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ASK THE DIRECTOR .................... 2Employees electronically posequestions to the Director

YEAR IN REVIEW .......................... 6AeroSpace Frontiers highlightsnews and events from 2003

NEW CHIEF SCIENTIST................ 8Dr. Strazisar will work to buildtechnical competencies

AFRICAN HERITAGE .................... 12Employees share views onAfrican-American impact

Volume 6 Issue 2 February 2004

Continued on page 9

President Bush offers new vision for NASA

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Headquarters news release

Columbia crew memorialized on Mars

resident Bush has unveiled a new vi-sion for space exploration, calling onNASA to "gain a new foothold on theMoon and to prepare for new journeysto the worlds beyond our own."

In a speech at NASA Headquarters inWashington, DC, the President said thatthe "new course for America's space pro-gram would give NASA a new focus andclear objectives for the future."

"We do not know where this journey willend," said Bush, "yet we know this: Hu-man beings are headed into the cosmos."

The President's plan for steady humanand robotic exploration is based on aseries of goals.

First, he said, America will "finish what itstarted," completing the InternationalSpace Station by 2010. Research on the

station will be focused on studying thelong-term effects of space travel on hu-mans and preparing for the longer jour-neys of the future. After the station iscomplete, the space shuttle would beretired, after nearly 30 years of duty.

Second, the United States will begindeveloping a new manned explorationvehicle, called the Crew ExplorationVehicle (CEV). The first craft to explorebeyond Earth orbit since the Apollodays, CEV would be developed andtested by 2008 and conduct its firstmanned mission no later than 2014.Though its main purpose would be toleave Earth orbit, the vehicle would alsoferry astronauts to and from the Inter-national Space Station after the shuttlewas retired.

Headquarters news release

he signal of Spirit's safe arrival on Mars January 3 revived not only the scientists andengineers working round the clock but also an awaiting public eager to share the thrillof exploration. Spirit is the first of two Mars Explorer Rovers (MER) sent to explore itsbarren landscape to determine the Red Planet's suitability to sustain life.

Among the extraordinary images of itsnew surroundings transmitted by therover was the image of a memorialplaque to Columbia's astronauts and theSTS–107 mission. Mounted on the backof Spirit's high-gain antenna, the plaqueis aluminum and approximately 6 inchesin diameter. It was designed by ChrisVoorhees and Peter Illsley, MER engineersat NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and

Continued on page 9

This plaque, mounted on the back of Spirit'shigh-gain antenna, honors Columbia'sastronauts. The high-gain antenna is a toolused for communicating directly with Earth.

"Ask the Director"to premier on-line

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A primary objective of Center Director Dr. Julian Earls is effective com-munication. This encompasses not only communication regarding pro-grams and projects, but also the vast array of institutional and administrativeinformation critical to employees. As a tool to aid Center communication,the Director is implementing an "Ask the Director" feature, now availableon the Web IntraNet@Glenn (WING).

Employees can access the "Ask the Director" page by clicking the text linkunder "Corporate Focus." An online form is available to submit questions.The individual questioner will receive a response via e-mail and the questionand answer will be posted on the "Ask the Director" site. Employees shouldmonitor the Web page to access valuable information and to avoid submit-ting duplicate questions. Employees may also choose to send anonymousquestions in unmarked envelopes to the Internal Communication OfficerJim Giomini at MS 3–5. All questions should be concise.

The goal is to respond to questions within 7 working days. However, a highvolume or especially complex questions may require additional time. Inthis case, an acknowledgment will be posted that a response is pending.Employees are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity toimprove Center communication.

In support of Director Earls' communication effort, the AeroSpace Frontierswill publish some of the questions that have a Labwide focus in thenewsletter each month. �

HQ managementalignment

n a move designed to align the Agencywith the new exploration agendaoutlined by President George W. Bush,NASA Deputy Administrator FrederickD. Gregory announced a comprehen-sive restructuring of the offices withinHeadquarters in Washington.

The alignment impacts NASA manage-ment, the strategic Enterprises, andthe Agency's functional offices. The newalignment goes into effect immediatelyand reflects the new vision and the resultsof a comprehensive review of Headquar-ters operations, which first began whenGregory became Deputy Administratorin 2002.

"The changes are consistent with NASA'songoing responses to the managementand cultural issues addressed by theColumbia Accident Investigation Board,"said Gregory. "We live in a differentworld than we did just a few years ago,and our management structure shouldreflect the priorities and objectives ofour commitments."

Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Craig E.Steidle is the new Associate Administra-tor, Office of Exploration Systems, estab-lished to set priorities and direct theidentification, development, and valida-tion of exploration systems and relatedtechnologies. Users and technologistswill work together to enable a balancingof factors between requirements, pro-gram schedules, and costs.

Dr. J. Victor Lebacqz is the new AssociateAdministrator, Office of Aeronautics,which was previously known as the Of-fice of Aerospace Technology, where heserved as acting associate administrator.This Office was created to reflect NASA'scommitment to aviation research andaeronautics technologies for the Nation'scivil and defense interests.

The Office of the NASA Administratorwill be streamlined to allow for moreindependent leadership in areas vital tothe execution of NASA's vision and mis-

sion. Among the changes, four newindependent offices will be created.

The new offices include the Office ofChief Engineer to ensure Agency devel-opment efforts and mission operationsare planned and conducted usingsound engineering; the Office of Healthand Medical Systems to ensure thewell-being of the NASA workforce andto provide independent oversightauthority for healthcare, related researchand information; the Office of the Chief

Information Officer to manage Informa-tion Technology (IT) investments, leadthe development of an IT strategic plan,and create a roadmap to guide theAgency's IT programs and policies; andthe Office of Institutional and CorporateManagement to lead the oversight ofNASA's management systems, institu-tional, and corporate activities.

For more information about NASA andmanagement programs, visit http://www.nasa.gov. �

Headquarters news release

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Hardees and Carl Jr.'s share "cool" facts ardee's and Carl Jr.'s Cool Kids Combos meals now include fun NASA facts andcollectible space-theme toys that share NASA's devotion to exploration and discovery.The promotion runs through February 24 at participating restaurants. The toys aredesigned for children between the ages of 6 to 10. Four different collector cards, eachcovered with eye-catching graphics, will share facts about planets, NASA's missions,spacecraft, and discoveries. Action toys include a Mars rover vehicle; Cassini MeetsSaturn, a pullback Cassini spacecraft that orbits a model of Saturn; and a Cool CometMission flywheel spinner. Kids will also enjoy Space Flight, a double-sided puzzle. �

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Photo courtesy of NASA Langley

T he investigation of the Columbia trag-edy revealed the need for NASA toimprove its ability to verify engineeringand safety standards; share technicalinformation, practices, and talent; andindependently assess the ability to achievemission success.

To this end, last summer AdministratorSean O'Keefe announced the establish-ment of the NASA Engineering andSafety Center (NESC). As chartered, theNESC will provide independent technicalexpertise to evaluate problems andsupplement safety and engineering ac-tivities for Agency programs and projects.

Safety is a ‘One NASA’ endeavorThis is the fifth in a series of articles that feature an employee from each NASA centerwho has a "One NASA" story to share.

That is a big order. It is also a stimulatingOne NASA opportunity.

"The NESC will draw on the engineeringtalents of the best minds across theAgency's 10 field centers," said LangleyDirector Roy D. Bridges, Jr.

Administrator O'Keefe has taskedBridges with the development andstartup of the NESC.

"Roy's experience as an aviator andshuttle pilot and his intimate knowledgeof the intricate shuttle system and otheradvanced aerospace systems make himthe right person to lead this critical initia-tive," said O'Keefe.

By MARNEY SKORALangley Research Center

Langley Director Roy D. Bridges, Jr., has beencharged with the development and startupof the NASA Engineering and Safety Center.

errick Cheston, Thermal and Fluid Systems Design and Analysis Branch, hasbeen chosen as a NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) chief engineer.

"The role of a NESC chief engineer will evolve as the neworganization gets established," Cheston explained. "How-ever, my primary responsibility is to identify the technicalissues within the projects at the Center that the NESC canhelp resolve by providing independent technical assess-ments through testing and analysis. The NESC chief engi-neer is your avenue to identify any issue you feel needs asecond technical review."

While the NESC is finalizing the processes by which it willidentify and prioritize future technical assessments, core

discipline teams—called super problem resolution teams (SPRTs)—are beingformed across the Agency to be a ready source of expertise when the needarises. These teams will comprise experts from across the country and be led byNESC discipline specialists. Cheston will continue to foster the involvement ofGlenn expertise and facilities in these NESC SPRTs.

"We will focus on high-risk critical issues across the Agency and across variousprograms. The chief engineer will work to identify issues through proactiveinteraction with programs, projects, and performing organizations here atGlenn. I will work closely with the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorateas well as the Systems Management Office," Cheston said.

Cheston chosen as NESC chief engineer

Cheston

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Continued on page 8

The NESC will take policy directionfrom Bryan O'Connor, AssociateAdministrator for the Office of Safetyand Mission Assurance.

"In addition to NASA expertise, the NESCwill also tap the Nation's top experts inindustry, Department of Defense, na-tional laboratories, and universities," saidO'Connor. "We have a responsibility tomake our programs as safe and reliableas we know how. The NESC enables usto more completely fulfill our commit-ments for assessing risk and makingbetter risk acceptance decisions."

The NESC will provide centralized man-agement of independent engineeringassessment. NESC experts will use state-of-the-art tools and methods and willhave the benefit of adequate fundingto perform truly independent assess-ments and trend analysis. BecauseNASA will fund the NESC at the corpo-rate level, an unprecedented level ofindependence will exist.

The NESC does not relieve programmanagers from their responsibility for

4

FIRST Frenzy

New employees welcomed

Expanding fuel celldevelopment

Glenn's Office of Human Resources and Workforce Planning (OHR)hosted a New Employee Welcome Breakfast in the Main Cafeteria onDecember 9. Employees who have been hired, transferred, or convertedsince August 2002 enjoyed breakfast and conversation with some ofGlenn's senior executives. OHR Deputy Chief Rick Bailer providedwelcoming remarks. Center Director Dr. Julian Earls and Associate DirectorRobert Fails shared their excitement about and support for the new hires,encouraging them to take full advantage of the training and mentoringopportunities available at the Center. Pictured is Acting Director ofSpace Rudolph Saldana, standing and talking with new employees , left toright, Sue Kiley (8410), Jennifer Forde (0400), Karen Nussbaum (0410),and Trey Carlson (0400) at the breakfast.

C-2004-125 Photo by Marvin Smith

Members of the Electrochemistry Branch recentlyheld a ribbon-cutting ceremony to announce thecompleted construction of the Fuel Cell Test Facil-ity, building 334. Located next to the building 333annex, the facility will support the testing of high-power fuel cell systems for current and futureprojects in aeronautics and space. It houses threetest cells (1400 sq. ft. total area) and is designed totest complete fuel cell, electrolyzer, and regenera-tive fuel cell systems up to 25 kW. Over thefollowing months, the test cells will be set up toaccommodate hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogentube trailers that will permit unattended, continu-ous operation.

Pictured at left is Deputy Director of Researchand Development Dr. Jih Fen Lee andElectrochemistry Branch Chief Dr. Marla Perez-Davis awaiting the ribbon-cutting for the testcells. Pictured above, left to right, is LisaKohout (5420), Herman Ezell (7530/OWM),Thomas Hinshaw (7310), and David Herb(7350) looking at fuel cell-related hardware.

Photos by Christine BodiC-2004-182

C-2004-183

The Cleveland SEMAA Team consisting of nine middle schoolstudents recently competed in the FIRST (For the Inspiration andRecognition of Science and Technology) LegoTM Regional RoboticCompetition held at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton. Asecond-place finish, in a field of 33 teams participating in localcompetition, enabled the team to advance to the state-level compe-tition. The team successfully competed with their rover, McCORE,which stands for Mars, Crater, Canyon and Orbital Robot Explorer.

"FIRST Frenzy" is both the state of mind and name of the game domi-nating high school students and mentors gearing up for the 2004National FIRST Robotics competition. Sixty-three of these high-energyteams will test their robot and strategy by first competing in Cleveland'sBuckeye Regional to be held from March 25 to 27. Among the 31 NASA-sponsored competitors will be 15 local teams. For more informationon the event and participating schools, see www.firstbuckeye.org.

Pictured, left to right, are SEMAA Team members JeremyWhitson, Brian Munguia, James Horton, and Jake Youngpracticing assembly of their rover for one of the missions.

Photo courtesy of Cuyahoga Community College

FEBRUARY 2004

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ONSITE ASTRONAUT MEMORIAL:Glenn's onsite Visitor Center (VC) hasestablished an astronaut memorial in themain lobby. In remembrance of the Feb-ruary 1, 2003, STS–107 Space ShuttleColumbia tragedy, a book will be avail-able for visitors to share condolences andsupport during the month of February,which will be forwarded to the AstronautOffice in Houston. The VC will host twosessions,11 a.m and 1 p.m., of a weekendprogram entitled "Space Heroes"onFebruary 21. For details, contact theVC, 216–433–2000.

LESA MEETING: LESA/IFPTE, Local 28,will hold its next monthly membershipmeeting on Wednesday, February 11, atnoon in the Employee Center, room 101.

AFGE MEETING: AFGE Local 2182 will Dr. Jackson

hold its next monthly membershipmeeting on Wednesday, March 3, 2004,at 5 p.m. at Denny's Restaurant,25912 Lorain Road, North Olmsted.All members are encouraged to attend.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGEMONTH OBSERVANCE: Dr. BernicePowell Jackson, executive minister of theJustice and Witness Ministries for theUnited Church ofChrist, will be the fea-tured speaker for the2004 African-Ameri-can Heritage Monthprogram to be heldFebruary 10, from 9to 11 a.m. in the Ad-ministration BuildingAuditorium. An activ-ist on behalf of civil

� The Exchange Store will hold a Valentine's Day sale from Monday,February 9 through Friday, February 13. Save 20 percent off most itemsat the Exchange Store.

� On Thursday and Friday, February 12 and 13, the Exchange will hold anOlympia Candy Sale in the Main Cafeteria alcove from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Save10 percent off their retail store price.

� A lunch special will be served in the Main and DEB cafeterias from 11 a.m.to 2 p.m. on February 19 in honor of Black History Month.

Exchange Corner

rights, women's rights, and human rightsissues around the world for more than aquarter of a century, Jackson will speakto the theme of "Brown v. Board ofEducation (50th Anniversary)." This eventis sponsored by Glenn's Black Women'sAdvisory Group.

CONNECTING WITH ENGINEERS:Glenn is teaming with the Cleveland AreaNational Engineers Week (N.E.W.)Committee and local engineering firmsto present an Engineering Exposition atthe Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC)on February 21. The Expo kicks off N.E.W.from February 22 to 28, a week of activi-ties designed to celebrate the contribu-tions and the importance of maintaininga tradition of excellence in the field of en-gineering. Aided by resources presentedat Glenn's Educational Programs OfficeN.E.W. Speaker Workshop, 78 Glenn en-gineers along with other local engineerswill speak to over 7300 students in 88classrooms across Northeast Ohio.Highlighting the week is the annual N.E.W.Award Reception held February 27 atthe GLSC recognizing engineering pro-fessionals and students who have excelledin their fields. For more information, con-tact Glenn's Linda Little, 216–433–9071or visit the N.E.W. Web page at http://www.eweek.org.

CORRECTION: Dr. Mary Zeller, whowas recognized in the January issue,page 10, was incorrectly identified aschief of the Instrumentation andControls Division. Zeller is chief scientistof the Division.

Glenn role in President's visionIn a follow up to President George W. Bush's January 14 announcement of anew vision for space exploration, on January 21 Center Director Dr. Julian Earlsaddressed questions from the local media on this exciting challenge. Accom-panied by Deputy Director Rich Christiansen and Associate Director RobertFails, Earls expressed confidence that with Glenn's capabilities and trackrecord on performance the Center would play a significant role in supportingnew initiatives. The panel also affirmed that while the President has called forexpanded space exploration, aeronautical research would continue to be apriority for the Agency that Glenn will support. Pictured are members of thelocal media, left, John Mangels, The Plain Dealer; and Mark Meszoros, TheNews-Herald; along with Glenn's News Chief Lori Rachul, Center Director Dr.Julian Earls, and Deputy Director Rich Christiansen.

Photos by Quentin Schwinn

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Glenn managers stepped up to newpositions in 2003: Donald Campbell, SpecialProjects Office for Nuclear Power Systems;Dr. Julian Earls, Glenn Center Director; RichChristiansen, Glenn Deputy Director; andDr. Woodrow Whitlow, Deputy DirectorKennedy Space Center.

Dr. Whitlow

Dr. Earls

ChristiansenCampbell

The seven-member STS–107 crew of the SpaceShuttle Columbia, who visited the Center twiceto train on Glenn-developed hardware, lost theirlives February 1, 2003, on their way home fromtheir 16-day mission. Glenn sponsored eventson and offsite to remember the fallen heroes.

On August 26, 2003, Administrator SeanO'Keefe received the report of theColumbia Accident Investigation Board(CAIB). The report is the result of anindependent review of the Space ShuttleColumbia accident. Recommendationswill guide NASA in future space flightendeavors.

Seven laboratories in building 309 were refurbished to support research anddevelopment of electromechanical systems—specifically fuel cells and batteries thatprovide power and energy storage for NASA's aeronautics and space missions.

Glenn took the lead for the Inventing Flight Celebration,held from July 3 to July 20 in Dayton, OH. The event wasa centerpiece to a series of year-long activities commem-orating 100 years of powered flight. Through the supportof employees throughout the Agency, thousands ofpeople were exposed to NASA's efforts to continue theWright Brothers' legacy through technological advances.

Graphic by Jim Lucic

FEBRUARY 2004

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Some of Glenn's early pioneers gathered in Clevelandfrom October 10 to 12 for the National AdvisoryCommittee for Aeronautics (NACA) 10th reunion. Theevent included a visit to Glenn, where participantstoured several facilities.

NASA announced the launch window for the MarsExploration Rover (MER) in May, naming Glenn's Dr.Geoffrey Landis one of the mission scientists. The twinrovers Spirit and Opportunity landed on schedule inJanuary 2004!

Filmed in Cleveland, "Measurement, Ratios, andGraphing: Who Added the 'Micro' to Gravity," aprogram in the NASA CONNECT series, wasawarded a 2003 Emmy by The Cleveland Chapter ofthe National Academy of Television Arts andSciences. The episode featured Glenn's Dr. SandraOlson, highlighting microgravity research.

Proclaimed a National Historic Landmark in 1984, theRocket Engine Test Facility is recognized for its role inadvancing lightweight, regenerative-cooled hydrogen-fueled engines and for advancing propulsion technologyin NASA missions and programs. The closed facility wasdemolished in August 2003 to make way for theCleveland Hopkins Airport expansion.

With Glenn's successful completion of system integrationof an ion propulsion system in August 2003, the Nation isone step closer to being able to send science missions intofar reaches of the solar system with much greater ease.

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NESC will stresstechnical expertise

Continued from page 3

Dr. Strazisar namedGlenn's chief scientist

lthough Dr. Anthony Strazisar is passionate about his research,when he was asked to serve as Glenn's chief scientist it was acompelling opportunity to be a bridge between researchers andsenior staff.

"Strong communication between our senior management andscientists is crucial in recognizing and building on this Center'stechnical competencies. The chief scientist can play a key role inhelping senior staff respond both knowledgeably and quickly toresearch needs," explained Strazisar, who took on the role ofchief scientist in November.

In addition to serving as one of the Center Director's primary advisors on scientific andbasic research issues, Strazisar will counsel senior management and officials at otherlevels. And not only will he play a central role here, but he will act as a principalinterface between the Director and the international research community.

Strazisar began his career at Glenn as a research engineer in 1976, and has becomeinternationally known in the field of compressor fluid mechanics and experimentalmeasurement methods. Although Strazisar has held supervisory positions early in hiscareer, he continued to pursue his research on a daily basis. His experience as aresearcher has enabled him to establish close relationships with engineers and tech-nicians throughout the Center and maintain a realistic view of the demands of the workthat goes on in the field.

Under Center Director Dr. Julian Earls' leadership, the chief scientist position will beassigned on a rotational basis. Strazisar will serve as chief scientist for a period of 3 to5 years, at which time he will return to his research and a new chief scientist will beappointed. He replaces Dr. Marvin Goldstein, who served as chief scientist for25 years. Goldstein is returning to his research in the area of aeroacoustics.

"One of the most valuable actions we can take at this Center is to frequently take a freshlook at how well we accomplish our mission. This is one of the essential roles that acenter chief scientist can play for a research and technology organization," explainedDeputy Director Rich Christiansen. "Julian and I have decided that the chief scientistposition should become a rotational assignment to gain that fresh perspective. Theadditional benefit is that we do not keep our premier research scientists too long fromconducting noteworthy research."

"Tony comes to this position as one of the country's leading researchers. That, togetherwith his passion for how research is best accomplished made him the best choice forthis assignment. We expect Tony to make significant contributions to the Center'sstrategic planning and improvements in our research and technology work," he added.

Although Strazisar is knowledgeable about work in his own discipline, he is keenlyaware that he must learn a great deal more about the myriad technical activities takingplace throughout the Center.

"My goal is to get out and talk to division and branch chiefs and program managersto see what is happening on a Labwide basis so that I can maintain a fair andimpartial voice," Strazisar said. �

BY DOREEN B. ZUDELL

Asafety. Instead, NESC initiatives willcomplement the engineering and safetyefforts of programs and centers. TheNESC's credibility and its independentchain of command will assure consider-ation of all points of view on complextechnical issues.

The NESC will be based at the LangleyResearch Center, Hampton, VA, andwill have a management officeconsisting of approximately 30 to 40full-time employees.

Another 30 to 50 senior engineeringand safety experts will be located at thecenters but assigned full-time to theNESC. This workforce will be supple-mented through partnerships withexternal organizations.

Finally, "ready-experts" at each fieldCenter will be a vital part of the team.From across the Agency, 150 to 200experts in a variety of technical special-ties will be called upon for peer reviewand critique of flight rationale, missionrequirements, testing, trending, lessonslearned, and the like.

Bridges has chosen Ralph Roe as hisspecial assistant to develop the NESC'simplementation plan.

"It's a tremendous responsibility but astimulating opportunity," said Roe."While the NESC is one of several initia-tives in returning the shuttle to safeflight, its broader objectives includestrengthening and expanding theAgency's safety and mission assuranceand engineering disciplines for majorNASA programs. The NESC is a OneNASA effort that will involve all NASAfacilities and the top technical experts inNASA and our partner institutions." �

Dr. Strazisar

View AeroSpace Frontiersonline at

http://AeroSpaceFrontiers.grc.nasa.gov

FEBRUARY 2004

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C"Our third goal," Bush said, "is to return tothe Moon by 2020, as the launchingpoint for missions beyond." He pro-posed sending robotic probes to thelunar surface by 2008, with a humanmission as early as 2015, "with the goalof living and working there for increas-ingly extended periods of time."

Bush said lunar exploration could lead tonew technologies or the harvesting ofraw materials that might be turned intorocket fuel or breathable air.

"With the experience and knowledgegained on the Moon," he said, "we willthen be ready to take the next steps ofspace exploration: human missions to

Mars and toworlds be-yond."

The proposedfunding forthe new ex-ploration ini-tiative willtotal $12 bil-lion over thenext 5 years,

with much of it coming from reallocationof $11 billion within NASA's current5-year budget. The President called onCongress to increase the Agency's bud-get by roughly $1 billion spread over thenext 5 years.

The President also announced the forma-tion of a commission, headed by formerSecretary of the Air Force Pete Aldrich, toadvise him on the implementation of thenew vision.

Bush closed by acknowledging the sacri-fices of fallen astronauts and looking tothe future.

"We choose to explore space becausedoing so improves our lives and lifts ournational spirit," Bush said. "So let us con-tinue the journey." �

President Bushon NASA

Dr. Earls commemoratesastronauts through painting

enter Director Dr. Julian Earlsrecently teamed up with localartist Ann Vandervelde and pro-duced a painting entitled Colum-bia: Hope, Joy & Inspiration,commemorating the lives of theastronauts of the Space ShuttleColumbia. The collaboration waspart of the American DiabetesAssociation's (ADA) third annualCelebrity Art Auction Gala, afundraiser that links local celebri-ties with local artists.

During Glenn's Silver SnoopyAwards Luncheon last Novem-ber, representatives from theADA recognized Director Earlsfor his involvement and the auc-tion of his painting at thefundraiser. During the luncheon, thecouple who purchased the artwork, Jennyand Trevor Jones of Bratenahl, donated itto NASA. The painting currently resides inGlenn's Administration Building lobby.The painting may eventually be part of anational memorial located near theSpace Shuttle Challenger memorialwithin Virginia's Arlington Cemetery.

This fundraiser had another NASA con-nection as well. Local photographer,Linda M. Ford, wife of Bill Ford, Informa-

BY DOREEN B. ZUDELL

tion Systems Division, donated her ser-vices to photograph all 10 celebrity-artistteams. Some other business and commu-nity celebrities who teamed up with art-ists for ADA this year included CountyCommissioner Jimmy Demora, ClevelandMagazine publisher Frank Bird, and EllenStern Mavec, chief executive officer ofPotter and Mellen, Inc. The teams craftedeverything from sculptures to paintings.Buyers bid on the artwork in a liveauction, raising a total of $115,000 forthe ADA. �

attached March 28, 2003, at the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA'sKennedy Space Center. In addition, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe announced thearea in the vast flatland of the Gusev Crater where Spirit landed will be called theColumbia Memorial Station.

"During this time of great joy for NASA, the MER team and the entire NASA familypaused to remember our lost colleagues from the Columbia mission. To venture intospace, into the unknown, is a calling heard by the bravest, most dedicated individuals,"said O'Keefe. "As team members gazed at Mars through Spirit's eyes, the Columbiamemorial appeared in images returned to Earth, a fitting tribute to their own spirit anddedication. Spirit carries the dream of exploration the brave astronauts of Columbiaheld in their hearts."

Spirit's twin, Opportunity, which reached Mars on January 25, began a similar examina-tion of a site on the opposite side of the planet. �

Spirit holds tribute to Columbia

Photo by Linda's Lenses

Continued from page 1

Center Director Dr. Julian Earls teamed up with localartist Ann Vandervelde and produced a paintingentitled Columbia: Hope, Joy & Inspiration,commemorating the lives of the astronauts of the SpaceShuttle Columbia.

Continued from page 1

President George W. Bush

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AeroSpace Frontiers is an official publication ofGlenn Research Center, National Aeronauticsand Space Administration. It is published thefirst Friday of each month by the Communityand Media Relations Office in the interest ofthe Glenn workforce, retirees, governmentofficials, business leaders, and the generalpublic. Its circulation is approximately 6700.

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 theMarch issue must be received by noon,February 13. The deadline for the Aprilissue is noon, March 12. Submit contri-bu t ions to the ed i to r v ia e -ma i l ,doreen.zudell@grc.nasa.gov, fax 216–433–

8143, phone 216–433–5317 or 216–433–2888,or MS 3–11. Ideas for newsstories are welcome butwill be published as spaceallows. View us online athttp://AeroSpaceFrontiers.grc.nasa.gov.

Wil l iam "Bi l l "Nieberding , 68,who served 36years at the Cen-ter, recently died.Nieberding workedas deputy chief ofthe Instrumentationand Controls Divi-sion prior to his re-tirement in 1995. He was nationally recog-nized as an authority in the developmentof advanced instrumentation used in aero-nautics and space research for which hereceived a NASA Exceptional ServiceMedal. For his outstanding contributionsto Glenn's power experiments on the firstMars rover, Sojourner (1997), his namewas among a select few on a plaque elec-tronically stored on the rover that remainsa permanent resident on the surface ofMars. He is survived by his wife, two chil-dren, and two brothers including John J."Joe", who once headed the AdvancedSpace Analysis Office and retired in 1999.

Robert "Bob" Nagy, 72, who served 27years at the Center, recently died. Nagywas an electronic system mechanicleader in the Test Installation Divisionprior to his retirementin 1981. Nagy wasan accomplishedaccordionist who,over two generationsof employees, per-formed at many ofthe NACA/NASAmixer dances andpicnics. He was amember of theTwilight group.

Robert K. Manning, 86, who had 28 yearsof Federal service, recently died. Manningserved as a supervisory inventory manage-ment specialist in the InstrumentationDivision. He was also known for his skilledwatch repair through what is now knownas the Exchange Store.

Nieberding

The Office of Aerospace Technologyproudly announces patents recentlyawarded to the following Glenn re-searchers for innovative and low-costtechnology.

U.S. Patent No. 6,647,809 titled "SiliconCarbide High Temperature Anemom-eter and Method for Assembling theSame" was awarded to the team of Dr. Robert Okojie, George Saad, and Gus Fralick.This sensor technology has already been adopted by the Air Force for their high-temperature, high-load, and high-impact ammunition testing.

U.S. Patent No. 6,660,110 titled "The Dual Microstructure Heat Treatment Process"was awarded to the team of Dr. John Gayda, Dr. Timothy Gabb,,,,, and Pete Kantzos.It is a new method that enables production of super-alloy turbine disks with a dual grainat a significantly lower cost.

Patents

U.S. Patent No. 6, 667,725 titled “RadioFrequency Telemetry System for Sensorsand Actuators” was granted to Dr. RaineeSimons and Dr. Felix Miranda. This in-vention integrates radio frequency (RF)technology with novel micro-inductor/antennas and signal processing circuitsfor wireless transmitted data frommicrolectromechanical(MEMS)-basedimplantable sensors. This technology isapplicable to aerospace, but is particu-larly useful in the biomedical area.

Promotions

Catherine Peddie was selected deputydirector of the Systems ManagementOffice. Since joining Glenn in 1991, sheserved as assistant manager of the Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology ProgramOffice, led the formulation and estab-lishment of the Turbine-Based CombinedCycle program and the High Speed Re-

Peddie Schabes

Continued on page 11

Dr. Okojie

Saad

Dr. Gabb Kantzos Dr. Miranda

Dr. Simons

Nagy

11

a closer look at our colleagues

Paul Antczak

FEBRUARY 2004

I want to thank all my NASA Glennfriends for their prayers, phone calls,e-mails, cards, and donations to theAlzheimers Association in honor of thepassing of my mother, Esther Mayle.

—Cindy Briggs-Babuder

I don't know how I would have made itthrough the numerous medical issues anddeaths of family members this past yearwithout the compassion of my friends atGlenn. Your cards, donations, and espe-cially your words of support are sincerelyappreciated. —Mike Lupton

I would like to thank all my friends andcoworkers for their sympathy, prayers,cards, and friendship during the suddenpassing of my brother. Your kindnessduring this difficult time for me and myfamily was truly appreciated. —Linda Norberg

We wish to express our gratitude to ev-eryone here at NASA for your sympathyupon the passing of our father. Thankyou for all the flowers and gifts. We willbe making a donation to Hospice of theWestern Reserve. Your thoughtfulness,prayers, and kindness are truly appreci-ated during this difficult time for bothof us and our families. —Louis Bernhardt and Irene Reitenbach

The family of Wayne Girard wishes toextend a warm thank you to all those whoremembered him with emails, cards,phone calls, and gifts during his illnessand to those who honored him in deathwith many forms and expressions of sym-pathy. Our sincere thanks to all of you. —The Girard Family

Job Assignment: I am currently a buildingmanager of three research buildings—301,302, and 309. I have been an aircrafttechnician for 15 years and a flight crew chieffor NASA 5 aircraft.

Time at NASA: I am 6 months shy of 30 years.

Describe your family: My 19-year-old daugh-ter, Amy, is currently studying at GannonUniversity to become a physician assistant.My son, Brad, is a 17-year-old senior at HolyName High School and is looking forward tocollege next year to study computer engi-neering. My wife, Mandy, and I have beenmarried for 25 years. She is currently work-ing at Liverpool Elementary School.

Favorite quote: "Hang on to your Dreams. One of the secrets of life is to makestepping stones out of stumbling blocks."—Jack Penn

Dream job: My dream job involves time spent in a lot of cold, white stuff. I enjoyskiing and snowboarding and I would love to make this hobby a job at a ski resortin the Rockies. Because this is a dream, I would also work at the airport that hostedair shows with vintage and modern aircraft right next to the ski resort.

Social activities at Glenn: I have been a member of the Lewis Ski Club for 20 yearsand have served as a trip coordinator.

Hobbies/interests outside of NASA: As previously mentioned in my dream job,I enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, and hopefully one day telemarking.Telemarking is a nontraditional form of skiing. I also raise Christmas and hard-wood trees on 3 acres of my property in Litchfield. I grow spruce, firs, and pineavailable for sale during December. I also grow beautiful maple, oak,ornamental crabapple, and flowering cherry hardwood trees that are availablethroughout the year. When I am not busy with the tree farm, I enjoy watching mychildren participate in sports, participating in the choir at the St. Martin of Toursparish in Valley City, and repairing any type of machinery. During the summer Ienjoy gardening.

Food temptations: Food is my weakness. I love my wife's cooking and I'm asucker for home-cooked Italian meals just like my grandmother used to makeme when I was a child. I also like Mexican and Chinese food.

Stress buster: When times get tough, I turn to exercise. Running and yoga areespecially useful in lowering my stress level.

Harvey Schabes was named systems man-agement lead, Systems Management Of-fice. He previously served the Office asspace program lead for the alignment and

integration of the Space Program initia-tives with Center programs and goals. Sincejoining Glenn in 1983, Schabes served theSpace Station Office in a variety of leadpositions and gained valuable experience

through the USDA Executive Potential Pro-gram as well as three NASA Headquartersdetails. Schabes is a member of the GlennSpeakers Bureau and the Review Board ofAcademy Sharing Knowledge Magazine.search Phase II-A Engine Technology

Demonstration Program. She has alsoserved as project manager in themicrogravity and space station programs.Prior to her NASA career, she served asa U.S. Air Force flight commander.

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Volume 6 Issue 2 February 2004

AeroSpace Frontiersis recyclable!

National Aeronautics andSpace Administration

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

African-American Heritage MonthFebruary 2004

I

Mayes

Sefcik Thai

n recognition of African-American Heritage Month, AeroSpace Frontiers polledseveral employees on this question:

What person or event do you think has been (or will be) a source of significant impactin African-American history, locally or nationally?

Lori Manthey, Office of the Director. I admire Congresswoman Stephanie TubbsJones and Cuyahoga Community College President Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton for theirintelligence and influence in the economic and educational development of ourcommunity and also as positive role models to inspire young women.

Linda Mayes, Space Flight Project Office. National Public Radio and late nighttelevision host Tavis Smiley is my hero! He has become one of the most importantpolitical voices on behalf of Black America. His daily commentary usually focuses onbusiness and public issues that have awakened all of America to our value and inspiredpride and participation, particularly voter registration, in our communities.

Robert Sefcik, Systems Management Office. The assassination of Dr. Martin LutherKing propelled the civil rights movement forward. Unfortunately, most Americanswere slow to embrace the message that he was trying to convey until he was gone.

Phouc Thai, Risk Management Office. If I'm limited to one, I have to pick the event that happened onDecember 1, 1955, when Miss Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus. I bow and tip my hat to herfor courage, principle, and leadership in performing such a risk-taking act!

Raymond Williams, Aviation Environments Technical Branch. Marcus Garvey recognized the strength ofBlack Americans and devoted his efforts to teaching self-reliance and pride in our African heritage. I'm inspiredby his call to action: "Africa for the Africans, those home and abroad. Up! Up! You mighty race. You canaccomplish what you will!"

Manthey

Williams