- NASA Home
- | Centers
- | Glenn Home
- | News
- | Aerospace Frontiers
- | 2007
Search Glenn
Aerospace Frontiers
Volume 9, Issue 11
November 2007
New Work Assignments Aimed Toward the Moon
The nation's Vision for Space Exploration continues to progress with recent work assignments for Glenn and the nine other NASA field centers.
During a media roundtable from NASA Headquarters on October 30, members of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) announced the assignment of key future Constellation Program work. The new work assignments will allow the field centers to begin planning and preparing for the development of the lunar lander, lunar operations and the Ares V heavy-lift rocket that will carry astronauts from Earth orbit to the moon.
Image left: After the briefing, Vincent Bilardo, Launch Systems Project Office, left, showed Kevin Kelly, West Life newspaper, and Nick Gattozzi, Greater Cleveland Partnership, a flange-to-flange weld on the US-7 can for the Upper Stage Simulator. Credit: NASA/Marvin Smith
NASA Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Rick Gilbrech said that the Ares V and lunar lander assignments will ramp up in fiscal year 2011, with surface assignments in fiscal year 2012. While these decisions will result in budget and personnel allocations at the centers, detailed estimates will not be available until after contractors are formally selected for work.
Glenn's new roles include leading the development of the Ares V rocket's power system, thrust vector control and payload shroud. The power system provides the electrical power for the rocket; the thrust vector control system will steer the rocket; and the payload shroud will protect the lunar lander as it reaches Earth's orbit.
During a Glenn briefing with the local media following the Headquarters announcement, Glenn's Director of Space Flight Systems Robert Moorehead shared highlights of the payload shroud. "The shroud is about 10 meters in diameter," he explained. "It will be the largest payload shroud ever developed."
The center also will lead the development of the lunar lander's ascent stage propulsion system, which lifts the astronauts from the moon, to orbit, for their trip back to the Earth, said Moorehead. As lead for surface systems power generation and energy storage, the Center will explore options including solar arrays, batteries and fuel cells to power a habitat, rovers and other equipment for the lunar base.
Glenn's Plum Brook Station facility will test the Ares V Earth departure stage and the lunar lander in a simulated space environment.
At the briefing, Dr. Whitlow noted that Glenn has extensive experience in designing space power and propulsion systems as well as testing space hardware. He said that the assignments are consistent with the center's competencies and capabilities. The assignments will also provide the center with long-term viability in the space program.
Development of NASA's new fleet of spacecraft is well underway. In fact, NASA Glenn has already begun the work on the Ares I crew launch vehicle and the Orion crew module that was assigned in June of 2006. Glenn's new work assignments are:
Ares V:
Lunar Lander:
Lunar Surface Systems:
A center-by-center breakdown of assignments is available on the Web at http://www.nasa.gov/constellation.
NASA Administrator, Senior Managers Meet at Glenn
From October 9-11, NASA's administrator and senior managers met at Glenn to discuss some of the agency's top issues.
Image right: PBS Director David Stringer, briefs NASA Associate Director Scolese (far left) and others on current and upcoming testing in the K-Site Facility. Credit: NASA/Quentin Schwinn
After joining some of Glenn's project managers and engineering leads for an informal brown bag lunch on October 9, Administrator Mike Griffin held an All Hands gathering where he answered questions on topics ranging from the retirement of the space shuttle, to commercialization of space, to his commitment to ten healthy centers. When asked how Glenn can move from a "healthy" center to a "great" center, Griffin stressed that he is trying hard to get NASA's research centers back into the space business.
"Talent is always sought after and recognized," he said. "Do a good job at what you're doing now and the next job will take care of itself. Continue doing a great job and you [Glenn] will become a great center again."
During the three-day timeframe, Glenn welcomed members of two agency-level governing boards -- the Strategic Management Council (SMC) and the Program Management Council (PMC).
The SMC, chaired by Administrator Mike Griffin, is comprised of the senior managers from Headquarters, mission directorate associate administrators and center directors. More than 30 people representing these areas discuss some of the strategic issues that impact the agency. The PMC, chaired by Associate Director Chris Scolese, consists of many of the same personnel, and focus its discussions on program-related issues.
While in town, the Administrator stopped by the NASA Safety Center (NSC) to help its employees celebrate their one-year anniversary of the NSC. He toured the NSC offices and heard briefings on their progress and future goals.
Image left: left to right, Alan Phillips, director of the NSC; Brian O'Conner, chief of the Office of Mission and Safety Assurance; and Administrator Griffin speak with NSC staff. Credit: NASA/Quentin Schwinn
Glenn also hosted the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) during these three days. ASAP is an independent group of safety experts created by Congress after the Apollo I fire. Members of Glenn's Mission and Safety Assurance Directorate as well as representatives from the NSC provided updates to the ASAP during their two-day meeting. Griffin participated in a briefing and breakfast with the panel members.
"Hosting these meetings proved to be a very positive opportunity for Glenn personnel to interact with the agency's top managers," said Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr. "I thank the many people across the Center who helped these events run so smoothly."
Three Join Glenn's Senior Executive Service Corps
NASA Glenn recently added three members to its Senior Executive Service (SES) Corps: Dr. Howard Ross, Bradley Baker and Dr. Meng-Sing Liou. They represent a diverse group of organizations and bring a variety of perspectives for consideration in center strategic planning and decisionmaking.
Ross was appointed to the newly created SES position of associate director for Planning and Evaluation. Ross returns to Glenn where he previously served as Senior Technologist (ST) for Microgravity Combustion Research before being reassigned to NASA Headquarters in 2002.
With his new position, Ross reports directly to the Center Director while managing and participating in special study teams to support center and agency decisions. He will also lead Glenn's strategic workforce planning efforts and assist on center policymaking issues.
Ross began his NASA career in 1985. During the past five years at Headquarters, he served in several positions, including: deputy associate administrator, Office of Biological and Physical Research; deputy associate administrator for Research, Exploration Systems Mission Directorate; and deputy chief scientist.
More recently, however, Ross served as a senior program analyst in the Office of Program Analysis and Evaluation on staff to NASA Administrator Michael Griffin. Ross gained valuable experience as lead for many studies and projects, such as the agency's efforts to reduce its "uncovered capacity" of civil servants, strategic communications, reimbursable business and strategic workforce modeling.
Bradley J. Baker has been appointed to the SES position, chief, Office of Acquisition, Center Operations Directorate. Baker joins the SES ranks having provided longstanding procurement leadership in the negotiation and award of many high-profile aeronautical, aerospace and institutional programs.
Building on experience with the General Services Administration, Baker began his NASA career at Glenn in 1978. He has assumed progressively more challenging managerial responsibilities, including: section head, Purchasing and Services; chief, Launch Vehicles Branch; deputy chief of the Procurement Division; and most recently, chief and procurement officer.
For nearly 20 years, Baker has sucessfully led a staff of 70 contract professionals, supported by 12 service contractors, to meet center needs and obligate funds annually. He implemented strategic changes in Procurement, (i.e., organizational structure, personnel, technology, equipment and systems) with major impact to Glenn and the agency. He also planned and implemented restructuring of Glenn's relationship with academic institutions in research and development. As a result, the Center is well positioned to award proposals of the highest technical merit and to expand the number of universities partnerships for developing technologies needed to meet programmatic goals.
Liou has been appointed to the ST position of senior scientist for Airbreathing Propulsion Computational Analysis. In this position, Liou will conduct personal research, assist and advise other organizations in the development of a broad range of technologies required by state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics and multidisciplinary analysis and design optimization.
Since joining NASA in 1986, Liou developed the Advection Upstream Splitting Method numerical scheme. The scheme overcomes limitations in prior numerical schemes, and has been advanced and used for a wide variety of applications in engineering and sciences by Government and industrial research organizations throughout the world. This scheme is being used in major commercial codes. In addition, Liou led the development of computational fluid dynamics codes and multidisciplinary applications for airbreathing propulsion systems.
Liou is the recipient of many NASA awards recognizing his outstanding contributions to the agency and nation including the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal (1992), the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal (2004) and the Abe Silverstein Medal (2006). Liou is also an associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, a fellow of the Society of Shock Wave Research, and an editor for the Shock Wave Journal. He has published over 166 technical papers, seven of which are book chapters and 48 in refereed journals.
Liou has worked in industry and academia, and has a proven track record as a technical leader and mentor. He currently serves an adjunct professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Calif., and the University of Waterloo, Canada.
STS-118 Astronauts Bring Experiences Down to Earth for Local Students
Astronaut Barbara Morgan, the first teacher in space, shared her love for space and for the classroom during a visit to Glenn on October 18.
Image right: Astronauts Hobaugh, left, and Morgan address local students. Credit: NASA/Michelle Murphy
"In both, you get to explore, you get to discover, you get to share," said Morgan to students from several local middle schools, including several NASA Explorer Schools.
Using video from the STS-118 mission, Morgan pointed out the features of the space shuttle and International Space Station and shared personal highlights of her experiences in space. She reminded the students that they would have the opportunity to receive some of the basil seeds that were flown on board the space shuttle to examine in their classrooms.
"Earth is just a tiny part of the galaxies," she explained. "There is so much to learn and you can all play a part in it."
Astronaut Charles Hobaugh, who had addressed students at his alma mater, North Ridgeville High School, earlier that morning, joined Morgan in answering students' questions and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
"There were many times in my career when I was told I couldn't do something," he said. "But I found that if you work hard enough, you can usually get it."
Morgan and Hobaugh also met with area teachers from the Science and Mathematics Achievement Required for Tomorrow and Consortium and Education Alliance for Information Science Education programs. Teachers were also invited to share in an All Hands briefing for employees in the afternoon. At the close of the All Hands, the astronauts presented a framed memento to Director of External Programs John Hairston on behalf of the STS-118 crew. The memento, which included a mission patch, flag and photographs from the mission, acknowledged Glenn's educational efforts.
Technology Hitches to a Balloon at Plum Brook Station
A new test facility--floating 1,000 feet above Plum Brook Station (PBS)--will help advance remote sensing and communications technology for emergency response and other life-saving applications.
Image right: left to right,: ASMDBL Chief of Experiments and Transformation Lt. Col. Dennis Brozek; Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr., and ASMDBL Chief of Transformation Jeff Faunce stand below the AerOhio1 Aerostat/HALE proving station during the October 15 demonstration. Credit: NASA/Michelle Murphy
On October 15, NASA Glenn hosted a media briefing at PBS to share information about the AeroCentric Federation's AeroOhio1, a unique testbed proving station. The testbed consists of a High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) platform of telemetry and control systems mounted to a 23,000-cubic-foot aerostat (tethered blimp), 25 feet in diameter and 75 feet long.
The AeroCentric Federation members include the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Battle Lab (ASMDB) and SkySentry LCC, Colorado Springs; the Ohio Aerospace Institute in Cleveland, Ohio; Western DataCom in Westlake, Ohio; NASA Glenn; Lorain County Community College; and the Universities of Cincinnati and Toledo in Ohio.
"This collaboration will focus on testing capabilities for remote sensing and communications technologies that can solve the nation's critical need for persistent presence," said Jeff Faunce, chief of Transformation for the U.S. ASMDBL. "Plum Brook Station is a prime location for this technology development because of the complex's large exclusion zones required for safe testing, facilities to support on-ground testing and the intellectual capital of Ohio aerospace industry and academia."
Faunce said the collaboration could apply this technology for applications such as advanced emergency search and rescue, telemedicine, counterterrorism, natural disaster monitoring, agriculture monitoring and transportation flow.
While preliminary field-testing began last month, Faunce said the ASMDB will soon be developing a test cycle for the spring. Glenn-developed technologies will be among some of the first payloads to be tested on the platform.
"We're excited about being part of this partnership because it brings together the aerospace technology efforts of academia, industry, military and government," said Amy Bower, PBS. "Once this technology is tested and matured, it has the potential to make a significant impact on this county in national security, emergency response and critical environmental areas."
Dudenhoefer Is Still On a Mission
During a NASA career that spanned nearly 40 years, James "Dude" Dudenhoefer helped develop advanced power systems and hardware to explore new frontiers and improve life on earth and beyond. As a 2005 NASA retiree, he is still mission driven.
Image right: Dudenhoefer repairing outlets and plastering a flood-torn home in Biloxi, Miss. Credit: ACT, Inc.
About 15 years ago, Dudenhoefer's son, Eric, and a local ophthalmologist invited him to join them as a technical support specialist on a medical missionary trip. To their dismay, much of the equipment sent for the mission was in such poor condition that it could not be repaired. They were forced to scrap the donated equipment and delay several projects until appropriate equipment could be located. This was not an isolated incident. A mission trip to help build a hospital in a remote region of Honduras exhibited a nearly identical experience.
Moved by similar experiences over the next 12 years while volunteering for missions to Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua and the Amazon region of Ecuador, Dudenhoefer became a founding member of Answering the Call Together (ACT), Inc. ACT is a nondenominational organization founded on the philosophy that action speaks louder than words. Guided by a 10-member board, ACT's primary function is to ensure missionaries receive good quality equipment to serve the needy.
"We collect, refurbish, store and ship used medical equipment and other items from local hospitals, nursing homes, private practices or medical supply stores," explained Dudenhoefer, who serves as ACT's director of Equipment, Acquisition, Repair and Shipping. "We repair and certify the equipment 'first-class,' (i.e., has a usable life) before shipping. Several ACT members may also accompany the equipment to make sure it is installed quickly and correctly."
Image left: Results of Dudenhoefer's handywork in a Biloxi home. Credit: ACT, Inc.
While ACT occasionally takes Dudenhoefer overseas and to remote regions of Third World countries, he said that the organization responds wherever disaster strikes "on behalf of the poor and needy without condescension, respecting the rights and cultures of all." He was a member of a team that helped restore homes damaged by last year's floods in Norwalk and Shelby, Ohio. More recently he traveled to the Hurricane Katrina ravaged area of Biloxi, Miss., for a third reconstruction trip where he spent two weeks working jointly with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia.
"When I worked at NASA, I enjoyed a talented staff, state-of-the-art technology and resources to accomplish a variety of projects on time and within budget," Dudenhoefer reflected. "However, my work with the less fortunate is a daily reminder of how much I took for granted. I treasure my opportunities to share what I've gained through my NASA experiences."
Pandemic Flu - Are You Prepared?
Many Americans have undoubtedly heard news reports about the avian influenza (bird flu) as well as pandemic flu. The center has a Pandemic Awareness Team, led by Luz Jeziorowski of the Occupational Health Branch, to increase awareness of the pandemic concern to the Glenn community. This committee recently spoke with Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr. and Glenn's Emergency Preparedness Manager Jim Smith to discuss the potential threat of a pandemic as well as the center's ongoing efforts to deal with this threat.
Pandemic Awareness Team: Dr. Whitlow, what is a pandemic?
Dr. Whitlow: A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population, begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide.
Team: Jim, is the pandemic risk real?
Smith: Yes. An overwhelming majority of experts agree another global pandemic is inevitable. It is not a question of "if" but rather "when" and "how bad." The Hong Kong flu of 1968-69 was a pandemic but was rather mild because the virulence, or harmfulness, of that virus was low.
On the other hand, the virus that caused the pandemic of 1918 was very virulent. It killed 675,000 Americans and 50 to 100 million people worldwide. Researchers recently confirmed the 1918 virus started out as an avian influenza.
Team: Dr. Whitlow, how would pandemic flu affect NASA Glenn and our communities?
Whitlow: Many people would become sick at the same time and be unable to go to work. Many would stay at home to care for sick family members. Schools and businesses might close to try to prevent the disease from spreading. Large group gatherings might be canceled. High rates of worker absenteeism could also interrupt other essential services, such as law enforcement, transportation and communications.
Team: Jim, what is the government doing to prepare for a pandemic flu outbreak?
Smith: Federal, state and local health agencies have plans in place to respond to and contain an outbreak of pandemic flu. Preparedness activities include:
Whitlow: NASA Glenn has prepared a written pandemic plan that is incorporated into the center's Emergency Preparedness Plan. The pandemic plan identifies essential functions and services, resource requirements, management succession plans, vital records, human resource issues and site security planning, with the overall goals of protecting NASA Glenn's assets on the ground and in space and maintaining essential business continuity.
Team: Jim, how can we protect ourselves and our families?
Smith: The Occupational Health Branch reminds us that everyone can take these steps to stop the spread of germs:
Jeziorowski is providing Pandemic Awareness sessions and encourages everyone at the center to attend (sign up through SATERN), or ask your supervisor to schedule a staff briefing. For additional information on Pandemic Influenza Awareness, go to http://www.pandemicflu.gov, http://www.ohiopandemicflu.gov/, and http://smad-ext.grc.nasa.gov/emo/gov/pandemic.html, or contact Jeziorowski at 3-8790.
New Badge Enrollments on the Rise; Benefits Too
Identity theft is the nation's fastest growing crime. According to USA.gov, the Federal Trade Commission ranks "identity theft/fraud" as the most rapidly growing category of complaints that the agency receives.
This alarming trend is one of several reasons why NASA is issuing new badges with a more sophisticated and standardized enrollment process.
Another reason: it is the law.
Image right: McMillen recently received the first new badge at Glenn.
A Necessary Directive
In an effort to reduce inefficiency, cost and risk to the federal government, President Bush signed the Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 "Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors" on Aug. 27, 2004. This directive calls for all government agencies to implement a uniform identification system.
"Even prior to this directive, NASA was working on a smart card system," said Walter Hussey, project director for NASA's HSPD-12. "This directive gave us something to focus on in terms of how we wanted to do this technically. The community that is concerned about identity theft and fraudulent use of identities -- the financial community -- is moving that way. If the financial community is moving in this direction, there must be a message there."
This new system will help deter identity fraud, tampering, counterfeiting and terrorist exploitation. The directive is not only for NASA civil servants but also includes contractor employees and grantees -- basically anyone who has routine physical or virtual access to NASA facilities and information technology (IT) systems.
NASA is working hard to achieve its task of issuing new badges. With about 80,000 NASA employees and contractors that need new badges, this project is no simple mission.
Progress in Phases
Three phases are involved in implementing the presidential directive: appropriate background investigation, enrollment and issuance. NASA, as an agency, has completed 100 percent of the HSPD-12 requirements for the investigation phase with civil servants and nearly 85 percent with contractors.
Enrollment, or phase two, requires proving employees' identities and taking fingerprints. Over 70 percent of those who need new badges are now entered in the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) system and are ready to have their badging data collected, i.e., enrolled. So far, NASA's total enrollments for new badges have exceeded the 17,000 mark. Glenn is well into phase two with over 3300 employees enrolled.
Badge issuance, or phase three, is not yet underway at the centers. "Although we haven't received the badges yet, we expect to get them in the near future," said Linda McMillen, Glenn's HSPD-12 badging coordinator.
A New Infrastructure
For NASA to achieve this undertaking, the Agency needed to create a sophisticated technical infrastructure for all the centers to use.
"They [NASA] have built up this infrastructure that did not exist," said Gin Marks, NASA's lead of the HSPD-12 Communications Working Group. "Basically, every center had its own process and there are 11 NASA centers, 16 total locations and 16 different systems. What we have now is one [system]. It's a huge leap forward. We could not move forward in the badging and identity management until that was in place and tested and working."
By putting the new system into action, the Agency, including NASA Glenn, has seen multiple benefits. Not only will the new badges reduce cost and risk, the Agency has already improved its communication and ability to work with other federal agencies and has established valuable relationships with those organizations.
"We've tried to work with the other agencies who are issuing their own PIV cards and share lessons learned. We try to make sure we're helpful to them where we can be and that we pick up on what they've done that can be useful to us," said Portia Dischinger, PIV enrollment and issuance project manager at NASA Headquarters. "We also have worked a lot with GSA (General Services Administration), which is serving as a federal PIV card provider for many agencies, and shared NASA's experiences with them."
A similar form of identification has already proven beneficial in another government agency, although it does not meet the current requirements. The Department of Defense (DOD) began using "CAC" (common access smart cards) prior to the presidential directive, and since then, has seen a dramatic 46 percent drop in successful intrusions into their network and systems.
"What we will have will be the newest and greatest version of what they (DOD) had," said Marks. "We hope ours will have similar results."
Glenn's HSPD-12 Implementation Manager Les Farkas is optimistic about the benefits of the new system as well. "We have a saying at Glenn that HSPD-12 is cleaning up a lot of things," said Farkas. "In addition to the primary mission of HSPD-12, the byproducts of the project are also realizing benefits in areas such as the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Physical Security, Human Resources and Procurement."
Peace of Mind
The new badges will have a computer chip holding an employee's digital certificate but no personal information and will be the means to physical access into buildings. For higher risk areas and IT systems, a "two-factor" system will be used, where access requires something you have (your "smart" badge) and something you know (your personal identification number).
"If I log into an account today with a user name and password, if that were compromised, stolen, or I let someone use that, forevermore they would have access," said Hussey. "In the future, if I have a pin, they can know my pin but if they don't have my card, they can't gain access. Or, if they had my card but don't have my pin, they can't gain access." "There are reasons to do this beyond just a presidential directive," said Hussey. "We're doing this to benefit NASA, our employees and the research and information that we develop and use."
News Briefs
Hispanic Heritage Month Observance Event
Pictured: Janette Briones, vice chair for HAC, presenting a plaque of appreciation to Dr. Proenza with Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow, Jr. looking on. Credit: NASA/Theresa Santos
As President and Chief Executive Officer of The University of Akron (Ohio), Dr. Luis Proenza attributes his success in providing leadership to more than 4,500 faculty and staff members to effective communication. During his keynote address at Glenn's Hispanic Heritage Month event on October 3, Proenza recited a quote from W. Steven Brown, to illustrate his approach to communication: "communication does not begin with being understood, but with understanding others." He also noted past experiences and jobs that have helped him develop good communication skills. Those skills have enabled him to transcend language and cultural barriers of a diverse campus population and the surrounding communities to make a positive impact in Northeast Ohio. The heritage event, sponsored by Glenn's Hispanic Advisory Council (HAC), was also highlighted by the performances of Western Reserve Argentine Tango Society's Tango Me dancers.
Calendar of Events
VETERANS AWARENESS PROGRAM: NASA Glenn's Veterans Awareness Committee is hosting a "Salute to Veterans and Those Currently Serving" Veterans Recognition Ceremony on November 9 at 1 p.m. in the Administration Building Auditorium. The keynote speaker is retired Air Force Brigadier General David Stringer. Stringer is director of the Plum Brook Station Management Office.
MAINTAIN YOUR WEIGHT FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Maintain Your Weight For the Holidays Weigh In will take place from November 13-19. Stop by Medical Services or the Fitness Center to weigh in before the holidays. Cost is $5. Post weigh in is January 7-11, 2008. If you gain weight, your money goes into the "kitty." If you maintain or lose weight, you'll get your money back plus a piece of the kitty. POC: Dietitian, 3-8134, or Fitness Center, 3-6313.
WOMEN RETIREE LUNCHEON: The next luncheon for Glenn female retirees will be Thursday, November 15, noon, at Donauschwaben German-American Cultural Center Restaurant, 7370 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls. For further information, contact Ann Lester, 440-235-7370.
AMERICA RECYCLES DAY: During the nationwide America Recycles Day on November 15, Glenn will join millions of people in recognizing the importance of recycling and buying recycled products. The event will be held in the upper level of the Cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
NOVEMBER THIRD SATURDAY EVENT: On November 17, the Visitor Center will present "Catch a Falling Star." Prepare for the upcoming Leonid Meteor Shower by learning more about the origins of meteorites and their impact on Earth. Two presentations will be held: 11 a.m. - Antarctic Meteorites: Sifting the Sands of the Solar System; and 1 p.m. - Rocks from Space. For more information, contact the Visitor Center at 216-433-9653 or log onto http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/events/vc_nov07.html.
PRE-THANKSGIVING WORKOUT: Join the Fitness Center experts for a Pre-Thanksgiving Master Class on Wednesday, November 21. This will be a 60-minute challenge instructed by a variety of instructors. Class is held in the lower level of the Developmental Engineering Building (old cafeteria). RSVP to 3-6313.
AFGE MEETING: AFGE Local 2182 will hold its next monthly membership meeting on Wednesday, December 5 at 5 p.m. at Denny's Restaurant, 25912 Lorain Road, North Olmsted.
LESA MEETING: LESA/IFPTE, Local 28, will hold its next monthly membership meeting on Wednesday, December 12, at noon in the Employee Center.
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:
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
Needham Named TTPO Chief
Kathleen Needham has been named chief of the Technology Transfer and Partnership Office (TTPO) in Glenn's External Programs Directorate. In her new position, Needham will oversee partnerships to facilitate the development of NASA technology for potential mission applications through the Innovative Partnerships Program (IPP) at NASA Headquarters. This effort includes a suite of activities ranging from the emerging involvement in demonstrating the use of commercial space assets, to the relatively new IPP Seed Fund competition, to the well-established Small Business Innovative Research and Small Technology Transfer Research Programs. Needham will also support the center's goal to become an integral part of the Ohio community and the nation by facilitating the transfer of technology into the private sector through activities such as dual use partnerships, licensing, software release and publishing in TechBriefs and Spin-Off magazines. The TTPO also provides a number of other support functions to the center including space act awards, space act agreements and foreign travel.
Del Rosario Named Project Manager
Dr. Ruben Del Rosario has been selected project manager for the Subsonic Fixed Wing project within Glenn's Aeronautics Projects Implementation Office. Prior to his new position, Del Rosario served as chief of the Facility Management and Planning Office in the Facilities and Test Directorate. He has held a variety of leadership positions in Aeronautics since he began his NASA career 17 years ago. Del Rosario previously served as deputy sector manager for Subsonic Transport Aircraft in the Vehicle Systems Program, where he defined national R&D research strategies for subsonics. These efforts established a solid foundation for the formulation of the Subsonic Fixed Wing project supported by the Fundamental Aeronautics Program. Del Rosario also serves as chairperson of the Aircraft Engine Committee of the International Gas Turbine Institute, and past board member of the Turbine Engine Testing Working Group of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Awards
Recognition for Dedication to Quality Work and Flight Safety
NASA recently recognized the exemplary efforts of Glenn employees Drs. James Gaier, Geoff Landis, Bradley Lerch, James Nesbitt and Jayanta Panda with the coveted title of Space Flight Awareness (SFA) honoree. The employees were invited to attend the Discovery STS-120 launch on October 23.
The SFA award is the highest tribute paid by NASA to individuals in the agency, Department of Defense and industry. SFA honorees are acknowledged with a visit to Kennedy Space Center to view a launch, attend a reception in their honor and meet with top NASA and industry officials and members of the astronaut corps.
Gaier, a physicist in the Space Environmental Durability Branch, is recognized as a leading contributor on lunar dust effects mitigation. This work is important in reducing risks to astronaut health and protecting spacecraft to assure successful lunar spaceflight missions.
Landis, a physicist in the Photovoltaic and Power Technologies Branch, is recognized for inventing a new mode of operation for solar arrays that reduces atmospheric drag and the amount of propellant necessary to maintain International Space Station's orbit. Landis' invention has contributed to NASA goals for keeping Station operational with major cost savings.
Lerch and Nesbitt, materials research engineers in the Durability and Protective Coatings Branch, are recognized for contributions to the Space Shuttle Return-to-Flight Program. Lerch led a multidisciplinary research team to develop more accurate analysis methods for the Space Shuttle External Tank's spray-on foam insulation and developed strategies to eliminate the largest source of high-density ice on the tank. Nesbitt, a member the Reinforced-Carbon/Carbon (RCC) Spaced Shuttle leading edge RCC Wrap Repair Team, demonstrated the viability of the coated-refractory metal materials system for in-space repair of damaged wing leading-edge RCC panels.
Panda, an OAI senior scientist supporting Glenn's Acoustics Branch, is recognized for his contributions as a member of the NASA Engineering and Safety Center, Materials Super Problem Resolution Team. The team developed alternative methodology that is critical for measuring and estimating aerodynamic loads, and to ensuring the structural safety of the Space Shuttle External Tank with the Protuberance Air Load (PAL) ramps removed.
Dr. Chamis Named ASC Fellow
Senior Scientist Dr. Christos Chamis, Research and Technology Directorate, has been elevated to a Fellow in the American Society for Composites (ASC). The ASC acknowledged Chamis for 45 years of research and contributions in the areas of metallics and structures.
Goldberg Named AIAA Associate Fellow
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has named Dr. Robert Goldberg, Mechanics and Life Prediction Branch, an associate fellow. The honor is reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the arts, sciences or technology of aeronautics or astronautics. Goldberg is recognized for his focus on high-strain impact analysis of composite materials. He will receive the award during the AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting in Reno, Nev., in January 2008.
SPIE Awards Adamovsky Kingslake Medal
The Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) has awarded Dr. Grigory Adamovsky, Optical Instrumentation and NDE Branch, the Rudolf Kingslake Medal and Prize. The Kingslake Medal is presented annually in recognition of the most noteworthy original paper to appear in the Society's official journal, Optical Engineering, on the theoretical or experimental aspects of optical engineering. Adamovsky and colleagues from Alabama A&M University received the honor at the SPIE Awards Banquet in San Diego, Calif. in August.
Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards
Image left: Gonzalez-Sanabria celebrates with husband Raphael Sanabria, NASA Safety Center deputy director, at the awards ceremony. Credit: Jessica Sanabria
Olga Gonzalez-Sanabria, director of Glenn's Engineering Directorate, was honored with a 2007 Executive Excellence award during the 19th Annual Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference (HENAAC) held October 11 - 13 in San Diego, Calif.. Gonzalez was recognized for her leadership in managing a workforce of more than 400 engineers, technicians and support personnel, who provide a full range of integrated services including engineering, fabrication, testing and facility management for NASA and industry.
Image right: Associate Director Bill Wessel, left, joins Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow, Jr. in presenting the HENAAC Luminary Award to Dr. Agui. Credit: NASA/Photographer
Recognized as one of NASA's rising stars and an inspiration to future generations pursuing careers in technology, Dr. Juan Agui, Microgravity Fluid Physics and Transport Branch, was among the HENAAC Luminary Honorees. Agui is the project scientist for the International Space Station experiment, Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions - 2 (InSPACE-2). The experiment will gather data on magnetorheological fluids (fluids that change properties in response to magnetic fields) that can be used to improve or develop new brake systems and robotics.
WVU STaR Symposium
Image left: Calandrelli displays poster at STaR Symposium. Credit: West Virginia University
NASA Glenn Undergraduate Student Research Program intern Emily Calandrelli was runner-up and recipient of a $600 award for her poster entry in a competition held during West Virginia University's (WVU) statewide Science, Technology and Research (STaR) Symposium in September. Calandrelli, who is a WVU student, was 1 of 20 students selected to compete in the symposium themed "Defining Our Future: The STaR Enterprise in West Virginia." Her entry was based on research conducted on the affects of liquid fuel sprays in the process of combustion while working in Glenn's Combustion Branch under the mentorship of Dr. Yolanda Hicks and Anthony Iannetti.
In Memory
McKnight Was An Unforgettable Asset
Alvie N. McKnight, 56, an SGT, Inc. employee working as a paralegal assistant for the Office of Chief Counsel, passed away on September 30.
McKnight initially supported the ACTS Program Office when she began working at the Center in June 1992. In addition to her strong stenography skills, McKnight soon became recognized for job assets such as "dress for success," "wear a big smile," and "seek to serve."
"'Miss Alvie,' as many across the Center affectionately referred to her, never met a stranger nor failed to remember a name," said longtime friend and coworker Linda Mayes, Projects Liaison and Integration Office/SGTI.
Elias Naffah, an attorney-advisor, who worked with McKnight for 12 years in the Office of Chief Counsel, also attests to her love of people. "She was not shy about getting into your business -- not to be meddling, just to get to know you," he said. "She became a loyal friend who basically adopted my family into hers. Her visits with my mom, who passed earlier this year from the same illness, were priceless."
During her tenure in the Office of the Chief Counsel, McKnight received several awards for exceptional support to the Office. Her most recent award was winning first place in the Center's 2006 Martin Luther King essay contest. As a result, she also received an SGT, Inc. Star Award.
"I would describe Alvie as one of a kind," said Sue Silver, SGT's Administrative and Clerical Services manager. "Her presence was felt immediately upon walking into a room because she always inquired if she could assist in any way. Alvie touched so many people at NASA -- I've never seen anything like it. She will be greatly missed by all and certainly never forgotten."
Fred W. Wiggington, 96, who retired in 1972 after serving nearly 30 years with NACA/NASA, died on September 19. Wiggington was a fabrication engineer. He managed the Sheetmetal Fabrication and Welding Sections of the Fabrication Division prior to retiring and accepting a teaching position with the Lorain County Joint Vocational School.
In Appreciation
The Office of Chief Counsel extends heartfelt thanks for the support we have received over the past several months and for the many expressions of kindness and condolence for the loss of two dear coworkers, Kent Stone and Alvie McKnight.
November 2007
New Work Assignments Aimed Toward the Moon
The nation's Vision for Space Exploration continues to progress with recent work assignments for Glenn and the nine other NASA field centers.
During a media roundtable from NASA Headquarters on October 30, members of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) announced the assignment of key future Constellation Program work. The new work assignments will allow the field centers to begin planning and preparing for the development of the lunar lander, lunar operations and the Ares V heavy-lift rocket that will carry astronauts from Earth orbit to the moon.
Image left: After the briefing, Vincent Bilardo, Launch Systems Project Office, left, showed Kevin Kelly, West Life newspaper, and Nick Gattozzi, Greater Cleveland Partnership, a flange-to-flange weld on the US-7 can for the Upper Stage Simulator. Credit: NASA/Marvin SmithNASA Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Rick Gilbrech said that the Ares V and lunar lander assignments will ramp up in fiscal year 2011, with surface assignments in fiscal year 2012. While these decisions will result in budget and personnel allocations at the centers, detailed estimates will not be available until after contractors are formally selected for work.
Glenn's new roles include leading the development of the Ares V rocket's power system, thrust vector control and payload shroud. The power system provides the electrical power for the rocket; the thrust vector control system will steer the rocket; and the payload shroud will protect the lunar lander as it reaches Earth's orbit.
During a Glenn briefing with the local media following the Headquarters announcement, Glenn's Director of Space Flight Systems Robert Moorehead shared highlights of the payload shroud. "The shroud is about 10 meters in diameter," he explained. "It will be the largest payload shroud ever developed."
The center also will lead the development of the lunar lander's ascent stage propulsion system, which lifts the astronauts from the moon, to orbit, for their trip back to the Earth, said Moorehead. As lead for surface systems power generation and energy storage, the Center will explore options including solar arrays, batteries and fuel cells to power a habitat, rovers and other equipment for the lunar base.
Glenn's Plum Brook Station facility will test the Ares V Earth departure stage and the lunar lander in a simulated space environment.
At the briefing, Dr. Whitlow noted that Glenn has extensive experience in designing space power and propulsion systems as well as testing space hardware. He said that the assignments are consistent with the center's competencies and capabilities. The assignments will also provide the center with long-term viability in the space program.
Development of NASA's new fleet of spacecraft is well underway. In fact, NASA Glenn has already begun the work on the Ares I crew launch vehicle and the Orion crew module that was assigned in June of 2006. Glenn's new work assignments are:
Ares V:
- Lead Ares V power, thrust vector control and payload shroud development
- Lead Earth departure stage orbital environments testing at Plum Brook Station
Lunar Lander:
- Subsystem lead for lunar lander ascent stage propulsion
- Subsystem lead for ascent and descent stage power generation, management and energy storage systems
- Lead lunar lander environmental testing at Plum Brook Station
- Support for lunar lander project integration and descent stage propulsion subsystems
Lunar Surface Systems:
- Lead lunar surface systems power generation and management, energy storage systems and element environmental testing
- Subsystem lead for passive thermal systems and surface element communications
- Support lunar surface in-situ resource systems (the moon's natural resources) and surface mobility systems (rovers)
A center-by-center breakdown of assignments is available on the Web at http://www.nasa.gov/constellation.
NASA Administrator, Senior Managers Meet at Glenn
From October 9-11, NASA's administrator and senior managers met at Glenn to discuss some of the agency's top issues.
Image right: PBS Director David Stringer, briefs NASA Associate Director Scolese (far left) and others on current and upcoming testing in the K-Site Facility. Credit: NASA/Quentin SchwinnAfter joining some of Glenn's project managers and engineering leads for an informal brown bag lunch on October 9, Administrator Mike Griffin held an All Hands gathering where he answered questions on topics ranging from the retirement of the space shuttle, to commercialization of space, to his commitment to ten healthy centers. When asked how Glenn can move from a "healthy" center to a "great" center, Griffin stressed that he is trying hard to get NASA's research centers back into the space business.
"Talent is always sought after and recognized," he said. "Do a good job at what you're doing now and the next job will take care of itself. Continue doing a great job and you [Glenn] will become a great center again."
During the three-day timeframe, Glenn welcomed members of two agency-level governing boards -- the Strategic Management Council (SMC) and the Program Management Council (PMC).
The SMC, chaired by Administrator Mike Griffin, is comprised of the senior managers from Headquarters, mission directorate associate administrators and center directors. More than 30 people representing these areas discuss some of the strategic issues that impact the agency. The PMC, chaired by Associate Director Chris Scolese, consists of many of the same personnel, and focus its discussions on program-related issues.
While in town, the Administrator stopped by the NASA Safety Center (NSC) to help its employees celebrate their one-year anniversary of the NSC. He toured the NSC offices and heard briefings on their progress and future goals.
Image left: left to right, Alan Phillips, director of the NSC; Brian O'Conner, chief of the Office of Mission and Safety Assurance; and Administrator Griffin speak with NSC staff. Credit: NASA/Quentin SchwinnGlenn also hosted the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) during these three days. ASAP is an independent group of safety experts created by Congress after the Apollo I fire. Members of Glenn's Mission and Safety Assurance Directorate as well as representatives from the NSC provided updates to the ASAP during their two-day meeting. Griffin participated in a briefing and breakfast with the panel members.
"Hosting these meetings proved to be a very positive opportunity for Glenn personnel to interact with the agency's top managers," said Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr. "I thank the many people across the Center who helped these events run so smoothly."
Three Join Glenn's Senior Executive Service Corps
 |
 |
 |
| Dr. Ross | Baker | Dr. Liou |
Ross was appointed to the newly created SES position of associate director for Planning and Evaluation. Ross returns to Glenn where he previously served as Senior Technologist (ST) for Microgravity Combustion Research before being reassigned to NASA Headquarters in 2002.
With his new position, Ross reports directly to the Center Director while managing and participating in special study teams to support center and agency decisions. He will also lead Glenn's strategic workforce planning efforts and assist on center policymaking issues.
Ross began his NASA career in 1985. During the past five years at Headquarters, he served in several positions, including: deputy associate administrator, Office of Biological and Physical Research; deputy associate administrator for Research, Exploration Systems Mission Directorate; and deputy chief scientist.
More recently, however, Ross served as a senior program analyst in the Office of Program Analysis and Evaluation on staff to NASA Administrator Michael Griffin. Ross gained valuable experience as lead for many studies and projects, such as the agency's efforts to reduce its "uncovered capacity" of civil servants, strategic communications, reimbursable business and strategic workforce modeling.
Bradley J. Baker has been appointed to the SES position, chief, Office of Acquisition, Center Operations Directorate. Baker joins the SES ranks having provided longstanding procurement leadership in the negotiation and award of many high-profile aeronautical, aerospace and institutional programs.
Building on experience with the General Services Administration, Baker began his NASA career at Glenn in 1978. He has assumed progressively more challenging managerial responsibilities, including: section head, Purchasing and Services; chief, Launch Vehicles Branch; deputy chief of the Procurement Division; and most recently, chief and procurement officer.
For nearly 20 years, Baker has sucessfully led a staff of 70 contract professionals, supported by 12 service contractors, to meet center needs and obligate funds annually. He implemented strategic changes in Procurement, (i.e., organizational structure, personnel, technology, equipment and systems) with major impact to Glenn and the agency. He also planned and implemented restructuring of Glenn's relationship with academic institutions in research and development. As a result, the Center is well positioned to award proposals of the highest technical merit and to expand the number of universities partnerships for developing technologies needed to meet programmatic goals.
Liou has been appointed to the ST position of senior scientist for Airbreathing Propulsion Computational Analysis. In this position, Liou will conduct personal research, assist and advise other organizations in the development of a broad range of technologies required by state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics and multidisciplinary analysis and design optimization.
Since joining NASA in 1986, Liou developed the Advection Upstream Splitting Method numerical scheme. The scheme overcomes limitations in prior numerical schemes, and has been advanced and used for a wide variety of applications in engineering and sciences by Government and industrial research organizations throughout the world. This scheme is being used in major commercial codes. In addition, Liou led the development of computational fluid dynamics codes and multidisciplinary applications for airbreathing propulsion systems.
Liou is the recipient of many NASA awards recognizing his outstanding contributions to the agency and nation including the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal (1992), the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal (2004) and the Abe Silverstein Medal (2006). Liou is also an associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, a fellow of the Society of Shock Wave Research, and an editor for the Shock Wave Journal. He has published over 166 technical papers, seven of which are book chapters and 48 in refereed journals.
Liou has worked in industry and academia, and has a proven track record as a technical leader and mentor. He currently serves an adjunct professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Calif., and the University of Waterloo, Canada.
STS-118 Astronauts Bring Experiences Down to Earth for Local Students
Astronaut Barbara Morgan, the first teacher in space, shared her love for space and for the classroom during a visit to Glenn on October 18.
Image right: Astronauts Hobaugh, left, and Morgan address local students. Credit: NASA/Michelle Murphy"In both, you get to explore, you get to discover, you get to share," said Morgan to students from several local middle schools, including several NASA Explorer Schools.
Using video from the STS-118 mission, Morgan pointed out the features of the space shuttle and International Space Station and shared personal highlights of her experiences in space. She reminded the students that they would have the opportunity to receive some of the basil seeds that were flown on board the space shuttle to examine in their classrooms.
"Earth is just a tiny part of the galaxies," she explained. "There is so much to learn and you can all play a part in it."
Astronaut Charles Hobaugh, who had addressed students at his alma mater, North Ridgeville High School, earlier that morning, joined Morgan in answering students' questions and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
"There were many times in my career when I was told I couldn't do something," he said. "But I found that if you work hard enough, you can usually get it."
Morgan and Hobaugh also met with area teachers from the Science and Mathematics Achievement Required for Tomorrow and Consortium and Education Alliance for Information Science Education programs. Teachers were also invited to share in an All Hands briefing for employees in the afternoon. At the close of the All Hands, the astronauts presented a framed memento to Director of External Programs John Hairston on behalf of the STS-118 crew. The memento, which included a mission patch, flag and photographs from the mission, acknowledged Glenn's educational efforts.
Technology Hitches to a Balloon at Plum Brook Station
A new test facility--floating 1,000 feet above Plum Brook Station (PBS)--will help advance remote sensing and communications technology for emergency response and other life-saving applications.
Image right: left to right,: ASMDBL Chief of Experiments and Transformation Lt. Col. Dennis Brozek; Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr., and ASMDBL Chief of Transformation Jeff Faunce stand below the AerOhio1 Aerostat/HALE proving station during the October 15 demonstration. Credit: NASA/Michelle MurphyOn October 15, NASA Glenn hosted a media briefing at PBS to share information about the AeroCentric Federation's AeroOhio1, a unique testbed proving station. The testbed consists of a High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) platform of telemetry and control systems mounted to a 23,000-cubic-foot aerostat (tethered blimp), 25 feet in diameter and 75 feet long.
The AeroCentric Federation members include the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Battle Lab (ASMDB) and SkySentry LCC, Colorado Springs; the Ohio Aerospace Institute in Cleveland, Ohio; Western DataCom in Westlake, Ohio; NASA Glenn; Lorain County Community College; and the Universities of Cincinnati and Toledo in Ohio.
"This collaboration will focus on testing capabilities for remote sensing and communications technologies that can solve the nation's critical need for persistent presence," said Jeff Faunce, chief of Transformation for the U.S. ASMDBL. "Plum Brook Station is a prime location for this technology development because of the complex's large exclusion zones required for safe testing, facilities to support on-ground testing and the intellectual capital of Ohio aerospace industry and academia."
Faunce said the collaboration could apply this technology for applications such as advanced emergency search and rescue, telemedicine, counterterrorism, natural disaster monitoring, agriculture monitoring and transportation flow.
While preliminary field-testing began last month, Faunce said the ASMDB will soon be developing a test cycle for the spring. Glenn-developed technologies will be among some of the first payloads to be tested on the platform.
"We're excited about being part of this partnership because it brings together the aerospace technology efforts of academia, industry, military and government," said Amy Bower, PBS. "Once this technology is tested and matured, it has the potential to make a significant impact on this county in national security, emergency response and critical environmental areas."
Dudenhoefer Is Still On a Mission
During a NASA career that spanned nearly 40 years, James "Dude" Dudenhoefer helped develop advanced power systems and hardware to explore new frontiers and improve life on earth and beyond. As a 2005 NASA retiree, he is still mission driven. Image right: Dudenhoefer repairing outlets and plastering a flood-torn home in Biloxi, Miss. Credit: ACT, Inc.
About 15 years ago, Dudenhoefer's son, Eric, and a local ophthalmologist invited him to join them as a technical support specialist on a medical missionary trip. To their dismay, much of the equipment sent for the mission was in such poor condition that it could not be repaired. They were forced to scrap the donated equipment and delay several projects until appropriate equipment could be located. This was not an isolated incident. A mission trip to help build a hospital in a remote region of Honduras exhibited a nearly identical experience.
Moved by similar experiences over the next 12 years while volunteering for missions to Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua and the Amazon region of Ecuador, Dudenhoefer became a founding member of Answering the Call Together (ACT), Inc. ACT is a nondenominational organization founded on the philosophy that action speaks louder than words. Guided by a 10-member board, ACT's primary function is to ensure missionaries receive good quality equipment to serve the needy.
"We collect, refurbish, store and ship used medical equipment and other items from local hospitals, nursing homes, private practices or medical supply stores," explained Dudenhoefer, who serves as ACT's director of Equipment, Acquisition, Repair and Shipping. "We repair and certify the equipment 'first-class,' (i.e., has a usable life) before shipping. Several ACT members may also accompany the equipment to make sure it is installed quickly and correctly."
Image left: Results of Dudenhoefer's handywork in a Biloxi home. Credit: ACT, Inc.While ACT occasionally takes Dudenhoefer overseas and to remote regions of Third World countries, he said that the organization responds wherever disaster strikes "on behalf of the poor and needy without condescension, respecting the rights and cultures of all." He was a member of a team that helped restore homes damaged by last year's floods in Norwalk and Shelby, Ohio. More recently he traveled to the Hurricane Katrina ravaged area of Biloxi, Miss., for a third reconstruction trip where he spent two weeks working jointly with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia.
"When I worked at NASA, I enjoyed a talented staff, state-of-the-art technology and resources to accomplish a variety of projects on time and within budget," Dudenhoefer reflected. "However, my work with the less fortunate is a daily reminder of how much I took for granted. I treasure my opportunities to share what I've gained through my NASA experiences."
Pandemic Flu - Are You Prepared?
Many Americans have undoubtedly heard news reports about the avian influenza (bird flu) as well as pandemic flu. The center has a Pandemic Awareness Team, led by Luz Jeziorowski of the Occupational Health Branch, to increase awareness of the pandemic concern to the Glenn community. This committee recently spoke with Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr. and Glenn's Emergency Preparedness Manager Jim Smith to discuss the potential threat of a pandemic as well as the center's ongoing efforts to deal with this threat.
Pandemic Awareness Team: Dr. Whitlow, what is a pandemic?Dr. Whitlow: A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population, begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide.
Team: Jim, is the pandemic risk real?
Smith: Yes. An overwhelming majority of experts agree another global pandemic is inevitable. It is not a question of "if" but rather "when" and "how bad." The Hong Kong flu of 1968-69 was a pandemic but was rather mild because the virulence, or harmfulness, of that virus was low.
On the other hand, the virus that caused the pandemic of 1918 was very virulent. It killed 675,000 Americans and 50 to 100 million people worldwide. Researchers recently confirmed the 1918 virus started out as an avian influenza.
Team: Dr. Whitlow, how would pandemic flu affect NASA Glenn and our communities?
Whitlow: Many people would become sick at the same time and be unable to go to work. Many would stay at home to care for sick family members. Schools and businesses might close to try to prevent the disease from spreading. Large group gatherings might be canceled. High rates of worker absenteeism could also interrupt other essential services, such as law enforcement, transportation and communications.
Team: Jim, what is the government doing to prepare for a pandemic flu outbreak?
Smith: Federal, state and local health agencies have plans in place to respond to and contain an outbreak of pandemic flu. Preparedness activities include:
- Working with the World Health Organization (WHO) to help detect and contain outbreaks
- Developing a national stockpile of antiviral drugs to help treat and control the spread of disease
- Supporting the manufacture and testing of possible vaccines, including finding more reliable and quicker ways to make large quantities of vaccines
Whitlow: NASA Glenn has prepared a written pandemic plan that is incorporated into the center's Emergency Preparedness Plan. The pandemic plan identifies essential functions and services, resource requirements, management succession plans, vital records, human resource issues and site security planning, with the overall goals of protecting NASA Glenn's assets on the ground and in space and maintaining essential business continuity.
Team: Jim, how can we protect ourselves and our families?
Smith: The Occupational Health Branch reminds us that everyone can take these steps to stop the spread of germs:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water (lather up for at least 20 seconds)
- Always cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue (or cough/sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue handy)
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Stay away from people who are sick
- Stay home if you are sick
Jeziorowski is providing Pandemic Awareness sessions and encourages everyone at the center to attend (sign up through SATERN), or ask your supervisor to schedule a staff briefing. For additional information on Pandemic Influenza Awareness, go to http://www.pandemicflu.gov, http://www.ohiopandemicflu.gov/, and http://smad-ext.grc.nasa.gov/emo/gov/pandemic.html, or contact Jeziorowski at 3-8790.
New Badge Enrollments on the Rise; Benefits Too
Identity theft is the nation's fastest growing crime. According to USA.gov, the Federal Trade Commission ranks "identity theft/fraud" as the most rapidly growing category of complaints that the agency receives.This alarming trend is one of several reasons why NASA is issuing new badges with a more sophisticated and standardized enrollment process.
Another reason: it is the law.
Image right: McMillen recently received the first new badge at Glenn.
A Necessary Directive
In an effort to reduce inefficiency, cost and risk to the federal government, President Bush signed the Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 "Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors" on Aug. 27, 2004. This directive calls for all government agencies to implement a uniform identification system.
"Even prior to this directive, NASA was working on a smart card system," said Walter Hussey, project director for NASA's HSPD-12. "This directive gave us something to focus on in terms of how we wanted to do this technically. The community that is concerned about identity theft and fraudulent use of identities -- the financial community -- is moving that way. If the financial community is moving in this direction, there must be a message there."
This new system will help deter identity fraud, tampering, counterfeiting and terrorist exploitation. The directive is not only for NASA civil servants but also includes contractor employees and grantees -- basically anyone who has routine physical or virtual access to NASA facilities and information technology (IT) systems.
NASA is working hard to achieve its task of issuing new badges. With about 80,000 NASA employees and contractors that need new badges, this project is no simple mission.
Progress in Phases
Three phases are involved in implementing the presidential directive: appropriate background investigation, enrollment and issuance. NASA, as an agency, has completed 100 percent of the HSPD-12 requirements for the investigation phase with civil servants and nearly 85 percent with contractors.
Enrollment, or phase two, requires proving employees' identities and taking fingerprints. Over 70 percent of those who need new badges are now entered in the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) system and are ready to have their badging data collected, i.e., enrolled. So far, NASA's total enrollments for new badges have exceeded the 17,000 mark. Glenn is well into phase two with over 3300 employees enrolled.
Badge issuance, or phase three, is not yet underway at the centers. "Although we haven't received the badges yet, we expect to get them in the near future," said Linda McMillen, Glenn's HSPD-12 badging coordinator.
A New Infrastructure
For NASA to achieve this undertaking, the Agency needed to create a sophisticated technical infrastructure for all the centers to use.
"They [NASA] have built up this infrastructure that did not exist," said Gin Marks, NASA's lead of the HSPD-12 Communications Working Group. "Basically, every center had its own process and there are 11 NASA centers, 16 total locations and 16 different systems. What we have now is one [system]. It's a huge leap forward. We could not move forward in the badging and identity management until that was in place and tested and working."
By putting the new system into action, the Agency, including NASA Glenn, has seen multiple benefits. Not only will the new badges reduce cost and risk, the Agency has already improved its communication and ability to work with other federal agencies and has established valuable relationships with those organizations.
"We've tried to work with the other agencies who are issuing their own PIV cards and share lessons learned. We try to make sure we're helpful to them where we can be and that we pick up on what they've done that can be useful to us," said Portia Dischinger, PIV enrollment and issuance project manager at NASA Headquarters. "We also have worked a lot with GSA (General Services Administration), which is serving as a federal PIV card provider for many agencies, and shared NASA's experiences with them."
A similar form of identification has already proven beneficial in another government agency, although it does not meet the current requirements. The Department of Defense (DOD) began using "CAC" (common access smart cards) prior to the presidential directive, and since then, has seen a dramatic 46 percent drop in successful intrusions into their network and systems.
"What we will have will be the newest and greatest version of what they (DOD) had," said Marks. "We hope ours will have similar results."
Glenn's HSPD-12 Implementation Manager Les Farkas is optimistic about the benefits of the new system as well. "We have a saying at Glenn that HSPD-12 is cleaning up a lot of things," said Farkas. "In addition to the primary mission of HSPD-12, the byproducts of the project are also realizing benefits in areas such as the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Physical Security, Human Resources and Procurement."
Peace of Mind
The new badges will have a computer chip holding an employee's digital certificate but no personal information and will be the means to physical access into buildings. For higher risk areas and IT systems, a "two-factor" system will be used, where access requires something you have (your "smart" badge) and something you know (your personal identification number).
"If I log into an account today with a user name and password, if that were compromised, stolen, or I let someone use that, forevermore they would have access," said Hussey. "In the future, if I have a pin, they can know my pin but if they don't have my card, they can't gain access. Or, if they had my card but don't have my pin, they can't gain access." "There are reasons to do this beyond just a presidential directive," said Hussey. "We're doing this to benefit NASA, our employees and the research and information that we develop and use."
News Briefs
Hispanic Heritage Month Observance Event
Pictured: Janette Briones, vice chair for HAC, presenting a plaque of appreciation to Dr. Proenza with Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow, Jr. looking on. Credit: NASA/Theresa SantosAs President and Chief Executive Officer of The University of Akron (Ohio), Dr. Luis Proenza attributes his success in providing leadership to more than 4,500 faculty and staff members to effective communication. During his keynote address at Glenn's Hispanic Heritage Month event on October 3, Proenza recited a quote from W. Steven Brown, to illustrate his approach to communication: "communication does not begin with being understood, but with understanding others." He also noted past experiences and jobs that have helped him develop good communication skills. Those skills have enabled him to transcend language and cultural barriers of a diverse campus population and the surrounding communities to make a positive impact in Northeast Ohio. The heritage event, sponsored by Glenn's Hispanic Advisory Council (HAC), was also highlighted by the performances of Western Reserve Argentine Tango Society's Tango Me dancers.
Calendar of Events
VETERANS AWARENESS PROGRAM: NASA Glenn's Veterans Awareness Committee is hosting a "Salute to Veterans and Those Currently Serving" Veterans Recognition Ceremony on November 9 at 1 p.m. in the Administration Building Auditorium. The keynote speaker is retired Air Force Brigadier General David Stringer. Stringer is director of the Plum Brook Station Management Office.
MAINTAIN YOUR WEIGHT FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Maintain Your Weight For the Holidays Weigh In will take place from November 13-19. Stop by Medical Services or the Fitness Center to weigh in before the holidays. Cost is $5. Post weigh in is January 7-11, 2008. If you gain weight, your money goes into the "kitty." If you maintain or lose weight, you'll get your money back plus a piece of the kitty. POC: Dietitian, 3-8134, or Fitness Center, 3-6313.
WOMEN RETIREE LUNCHEON: The next luncheon for Glenn female retirees will be Thursday, November 15, noon, at Donauschwaben German-American Cultural Center Restaurant, 7370 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls. For further information, contact Ann Lester, 440-235-7370.
AMERICA RECYCLES DAY: During the nationwide America Recycles Day on November 15, Glenn will join millions of people in recognizing the importance of recycling and buying recycled products. The event will be held in the upper level of the Cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
NOVEMBER THIRD SATURDAY EVENT: On November 17, the Visitor Center will present "Catch a Falling Star." Prepare for the upcoming Leonid Meteor Shower by learning more about the origins of meteorites and their impact on Earth. Two presentations will be held: 11 a.m. - Antarctic Meteorites: Sifting the Sands of the Solar System; and 1 p.m. - Rocks from Space. For more information, contact the Visitor Center at 216-433-9653 or log onto http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/events/vc_nov07.html.
PRE-THANKSGIVING WORKOUT: Join the Fitness Center experts for a Pre-Thanksgiving Master Class on Wednesday, November 21. This will be a 60-minute challenge instructed by a variety of instructors. Class is held in the lower level of the Developmental Engineering Building (old cafeteria). RSVP to 3-6313.
AFGE MEETING: AFGE Local 2182 will hold its next monthly membership meeting on Wednesday, December 5 at 5 p.m. at Denny's Restaurant, 25912 Lorain Road, North Olmsted.
LESA MEETING: LESA/IFPTE, Local 28, will hold its next monthly membership meeting on Wednesday, December 12, at noon in the Employee Center.
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:
- 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
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
Needham Named TTPO Chief
 |
| Needham |
Del Rosario Named Project Manager
 |
| Dr. Del Rosario |
Awards
Recognition for Dedication to Quality Work and Flight Safety
NASA recently recognized the exemplary efforts of Glenn employees Drs. James Gaier, Geoff Landis, Bradley Lerch, James Nesbitt and Jayanta Panda with the coveted title of Space Flight Awareness (SFA) honoree. The employees were invited to attend the Discovery STS-120 launch on October 23.
The SFA award is the highest tribute paid by NASA to individuals in the agency, Department of Defense and industry. SFA honorees are acknowledged with a visit to Kennedy Space Center to view a launch, attend a reception in their honor and meet with top NASA and industry officials and members of the astronaut corps.Gaier, a physicist in the Space Environmental Durability Branch, is recognized as a leading contributor on lunar dust effects mitigation. This work is important in reducing risks to astronaut health and protecting spacecraft to assure successful lunar spaceflight missions.
Landis, a physicist in the Photovoltaic and Power Technologies Branch, is recognized for inventing a new mode of operation for solar arrays that reduces atmospheric drag and the amount of propellant necessary to maintain International Space Station's orbit. Landis' invention has contributed to NASA goals for keeping Station operational with major cost savings.
Lerch and Nesbitt, materials research engineers in the Durability and Protective Coatings Branch, are recognized for contributions to the Space Shuttle Return-to-Flight Program. Lerch led a multidisciplinary research team to develop more accurate analysis methods for the Space Shuttle External Tank's spray-on foam insulation and developed strategies to eliminate the largest source of high-density ice on the tank. Nesbitt, a member the Reinforced-Carbon/Carbon (RCC) Spaced Shuttle leading edge RCC Wrap Repair Team, demonstrated the viability of the coated-refractory metal materials system for in-space repair of damaged wing leading-edge RCC panels.
Panda, an OAI senior scientist supporting Glenn's Acoustics Branch, is recognized for his contributions as a member of the NASA Engineering and Safety Center, Materials Super Problem Resolution Team. The team developed alternative methodology that is critical for measuring and estimating aerodynamic loads, and to ensuring the structural safety of the Space Shuttle External Tank with the Protuberance Air Load (PAL) ramps removed.
Dr. Chamis Named ASC Fellow
 |
| Dr. Chamis |
Goldberg Named AIAA Associate Fellow
 |
| Dr. Goldberg |
SPIE Awards Adamovsky Kingslake Medal
 |
| Dr. Adamovsky |
Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards
Image left: Gonzalez-Sanabria celebrates with husband Raphael Sanabria, NASA Safety Center deputy director, at the awards ceremony. Credit: Jessica SanabriaOlga Gonzalez-Sanabria, director of Glenn's Engineering Directorate, was honored with a 2007 Executive Excellence award during the 19th Annual Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference (HENAAC) held October 11 - 13 in San Diego, Calif.. Gonzalez was recognized for her leadership in managing a workforce of more than 400 engineers, technicians and support personnel, who provide a full range of integrated services including engineering, fabrication, testing and facility management for NASA and industry.
Image right: Associate Director Bill Wessel, left, joins Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow, Jr. in presenting the HENAAC Luminary Award to Dr. Agui. Credit: NASA/PhotographerRecognized as one of NASA's rising stars and an inspiration to future generations pursuing careers in technology, Dr. Juan Agui, Microgravity Fluid Physics and Transport Branch, was among the HENAAC Luminary Honorees. Agui is the project scientist for the International Space Station experiment, Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions - 2 (InSPACE-2). The experiment will gather data on magnetorheological fluids (fluids that change properties in response to magnetic fields) that can be used to improve or develop new brake systems and robotics.
WVU STaR Symposium
Image left: Calandrelli displays poster at STaR Symposium. Credit: West Virginia UniversityNASA Glenn Undergraduate Student Research Program intern Emily Calandrelli was runner-up and recipient of a $600 award for her poster entry in a competition held during West Virginia University's (WVU) statewide Science, Technology and Research (STaR) Symposium in September. Calandrelli, who is a WVU student, was 1 of 20 students selected to compete in the symposium themed "Defining Our Future: The STaR Enterprise in West Virginia." Her entry was based on research conducted on the affects of liquid fuel sprays in the process of combustion while working in Glenn's Combustion Branch under the mentorship of Dr. Yolanda Hicks and Anthony Iannetti.
In Memory
McKnight Was An Unforgettable Asset
 |
| McKnight |
McKnight initially supported the ACTS Program Office when she began working at the Center in June 1992. In addition to her strong stenography skills, McKnight soon became recognized for job assets such as "dress for success," "wear a big smile," and "seek to serve."
"'Miss Alvie,' as many across the Center affectionately referred to her, never met a stranger nor failed to remember a name," said longtime friend and coworker Linda Mayes, Projects Liaison and Integration Office/SGTI.
Elias Naffah, an attorney-advisor, who worked with McKnight for 12 years in the Office of Chief Counsel, also attests to her love of people. "She was not shy about getting into your business -- not to be meddling, just to get to know you," he said. "She became a loyal friend who basically adopted my family into hers. Her visits with my mom, who passed earlier this year from the same illness, were priceless."
During her tenure in the Office of the Chief Counsel, McKnight received several awards for exceptional support to the Office. Her most recent award was winning first place in the Center's 2006 Martin Luther King essay contest. As a result, she also received an SGT, Inc. Star Award.
"I would describe Alvie as one of a kind," said Sue Silver, SGT's Administrative and Clerical Services manager. "Her presence was felt immediately upon walking into a room because she always inquired if she could assist in any way. Alvie touched so many people at NASA -- I've never seen anything like it. She will be greatly missed by all and certainly never forgotten."
Fred W. Wiggington, 96, who retired in 1972 after serving nearly 30 years with NACA/NASA, died on September 19. Wiggington was a fabrication engineer. He managed the Sheetmetal Fabrication and Welding Sections of the Fabrication Division prior to retiring and accepting a teaching position with the Lorain County Joint Vocational School.
In Appreciation
The Office of Chief Counsel extends heartfelt thanks for the support we have received over the past several months and for the many expressions of kindness and condolence for the loss of two dear coworkers, Kent Stone and Alvie McKnight.