activities. They include:
- Be a Valued Leader in Space Flight Systems
- Be Known for Excellence in Project Management
- Excel in Aeronautics and Space Research
- Become an Integral Part of the Ohio Community and the Nation
Image left: The revolutionary NASA Evolutionary Xenon Thruster demonstrated the highest total impulse ever achieved by an ion thruster in the history of space propulsion at NASA Glenn, and successfully completed environmental testing in July at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Credit: NASA/Quentin SchwinnWhitlow called the budget outlook "a good news story," citing that budget estimates for the fiscal year 2007 were at $420 million in the 2005 budget plan. As of February 2007, the center budget was above $570 million.
Onsite contractor levels increased from the estimated 1304 to 1433, resulting in approximately 130 more contract employees this year.
Workforce strategies for the coming months will center on acquiring talent (external hires) to meet current commitments and ensure future research and engineering excellence. The center will also continue to retrain the current workforce to enhance capabilities in systems engineering, project management and safety and mission assurance.
Dr. Whitlow highlighted several major accomplishments that occurred over the past year. They include the fabrication and stacking testing for the Ares I-X Pathfinder; advanced testing and evaluation of the Enhanced Zero Gravity-Locomotion Simulator; completion of the Fluids and Combustion Facility; long-duration testing of NASA's Evolutionary
Image right: Acoustic and aerodynamic testing of the Ultra-High Bypass Engine was conducted in the 9- by 15-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel. Credit: NASAXenon Thruster; development of the Traveling Wave Tube Amplifier for Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission; completion of Protuberance Air Load Ramp testing for the Space Shuttle External Tank; fabrication and initial testing of the Turbine-Based Combined Cycle Dual Inlet Transition Research; and agency project management responsibility for several educational initiatives.
Looking Ahead
Whitlow pledged to continue to use the center's accomplishments to assure the agency's success in implementing the nation's Vision for Space Exploration while dedicating "a large portion" of the Glenn workforce to aeronautics research.
Whitlow noted that infrastructure enhancements outlined in the proposed Facility Master Plan, would aid the center in its future research and development work.
During the address, Whitlow reiterated the challenges in pursuit of these goals that he noted in his July All Hands meeting. They involve five major areas:
- Obtaining sufficient workforce with the necessary skills to allow us to meet our commitments
- Managing a cultural change that results in workforce adoption of the discipline and tempo required for space flight systems development
- Eliminating all internal competition such that the center operates as a unified team
- Ensuring that we have the proper infrastructure
- Practicing open communications and sharing information freely and equally inside and outside of the center
"This is just the start," he said in regard to recent center accomplishments. "I thank you for all your work in turning this center around."
By Doreen B. Zudell
Ramon "Ray" Lugo Named Glenn Deputy Director
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| Lugo |
Lugo currently serves as deputy program manager of the Launch Services Program at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
"I had the opportunity to work with Ray during my tenure as Deputy Center Director at Kennedy," said Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr. "He's an outstanding engineer and a great strategic thinker with lots of energy. He will be a strong addition to the Glenn staff and the Ohio community."
Lugo expressed his excitement about the new position. "I'm looking forward to the broad challenges and the new responsibilities I'll now have at Glenn and, of course, I will very much enjoy working with Dr. Whitlow once again," said Lugo.
As the launch services deputy program manager, Lugo is responsible for program execution guaranteeing access to space for the delivery of on-time, on-orbit, and on-cost launch assets satisfying government-wide space transportation requirements.
Lugo began his NASA career at Kennedy in 1975 as a cooperative education student. His first assignment was in the Construction and Modifications Branch as an engineer responsible for construction modifications to Launch Complex 39A in preparation for the first space shuttle launch.
Since becoming a member of the Senior Executive Service in 2001, he served as the Executive Director of the Cape Canaveral Spaceport Management Office. Other leadership positions include Director and Deputy Director of Expendable Launch Vehicle Services; Manager of Facilities and Support Equipment Division in the Space Station Project Office; and Chief, Business Office of the Joint Performance Management Office.
Lugo has received numerous honors, including two NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals for contributions to the Galileo Mission and the Space Station Redesign, and two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals for his instrumental role in the Expendable Launch Vehicle Program Transition.
Lugo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering in 1979 from the University of Central Florida and a Master's degree in engineering management in 1982 from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Hartline Named Glenn SMAD Director
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| Hartline |
"I'm pleased to be moving to the Cleveland area. It feels almost like I'm coming home, since this is where my wife was born and raised," Hartline said. "I'm especially excited about the projects and activities Glenn is working on that will have significant impact on the future of NASA and the space program."
Hartline comes to Glenn from Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), where he managed the Shuttle Assurance Department. There he oversaw an annual budget in excess of $24 million and managed more than 40 civil servants supported by 45 support contractors. He also delegated authority for a large percentage of the Defense Contract Management Agency personnel supporting NASA.
An active leader in Safety and Mission Assurance for nearly every major space flight program on the path from the Space Shuttle Program to the Constellation Program's return to the Moon and on to Mars, Hartline has had key responsibilities in reshaping how the agency ensures that its crews and vehicles, as well as the public, are exposed to acceptable minimum risk. More recently, he was selected to serve as chairman of a Space Operations Mission Directorate Mishap Investigation Board involving the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster recovery ships.
"Mr. Hartline's career has demonstrated a commitment to effective leadership and excellence," said Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr., "He consistently produces high quality results, which are reflected in his many accomplishments including NASA's Exceptional Service Medal and the prestigious Silver Snoopy. "He is a welcome addition to the Senior Executive Staff at Glenn Research Center."
Hartline began his career as a naval helicopter pilot, including deployments as a Combat Search and Rescue pilot in Beirut and Desert Shield/Storm. He also was chosen as a highly qualified finalist for the NASA 1998 astronaut selection cycle. He has earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the United States Naval Academy and a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Employees Take Time to Socialize at Center Picnic
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This year's festivities included food and beverages catered by Acorn Food Services (AFS), compliments of the NASA Exchange. For fun and entertainment, some employees watched as others unwound by tossing balls to sink center managers in a dunk tank sponsored by the Combined Federal Campaign. Employees also toured the NASA Vision for Exploration trailer and enjoyed special guests, EVA, the inflatable astronaut, and the Cleveland Indians' mascot, Slider, who promoted NASA Night at the Indians, coming up September 17.
"The picnic was a great morale booster that provided a welcome break to socialize with some familiar faces and meet managers and co-workers who have come onboard for the new work," said Executive Officer to the Director Lori Manthey, who chaired the Picnic Committee. "We hope to make it even bigger and better next year as we celebrate NASA's 50th anniversary.
Some of the sights and scenes of the 2nd Annual GRC Picnic are pictured below:
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Photos by Marvin Smith (RSIS) and S. Jenise Veris (SGTI)
S. Jenise Veris
Savino Energized by Advocacy for Wind Turbine Technology
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| Dr. Savino |
"Very little literature was available on wind turbines then, but the Glenn Library was indispensable in aiding my research," Savino recalls. "The outcome was key to the center leading the U.S. Wind Energy Program from 1973 to 1985 for large horizontal-axis wind turbines, the most popular systems in use today."
While there have been many technologies adopted from that era for energy application, Savino is convinced still more exist across the agency that have yet to be introduced to the current market. Savino contacted his protégée, Dr. Larry Viterna, to mount support from NASA to help make wind energy a significant part of Ohio's electricity portfolio.
Image left: A MOD-2 Turbine, one of the 13 experimental turbines, funded by the NSF and Department of Energy, that were put in operation between 1975 and 1979.Viterna, who is currently Glenn's lead for Strategy and Business Development, shared an office with Savino and led the Wind Energy Program Office's aerodynamics team from 1978 to 1981.
"Joe is the catalyst for NASA meeting and consulting with regional leaders to promote wind energy as a viable industry for Ohio. He has been an inspiration to me and key to my involvement, as well as the center's," Viterna said. "It wasn't until he contacted me last year that I became motivated and later made a chance discovery that a model I coauthored for predicting wind turbine power had become a standard universally."
Savino's contributions to wind energy and other notable efforts over his 41 years of service to NASA will be recognized next month during a ceremony for the Outstanding Mechanical Engineer Award presented by Purdue University's School of Mechanical Engineering in West Lafayette, Indiana. He is one of seven recipients who have demonstrated exemplary accomplishments and leadership in industry, academia and government service.
Savino earned three mechanical engineering degrees from Purdue University -- a bachelor's in 1952, a master's in 1953, and a doctor of philosophy in 1955 -- before joining the staff at NACA/NASA in the summer of 1955.
Not resting on his laurels, Savino remains alert and ready to lend his wisdom and expertise when requested. He finds great delight in volunteering in his community, and consulting or lecturing in other areas of interest such as cycling safety and team building/workforce relations.
"My mind never turns off," Savino said. "Very few people have a chance to make 'a world of difference' and I hope to live to be 100."
Editor's Note: To learn more about pioneering work in wind turbines and NASA Glenn's (then Lewis) contributions visit http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/technologies/wind_turbines.
By S. Jenise Veris
CFC 2007: "We Can't Spell S_ccess without u"
Glenn's 2007 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) made a big splash when members of Glenn senior staff, managers and CFC members participated in the dunk tank during the Center Picnic on August 22.
Image right: After taking her turn in the dunk tank, CFC Chairperson McMillen stands ready to squirt Keith Peecook, Plum Brook Reactor Facility Decommissioning Program manager. Credit: NASA/S. Jenise Veris"We raised $515, which will go into the undesignated contributions category," said Glenn CFC Chair Linda McMillen. "Bragging rights for the most money raised goes to Manny Dominguez, chief, Safety, Health and Environmental Division, with ties for second place for Rafael Sanabria, deputy director, NASA Safety Center, and William "Randy" Humphries, deputy director, Space Flight Systems. Third place goes to John Hairston, director, External Programs.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming CFC events:
Ice Cream Social/Cruise In on Thursday, September 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Cruise In, which features various types of vehicles on display, starts at 10:45 a.m. The CFC committee will also be serving a slice of pizza (cheese or pepperoni) for $1, soda $.75 a can and FREE ice cream (vanilla, chocolate or strawberry) behind the Employee Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
CFC Kick-Off on Tuesday, September 25, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at the Main Cafeteria, Lower Level.
Agency Fair on Tuesday, September 25-26, at the Main Cafeteria from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
New Badge To Be Used For Login On Desktop Systems
NASA will enhance the security of employee computers by requiring interactive login to desktop systems using the new badges issued under the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12).Image right: Inserting the new badge into the reader will request the user to enter their PIN for login to the computer. Credit: NASA/Doreen B. Zudell
"Using the new badge for logon will add security by incorporating what is known as "two-factor authentication," said Dennis Kay, IT Operations Office, who leads the agency's HSPD-12 Desktop Integration Team. "Two-factor authentication uses something you have (the new badge) with something you know (a 6 to 8 digit PIN). NASA's HSPD-12 Desktop Integration team is developing the configuration changes necessary to enable the use of the new badge for two-factor logon to desktop systems."
Each new badge will have a unique certificate encoded on it to identify a NASA user. Computers will be enabled for what is generally known as smartcard access, which requires a smartcard reader. To logon to a computer enabled for smartcard access, instead of entering the username and password, the user will insert the new badge into the smartcard reader, enter their PIN when prompted and the system will logon the user.
Badge readers are being distributed as part of the new badge personal identity verification enrollment process. Connecting the smartcard reader is simple, like connecting a mouse or keyboard. Once the users' accounts are ready, and the user has his/her new badge, smartcard login can be activated on an individual's primary desktop computer. The changes to desktop systems will come in phases. The initial phase, which includes Windows systems, should be complete by early 2008. Mac systems will follow.
"The Desktop Integration team is determining the best way to configure and manage systems for employees who use more than one computer," Kay said. "We'll be looking at all the scenarios people are presenting to us -- and there are quite a few. Support for telecommuters, using NASA-issued or personally owned computers, will also be developed."
Glenn-led Educational and Technical Efforts Enhance STS-118 Mission
When space shuttle Endeavour launched on the STS-118 mission, it carried noteworthy contributions from NASA Glenn.
To mark the historic flight of Educator Astronaut/Mission Specialist Barbara Morgan, NASA's STS-118 Educational Team implemented a variety of educational activities, downlinks and video footage designed to engage and inspire students, educators and families about the STS-118 mission before, during and after the flight.
Image left: The winning pennant, designed by Tapasya Das of Mount Laurel, NJ, flew on space shuttle Endeavor's STS–118 mission. As a member of that team, Carol Galica, SGTI/Educational Programs Office, coordinated the NASA Pennant Challenge in association with AOL's kids service, KOL, and Mad Science. The grand prize included a trip to the launch for the winner and a parent or guardian and the winning design flown on the STS-118 shuttle mission.
"Students designed pennants based on either the STS-118 mission or the Vision for Space Exploration and wrote an essay explaining the relevance," Galica explained. "Working with Carla Rosenberg, Space Operations Division at NASA Headquarters, we determined a point system and coordinated the logistics for posting and voting on the winning designs in an online gallery."
Along with the pennant, the STS-118 mission carried two glove-box experiments built at Glenn: the Smoke Aerosol Measurement Experiment (SAME) and the Coarsening in Solid-Liquid Mixtures-2 (CSLM-2) Experiment. Both experiments were designed and built by Glenn engineers according to stringent flight hardware requirements for operation onboard the International Space Station.
Image far right: SAME hardware inside the station glovebox. Immediately right: CSLM–2 in glovebox.Data acquired by SAME will be used to design more effective smoke detectors for space exploration vehicles and non-terrestrial habitats, such as the moon or Mars.
The second experiment developed by Glenn, CSLM-2, is a materials science experiment. Data gathered by this experiment will advance the development of new high-temperature materials, such as those used in space vehicles and waste heat coolant processes.
"These experiments show Glenn's continued work in investigating the unique environment of space and its effect on various processes that are essential for safe spaceflight," said Tom St. Onge, chief of Glenn's ISS and Human Research Project Office. (Log onto http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science/ space_smoke.html for more details.)
Along with Morgan, the STS-118 crew included Scott Kelly, commander; Charlie Hobaugh, pilot; and mission specialists Tracy Caldwell, Rick Mastracchio, Alvin Drew and Dave Williams of the Canadian Space Agency. The 13-day mission involved various activities including three space walks in the ongoing assembly of the International Space Station. The crew added another truss segment to the expanding station, installed a new gyroscope and affixed an external space parts platform. It also debuted a new system that enables docked shuttles to draw electrical power from the station to extend visits to the outpost.
To learn more about these experiments and Glenn contributions to the International Space Station, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/projects/spaceops.html
More information on educational resources associated with the STS-118 mission can be found on the NASA Web at http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/stseducation/home/index.html
SkillSoft Web Training Now Available Through SATERN
Have you heard the news? Your learning and development opportunities at NASA just got a lot easier. In July, the full library of electronic courseware from SkillSoft became a part of SATERN (System for Administration, Training, and Educational Resources at NASA), the agency's Learning Management System.
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How do you create a SATERN account? Simply go to the SATERN login screen (https://satern.nasa.gov) and follow the instructions on the screen based on your status of employment -- civil servant or contractor. For further assistance, call the SATERN Help Desk Number: 1-877-677-2123.
Once inside SATERN, employees have access to all SkillSoft e-learning courses, including more than 700 titles in business skills and leadership development; 200 titles for computer desktop users; and 1050 titles applicable to the IT professional in computer programming and software design. Books 24x7 Referenceware, the largest online book resource, is available as well.
"Headquarters is particularly pleased to offer Books 24x7 through SATERN. Literally thousands of unabridged textbooks and reference books authored by the world's leading authorities are available to everyone in 3 different libraries: Business Pro, IT Pro and Office Essentials," said Rostetter. "The Engineering Pro library is also available, but is restricted to engineers and requires access permission due to limited licensing."
If you are an engineer and would like access to Engineering Pro, contact the Learning Center at 3-2996 or learningcenter@grc.nasa.gov.
Before any user can launch the content of a SkillSoft course or search the libraries of Books 24x7, a short prerequisite must be completed. You can find this required course, "Getting Started with NASA's SkillSoft and Books 24x7 Programs," under Featured Items on your SATERN home page. After reading the information, print it for future reference and be sure to click the "I Accept" button located on the bottom of the page. You will then be able to access all the SkillSoft online resources.
The transfer of courseware and Books 24x7 "bookshelves" from SkillSoft to SATERN has gone smoothly, Rostetter said. Future announcements on system updates or new course offerings will be posted to Today@Glenn and on the Learning Center homepage at http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/LC/.
Glenn Offers Invaluable Summer Jobs
I'm always pleased to see students at the center during the summer months applying their academic studies to practical experience. Our internships provide students with professional experiences in research and development and help them gain a better understanding of possible career choices at NASA.Image right: Center Director Whitlow acknowledged Irving's contributions to aviation as well as his ability to inspire young people to persevere and excel. Credit: NASA/Marvin Smith.
When I was attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), I spent a summer working on the assembly line at a Chevrolet plant and then three summers with their engineering staff. I also interned at MIT Lincoln Labs and then spent a summer at NASA Langley. Those experiences enriched my education and helped me begin planning my career path.
Because today's young people have more career options than ever before, capturing and keeping students interest in science, engineering and mathematics is a growing challenge. Members of Glenn's Educational Programs Office and the University Programs component in the New Business and Partnership Office, with the help of mentors across the center, work hard to nurture these young minds.
Image left: LERCIP intern Nathan Smith, right, works with mentor Dr. Carl Mueller, Antenna, Microwave and Optical Systems Branch, in the Far-Field Antenna Range test area.Our Lewis Educational and Research Collaborative Internship Program (LERCIP), managed through the Educational Programs Office, is recognized as one of the top 100 internship programs in America. This program attracts and retains students in the NASA pipeline. Over the summer, Glenn hosted 136 LERCIP students from 67 colleges and universities representing 22 states. Glenn mentors play a valuable role in ensuring that each student is inspired, engaged and educated in aeronautics research and space exploration. This year, several students attended technical conferences, coauthored papers with their mentors and attended the annual summer job fair. Students also had a special opportunity to hear an inspirational talk from Barrington Irving, the 23-year old who embarked on a record-breaking 26,800-mile, round-the-world flight in a single-engine plane.
Our new NASA Business and Partnership Office (NBPO) manages several internship programs that attract undergraduate and graduate students who represent America's racial, ethnic and cultural diversity. Summer internship programs such as the NASA Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP) and the NASA Academy offer hands-on experiences related to research and development. In particular, the Glenn Academy provides students with training in leadership and teamwork, towards possible future leadership roles within NASA and U.S. aerospace industries. Additionally this summer, the NBPO premiered the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) Student Internship. This 10-week program focused on training undergraduate students in ESMD-related programs/projects with the goal of developing a pool of potential recruits for NASA and aerospace companies within the United States. A total of 22 talented and high-performance students from widely varied higher education institutions across the United States benefited from NBPO internships this summer.
Image right: USRP intern Ashley Carbaugh worked in the Polymers Branch with mentor Mark Meador. Credit: NASA/Michelle Murphy.Acknowledging that faculty members from our U.S. colleges and universities are valuable partners, Glenn offers programs that encourage faculty members to conduct research at this center. The center hosted 22 science, engineering and mathematics faculty members from accredited U.S. universities and colleges in the 2007 NASA Glenn Faculty Fellowship Program (NGFFP). The NGFFP helps to increase the quantity and quality of research collaborations between the academic community and the center, while assisting in the advancement of our research and technology objectives. The collaboration, in turn, strengthens faculty capabilities to enhance the U.S. technical workforce and infuse NASA mission-related research and technology content into classroom teaching.
Summer internships and fellowships are important to students, faculty members, the center and the agency. I know that firsthand. I thank all of you who put in the time and effort necessary to ensure the quality of these programs here at Glenn.
News Briefs
Second Largest Aircraft Delivers Payload Fairing
Image left: Workers unload space hardware at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. Credit: NASA/Chris LynchSpace hardware to be tested at Glenn's Plum Brook Station (PBS) was offloaded from an Antonov An-124, the world's second largest aircraft, at Cleveland Hopkins Airport on August 9. The Ariane 5 payload fairing, manufactured by Oerlikon Space in Switzerland, is designed to protect a mission's payload from the thermal, aerodynamic and acoustic effects of launch and flight through the atmosphere. The fairing was transported to PBS by truck. It will be tested in a simulated space environment in the Space Power Facility, the world's largest vacuum chamber.
Famous Young Pilot Inspires Summer Students
Image right: Irving with LERCIP interns, students and friends of NASA's Educational Programs Office. Credit: NASA/Marvin SmithBarrington Irving, 23, who broke two aviation records this summer when he flew solo around the world, shared highlights of his journey with some of Lewis' Educational and Research Collaborative Internship Program students on July 19. Irving is the first person of African descent and the youngest person to ever fly solo around the globe. Irving, who was raised in innercity Miami, hopes that his historic flight will inspire other young people to resist negative influences and work toward their dreams. During his presentation at Glenn, Irving discussed how he went from washing airplanes to breaking aviation records. His candid talk encouraged students to work hard, set goals, embrace opportunities and never stop believing in themselves.
Glenn's Workshop NEAT(LY) Done
Image left: pictured, left to right: NEAT participants Angela Krause, Ellen Van Pay, Cindy Mitchell and Cindy Hasselbring practice using robotic arms to place a cylinder on a peg simulating simple tasks performed on orbit. Credit: NASA/Carol GalicaGlenn hosted 16 teachers from 6 different Midwest states in a week-long workshop as members of NASA's Network of Educator Astronaut Teachers (NEAT) program, July 16-20. The teachers received an overview of the STS-118 mission activities and the status of construction of the International Space Station. While at Glenn, they trained on the Plant Growth Challenge, Fit Explorer Challenge, glovebox experiments and robotic activities linked to those conducted on orbit by Barbara Morgan, the first Educator Astronaut to fly. NASA researchers augmented the workshop with details on research conducted at NASA Glenn. Founded in 2003, NEAT currently comprises approximately 190 excellent educators from around the country who were nominated, but not selected, for the Educator Astronaut Project.
Learning About Work on Earth and on-Orbit
Image right: Elizabeth Smith shadowed her father, Marvin Smith, an Imaging Technology Center still-photographer, and participated in the activities at the Visitor Center. On August 17, Glenn welcomed over 350 children who participated in Take Our Children to Work Day. The children shadowed their parent/ grandparent/guardian throughout the day to learn how their loved one contributes to NASA missions. Glenn's Visitor Center offered three sessions devoted to the topic, "Living and Working in Space" that included a live presentation followed by a shuttle mission video. In honor of the day, Acorn Food Services also offered a child-friendly menu in the Main Cafeteria. The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, in cooperation with the Community and Media Relations Office, coordinated the event.
Calendar of Events
R&T REPORT: The 2006 Research & Technology (R&T) Report selectively summarizes NASA Glenn's research and technology accomplishments. This year's report includes more than 70 additional examples of technology than last year's report. It is now available in hard copy and on-line at the following URL: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/RT/
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: The Bloodmobile will be set up in the Administration Building Auditorium from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- November 1 and 2, 2007
- January 8 and 9, 2008
- March 10 and 11, 2008
- May 7 and 8, 2008
- July 8, 9, and 10, 2008
- September 9 and 10, 2008
- November 6 and 7, 2008
THIRD SATURDAY EVENT--SPACE MEMORABILIA SHOW: Join NASA Glenn for the 3rd annual Space Memorabilia Show, produced and hosted in collaboration with collectSpace.com, on September 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year, visitors can take home a piece of space history, ask one of the original Mercury 7 astronauts a question and hear about Apollo 13 from the mission flight controller. Collectors will be pleased to find various types of space memorabilia, including philatelic covers, autographed items, medallions and flown artifacts. Presentations include: 11 a.m. - Andrew Chaikin, author of "A Man on the Moon," 12:30 p.m. - Scott Carpenter, Mercury Astronaut and 2 p.m. - Sy Liebergot, Apollo Mission Flight Controller. Advanced registration is required for the presentations by calling 216-433-9653. For more information about this program, visit http://glennevents.grc.nasa.gov.
BE A STRESS SURVIVOR: The EASE@Work Employee Assistance Program is sponsoring "Taking Care of Yourself During Times of Change" on September 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Employee Center, Small Lunchroom. Participants will learn about predictable phases of change and how to take care of oneself in order to be a stress survivor. Emphasis will be placed on practicing good self care at home during a period of change at work. Contact Angela.A.Vespoli@NASA.gov for reservations.
AFGE MEETING: AFGE Local 2182 will hold its next monthly membership meeting on Wednesday, October 3 at 5 p.m. at Denny's Restaurant, 25912 Lorain Road, North Olmsted.
OCTOBER FACILITY TOUR--ICING RESEARCH TUNNEL: Chill out in the Icing Research Tunnel on October 6. This facility has been instrumental in developing and testing ice protection systems for military and commercial aircraft. Join us for a tour and find out why it is an international historic landmark. Call 216-433-9653 in advance to make your reservation. One-hour tours begin in the Visitor Center Auditorium at the following times: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
LESA MEETING: LESA/IFPTE, Local 28, will hold its next monthly membership meeting on Wednesday, October 10, at noon in the Employee Center.
OCTOBER THIRD SATURDAY EVENT: Mark your calendar for October 20 for "50 Years of Exploration." Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sputnik's launch into space and find out how it ushered us into the space age. More details will be provided in the October issue of AeroSpace Frontiers. For more information, contact the Visitor Center at 216-433-9653.
NERVOUS ABOUT PUBLIC SPEAKING?: The Aerospace Toastmasters Club invites employees to attend its weekly meetings. Toastmasters helps participants enhance their public speaking, oral communication and leadership skills. Meetings are held Thursdays from 12 to 12:45 p.m. in the 10-by 10-Supersonic Wind Tunnel Office and Control Building, Room 123. Before attending, please call Wai Wan (3-5599) or Stefanie Hirt (3-6782) to confirm a scheduled meeting.
DESTRESS ON TUESDAYS (NEW DAY): Learn to manage stress rather than letting it manage you! Spend 45 minutes in this NEW relaxation class to help your mind function more efficiently in the workplace. Classes, sponsored by the Organization Development and Training Office and Singleton Health Services, are held every Tuesday from 11:15 a.m. to noon in the Small Dining Room. Come dressed as you are. No special attire needed. POC: Fitness Center, 216-433-6313.
People
NSC Director Selects New Managers
NASA Safety Center (NSC) Director Alan H. Phillips recently announced three additions to the NSC management team.
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Siwik Named Lewis Little Folks Director
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Glenn Leadership Development Program Graduates Honored
Four NASA Glenn employees graduated the 2006-2007 NASA Leadership Development Program (LDP). Glenn’s Dr. Jose Davis, Stephen Helland, Christopher Steffen and Dr. Kim Veris were part of the seventeen-member class from six NASA centers, who celebrated the completion of their developmental year during a ceremony at NASA Headquarters on July 31.
Image right: Picture are Glenn graduates Davis, Helland, Steffen and Veris with keynote speaker Deputy Administrator Dale. Credit: NASA/Paul AlersSanabriaIn her address to the class, NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale told the graduating class that “NASA leaders need to create a culture that learns and educates; that communicates and listens; and that promotes diverse ideas and collaborative efforts. Dale praised the class on the completion of their agencywide project and their significant contribution to NASA’s strategic communications.
Steffen and Helland shared the honor of being elected graduation speakers with NASA Langley’s Dave Young. Each presented their reflections of the year, thoughts on leadership and specifics on how the LDP helped strengthen their ability to be more effective leaders.
The vision of the LDP is to create powerful leaders who align with NASA’s vision, mission and values and who create results that matter to the American people. Program elements include a class project, individual coaching, training, briefings by NASA and outside leaders, and more importantly, developmental assignments (in or outside the agency), which are designed to broaden participant understanding and strengthen their leadership skills. Participants must be grades 13-15 and are competitively selected at the agency level.
Awards
NESC Group Achievement Award
Image left: left to right, Dr. Jih Fen-Lei, director of R&T Directorate; Derrick Cheston, NESC chief engineer at Glenn; Opila, Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr.; Dennis Fox, Durability and Coatings Branch chief; and Gary Seng, chief, Structures and Materials Division. Credit: C-2007-0000. NASA/Marvin Smith.Dr. Elizabeth Opila, Durability and Protective Coatings Branch, is a recipient of a NASA Safety Engineering Center (NESC) Group Achievement Award as a member of the Leading Edge Structural Subsystem (LESS) Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC) Assessment Team. The team was recognized for evaluating (at launch minus 2 days) supporting data and flight rationale for RCC composite wing leading edge panels for STS–117 in light of silicon coating integrity issues raised from cracks observed during post-flight inspection of STS–114.
AIAA Best Paper Award
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Silver Probe Award
Pictured left, left to right, Drs. Meyers, Phelan, Fisher and Mackey with the Silver Probe plaque and trophy. Credit: NASA/S. Jenise VerisDr. Jerry Myers, of the ISS and Human Research Office, and fellow collaborators Dr. David Fischer, Bio Science and Technology Branch; Dr. Michael Phelan, Cleveland Clinic Emergency Medicine; and Dr. Jeffrey Mackey, MK Optics, are recipients of a Silver Probe Award for a presentation to the 2007 3rd World Ultrasound Congress held in Paris, France. Their presentation entitled, “Non-invasively Measuring Acoustic Attenuation and Scatter in Different Concentrations of Blood Mimicking Fluid Using Doppler Ultrasound" is based on their work on noninvasive measurement of blood properties. The work is supported by Glenn’s Independent Research and Development Fund (04−43).
In Memory
John Domen, 89, who retired in January 1980 after 29 years of NASA service, died on July 6. Domen served as a machining model maker. He also served in the Army and was a veteran of World War II.
Gordon "Corky" Driver, 77, who retired in December 1993, died on June 28. Driver served as an electronic equipment fabricator. He also served in the Navy and was a veteran of the Korean conflict.
Kathy A. Pierce, 63, who retired in September 1998 after 35 years of NASA service, died on August 8. Pierce began her career at the NASA Plum Brook Station, in the Human Resources Department in 1963. She transferred to Lewis Field in 1975, where she retired as a personnel management specialist in the same department.
In Appreciation
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of my NASA friends for the many prayers, cards and kind words following the passing of my dad. Your support during this difficult time provided great comfort to my family and me.
--Bernice Beznoska & Family
Retirements
John Dickman, Photovoltaics and Power Technologies Branch, retired on August 31, 2007, with 23 years of NASA service.
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Roger Werner, Advanced Aircraft and Project Office, retired on September 1, 2007, with 40 years of NASA service.