National Aeronautics andSpace AdministrationGlenn Research CenterCleveland, Ohio 44135–3191 FS–2004–08–009–GRC

The men and women of the NASA John H. GlennResearch Center at Lewis Field have, since 1941, beenthe pioneers and innovators whose work has expandedhorizons and opened frontiers for our explorers in airand space. The Centerdevelops critical capa-bilities that addressnational prioritiesthrough research, tech-nology development,and systems develop-ment for safe and reliableaeronautics, aerospace,and space applications.Glenn’s efforts arefocused in power, pro-pulsion, communica-tions, and microgravityscience.

Building upon theknowledge and experi-ence that have fueledmany of the greatachievements of NASA, the world-class research atthe Glenn Research Center today addresses the tech-nology needs of the future. What is more, NASA Glenntransfers much of the technology developed from thatresearch to U.S. industry. Whether it is about new clean,efficient, renewable energy from batteries and fuelcells, understanding soot formation in combustion pro-cesses for industrial and environmental benefits, or howto reduce aircraft noise, this knowledge-expandingresearch is the engine that helps bring about NASA’smissions and spark the American economy.

Pioneering Spirit

In groundbreaking ceremonies held at the site inCleveland, Ohio, on January 23, 1941, the NationalAdvisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) estab-

lished its third aeronau-tics research facility,the Aircraft EngineResearch Laboratory.The laboratory’s initialmission was to advanceAmerican engine devel-opment to keep stridewith the Europeans.Some of the laboratory’searly tasks were to helpin the World War IIeffort by developing acooling system for theB–29 Super-Fortressand by studying aircrafticing to help planes fly“the hump” over theHimalayas into China.

In the late 1940s, the Cleveland laboratory wasrenamed first the Flight Propulsion ResearchLaboratory then, following the death of NACAaeronautics pioneer George W. Lewis in 1948, theLewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory. The changemarked the transition from a laboratory limited to air-craft engines to one free to explore all areas propul-sion research.

Expanding Horizons and Opening FrontiersThe Glenn Research Center:

NASA Facts

Before most people realized that the Space Age wasdawning, engineers and scientists at the Lewis labora-tory were pioneering rocket-engine and fuels research.The lab first began work with liquid hydrogen as ahigh-powered rocket fuel in 1945. That pioneeringwork lead, after another name change, to one of itsmost significant achievements thus far—the develop-ment of the Centaur rocket, the most powerful upperstage in the U.S. space program.

The U.S. space program began in earnest in 1958 whenthe U.S. Space Act dissolved NACA and created in itsplace the National Aeronautics and Space Adminis-tration. The Lewis laboratory became part of the foun-dation of the new agency and was renamed the LewisResearch Center.

In 1963, the Lewis Center successfully launched itsfirst Atlas/Centaur rocket. And for the next 35 years,Lewis experts managed the launch of the Atlas/Centaur and Titan/Centaur booster vehicles and theAgena upper-stage rockets. Those launches sent to thesky weather and communications satellites and plan-etary exploration spacecraft, such as Surveyor, Pioneer,Viking, and Voyager, which studied the Moon, Mars,and the outer planets. All together, Lewis managedmore than 119 unmanned launches.

The Centaur technology developed in those early dayswas used in the upper stages of the Saturn V rockets,which propelled the Apollo Lunar landing missions,and in the Space Shuttle Main Engines, all with thecontinued involvement of Lewis experts.

The expertise gained in large part from the manyground-based, low-gravity studies ofhydrogen fuel, lead, in the 1990s, toLewis becoming NASA’s leader in themicrogravity research areas of fluid phys-ics and combustion science.

NASA Lewis’ work was always broaderthan propulsion. As new opportunitiesand challenges arose in space explorationand in the Nation, the Center conductedresearch in commercial communicationstechnology and space electrical power.

When existing frequencies for televisionand other satellite transmissions servicesbegan to fill up, Lewis researchers ap-plied technology from its early researchwith electric propulsion to invent a high-

efficiency, high-powered transmitting tube. The newtube’s increased efficiency and reliability greatly low-ered transmission costs, opened up a new communi-cations band, and allowed for new applications suchas direct-to-home television broadcast and transmis-sions to remote areas.

When NASA’s ambitious mission planners neededgood, reliable electricity for their missions within thesolar system, the Center contributed many advancesin solar cells, fuel cells, and other then exotic electri-cal power sources for use in space. And when in the1970s the Nation became very concerned about theuse and availability of energy, the Center applied itsexpertise to those terrestrial environmental concerns.Aeronautics and space systems and techniques wereused to improve alternative energy sources such as windturbines and solar cells.

Despite these new and exciting research areas, theCenter never forgot its first mission: aircraft enginedevelopment. With increases in commercial aviationtraffic, jet engines abounded, but early commercial jetengines were noisy and inefficient. The 1970s and1980s energy crises and increased environmentalawareness brought demands for cleaner, quieter, andmore fuel efficient aircraft engines. The Center and itsindustry partners responded with programs such as theAdvanced Turboprop and the Energy Efficient Engineand developed retrofit techniques that allowed exist-ing engines to be made quieter.

In March 1999, the Center was formally renamed theJohn H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field.The new name honors John H. Glenn, Jr., the first

NASA Glenn celebrates its renaming on May 7, 1999.

American to orbit the Earth and longtime U.S. Sena-tor from Ohio who made history again in October 1998by returning to space at the age of 77. The designationof the historic site upon which the Center is built asLewis Field celebrates the legacy of George W. Lewis.As the Center’s aerospace achievement continues, theGlenn Research Center remains on the critical path toachievements in the air and in space.

Innovating Tomorrow’s Engines

During the 20th century, new methods of transporta-tion transformed our society, dramatically enhancingboth national security and economic growth. Todayaviation is an indispensable part of our Nation’s trans-portation system, providing unequaled speed, mobil-ity, and freedom of movement for people and goods.But aviation is facing significant challenges. NASAGlenn researchers are working with the aviationindustry to address the issues of a safer, more secure,efficient, and environmentally friendly air transporta-tion system. Glenn continues to be the world leader inaeropropulsion research and technology developingrevolutionary propulsion systems that are intelligent,whisper quiet, structurally integral to the vehicles, andclean and lean with near-zero emissions.

Glenn pursues theseobjectives in specificareas of research includ-ing materials, structures,internal fluid mechanics,and instrumentation,controls, and systems.Through computer pro-grams and mathematicalanalyses, the Centerexplores the overall per-formance and economicpotential of advancedand unconventional pro-pulsion systems, includ-ing turbine engines, allvarieties of intermittentcombustion engines,electric engines, hybridengines, and all othertypes of engines appli-cable to future genera-tions of air and spacevehicle systems.

Flying More Safely

For all aircraft operating in cold climates, whetherin flight or preparing to take off, ice is an ever-presentthreat. Ice formation decreases lift. This loss of liftcan cause the pilot to lose control of the aircraftand could even result in a crash. NASA Glenn studiesice formation on aircraft surfaces in its Icing Research Tunnel and aboard research aircraft thatintentionally fly into hazardous winter weather.The Center has helped develop revolutionary tech-niques for protecting aircraft from ice formation andtraining for pilots to handle problems resulting fromunavoidable ice formation.

A fundamental part of NASA’s commitment to safetyis expanding our knowledge about the technology offlight. From aircraft to the environment and commu-nications, NASA Glenn studies all aspects of flight todevelop safer aircraft and flight techniques. TheCenter’s ongoing research is geared to developing saferflights through a greater understanding of how planesand pilots perform in adverse weather conditionsand getting pilots the most up-to-date informationincluding weather conditions.

NASA Glenn’s DHC–6 Twin Otter conducts research into aircraft inflight icing.

Power To Go Beyond

NASA’s space propulsion research explores and devel-ops transportation technologies for orbital transfer mis-sions and solar systems exploration. Glenn performsresearch on technology to improve travel in and beyondlow Earth orbit, including electric propulsion systems,cryogenic fluid management systems, lightweight com-ponents, and system and mission analysis. NASA Glennscientists and engineers are developing the breakthroughtechnologies that will enable future NASA missions,decrease trip times, and reduce the weight of the propul-sion systems required in order to expand America’sability to explore and understand our universe.

NASA’s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT)system was developed by NASA Glenn and built onthe four decades of ion propulsion research conductedat the Center and the successful flight of Deep Space1. NEXT has capabilities beyond conventional chemi-cal propulsion and will revolutionize the way we sendscience missions deeper into the solar system. Thisadvanced system will use electrical power to ionizethe xenon gas and electrically accelerate the ions athigh speed as an exhaust that pushes the spacecraft inthe opposite direction.

The Center continues to support exploration of the solarsystem by providing new technologies that expand ourability to explore and gain knowledge of the universe.Initial thrust testing of the High Power ElectricPropulsion (HiPEP) ion engine in a vacuum chamberat Glenn recently marked the first in a series of perfor-mance tests to demonstrate new high-velocity and high-power thrust needed for use in nuclear electric propulsionapplications. HiPEP is one of several candidate propul-

sion technologies under study by NASA’s ProjectPrometheus for possible use on the first proposed flightmission, the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter.

Unlocked Mysteries

NASA’s Office of Biological and Physical Researchcreates unique cross-disciplinary research programs,bringing the basic sciences of physics, biology, andchemistry together with a wide range of engineeringdisciplines. NASA Glenn leads the efforts in themicrogravity science disciplines of fluid physics, com-bustion science, and acceleration measurement.Conducting research in a microgravity environmentgives researchers a unique opportunity to study the truenature of processes, materials, and new technologieswithout having to consider the effects of Earth’sgravity. For example, although combustion provides85 percent of the United States’ energy production, itis still not well understood. Improving our understand-ing of combustion at its most fundamental level couldlead to breakthroughs in fire safety, fuel efficiency, andpollution control here on Earth.

The Glenn microgravity program begins with ground-based low-gravity experiments in the Center’s droptowers or NASA’s KC–135 aircraft, and proceeds whenrequired to space shuttle or International Space Stationexperiments. Almost every space shuttle science missionhas had an experiment managed by Glenn, along with awide array of similar experiments on the InternationalSpace Station. Currently, Glenn researchers are prepar-ing the new Fluids and Combustion Facility for launchto the International Space Station that will enable anunprecedented quality and quantity of research onfluids and combustion in microgravity.

NASA’s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) undergoes testingin the Electric Propulsion Laboratory.

A candle burning in Earth’s gravity (left) and in microgravity.

A Powerful Future

With decades of experience in designing, building, andtesting space power systems, NASA Glenn has devel-oped systems that provide power to the InternationalSpace Station, orbiting vehicles, and spacecraft thattravel throughout the solar system. Engineers at Glennhave combined state-of-the-art electrical designs withcomplex computer-aided analyses to develop some oftoday’s most advanced power systems.

Glenn continues to develop power system technologyto help expand NASA’s horizon of discovery and revo-lutionize the aerospace industry by conducting researchin solar power generation, energy storage and conver-sion, and power management and distribution.The Center is leading research to develop lithium-basedpolymer electrolyte batteries that will reduce the massand volume of space power systems and that canenable missions operating at high and low tempera-ture extremes. Proton Exchange Membrane fuel celltechnology and next-generation fuel cell concepts arealso being explored for space vehicle applications andfor aircraft power and propulsion systems.

Advanced Communications

Today’s information-based culture would not bepossible without the vital links provided by satellites.The cutting edge of this critical communications tech-nology is being shaped at Glenn, where researchersare developing innovative technology products that willenable the next generation of NASA space missionsto have broad coverage, continuous presence, andcoverage for high data rate delivery from ground, air,and space-based assets directly to the user, creating avirtual presence throughout the solar system. Glenn’sefforts will serve to shrink the apparent limitations ofdistance and time.

The Center’s development of the Advanced Com-munications Technology Satellite (ACTS) began the revo-lution in space-based, broadband communications. ACTSproved that Ka-band transmission is feasible and offeredmany advantages over other frequency bands. Newtechnologies that were validated included a multibeamantenna with high-gain, hopping spot beams, onboardprocessing, wideband (900 MHz) transponders, and rainfade compensation. The ACTS experiments program hadover 150 organizations conduct more than 100 experi-ments in 31 states and 6 foreign countries. Glenn shutdown ACTS on April 28, 2004, after more than 10 yearsof highly successful on-orbit operations.

NASA Glenn is making significant contributions to the International Space Station.

The 10- by 10-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel is one of five wind tunnels at NASA Glenn.

World-Class Facilities

The Glenn Research Center main site, Lewis Field, isa 350-acre campus, adjacent to Cleveland HopkinsInternational Airport. Lewis Field comprises over150 buildings that contain a unique collection of world-class facilities. Key aeronautics facilities include fivewind tunnels, the Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Labora-tory, the Engine Components Research Laboratory, thePropulsion Systems Laboratory, and the EngineResearch Building. The Flight Research Building(Hangar) supports aircraft research operations forGlenn’s aeronautics, microgravity, solar cell, andicing research.

Several Lewis Field facilities are used to simulate thespace environment. These include the Electric Propul-sion Laboratory, the 2.2-Second Drop Tower, and theZero Gravity Research Facility. Spaceflight operationsare supported by the Space Experiments Laboratory,the Telescience Support Center, and ground stationsfor satellites. A Fabrication Shop, the Research Analy-sis Center, and a variety of other operational facilitiessupport all of the facilities.

NASA Glenn also includes the 6400-acre Plum BrookStation near Sandusky, Ohio, 50 miles west of Cleve-land. The primary facilities there are the HypersonicTunnel Facility, Space Power Facility, the SpacecraftPropulsion Research Facility, and the CryogenicPropellant Tank Facility.

Since the groundbreaking at Cleveland on January 23,1941, more than $646 million has been invested in theCenter’s capital plant. The estimated replacement costis over $2 billion. While some facilities have beenoperational since 1944, all have been outfitted withhighly complex mechanical, electrical, and dataacquisition devises. The work done in Glenn’s unique,world-class facilities continues to push technology toits limits and breaks through to new levels of explora-tion and invention.

Superior Staff

Looking back on Glenn’s long and varied history ofsignificant contributions to advances in aeronautics andspaceflight, it is easy to fix our focus on technologicalmarvels or on the exploits of the heroes who broke the

sound barrier and walked on the Moon. Behind themhave been thousands of dedicated people, experts intheir technical fields and crafts and in project manage-ment. Today, over 3200 people staff Glenn, includingcivil servants and support service employees. Overhalf of them are scientists and engineers, who plan,conduct, oversee, and report on the research tasks andprojects of the Center. Technical specialists, skilledworkers, and administrative staff assist them.

Leading experts and innovators—and many ofAmerica’s brightest young engineers and scientists—have joined the Glenn community. Partnerships withuniversities and industry create a rich exchange ofknowledge. Glenn Research Center’s collaborativerelationships with the other NASA centers makes ita vital part of an extraordinary “One NASA” team—a team that is applying their many unique capabilitiesin the pursuit of expanding the frontiers of airand space.

Titan/Centaur shroud jettison testing at Plum Brook’s SpacePower Facility.

Recognized Leadership

While all technical roads may not lead to NASA Glenn,many certainly emanate from the Center, its facilities,laboratories, and researchers. Glenn experts areregularly requested to sit on technology review boardsand consult with other government agencies andindustry in their areas of expertise. Glenn’s testingfacilities are used by our industry partners and byinternational space agencies. The amazing success ofNASA Glenn’s work has garnered the Center numer-ous awards including an Emmy, a Collier Trophy, and89 Research & Development Magazine’s IR–100awards, which the Chicago Tribune has called“the Oscars of invention.”

Improved Life and Living

Although thoughts about Glenn may conjure imagesof satellites, rocket ships, and high-tech jet engines,the Center has contributed to some very down-to-Earth products. Glenn has assisted hundreds ofcompanies in turning aerospace technologies intomarketable products. One recent example isa method to quickly clean the surface of paintingsevenly and without touching the painting. Thetechnique uses atomic oxygen, like that found inlow-Earth-orbit, to create a chemical reaction thatlifts smoke damage and dirt from paintings.

Along with the everyday and artistic marvels, Glennhas had considerable impact in more critical indus-tries as well. Glenn’s contributions to medicine haverevolutionized diagnoses, research, treatment, andsurgeries. For example, Glenn helped the ClevelandClinic design a permanently implantable, artificial heartpump—the Innovative Ventricular Assist System.The pump takes over for the heart's damaged leftventricle, the part that does most of the pumping.

Inspiring the Next Generation ofExplorers

To ensure America’s place as a technology leader,NASA Glenn recognizes the vital importance ofpreparing tomorrow’s engineers and scientists. Air andspaceflight have the unique ability to inspire youngminds. Using this interest as a foundation, NASAGlenn has created many programs that encourage

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students to explore and understand science and tech-nology. Ultimately, it is hoped that by engaging thesestudents during their academic lives, they will take upscience and technology as a career.

New Horizons

The Glenn Research Center drives the engine ofinnovation. The Center’s expertise continues to be criti-cal to NASA’s future missions in air and space. Asprivate and commercial aviation expands, NASA Glennwill propel aircraft to new standards of performanceand efficiency. With a new vision for exploring oursolar system, NASA Glenn engineers and scientists areready to pursue breakthrough technologies in advancedpower, propulsion and communications to enablehuman and robotic missions to the Moon and beyond.

For more informationInformation and Publications Office

NASA Glenn Research CenterCleveland, Ohio 44135

216–433–5573

Visit the NASA Glenn home page atwww.grc.nasa.gov

Heart pump developed with the Cleveland Clinic.