February 2008
Moon Tires, Space Power Systems, Lunar Excavation
Glenn Partners with Industry to Advance Technologies
When Dr. Vivake Asnani came to NASA Glenn three years ago, he never imagined he would be working with a major tire manufacturer. Today he is leading a collaborative effort with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio, to improve tire technology for a new generation of tires to be used on lunar vehicles for future exploration missions.
Image right: Glenn's Vivake Asnani, right, and Goodyear's Dave Glemming are pictured with an original wire mesh tire in Glenn's Simulated Lunar Operations Laboratory. Credit: NASA/Michelle MurphyAsnani, who is the founding member of the Surface Mobility Technology team in Glenn's Structures and Materials Division, is the principle investigator (PI) for one of six projects that will advance technologies critical to both exploration and aeronautics under NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program (IPP).
"While industry cannot justify investigating technology without an established market, NASA's long-term vision for traveling to the moon and Mars requires high-risk investment," Asnani said. "With Goodyear, we are developing airless, rubberless tire technology to use on the moon and potentially Earth. The partnership is mutually enabling: we couldn't build tires without them and they wouldn't deviate so drastically from the traditional design if we weren't sharing the risk."
The Goodyear partnership, along with Glenn's other five projects, is one of 38 partnerships awarded by NASA's IPP. The 2007 IPP projects at Glenn will contribute $1.5 million, with an additional $2 million of industry effort and $3.8 million of NASA program funding, for a total value of $7.3 million invested in support of the Glenn projects.
IPP, a NASA-wide program, funds collaborations between NASA centers and industry to develop innovative technologies in support of the four NASA Mission Directorates: Science, Exploration Systems, Aeronautics Research and Space Operations.
Image right: Staff engineer, Bill Bennett, ASRC/Electrochemistry Branch, examines battery components as part ?>of a destructive physical analysis following safety testing for the 2006 IPP "New Lithium-ion Batteries with Enhanced Safety and Power Density for Future NASA and Aerospace Missions" project. Credit: NASAThose one-year projects will involve collaboration among three principal partners: a NASA partnership manager at Glenn; a co-principal investigator within NASA; and an external co-principal investigator from the private sector, academia or other government laboratory.
"The NASA Innovative Partnerships Program provides opportunities for Glenn to partner with the private sector to produce and enhance results of NASA's work in exploration and aeronautics," said Kathleen Needham, chief of Glenn's Technology Transfer and Partnerships Office. "Glenn's staff has once again demonstrated their creativity and willingness to collaborate with external partners to define some very exciting projects with the potential to benefit both NASA and industry."
The six projects managed by Glenn, and its partners, are:
Generalizing Moon Tire Technology -- Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio
Glenn PI: Dr. Vivake Asnani, Structures and Materials Division
Goodyear, which developed the original tires for the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle, along with General Motors, is working to develop a new generation of airless, non-rubber, wire mesh tires to allow for use of heavier, longer-range exploration and lunar construction vehicles required for NASA's exploration goals. New tools will be developed to assess the tire structure as it relates to various terrains, both on the moon and on Earth.
Lunar Regolith Excavation, Handling and Processing Technology Development and Demonstrations for Outpost Operations -- Northern Centre for Advanced Technology, Inc (NORCAT), Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.
Glenn PI: Dr. Kurt Sacksteder, Space Processes and Experiments Division
NORCAT will work to design and demonstrate new technologies that can be used to "mine" the moon for critical consumables such as water and oxygen. The machinery used for this mining will need to be very reliable and to operate in the extremely harsh lunar environment, which includes extreme temperatures and temperature variations, hard vacuum, partial gravity and highly abrasive and intrusive soil particles.
Human-rated Space Power Systems Pallet Demonstrating Fuel Cells, Lithium-Ion Batteries and Advanced Thermal Management Technologies -- Partners: The Boeing Company, Huntington Beach, Calif.; Teledyne Energy Systems, Inc., Hunt Valley, Md.; Center for Space Power, College Station, Texas
Glenn PI: Dr. Michelle Manzo, Power and In-Space Propulsion Division
This partnership will work on a preliminary design of a space power systems pallet. This pallet must incorporate an advanced proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, a lithium-ion battery with advanced charge control management systems and advanced thermal technologies. It will be used to provide a means to space validate critical technologies under development by all the partners, with the potential for flight testing the resultant system on either the space shuttle or the International Space Station.
Low-Density Turbine Blade Superalloys for Improved Engine Performance and Reduced Emissions -- Honeywell Aerospace, Phoenix, Ariz.
Glenn PI: Dr. Rebecca MacKay, Structures and Materials Division
Honeywell will scale-up and test a NASA-patented superalloy in a lower density, stronger turbine blade with the potential to provide improved performance, reduced fuel burn and reduced emissions in subsonic aircraft.
Development and Validation of Foam-Metal Acoustic Liner for Attenuation of Turbofan Engine Noise -- Williams International, Walled Lake, Mich.
Glenn PI: Dr. Daniel Sutliff, Aeropropulsion Division, and Dr. Cheryl Bowman, Structures and Materials Division
A small business-jet-class turbofan engine will be supplied by Williams to allow NASA to test the use of foam-metal liners in close proximity to the rotor with the goal of achieving a significant reduction in aircraft noise.
Demonstration of Polymer Cross-Linked Aerogel Blanket Insulation -- Aspen Aerogels, Northborough, Mass. Parker Hannifin, Cleveland, Ohio
Glenn PI: Dr. Mary Ann Meador, Structures and Materials Division
A Glenn-developed process aimed at improving the strength of aerogel materials through the addition of cross-linked polymers. Aspen Aerogels, a world leader in the commercial production and sales of polymer aerogel composite materials, will work to scale-up the production of the material, and Parker Hannifin will assess the applicability of the aerogel composite materials for hose insulation for a number of industrial applications.
Needham reported that two of the 2006 IPP proposals are drawing to a successful closure.
Alternative Fuels for Next Generation Combustion Applications, led by Dr. Chi-Ming Lee and Dr. Dan Bulzan of the Combustion Branch, tested Fischer-Tropsch fuels using the new Pratt & Whitney ultra-high bypass ratio engine. Results have demonstrated, for the first time, that Fischer-Tropsch fuels can run in advanced engines with no combustor or fuel compatibility issues.
New Lithium-ion Batteries with Enhanced Safety and Power Density for Future NASA and Aerospace Missions, led by Dr. Rick Baldwin, Electrochemistry Branch, with a team from the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and ABSL and Northrup Grumman, have quantified and demonstrated the use of A123 commercial-off-the-shelf Li-ion cells to address some aerospace mission needs requiring high power and high rate capability. While life-cycle testing will continue, the Li-ion battery project team will present their findings to NASA's Exploration Technology Development Program in the near future.
For information about the IPP, visit http://www.ipp.nasa.gov/
NASA Unveils $17.6 Billion Budget
NASA announced a $17.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2009 to continue exploring the solar system, building the International Space Station, studying Earth from space and conducting aeronautics research.
During a live broadcast from Headquarters on Feb. 4, NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale said the increase for NASA's 2009 budget demonstrates President Bush's commitment to the agency's missions. With the increase, NASA still accounts for less than 1 percent of the federal budget.
Image left: left to right, Glenn's Director of Research and Technology, Dr. Jih-Fen Lei; Deputy Center Director Ray Lugo; Center Director Dr. Whitlow; Chief Financial Officer Debra Watson; and Associate Director of Space Flight Systems John Hamley during press briefing. Credit: NASA/Doreen B. ZudellThe NASA budget includes $5.78 billion for the space shuttle and space station programs, $4.44 billion for science, $3.5 billion for development of new manned spacecraft systems and $447 million for aeronautics research.
Following the Headquarters briefing, Glenn Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr. and center leadership held a news briefing for the local media. Under the FY 2009 budget request, Glenn would receive an estimated $538 million.
"This request includes opportunities for NASA Glenn to continue to make significant contributions to NASA's missions in aeronautics and space," Whitlow said. He noted that Glenn has several roles, including lead roles, within the agency's aeronautics and space programs.
While the budget request is less than in fiscal year 2008, Whitlow said that historically additional work has been assigned during the year as program/project plans become better defined, resulting in increased budgets.
Glenn Chief Financial Officer Debra Watson affirmed that statement, noting that over the past year additional work assignments from Headquarters added $6 million to the center's fiscal year 2008 budget and $44 million to the center's fiscal year 2007 budget.
"All during the year we experience increases, so we expect 2009 to go up as well," Watson said. "Everything looks very positive."
For details about NASA's fiscal year 2009 budget request and information on past NASA budgets, log on to http://www.nasa.gov/budget .
Navy Aircraft Transforms to NASA Research Facility
Glenn's Hangar was the site of a celebration on January 23 to welcome back NASA's S-3 Viking aircraft. The aircraft underwent modifications to transform the former carrier-based military airplane to a state-of-the-art icing research aircraft.
Micklewright (at the podium), with left to right, Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow, Jr., Dr. Shyne and FAA Chief Scientist and Technical Advisor for Flight Environmental Icing Thomas Bond. Credit: NASA/Quentin Schwinn. The S-3 ceremony offered invited personnel and local media the opportunity to see the aircraft up close and receive an overview of its role in expanding possibilities of Glenn's future research. Glenn Aircraft Operations Office Chief Alan Micklewright, with assistance by Kurt Blankenship, aviation safety officer, presented certificates of appreciation to Glenn staff members for their diligence in helping to procure and oversee S-3 modifications.
"The recent modifications to the S-3 have made it a world-class test facility, increasing Glenn's aircraft capability by a factor of two," said Ed Emery, Aircraft Experiments manager. "The S-3 allows us to delve into flight regimes that had previously been inaccessible to us."
The modifications, performed over the last 2 years at the Boeing facility at Cecil Field, Fla., and the U.S. Navy's Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE), Jacksonville, Fla. increases dramatically the aircraft's capabilities to fulfill its role in NASA's research missions. The modifications were funded by NASA's Aeronautics Research and Mission Directorate.
The S-3 was originally designed as an anti-submarine aircraft for the U.S. Navy and is slowly being phased out of naval operations.
|
|
Navy communication, navigation and surveillance equipment was replaced or enhanced to provide increased compatibility with current and future airspace requirements, both domestically and internationally. In addition, research equipment racks were installed internally in what was one of the S-3's bomb bays.
Image top, left: The S-3 Procurement Team, left to right, front, Susan Johnson, Linda Norberg, Mike Kinkelaar and Linda Kendrick; back row: Tom Ratvasky, Jim Griner and Paul Giel. Credit: NASA/Quentin Schwinn. Image bottom, left: Micklewright and Dr. Whitlow, center, congratulate the Aircraft Operations Office team that oversaw S-3 modifications. They are, left to right, Ed Emery, Dan Gorman, Bud Schutte and Jim Demers. Credit: NASA/Quentin Schwinn.
"With the addition of state-of-the-art global positioning systems, satellite communications and commercial weather radar, we are ready to deploy the S-3 worldwide in support of research missions," commented Jim Demers, Aircraft Operations Office research pilot.
The S-3 will be able to fly at higher altitudes and serve a wider range of NASA research needs, including NASA's Science Mission Directorate, which has added Glenn's S-3 to its catalogue of aircraft to be used by NASA centers for inflight research.
The revamped S-3 will begin its research career continuing Glenn's long-term work in the field of icing research. Initial flights in the S-3 are anticipated to originate in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, where they will investigate inflight icing in the tropical convective layer of the atmosphere, which has led to incidents of engine power loss.
Aircraft icing research at Glenn is based on the use of two major facilities: the Icing Research Tunnel and an icing research aircraft. These facilities, along with computational tools, experimental methods and highly specialized instrumentation, have led to the successful advancement of safety-based research supported in NASA's Aviation Safety Program (AvSP). The AvSP is a partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration, aircraft manufacturers, airlines and the Department of Defense, all working to reduce the rate of aircraft fatalities and protect air travelers from security threats.
For more information on the NASA Aviation Safety Program, visit http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/programs_avsafe.htm Photos of the S-3 Viking aircraft can be found at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/news/pressrel/2008/08-005addm.html.
Glenn Selects New SMAD Deputy Director
Frank Robinson, Jr. has been selected deputy director of Glenn's Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate (SMAD).
 | Robinson |
"Frank will be key to the organization as we move forward in transforming our directorate to meet the center's current and future needs," SMAD Director Thomas W. Hartline said.
Robinson brings a wealth of management, technical skills and experience to this position. He was the project manager for the Thermal Energy Storage Reflight Experiment #2, which was a payload on the STS-72 mission, and verification test manager and electronics components manager for the International Space Station's Electrical Power System. He has extensive experience in managing safety and mission assurance disciplines, including serving as chief, System Safety, Quality and Reliability Division, and managing the Assurance Technology Center, which was the predecessor to the NASA Safety Center.
Along with his technical work, Robinson is active in the community. He is a past-president of the National Technical Association, and the founding chairperson of the Consortium of African American Organizations in Cleveland, Ohio. Robinson is also a cofounder of the New Approach to Self Achievement Project, which is a career awareness program for inner-city youth focused on the math, engineering and technical fields
Robinson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from The Ohio State University and received a Masters of Science degree in industrial engineering with a focus on engineering management from Cleveland State University. In addition, Robinson has completed a one-year executive training program and is the recipient of many awards, including the NASA Exceptional Service Honor Award Medal.
Center Awards Outstanding Employee Safety Efforts
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Glenn's Michael Cauley flew to Mississippi to help restore emergency communications to NASA's Stennis Space Center. As a result of his efforts, he later assisted NASA Ames in developing a response plan for an Emergency Preparedness Simulated Disaster Demonstration.
Glenn's Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate (SMAD) applauded Cauley, a member of the Satellite Networks and Architectures Branch, for the significant time devoted above his normal duties to assist NASA and the City of Cleveland in disaster/emergency preparedness. His outstanding efforts and those of other individuals and teams at Glenn who protect the health and safety of fellow employees, was recognized at the annual Safety Awareness and Recognition Program, Dec. 12.
|
|
|
|
Image above: Blankenship accepts award from SMAD director Hartline. |
Image above: Zoeckler receives award from Hartline. |
Image above: Building Managers, left to right, Antczak, Wilson, Fordosi and Bynum, with Hartline. |
The following employees and organizations were cited, in addition to Cauley, for going above and beyond in the support of the center's safety initiative:
Kurt Blankenship, Aircraft Operations Office, for outstanding advocacy of the center's Aviation Safety Program to ensure Glenn maintains a safe and coordinated effort between flight operations and research.
Daniel Gorman and Phillip Beck, Aircraft Operations Office, for their knowledge, immediate responsiveness and professionalism in ensuring no damage to aircraft or injury to personnel during a critical and potentially hazardous event.
Dr. Michael Meador, Structures and Materials Division, for initiative in developing and conducting laboratory/chemical safety orientation sessions for summer staff students and university personnel to ensure safe working procedures and processes.
Joseph Zoeckler, Thermal and Fluid Systems Branch, for initiative and expertise as the Area 5 Safety Committee chairperson, to enhance the safety of research and test personnel associated with thermomechanical testing of heater heads for the Advanced Stirling Converter and Advanced Stirling Radioisotpe Generator programs.
The Facilities Division's building managers--Bonnie Hassel, Patricia Fordosi, Wayne Condo, Joe Wilson, Joe Duckworth, Paul Antczak and Carmela Bynum--earned this year's Safest Division Award. Dominguez referred to them as the "unsung heroes" of safety for their invaluable review and support in helping to resolve safety issues and coordinate building construction and maintenance activities.
Image Left: TFSOME contract employees with Glenn Safety personnel. Front row, left to right, Dan Lowe and Brian Rice (SL); and Dominguez and Rowena Rice, Safety Office. Back row, left to right: Dave Hamrick and George Satornino (SL); Jim Shultz (JTI); Glenn Owens (SL); Alan Phillips, Hartline, Wessel, and Victor Canacci, (JTI).The Test Facilities Operation, Maintenance and Engineering (TFOME) contract, made up of three partnering companies: Sierra Lobo, Inc. (SL), Jacobs Technology, Inc. (JTI) and Gilcrest Electric (GLCR), earned Contractor Safety Award for the second year in a row. They are recognized for outstanding support to the Safety Office and center management by promoting safety training and integrating safety procedures into the organization's operations and production.
Other highlights included a commendation to Glenn Associate Director Bill Wessel for 25 years of service in the field of safety. Mike Dyke, SAIC/Safety Branch and president of the Northern Ohio region for the American Society of Safety Engineers, presented the plaque.
The event also included presentations on resources, organizations and tools available to train and support workplace safety. NASA Safety Center Director Alan Phillips and Brook Park Fire Inspector Pat Johnson offered an overview of their organization's ongoing partnership with Glenn to address workforce or mission safety. Glenn's Incident Reporting Information System (IRIS) Administrator Deborah Ripley, SAIC/Glenn Safety Office, provided an update on how IRIS has improved the process of reporting mishaps and close calls since it was implemented in 2005.
SMAD Director Thomas Hartline expressed pride in the center's past accomplishments and his desire for Glenn to earn the agency-level Quality and Safety Achievement Recognition (QASAR) award. "Glenn is in charge of projects and activities that will have a significant impact on the future of NASA and the space program," Hartline said. "We all have responsibility for ensuring mission safety and the QASAR awards includes a category for SMAD employees to share in the recognition with our partners." To learn more about the awards and SMAD, visit http://smad-ext.grc.nasa.gov/
All photos courtesy of Ahmed "Eli" Abumeri, SAIC/Safety, Health and Environmental Division.
 | Off The Clock Ever wonder what your coworkers do in their spare time? |
Griffin Finds Intellectual Coaching a Winning Sport
DeVon Griffin, a member of Glenn's ISS and Human Research Project Branch, may not carry a football or a playbook, but members of the Highland High School Debate Team know him as "coach." Image right: left to right, Jen Tabar (daughter of Richard Tabar, Facilities Division), Anne Druesedow, Griffin, Jen Delozier and Greg Griffin (Griffin's son) prepare arguments for a competition.
Griffin, who believes that communication skills are a valuable asset to any professional career, is helping students gain writing, organizational and speaking skills that will assist them throughout their lifetime.
A decorated member of his own high school debate team in Utah, Griffin began coaching the Highland Heights team five years ago when he learned that the school did not have a debate team. He wanted his son to have the same benefits that he had.
"I feel strongly that all students should be exposed to the skills that a debate team can offer, so I volunteered to organize and coach the school's team," Griffin said.
As coach, Griffin works with a group of about 16 students comprising freshmen to senior classmen. He meets with students twice a week to help them prepare for local and national competitions that are sponsored by the National Forensic League (NFL) Debate and Speech Honor Society. The NFL promotes speech and debate activities and interscholastic competition as a means to develop students' lifelong skills and values, as well as the public's awareness of the value of speech, debate and communication education.
Highland High School's team competes in both one-on-one and partner debates on topics provided by the NFL. Recent topics centered on federal government increasing alternative energy incentives, use of military support to prevent the acquisition of nuclear weapons and civil disobedience as a weapon in the fight for justice. When competing, students earn points toward ranks of distinction that are favorably recognized by colleges and universities.
"It's amazing to see the commitment and professionalism these students display," Griffin said. "Along with their extensive research and preparation time, the students show up at debates on Saturday mornings, on time and in business attire, to compete in some very intense debates."
While Griffin's oldest son, Peter, graduated from Highland High School in 2006, Griffin's other children, Greg and Elise, carry on the legacy as current members of the debate team.
Griffin said that his coaching experiences benefit him in organizing research, writing proposals and conducting presentations, to name a few. He argues that there is no other way to acquire these skills as quickly.
"You always learn more by teaching," he said. "I'm much better at my job for having coached the debate team."
We Help You Tell the NASA Story
 |
| John Hairston, External Programs Director |
Need an exhibit for your conference or event? Call us. Have a technology that is ready for patent? We can help. Want to share your technological breakthroughs? We're listening. Received a congressional inquiry? We'll take care of it. Inviting a VIP to your function? We know the procedure. External Programs, with the goal of increasing Glenn's visibility and strengthening its relationships internally and externally, enhances activities throughout each of the center's directorates and offices.
Our expertise in the areas of congressional relations, VIP protocol, educational programs, community outreach, media relations, internal communications, technology transfer and public information is helping our center achieve a growing preeminence within the agency, our six-state region and beyond.
In 2008, we've already assisted in amplifying several important center activities, some of which included the dedication of the refurbished S-3B Viking research aircraft, Senator George Voinovich's visit and roundtable, the Fiscal Year 09 Budget rollout and recognition of Glenn's 100th R&D 100 award. We also supported the commemoration of the 1941 groundbreaking for the NACA Aircraft Engine Laboratory, the first of many NASA 50th Anniversary activities we will be providing our expertise to throughout the year.
Later this month, External Programs will play a major role in one of a series of seven Future Forums featuring NASA's Deputy Director Shana Dale. These daylong meetings/conferences will facilitate discussions on the role of space exploration to innovation and its contributions to promoting and sustaining economic development. The forum, to be held at the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio, will require participation from many of the offices within the directorate.
The External Programs Directorate enters the new year riding on a wave of successful endeavors over the past year. Some of our 2007 highlights include:
- Technology Transfer and Partnership Office -- entered into one of the center's most significant license agreements in 2007 by licensing three of inventor Robert Okojie's patents for silicon carbide (SiC) micro-electrical-mechanical- systems (MEMS) to Endevco Corp., a subsidiary of Meggitt Sensing Systems, Inc.
- Visitor Center -- welcomed over 8,000 visitors at the Third Saturday events, which educated the public on such topics as space medicine, space stations then and now, space rovers and stargazing.
- Office of Educational Programs -- manages NASA's Science, Engineering, Mathematics Aerospace Academy (SEMAA), which was recognized for promoting excellence and creativity in the public sector as an Innovators in American Government Award Finalist.
- Media Relations Office -- interacted with more than 100 print and broadcast media as well as production companies to gain positive exposure, including front-page placement in The Plain Dealer and the cover of Inside Business Magazine.
- VIP Protocol and Congressional Relations offices aided by our Community and Media Relations staff -- assisted NASA senior managers and program officials in briefing elected officials, community leaders and other stakeholders on Orion testing during a rededication of Plum Brook Station's Space Power Facility.
- AeroSpace Frontiers and Glenn Public Web Site – Glenn’s online newsletter earned the APEX Award for Publication Excellence for Communications Professionals for the sixth year in a row, while our Web Portal Team received a Cleveland Rocks Award from the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for the creation of a multimedia campaign that highlights the space program's contributions to medical science.
News Briefs
Tools for Groundbreaking of NASA Facilities on Display
Local dignitaries, former center directors, center leadership, media and others gathered at Glenn's Employee Center on January 23 to commemorate an historic event and celebrate another. They were invited for the unveiling of a display in the Dr. Sharp Alcove of Honor containing the nickel-plated pick and a shovel used in the groundbreaking ceremonies for both the NACA Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory (January 23) in 1941 and NACA Plum Brook Reactor Research Facility in 1956. While clearing the contents of a building scheduled for demolition last year, Scott Marabito, CHI/Facilities Division, discovered the wooden crate that stored the tools for over half a century. Center Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr. commended Marabito, Glenn History Officer Kevin Coleman and others for their efforts in the recovery and display of the tools that he said "still represent the groundbreaking work and research being conducted in world-class facilities by the center's talented workforce."
Day of Rememberance at VC
Pictured left: Civil Air Patrol cadets conduct the presentation of colors. Credit: David TaggartGlenn's memorial presentation in the Visitor Center (VC) on January 26 honored the astronauts who perished in the Apollo 1 and space shuttle Challenger and Columbia accidents, as well as all other members of the NASA family who have lost their lives in the pursuit of knowledge. Civil Air Force cadets (Tusco Composite Squadron, 1485th Dover Armory Dover, Ohio) opened the memorial with the presentation of colors. Aerospace Lecturer Michael Blair highlighted the roles these fallen astronauts played in the exploration of space and in the quest for scientific knowledge. Throughout the day, visitors viewed the astronaut memorial wall and the human spaceflight gallery, where the Combustion Module-2 Crew Trainer and the "Mission Support Center" console are located. The trainer, used by the Columbia crew, has been dedicated to their memory, and the console includes a multimedia presentation about their mission.
Glenn Hosts Senator Voinovich and Community Partners
Glenn was the site of a roundtable, assembled by U.S. Senator George Voinovich, to discuss a strategic plan for the future of the aeronautics and space exploration industry in Ohio. Ohio Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher and the Governor's Defense and Aerospace Advisor Joseph Renaud headlined a prominent list of attendees from the state, local and business community. Voinovich spoke about Glenn and Wright Patterson as "two jewels in Ohio's crown" that should be a catalyst for developing partnerships that attract jobs and economic development to the state of Ohio. During his visit, Voinovich toured Glenn's Ares I-X Manufacturing Facility, where he was invited to add his signature to a metal nameplate that will be mounted inside the rocket's haul.
Contest Winners Enjoy Lunch with Center Director
Pictured left: left to right, Napier, Dr. Whitlow and O'Bryan share lunch and conversation. Credit: NASA/Lori MantheyDuring the Center Holiday Gathering in December, party goers had the chance to participate in a lighthearted contest called "Three Truths and A Lie." Two employees, Johnny Napier, Facilities Division, and Nancy O'Bryan, RSIS/Logistics and Technical Information Division, tied for having the most correct answers. For winning the contest, Dr. Woodrow Whitlow, Jr. took both winners to lunch at Don's Pomeroy House restaurant in Strongsville.
Calendar of Events
NASA SCHOLARSHIP FUND: Applications are now being accepted for the NASA College Scholarship Fund, Inc. The Texas, nonprofit corporation, was established to award scholarships to qualified dependents of NASA and former NASA employees, agency-wide. The scholarship fund was established as the direct result of a substantial unsolicited gift offer by the noted Pulitzer Prize winning author, James A. Michener, who initiated the gift after being inspired by the achievements of the hardworking NASA employees and his desire to promote education. Up to six scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $2,500 each in this 26th year of the program (2008-2009 school year).
This renewable scholarship is for a maximum of $10,000 over 6 calendar years. Applicants must be pursuing a course of study in the science or engineering field that will lead to a recognized undergraduate degree at an accredited college or university in the United States. Applications MUST be received at JSC no later than March 20, 2008. For additional information and to access the application online visit the following URL: http://nasapeople.nasa.gov/nasascholarship/index.htm. Questions can be directed to Lynne Sammon, Glenn NCSF Point of Contact, 216-433-3952.
DONATIONS FOR JASON KOLECKI: Jason Kolecki, Jr., grandson of Joseph Kolecki, who retired from Glenn last year with more than 38 years of service, has been diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Lukemia. He is undergoing extensive chemotherapy at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. Donations to assist the family in paying medical bills can be deposited into a temporary savings account, number #95777, at the Century Federal Credit Union under Joseph Kolecki's name until an account can be set up in Jason's name.
NASA COUNTERINTELLIGENCE (CI) NEWSLETTER: NASA's monthly newsletter on counterintelligence and counterterrorism previewed in January. The newsletter, All Eyes on NASA, features information on such issues as foreign travel requirements, foreign visitors, CI indicators and reportable matters. Employees can access the newsletter through Glenn's internal Counterintelligence and Safeguards Office at https://safeguards.grc.nasa.gov. Click on "CI Newsletter" from the Table of Contents.
NASA 2007 SPINOFF MAGAZINE AVAILLABLE:The 2007 NASA Spinoffs magazine highlights NASA-sponsored research and technology that has been transferred to the private sector. This technology not only supports NASA, but they also enhance the quality of life in hospitals, homes and community. Log on to http://www.sti.nasa.gov/tto/Spinoff2007/index.html
FEBRUARY THIRD SATURDAY EVENT: On Saturday, February 16, the Visitor Center will present "NASA in Cleveland." Join us for a discussion about NASA Glenn Research Center's origins in Cleveland, and find out how the research center continues to be an integral part of Northeast Ohio. For more information, contact the Visitor Center at 216-433-9653 or log on to http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/events/vc_February.html
2008 THIRD SATURDAY EVENTS SET: Glenn's Visitor Center will provide opportunities to learn first-hand about some of the exciting work being done by the nation's aeronautics and space agency at the Third Saturday Events scheduled for 2008. To view the listing, visit http://visit.grc.nasa.gov.
RETIRED WOMEN'S LUNCHEON: The next NASA Retired Women's Luncheon will be Thursday, February 21 at noon at Italian Village, 16605 Pearl Road in Strongsville. Contact Gerry Ziemba at 330-273-4850 or gto64gerry@yahoo.com for information.
AFGE MEETING: AFGE Local 2182 will hold its next monthly membership meeting on Wednesday, March 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, March 12, at noon in the Employee Center.
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH OBSERVANCE:You are invited to attend the Women's History Month event featuring Cynthia Crane, author and speaker, on March 12 from 9-11 a.m. (location to be determined). Crane will talk about media representations of men and women. Refreshments will be served.
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:
- March 10 and 11
- May 7 and 8
- July 8, 9 and 10
- September 9 and 10
- November 6 and 7
MARCH THIRD SATURDAY EVENT: On Saturday, March 15, the Visitor Center will present "Space Communications." Learn how NASA uses the latest technology to communicate with robotic missions throughout the solar system, and how the agency will communicate with astronauts on future missions to the moon. 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 LOCATION): Learn to manage stress rather than letting it manage you! Spend 45 minutes in this 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 Employee Center, Room 211. Come dressed as you are. No special attire needed. POC: Fitness Center, 216-433-6313.
Batts Appointed Diversity Officer
 |
| Batts |
Lopez Selected Project Scientist
 |
| Lopez |
Awards
Glenn Leaders Showcase Minority Careers
 |
 |
| Charleston | Dr. Hicks |
 |
 |
| Dr. Shyne | Dr. Whitlow |
Sponsored by Lockheed Martin Corporation and the Council of Engineering Deans of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the BEYAs recognize individuals who have achieved exceptional career gains in government and/or industry, lifetime achievement or other pioneering efforts. This recognition encourages strategic alliances with corporate America to increase recruitment from underrepresented groups.
The following engineers, in addition to Dr. Whitlow, will be honored for instilling in others the drive to succeed:
Jo Ann Charleston, chief of the Educational Programs Office, is recognized for "K-12 Promotion of Education."
Dr. Yolanda Hicks, research engineer and lead for the Advanced Opticals Diagnostics team, is recognized for "Outstanding Technical Contribution in Government."
Dr. Rickey Shyne, director of the Facilities and Test Directorate, is recognized for "Professional Achievement in Government."
Career Communications Group, Inc., publisher of the US Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine produces the awards ceremony. More details on the awards is available at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/news/ or log on to http://www.beya.org
Glenn Honorees Attend SFA Celebration
A December 2007 trip to the Hyatt Grand Cypress Resort in Florida as Space Flight Awareness (SFA) honorees was like an early Christmas gift for NASA Glenn's Alan Kane, Robert Kohler and Dr. Jayanata Panda.
The SFA award is the highest tribute paid by NASA to individuals in the agency, Department of Defense and industry. A trip to NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a launch is part of their reward for dedication to quality work and flight safety, which also includes a reception and the opportunity to meet with top NASA and industry officials and members of the Astronaut Corps.
Although the shuttle Atlantis, STS-122, launch was postponed, the awardees participated in a variety of other activities and enjoyed the support of family and Glenn Engineering Director Olga Gonzalez-Sanabria who attended the awards presentation. Colonel (USAF) Terry Virts Jr. represented the Astronaut Corps during the presentations.
 |
| Virts and Kane |
 |
| Virts and Kohler |
 |
| Virts and Dr. Panda |
Withrow Earns Snoopy Award
Cabana, left, presents Withrow the award that includes a sterling silver Snoopy lapel pin that flew on the Discovery, STS-41 mission that Cabana piloted.NASA Stennis Space Center Director Robert Cabana presented James Withrow, acting Orion flight test lead for Glenn's Orion Project Office, a Silver Snoopy award during a surprise ceremony at Johnson Space Center. The Silver Snoopy is the most prestigious award given by the members of NASA's astronaut corp to personally thank employees for their significant contributions to the space program. Withrow was recognized for his role as the Reduced Gravity Program test director where he helped to ensure a safe and productive training environment for astronauts and researchers to perform experiments in the simulated weightlessness of space onboard the DC-9 and KC-135 NASA aircraft. NASA Johnson manages the Reduced Gravity Program.
Banks Awarded Patent
 |
| Banks |
In Memory
Zuk, Pioneer in Seal Technology and Vertical Flight Research
 |
| Dr. Zuk |
Zuk performed pioneering research on aircraft engine seal technology and laid the groundwork for commercial helicopter and tiltrotor short haul commuter applications. He received numerous awards including the NASA Collier Trophy Award (1998) for the Industry/NASA Propfan Team and the NASA 2000 Turning Goals Into Reality Award for tiltrotor noise reduction. He authored 48 technical publications and co-invented an environmentally friendly anti-icing Q-fluid.
Joseph A. Nervi, Jr., 53, who retired on June 26, 1992 after nine years of NASA service, died December 25, 2007. Prior to retirement, Nervi served as a Public Affairs specialist for Education. During his brief tenure, he worked closely with former Glenn Education Officer Lynn Bondurant to caption the first NASA film for the hearing impaired and translate several publications into Braille.
Retirements
 |
| Hemminger |