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OVERWHELMING SUCCESSThe Center's 2001 CFC setrecords; garnered award

FAREWELL TO A FLAGGlenn retired the AdvancedCommunications TechnologySatellite flag

CONNECT 4Fifth graders linked up with theInternational Space Station crew

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INSIDEINSIDEINSIDEINSIDEINSIDE

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GGGGGBY DOREEN B. ZUDELL

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Administrator O’Keefe gets acquainted with Glenn

LENN employees and businessand community leaders extended awarm welcome to NASA AdministratorSean O’Keefe during his first visit to theCenter on January 24. Accompaniedby Senator John Glenn, O’Keefe spentthe day getting acquainted with theCenter.

After a brief meeting with O’Keefe,Sen. Glenn, and NASA Chief of Staffand White House Liaison CourtneyStadd, Center Director Donald Camp-bell introduced the Director's Leader-ship Team (DLT) to the new administra-tor. In an open exchange, DLT mem-bers shared their views on some of thechallenges and opportunities at theCenter.

A highlight for employees, O’Keefeheld an All Hands Address in theDEB Auditorium at 11:15 a.m. Heexpressed humility at being acceptedinto the NASA family and for sharinghis visit at the Center with his "hero,"

John Glenn,whom he said“captures thespirit of thisAgency."

Aboard NASA forjust 3 weeks,O’Keefe said hehas no “masterplan” for movingthe Agencyforward. Rather,he stressed thatstrategies wouldevolve in adeliberate andcollectivemanner.

“We need to examine and clarify whatwe do,” O’Keefe said. “This requiresus to define what criteria for perfor-mance we want and what outcomeswe seek. Sometimes that will require

FY03 budget begins process of discovery

DDDDDBY DOREEN B. ZUDELL

The Agency’s FY03 budget request is $15 billion, up slightly from $14.9 billion inFY02. NASA views this proposal as President Bush’s commitment to the Agency’smission of discovery.

Photo

by Tom

Jares

(Right to left) Queito Thomas, U.S.Army Vehicle Technology Directorate,assigned to the Facilities and TestEngineering Division (FTED), and RayCastner, FTED, brief AdministratorSean O'Keefe and Center DirectorDonald Campbell on test activities inthe Propulsion Systems Laboratory.

URING NASA Administrator SeanO’Keefe’s televised briefing to allCenters on February 4, he stressed thatthe President’s FY03 budget proposalwill enable the Agency to begin theprocess of developing overall strategiesto maximize research and technologyobjectives. This will entail focusing on

fundamentals and prioritizing capabilitiescollaboratively among Centers.

“Americans see us [NASA] as theultimate manifestation of our [human]desire for exploration,” O’Keefeaffirmed. “So we need to emphasizeareas that the private sectors cannot orwill not pursue because of the hightechnological risks.”

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 3 MARCH 2002

AeroSpace Frontiers is an official publicationof Glenn Research Center, NationalAeronautics and Space Administration. It ispublished the first Friday of each month bythe Community and Media Relations Officein the interest of the Glenn workforce,retirees, government officials, businessleaders, and the general public. Its circula-tion is approximately 6,700.

Editor..................................Doreen B. Zudell InDyne, Inc.

Assistant Editor.......................S. Jenise Veris InDyne, Inc.

Managing Editor......................Lori J. Rachul

DEADLINES: News items and briefannouncements for publication in the Aprilissue must be received by noon, Fri., March15. The deadline for the May issue is noon,Fri., April 19. Submit contributions to theeditor via e-mail doreen.zudell@grc.nasa.gov,fax (216) 433-8143, phone (216) 433-5317or (216) 433-2888, or M.S. 3-11. Ideas fornews stories are welcome but will only bepublished as space allows.

MARCH 2002

2

News Notes

Former astronaut nominated as NASA deputy administrator ASA Administrator Sean O'Keefeand the White House have announcedthe nomination of former astronautand assistant deputy administrator,Major General Charles F. Bolden, U.S.Marine Corps, as NASA's next deputyadministrator.

Bolden, 55, currently serves as thecommanding general, 3rd MarineAircraft Wing. As deputy administrator,Bolden would serve as the chiefoperating officer for the Agency andreport directly to the Administrator.He will be responsible for directing

and managing many of the programsand day-to-day operations and activitiesat NASA.

"I am enthusiastic about the opportunityto welcome General Bolden back toNASA," said Center Director DonaldCampbell. "He will bring a wealth ofexperience and deep understanding ofthe mission of NASA to the position."

A veteran of four Space Shuttle flights,Bolden was pilot on STS-61C in 1986and STS-31 in 1990, and was themission commander on STS-45 in 1992.

NNNNN

Gen. Bolden

LIVE SATELLITE CONFERENCE:Former General Electric CEO JackWelch will address today's criticalleadership, management, and transfor-mation issues to an estimated audienceof 5,000 worldwide via satellite onMarch 19. There is no charge to attendthe presentation, which can be viewedat OAI from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Apost broadcast discussion will immedi-ately follow the presentation until 1 p.m.Anyone interested should submit his/hername via e-mail to: thelearningcenter@grc.nasa.gov or call 3-2996/2997. Formore information, call Janet Clark, 3-2519.

SCHOLARSHIP FUND: The NASACollege Scholarship Fund, Inc., awardsscholarships to qualified NASA depen-dents who are pursuing a course ofstudy in science and engineering fields.Six scholarships will be awarded thisyear. For your convenience, you candownload an application or receiveadditional information through thefollowing web site: http://hro.jsc.nasa.gov/jsc-hro-2/specialprogs/fellowships&scholarships.htm. Applications mustbe returned to Johnson Space Center byMarch 22. For more information, callMarie Borowski, (216) 433-5582.

BPW MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON:NASA Glenn Business and ProfessionalWomen (BPW) will hold its annualmembership luncheon on Fri., March 8from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Bldg. 3Aud. Dr. Jeanette Grasselli Brown, chairof the Ohio Board of Regents andformer director of Corporate Research

and Analytical Sciences for BP America,will deliver a keynote address on “TheEducated Woman in Today’s Economy."For tickets, contact Barbara Kakiris via e-mail or phone, (216) 433-2513.

ATTENTION COLLEGE MENTORS:Lewis' Educational Research andCollege Internship Program (L.E.R.C.I.P.)student applications for summer 2002will be available for mentors reviewMarch 18–27, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,Bldg. 3 Aud. For more information, callSusan Gott, 3-3833.

INTERNSHIP WEB SITE: NASA and theAmerican Society for EngineeringEducation have launched a new website designed to increase undergraduateand graduate students access toresearch and internship opportunities inscience and engineering. The web siteis www.tech-interns.com.

GOLFERS WANTED: NASA Sunshine(mixed) Golf League is accepting newmembers for its Thursday league atRiverside Golf Course. The league plays9 holes with tee times from 3:30 to 5:00p.m., Apr. 25–Sept. 12. Spouses andretirees are welcome. Dues are $30.For information, call Donna Clements,(216) 433-3566.

RETIREES WANTED FOR VC: Glennretirees looking for a rewarding way tospend their time might considerbecoming a Visitor Center volunteer.Several positions such as lobby aide anddocent are available. If you can donate

4 to 5 hours per week or one weekendday per month, this opportunity may befor you. Call Monica Boyd, (216) 433-2004.

AFGE MEETING: AFGE Local 2182,will hold its monthly membershipmeeting on Wed., March 6 at theAmerican Legion Hall on Brookpark Rd.and W. 220th St. at 4:30 p.m. Allmembers are encouraged to attend.

LESA MEETING: LESA/IFPTE, Local 28,will hold its monthly membershipmeeting on Wed., March 13 at noon inBldg. 15, Rm. 101.

That same year,he was appointedassistant deputyadministrator atNASA Headquar-ters in Washington,a position he helduntil 1994, whenhe was namedcommander ofSTS-60. He left the space programhaving logged more than 680 hours inorbit. �

3

MARCH 2002

with DONALD CAMPBELL

Director’s CornerDirector’s CornerDirector’s CornerDirector’s CornerDirector’s Corner

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Opportunities abound

WWWWW

IN APprecIationThe Themes family sends thanks toNASA friends who took time to expresssympathy and support during therecent illness and death of Catherine,wife of Roy and mother of Christopher,Janice, and Leanne.

—Chris Themes

I would like to express my deepgratitude to my fellow Glenn employ-ees and to the employees of Analexand Zin Technologies for the tremen-dous amount of support you haveshown me and my family at the deathof my sister, Barbara ThompsonBoomer. Your prayers and expressionsof compassion meant so much, bothduring Barb's struggle with cancer andat the time of her passing.

—Bill Thompson

The Women's History ObservanceEvent will be held at 9:30 a.m. onMarch 28 in the Bldg. 3 Aud. Thefeatured speaker will be Cleve-land’s first female Chief of Police,Mary Bounds. Back by populardemand, the Women in HistoryTroupe will portray a vignette ofmarine biologist and environmen-talist Rachel Carson (1907-1964)and Fannie Lou Hamer (1907-1977), civil rights activist andorganizer of the MississippiFreedom Party. The FederalWomen’s Program Awards, in thecategories of supervisor and non-supervisor, will be presentedfollowing the performance.

Women's HistoryObservance set

in memory

Thank you for helping us celebrate your new Main Cafeteria Grand Re-Opening events the week of Jan. 14. The raffle winners are: Karen Ault(0120), 1st Prize–autographed John Glenn T-shirt; Karin Gornick (0210), 2nd

Prize–4 Cleveland Cavaliers tickets; Patty Meldrum (0620/CIT), 3rd Prize–autographed John Glenn hat; Toni Cosari (0460) and Damaris Klanac (6160),4th Prize–Conrad Auto Center’s oil change; and Vanessa Smith (0540/SAIC),5th Prize–Cinemark movie tickets.

Kudos to Connie Carroll, Exchange Gift Shop manager. Carroll recentlyreceived a special letter of appreciation from Bernard Matis of Parma, OH,for Carroll's oustanding service that helped to ensure a Merry Christmas forhis son, who is a NASA enthusiast. In addition to her time spent in assistingMatis in his gift selections over the phone, Carroll delivered the gifts to Matisat the gate due to NASA's period of heightened security.

E use the word “opportunities” often at NASA. However, I believeright now this word has heightened significance for Glenn.

A driving force behind this belief is our new Administrator, Mr. SeanO’Keefe. I have had numerous occasions to meet with Mr. O’Keefe andhave consistently found him to be an open, optimistic, and dynamicindividual. As you may have observed during his recent visit to Glenn,Mr. O’Keefe’s demeanor encourages dialogue and openness. Many ofyou interacted with him as he toured several of our facilities. As Iaccompanied Mr. O’Keefe, Senator Glenn, and Headquarters personnel,I was extremely proud of each of you.

While in Cleveland Mr. O’Keefe met with government leaders such asGovernor Taft and Mayor Campbell, as well as local university officials.During these exchanges, the Administrator stressed the importance ofunity within NASA, and the relevance of our technology to the local andnational community.

Mr. O’Keefe also emphasized the importance of collaboration andcooperation. Within the modern NASA dynamic many activities requireus to work across organizational boundaries, both internal and externalto the Center, to achieve our goals. I believe that there are greatdividends to be gained from this philosophy.

The President’s FY03 budget proposal clearly represents a commitmentto NASA and NASA’s mission of discovery. The budget, along withdirectives from Mr. O’Keefe, offers us stability to plan and execute ourprograms. It also results in opportunities to shape our Center's future,and remain at the forefront of technological advancement.

Exchange Corner

Barbara Johnson, 66, who had workedat Plum Brook Station, recently died.

Paul Langendorfer recently died.He had worked in the Receiving andShipping area before retiring in 1981after 25 years of Federal service.

Edward Spieth, 85, who retired with35 years of NASA service, recentlydied. He had worked as a generalsupply specialist.

benefits of the PDP program as well. "It[PDP] enabled me to take an in-depthreview of myself and realize what mytrue values and goals are and how theyfit in with the NASA goals and objec-tives. The program helped me deter-mine where I wanted to be down theroad and what actions I needed to taketo get there (even though it meanttransferring to Dryden). It also broughtme up to speed on some of the latestdevelopments in management tools andtechniques.

Glen M. Williams, Office of Acquisi-tion, has been awarded one of theNASA Procurement Person of the YearAwards. He was recognized as the"Midrange/Commercial Person of theYear" for his outstanding work. Duringthe past year Williams oversaw theNASA Research Announcement for theLithium-Based Polymer Energy Re-chargeable System, where he providedtraining on processing mid-rangeprocurements. Williams also served asthe prime party for identifying andreporting to Headquarters the contractsthat required safety provisions and

MARCH 2002

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honors and awardshonors and awardshonors and awardshonors and awardshonors and awards

people on the movepeople on the movepeople on the movepeople on the movepeople on the moveThree employees—Raymond Kacmar,Naseem Saiyed, and Dr. MargaretTuma—were recognized at NASAHeadquarters for completing the 2001Professional Development Program(PDP).

Participants in the NASA PDP arecompetitively selected by their center,and they engage in a year-long intensiveleadership development program thatcombines work assignments,workshops, briefings by NASA’sleadership, targeted trainingopportunities, and individual coaching.The goal of the PDP is to provide thesefuture leaders with a broad perspectiveof both the Agency and the impact ofits programs.

This specific class took on a voluntaryeducational project to encouragestudents to pursue higher education inmathematics, science, and engineeringthrough establishing an interactive webpage that will enable undergraduateand graduate students to expand theirsearch beyond the Agency (see NewsNotes on page 2).

Glenn graduates agree that the PDPexperience has broadened theirunderstanding and provided themopportunities to develop leadershipskills.

Saiyed, who works in the AcousticsBranch, said, "The training andexperience in the PDP helped medevelop new skills and refine existingskills to be a leader in NASA."

Dr. Tuma said her PDP experience hasopened many doors. "Since returningto Glenn, I have held three differentdetail positions. The first was in theResearch and Technology DirectorateOffice working on the NASA Blueprintfor Aeronautics," said Tuma. "Thesecond and third details have been inthe Space Transportation ProjectOffice, where I have utilized mymanagement skills as a product linemanager for Integrated Vehicle HealthManagement and as the 2nd Genera-tion RLV Propulsion Element manager."

Kacmar, who now works at DrydenFlight Research Center, sees many

Dr. Tuma Williams

Raimer

Patricia (Patty)Raimer wasrecently selectedas the new directorfor Lewis LittleFolks, Inc. (LLF) DayCare Center. Priorto this appoint-ment, Raimerworked as a LLFteacher for 3 1/2years. She was previously employed asa teacher at the Child Care Center atRiverside Hospital (Columbus, OH).Raimer holds a Bachelor of Sciencedegree in Elementary Education fromOhio State University and is qualifiedto serve as both principal and substi-tute teacher for the LLF Kindergarten.She replaces Maureen Sartain whoresigned as LLF director in November2001.

promotionpromotionpromotionpromotionpromotion

in the headlinesin the headlinesin the headlinesin the headlinesin the headlinesApollo 12 lunar module pilot, Skylab 2 Com-mander and artist Alan Bean (pictured right)made an appearance at Gallery One In Mentoron Jan. 19 to open an exhibition of his prints,posters, and books. He presented an informa-tional slide lecture, which focused on hisApollo experiences and how he developsunique perspectives on canvas. Glenn'sCommunity and Media Relations Officesupported the event with exhibits from theApollo era including a Moon rock.

astronaut & artistastronaut & artistastronaut & artistastronaut & artistastronaut & artist

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Photo by David DeFelice

Kacmar

plans. Williams is commended for hisdedication, productivity, and quality ofwork.

Saiyed

MARCH 2002 AAAAAeroeroeroeroeroSSSSSpacepacepacepacepaceFrontiersFrontiersFrontiersFrontiersFrontiers

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Photo

by Tom

Jares

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FY03 request puts stability into the budget

GGGGG LENN set a record for donations tothe Combined Federal Campaign(CFC) in 2001. The Federal employeesand retirees of Glenn contributed over$410,000 this year, exceeding thecampaign goal by $57,000.

"This year's Combined Federal Cam-paign at Glenn was a tremendoussuccess," said Center Director DonaldCampbell. "Glenn employees' gener-osity ensures that the charities of CFCcan be generous, too—providing giftsof education, nutrition, and other life-supporting aid to those in need."

At ceremonies held on January 17 atthe Celebrezze Federal Office Build-ing, Glenn also won the covetedNortheast Ohio CFC (NEOCFC)Chairperson Award. It is the mostprestigious honor an organization canachieve. The recipient of this award is

recognized as the Agency thatconducted the best overallcampaign. William Montague,Cleveland's Veteran Administra-tion Medical Center directorand this year's chair of theNEOCFC based his selection onthe following criteria: donations,participation, CFC promotionalevents, structure of campaign,and Loaned Executive's narra-tive.

Orlando Thompson, Sr., Glenn'sCFC chairperson said, "I amparticularly proud of this year'sefforts because not only didGlenn employees extend theirgenerosity to a Nation in needafter September 11, but theyalso continued their annualsupport to CFC charities."

Center sets record, achieves awards for CFC

Orlando Thompson, Sr., (right) Glenn's 2001 CFCchairperson, Community & Media Relations Office,presents Center Director Donald Campbell theNEOCFC's Chairperson Award.

Pamelia Caswell, Community & MediaRelations Office, contributed to thisarticle.

O’Keefe explained that identifyingpriorities will be a major force behindissues relating to the InternationalSpace Station. Specifically, the Agencywill examine five relevant areas:prioritization of the science andtechnology agenda, analysis of theremaining engineering challenges,determination of the total cost tocomplete and continue the program,review of obligations with internationalpartners, and refinement of all theelements associated with the program,such as the Space Shuttle operation(i.e. safety and maintenance, frequencyof flights, etc.).

“We need to take a comprehensiveapproach to the International SpaceStation,” O’Keefe explained. “SpaceStation is not a program off to the side;it’s not an individual effort. It is integralto all that goes on at NASA.”

The FY03 budget request for the Officeof Aerospace Technology Enterprise(Code R) from which Glenn receiveshalf of its program funding, is $2,815million. This represents an increase of11 percent from FY02. Within thisrequest, Glenn will be allocated $731million, up 16 percent from FY02.

“We’ve worked hard at Glenn toposition ourselves for the future,”explained Center Director DonaldCampbell. “The FY03 request putsstability into the budget, which helps usplan our programs.”

Chief Financial Officer Robert Fails,explained that while most of Glenn’sexisting programs will continue on asteady basis, two areas within thebudget—a new nuclear power programand the decommissioning of the PlumBrook Reactor—would account for mostof the funding growth in FY03.

The Nuclear Systems Initiative is part ofa planned long-term, two-part programthat would safely enable ambitiousrobotic missions throughout the solarsystem. One part of the program wouldcontinue production of radioisotopethermoelectric generators, which canprovide power for deep space missionsoperating far from the Sun over a longlifetime. They have been used safelyand reliably for the last 40 years.

The second part of the initiative, forwhich Glenn will play a significant role,would develop a nuclear poweredsystem for advanced propulsion applica-tions, enabling far more capable space-

craft to make faster trips throughout thesolar system to visit multiple destinationson the same mission.

The 6-year process of decommissioningthe closed Plum Brook Reactor Facilitycontinues through FY03. Decommis-sioning Project Manager Timothy Polichexplained that the major work wouldinvolve the transportation and disposalof the core internals; reactor tanksegmentation, removal, and disposal;and removal and disposal of equipmentin hot dry storage.

Along with his proposed budget,President Bush announced a newsystem aimed at measuring progresswithin the Federal government. TheExecutive Branch Management Scorecardexamines five areas: Human Capital,Financial Management, CompetitiveSourcing, E-Government, and Budget/Performance Integration, with the goalof achieving the highest mark (green) ineach category.

Center Director Campbell said that theAgency Budget “creates opportunities”for NASA Centers to work collabora-tively toward integrated programs thatput us on a path for achievement of ourgoals. �

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Center, Cleveland welcome MARCH 2002

6

doing it differently than what had beendone before.”

O’Keefe provided further insight intohow he believes the Agency can ensureits preeminence. He echoed U.S.Secretary of Treasury Paul O’Neill’s (aformer colleague at the Office ofManagement and Budget) three guidingprinciples of a great organization:

� Professionalism: Treat others as youwould like to be treated. Showingpeople that they are valued brings outthe best in them.� Resources: Carefully measure whatis needed to do the job and ensure thatyou have the resources or do notattempt to do it.� Recognition: Make certain thatresults—positive and negative—arenoticed. Step back and say, “You dida good job” or “You didn’t get the jobdone.”

“We have all the elements right here[in NASA] in place…to do extraordinarythings,” O’Keefe affirmed.

Following the All Hands Address,O’Keefe was escorted to the VisitorCenter (VC) for a luncheon withGovernor Bob Taft, local CEOs, univer-sity and college administrators, businessleaders, and other government officials.This event reserved some time forcommunity leaders outside the Centerto show their support for Glenn as amajor technological contributor to theNortheast Ohio region.

After lunch, Center Director Campbellaccompanied O’Keefe, Sen. Glenn, andHeadquarters personnel on tours thatprovided a sampling of Glenn’s re-search and facilities. The tour stopsincluded areas within the followingbuildings: Aeropropulsion SystemsLaboratory (Bldg. 125), Communica-tion, Navigation, Surveillance (Bldg. 55),Electric/Ion Propulsion (Bldg. 301),Microgravity/ISS (Bldg. 333).

Later in the afternoon, O’Keefe andSen. Glenn returned to the VC for apress conference with local media.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Diane Malarik,Telescience SupportCenter operations manager, greetsO'Keefe in the lobby of Bldg. 333.

(Left to right) Assistant Administratorof Public Affairs Glenn Mahone,Glenn Deputy Director of OperationsJulian Earls, and NASA Chief of Staffand White House Liaison CourtneyStadd share a light moment duringthe DLT meeting.

Sen. Glenn and O'Keefe get toknow Cleveland's new mayor,Jane Campbell.

Glenn's Chief Information OfficerSasi Pillay (right) engages O'Keefein conversation during the eveningreception.

Microgravity Division Chief JackSalzman briefs (left to right) Stadd,Associate Administrator forAerospace Technology Sam Venneri,Sen. Glenn, and O'Keefe on theFluids and Combustion Facilitymockup in Bldg. 333.

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MARCH 2002

Introduced by Director of ExternalPrograms John Hairston, the newadministrator addressed questionsranging from budget issues to educa-tional programs.

In response, O’Keefe reiterated thethemes of “collaboration” and “coop-eration” among all NASA Centersstressed earlier in the day at the em-ployee address. “Determining thestrategic objectives of NASA will requireus [on a collective basis] to begin theprocess of focusing on the core compe-tencies we seek to accelerate,” he said.

After a full day at the Center, O’Keefe,Sen. Glenn, and Director Campbelltraveled downtown to meet Cleveland’snew mayor, Jane Campbell.

After a brief visit with the mayor,O’Keefe was shuttled to the GreatLakes Science Center for a communityreception hosted by the Ohio Aero-space Council and the Greater Cleve-land Growth Association. In the warmand energetic atmosphere of thereception, officials from Cleveland’spublic and private sectors welcomedO’Keefe and Sen. Glenn to Clevelandand extended open invitations to visitoften.

Cuyahoga County Commissioner andDemocratic Party Chairman JimmyDimora saluted Sen. Glenn with a resolu-tion for being “Ohio’s hometown hero.”In a resolution to O’Keefe, the residentsof Cuyahoga County applauded the newadministrator for his years of dedicatedpublic service and wished him “successin his new responsibility and role atNASA.” �

NASA's new administrator

Chief of the Power and On-BoardPropulsion Technology Division Dr.Valerie Lyons gives details on Glenn-developed technology in the ElectricPower Laboratory, Bldg. 301.

O'Keefe, pictured withCampbell and Sen.Glenn, answersquestions by localmedia at an afternoonpress briefing.

Michael Doherty, MicrogravityScience Division, asks O'Keefe aquestion during the All HandsAddress to employees.

County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora (left)presents a resolution from the Board ofCommissioners to O'Keefe during theevening reception.

Governor Bob Taft and O'Keefevisit during a luncheon in theVisitor Center hosted by theGreater Cleveland GrowthAssociation.

Chief of the SpaceCommunications OfficePete Vrotros (standing)shares highlights onsatellite communi-cations technology.Pictured from far backare O'Keefe, Stadd,Campbell, and Sen.Glenn.

Photos byMarvin Smith andTom Jares

MARCH 2002

By S. JENISE VERIS

HE Science, Engineering, Mathemat-ics, and Aerospace Academy (SEMAA)together with the Aerospace Educa-tional Laboratory (AEL) represent awholistic approach to education—withstudents, parents, teachers, and commu-nity stakeholders sharing in the commit-ment to quality education.

Winston-Salem State University, NC, isthe most recent institution to embracethis concept with the opening of itsSEMAA/AEL on January 14. This bringsthe total to 21 educational sites spread-ing across the country.

Established in 1993 as a partnershipbetween Glenn and Cuyahoga Commu-nity College, SEMAA gives form toCongressman Louis Stokes’ vision of anacademic enrichment program thatfosters understanding and enthusiasmfor math and science in school-agechildren. The AEL is a state-of-the-artclassroom that houses workstations tosupport SEMAA curriculum centered onaerospace and microgravity.

“We train teachers to use the SEMAAcurriculum, which meets nationalstandards for science and math educa-tion, and provides enrichment work-shops on teaching techniques inconjunction with workstation sce-narios,” explained Dovie Lacy, Glenn’sSEMAA/AEL program manager in theOffice of Educational Programs. “Ourcurriculum also includes a uniquecomponent for parent participation thatensures their support throughout theirchild’s elementary and secondary years,and even later to help them pursuecollege financial aid.”

Glenn proudly supports an AEL in theFlex Building, located in the AerospacePark. Steve Koons (ACS), MAEL/AELmanager, explained that this site is usedfor middle and high school field tripsand as a testing ground for workstationupgrades. An upcoming upgrade tosupport the microgravity curriculum is apre-recorded voice-recognition programthat enables a one-on-one conversationwith John Glenn who responds tostudents' questions based on problem-solving scenarios. The program wascreated by Interactive Drama inBethesda, MD, using questions

8

FRANK Witcher and Craig Frohman ofACS, Inc., are traveling ambassadorsfor Glenn’s Science, Engineering,Mathematics, and Aerospace Acad-emy (SEMAA)/Aerospace EducationalLaboratory (AEL) programs.

Six months out of the year they hit theroad in the Mobile Aerospace Educa-tional Laboratory (MAEL), a 53-footstate-of-the-art classroom on wheels,with the mission to excite studentsabout science and math and tointroduce them to the opportunities intechnology-related careers.

Although the SEMAA curriculum is self-directed, the team must know how totroubleshoot the 10 workstations inthe event a student has difficulty.Original MAEL team member Witcherrecalled the intensive reading andresearch required before beta-testingthe trailer for 3 months.

“The startup was a little rough, but ithas always been exciting to work withkids of all levels,” Witcher said. “Now,5 years and 300 cities later, I feel likeit's part of my destiny.”

The MAEL averages over 20 tours ayear, each about a week in duration.The team supports 4 or 5 classes a daywith each session limited to 15

TTTTT

SEMAA/AELs spread across the countryprepared by eighth grade sciencestudents from Medina, OH.

This unique innovative software willsoon be introduced in an exhibit inthe Visitor Center and will be incorpo-rated into the John Glenn Gallery.

Some unique partnerships haveformed to bring an AEL to theircom-munity. A coalition of localbusinesses in San Felipe Pueblo is theprimary investor for a potential AELsite on a reservation just south ofSante Fe. The Chapel Hill, NC, police

On the road againBy S. JENISE VERIS students and 2 teachers. A special

demonstration for community leaders isincluded in the week’s activities. Atweek’s end, they all enthusiasticallygather to discuss the possibility ofhaving a permanent AEL in theircommunity.

Extensive travel and preparation overlong periods of time can be challengingfor Witcher and Frohman, but they feelthe rewards are limitless.

“I love to see the children’s excitedfaces when they enter the trailer,”Frohman said. “Many of these youngpeople have little knowledge of basicscience let alone advanced technology.My job allows me to witness the smallrevelations that occur in them. It alsogives me great satisfaction to know thatI have, directly or indirectly, spurredtheir interest in math and science andintroduced them to careers they neverknew existed.”

The latest Virtual Reality workstation in the AEL.

Witcher and Frohman outside the MAEL.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

MARCH 2002 AAAAAeroeroeroeroeroSSSSSpacepacepacepacepaceFrontiersFrontiersFrontiersFrontiersFrontiers

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BY DOREEN B. ZUDELL

Glenn retires ACTS flag

OOOOO N January 22, Glenn officiallyretired the Advanced CommunicationsTechnology Satellite (ACTS) flag, whichhad flown on the Center’s flagpolesince the satellite's 1993 launch. Thisextraordinary satellite opened up theKa-frequency band by showing theviability of spot beam technology andultra wideband communications.

“While a flag is a symbol commonlyused to represent a country, state, ormunicipality, the ACTS flag representedthe development, launch, and opera-tion of the satellite,” explained ACTSProject Manager Bob Bauer, SpaceCommunications Office. “It is a proudsymbol for all of us of the technologicaland the application successes thatACTS achieved.”

During the ceremony, Bauer, Managerof the Space Communications OfficePete Vrotsos, and Center DirectorDonald Campbell, highlighted program-matic milestones and accomplishmentsin the project’s history. A number ofemployees and retirees who hadparticipated in the project over theyears also attended. Notably, all ACTSproject managers—Richard Gedney andRodney Knight (both retired), and SinaJavidi and Bauer, Space Communica-tions Office, shared their memories.

“This flag is a source of joy that remindsus of the outstanding job Lewis [Glenn]has done on the project,” Knight said.

Although the flag retirement signifiedthe conclusion of the project, thespacecraft continues to operate, now inits 102nd month, with the payloadutilization being directed by the OhioConsortium for Advanced Communica-tions Technology, which is managed byOhio University. Dr. Dennis Irwin, whoplayed a key role in developing theconsortium, was recognized duringthe recent ceremony. The consortiumallows ACTS to continue to benefitacademia and industry even thoughNASA’s primary mission has beencompleted.

“From its conceptual beginning as atechnology verification program, ACTSgrew and grew into a program that

continually inspired people to expandcurrent applications, as well as toexplore new ways to do things thathad not yet been done with satellitecommunications,” Center DirectorCampbell said. “We’re glad that ACTSwas done right here at Glenn!” �

Editor’s note: The ACTS flag is now inthe hands of the Space Communica-tions Office awaiting a permanentplace for display.

Members of Glenn's Security Forceceremoniously removed the ACTS flag fromin front of the Administration Building.

Pushing the envelope—literally

Photo

by Marvin Sm

ith

TESTING to improve the performance of the Rolls Royce F405 engine was recentlycompleted in Glenn's Propulsion Systems Laboratory (PSL) Cell 4. The tests wereconducted in collaboration with Rolls Royce and the Naval Air Systems Command toinvestigate the source of in-flight engine stalls that caused the Navy to impose altituderestrictions on flight maneuvers performed in the F45 Goshawk, their primary jettrainer.

"We used two systems to collect data from high response instrumentation locatedthroughout the low-speed fan and high-speed compressor to determine what wascausing engine stall," explained Queito Thomas, lead PSL test engineer. "The testswere performed between simulated sea level conditions and 30,000 feet, at highinlet airflows."

The two testing systems were separately employed. First, an exhaust plug wasinserted into the tail pipe until the fan stalled and the position of the plug wasrecorded for use during subsequent test points. The second system, known as afuel-spiking rig, supplied high-pressure fuel to the engine in a predetermined timeperiod to cause a high-pressure compressor stall.

Test planning and validation was completed in less than a year. The data gatheredwill be used to aid in validation of thermodynamic and control system models.

These models will assist theUS Navy to improve the T45Goshawk flight envelope.Tests such as these arebrought to the PSL to utilizethe only NASA ground testfacility capable of truealtitude simulation for thetesting of full-scale air-breathing gas turbineengines. �

Graphic by Terry Condrich

MARCH 2002

10

An Xtraspecial event: Connect 4

N January 22, Glenn hosted 300fifth graders from Westlake’s ParksideIntermediate School, their teachersand principal, and special guests for alive link to the crew of the Interna-tional Space Station, which is orbiting240 miles above Earth.

For nearly 20 minutes, the Parksidestudents were connected via satellitewith Space Station’s Expedition 4crew—Colonel Yury Onufrienko ofRussia, USN Captain Daniel Bursch,and Cleveland’s own USAF ColonelCarl Walz. The students, includingWalz’s niece, Emma, took turnsasking the astronauts questions thatranged from their daily routine totheir favorite projects.

“I just had a chance to do a spacewalk last week, and fortunately, wedidn’t encounter any debris,” Walzreplied. “However, there is a lot ofdebris up here,” Walz joked watchingBursch grab a pillow that floated by.

When asked which of their currentSpace Station projects they personallyfelt will be the biggest help to peopleon Earth, Bursch said, “I think we’vealready done what will be the biggesthelp, which is learning the cultures ofother countries and working togetherto build Station. It’s not easy, but hope-fully it will make your futures brighterto see that so many countries [16]are working towards a common goal.”

The Space Station link-up was thecrescendo to Parkside School’sscience project on space comple-mented by a social studies unit onexplorers. The well-drawn proposalprepared with fervor by Walz’s sister-in-law, Sue Walz, a teacher at BassettElementary, along with Parksideteachers Sharon Waffen and CathyPietrokski, convinced Johnson SpaceCenter to recognize the significanteducational value that the eventwould yield.

Adults and students expressed theirgratitude and amazement to witnessthe leaps in technology that enabledthem to view and hear the astronautsin real-time.

OOOOOBY S. JENISE VERIS

“I was sitting there thinkingthat this could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” saidfifth grader Evan Hurst. “Itmade me think I would liketo be an astronaut.”

Center Director DonaldCampbell, a prominentWestlake resident, greetedthe students and invitedguests, which among othersincluded Westlake's mayor,Dennis Clough,school superin-tendent, JamesCostanza, andAndrea Roccoof the WestlakeBoard ofEducation.

James Fitzgerald(OKSU), fromthe Office ofEducationalPrograms (OEP),coordinated Glenn’s educationaloutreach for the event, while DavidDeFelice, Community and MediaRelations Office, handled thelogistics. Before the event, OEPspace videos supplemented theteachers’ lesson plans. In addition,Jeff Woytach, Space Flight ProjectBranch, a member of Glenn'sSpeakers Bureau, spoke to thestudents about Space Station andliving in space, and helped themdraft their questions. A scavengerhunt and video at the VisitorCenter, along with career panelpresentations offered by various

professionals in the DEB Auditorium,augmented the live event.

“In my mind it [the event] was perfect.I couldn’t have wished for any betteroutcome,” Sue Walz said. “Not onlywas the link with the Space Stationmore than we expected, but all theother activities were just as wonderfuland truly educationally valuable.” �

Editor’s Note: For more informationabout the student project, visitWestlake Schools’ web site http://westlake.k12.oh.us/Parkside/

Photos by Marvin Smith

Above: Astronauts Carl Walz andDaniel Bursch live from the SpaceStation.

Left: Parkside's Principal Mark Bregarand fifth grader Beth Moroney await aresponse from the astronauts.

Glenn is sponsoring the first Buckeye Regional FIRST(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science andTechnology) robotics competition on March 15-16at the Cleveland State University Convocation Center.

Come see an exciting competition among over 50 high school teams,including several local schools. Watch as teams try to outwit one anotherusing remote-controlled robots they have designed and constructed with thehelp of engineers and technicians from Glenn and local corporations. This isgreat entertainment for the whole family at a great price—it’s free! For moreinformation or to volunteer to help, call Carol Galica, (216) 433-5112.

Behind the Badge...Behind the Badge...

11

MARCH 2002 AAAAAeroeroeroeroeroSSSSSpacepacepacepacepaceFrontiersFrontiersFrontiersFrontiersFrontiers

Graphic by Kelly Shankland

a closer look at our colleagues

Dave Herb

Nona AkosJob Assignment: I'm an employee development specialist in the OrganizationDevelopment and Training Office in the Office of Human Resources.Time at Glenn: 21 yearsHometown: My hometown is Mt. Pleasant, PA. I currently live in Parma.Describe your family: My husband is a retired math teacher. We have 3 sons,2 daughter-in-laws, and 1 granddaughter who will be two in October.Favorite food: SpaghettiFavorite music: Country and ClassicalFavorite web site: ecampus.phoenix.eduFavorite book or magazine: Hawaii by James A. MichenerFavorite movie or play: Kate & Leopold

Person you most admire: Mother TeresaActivities when away from Glenn: I enjoy traveling, gardening, and swimming.What do you see as an area of expertise to be proud of at Glenn: The training that is offered to theemployees of Glenn. The people at Glenn are the best!

Job Assignment: I'm a construction manager in the Construction Management Branch,Facilities Testing & Engineering Division.Time at Glenn: 45 years and 2 months.Hometown: I'm originally from Sandusky, OH, but I now live in Elyria.Describe your family: We have 4 children (2 boys and 2 girls), 11 grandchildren(9 boys and 2 girls from ages 6 months to 23 years).Career alternative: Surveyor—Civil EngineerFavorite Food: Anyone who knows me can sort of tell that I like all foods especiallyshell fish, custard pie, and coconut cream pie.Favorite music: I like all music, depending on the time, place, and mood.

Favorite web site: Turning off my PC at 4:30 p.m. each day and not turning it back on until the nextmorning.Favorite book or magazine: Games People Play by E. Burns.Favorite movie or play: Pearl Harbor and Titanic.Activities when away from Glenn: I've umpired Little League softball for 30 years as well as some highschool basketball. I also still play softball on Lab (Aces).What do you see as an area of expertise to be proud of at Glenn: Some of the contracts I have managedover the past 40 years—including the recent rehab of the Main Cafeteria, replacing Underpass Road in 2001,numerous installations of research facilities/buildings—and last but not least, a member of the SpeakersBureau since 1970 with over 500 presentations during that time.

department is working with their Boardof Realtors to establish one for theunderserved youth in their community.These are just two examples of how theSEMAA/AEL program aids systemicreform—it becomes a communityresource to help its youth reach theirfull potential.

“The young people who participate inthis program will be the engineers,researchers, and computer experts oftomorrow,” said John Hairston, Glenn’sExternal Programs director. “The goal ofthis program is to inspire them to excel.The sky is the limit! “ �

Editor’s note: Affiliated ComputerServices, Inc. (ACS) teams have

supported the AEL as well as the MobileAeronautics Educational Laboratory(MAEL) since 1998. The AEL teamconsists of James Ely, Brent Pace, LorettaOley, Gerald Voltz, David Wyatt, andSteve Ondrusko. The MAEL team isFrank Wichter and Craig Frohman.Paragon TEC is a subcontractor for bothteams.

SEMAA/AELs bring technology within reachCONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

March 2002

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Volume 4 Issue 3 march 2002

AeroSpace Frontiersis recyclable!

National Aeronautics andSpace Administration

John H. Glenn Research CenterLewis Field21000 Brookpark RoadCleveland, Ohio 44135

TTTTT HIS event allows us to remembersomeone who devoted his life toworking on behalf of others—a chal-lenge for everyone at the Center,” saidCenter Director Donald Campbellduring opening remarks at the Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. Equality Recog-nition Ceremony held in the VisitorCenter on January 23.

Through his address: Martin: The Man,his Message, and the Mission, featuredspeaker Rev. Paul Hobson Sadler, Sr.offered insight into the legacy ofMartin Luther King Jr. Sadler, who ispresident and chairman of CreativeArts Ministries and adjunct professorof Religious Studies at Cleveland StateUniversity, stated that the challenge toany great organization is to risk unitywithout uniformity. He stressed theimportance of affirming an individual’sright to bring his or her unique gifts tothe table to effect change and to sharepower without feeling the need to besubmerged into one culture.

MLK awards affirmindividuality and unityBY S. JENISE VERIS Sadler applauded the

diversity exhibited in a brieffilm presentation preparedby Glenn’s Office of EqualOpportunity Programs(OEOP). The film cel-ebrated the MLK event anddocumented equal opportu-nity programs and awardsachieved on behalf of Glennover the past year.

Last year the MLK awardrecognized the vital roles thatselected members of the advisorygroups play in carrying out themission of Glenn’s OEOP. Thisyear, the awards recognized 43supervisors, nominated by past andpresent advisory group members.

Robert Romero, OEOP interim chief,noted that without the support of thesesupervisors, Glenn would not be ableto achieve a standard of excellence inequal opportunity. “It is my opinionthat Dr. King Jr. laid the foundation forequal opportunity and civil rights,” hesaid. “Therefore, it is the highest honorand award that I can give to recognizeindividuals around Dr. King’s holiday.” �

Photo by S. Jenise Veris

MLK Keynote Speaker Rev. Sadler (seated) tooktime after the event to interact with employees.He is pictured here autographing his latest book,Walk in the Light, for Kathleen Naugle, ComputerServices Division. Naugle is co-chair of theNative American Advisory Council.

Administrator O'Keefe gets acquainted with GlennFY03 budget begins process of discoveryFormer astonaut nominated as NASA deputy administratorOpportunities aboundPeople on the moveCenter sets record, achieves awards for CFCCenter, Cleveland welcome NASA's new administratorCenter, Cleveland welcome NASA's new administratorSEMAA/AELs spread across the countryOn the road againGlenn retires ACTS flagAn Xtraspecial event: Connect 4Behind the badgeMLK awards affirm individuality and unity