SEPTEMBER 2004

HOW'S THE WEATHER? .............. 3Weather-prediction technologymarks 25th anniversary

TOY WORKSHOP ........................ 9Summer students mix technologywith outreach for children

HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE? ..... 12Employees share activities relatedto Hispanic Heritage Month

Volume 6 Issue 9 September 2004

Associate Administrator for Aeronautics Research Dr. J. Victor Lebacqzassisted in bestowing 28 medals—the Agency's highest award—to employeesduring the Glenn 2004 NASA Honor Awards Ceremony on September 1.

Dr. Lebacqz presents 2004 Honor Awards

Transformation

Ward named Glenn's new CFO lenn Center Director Dr. Julian Earls appointed Bruce E. Wardto the position of chief financial officer, effective July 26. Wardjoins Glenn from the Department of Treasury, Financial Manage-ment Service in Washington, DC, where he served as comptrollerand deputy chief financial officer.

"Mr. Ward possesses a strong and balanced experience inFederal financial management and budgeting acquired fromvarious leadership positions at both Federal Government andprivate industry entities," Dr. Earls said. "He is a good communi-

cator and strong team builder with high integrity. He is a welcomed addition to theSES corps at Glenn."

Prior to his tenure with the Department of Treasury, Ward served with the Farm CreditAdministration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), inaddition to 16 years audit experience in public accounting and in commercial banking.

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Ward

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Distinguished Service

Dr. Christos C. ChamisFor distinguished service and pioneeringcontributions to the aerospace arenathrough forward-thinking research

Exceptional Achievement

Dr. Samuel A. AlterovitzFor pioneering experimental and analyti-cal research in the characterization ofelectronic materials for satellite commu-nications applications, specifically invariable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometryand magnetoresistance methods

Continued on page 6

NASA's transformation fundamentallyrestructures its Strategic Enterprisesinto Mission Directorates for a moreintegrated approach to sciencerequirements, management, andimplementation of systems develop-ment and exploration missions. See story on page 2

Raymond F. BeachFor exceptional service in the advocacyand development of aerospace flywheeltechnology

Robert J. BuehrleFor numerous technical achievementsand for shaping the technical strategyand approach to advance NASA aero-space technology

Dr. Danny P. HwangFor outstanding capabilities as an inno-vator in fundamental fluid flow

Dr. Meng-Sing LiouFor the developmentof an innovative newmethod that allows efficient and accu-rate simulation of multiphase flows

Konstantinos S. MartzaklisFor outstanding management of theWeather Accident Prevention Project,which resulted in significant accident pre-vention technologies to increase thesafety of the flying public

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NASA Transformation in effectThese changes represent the next step in following therecommendations of the President's Commission onImplementation of the U.S. Space Exploration Policy.

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ou are invited to visit the newlylaunched NASA Engineering Training(NET) Web site at http://net.larc. nasa.gov.The NET Web site will provide NASAengineers with information and links tothe training and career- development re-sources necessary for success. The sitewill also serve as a forum for news, discus-sions, lessons, and strategies.

The site includes information (sponsoredby NET through NASA Headquarters)about the engineering training thatis available to the NASA engineeringcommunity, including a comprehensivelist of all NET courses, course descrip-tions, syllabi, and class schedules.The site also features news articles,testimonials, and links to NASA,Government, and other training andeducational facilities. ◆

Web trainingfor engineersY

he release of the new organizational chart of NASA Headquarters, which becameeffective August 1, added steam to a transformation underway at NASA to become aleaner, more efficient Agency to support the Vision for Exploration.

The Agency has redefined its relationship with NASA field centers by developing clearand straightforward lines of responsibility and accountability. Specific mission associateadministrators are now assigned as Headquarters center executives and have oversightof field center performance in implementing Agency policies and programs.

This transformation fundamentally restructures NASA's Strategic Enterprises into MissionDirectortes for a more integrated approach to science requirements, management, andimplementation of systems development and exploration missions. The neworganization chart is available online at http://www.nasa.gov/home.

The Mission Office organizational structure includes the following:

● Aeronautics Research—Researches and develops aeronautical technologies for safe,reliable, and efficient aviation systems● Science—Carries out the scientific exploration of the Earth, Moon, Mars, and beyondby charting out the best route of discovery to reap benefits for society● Exploration Systems—Develops capabilities and supporting research and technologythat enable sustained and affordable human and robotic exploration● Space Operations—Directs space flight operations, space launches, and spacecommunications as well as the operation of integrated systems in low-Earth orbitand beyond

Two Agencywide priority positions will continue with direct responsibility for all relatedactivities: Safety and Mission Assurance Officer and Chief Education Officer.

The major Mission Support Offices include the Chief Financial Officer, AssociateAdministrator for Institutions and Management, Chief Information Officer, ChiefEngineer, General Counsel, and Chief of Strategic Communications, a newposition created to direct NASA's communication efforts in public affairs, legislativeaffairs, and external relations, with responsibility for internal communicationsmanagement.

To improve the decision-making process, NASA has created the following entities:

● Strategic Planning Council—Chaired by the NASA Administrator, develops multiyearstrategic plans and roadmaps, as well as a detailed multiyear plan that forms thebasis for policies and budgets● Director of Advanced Planning—Prepares options, studies, and assessments for theStrategic Planning Council● Chief Operating Officer Council—Chaired by the Deputy Administrator, implementsthe direction provided by the Strategic Planning Council and develops standardadministrative practices to build on the President's Management Agenda

These changes represent the next step in following the recommendations of thePresident's Commission on Implementation of U.S. Space Exploration Policy. Theyalso reflect NASA's ongoing efforts to apply the findings and recommendations of theColumbia Accident Investigation Board across the Agency.

"We'll also beengaging otherg o v e r n m e n ta g e n c i e s , i n -dustry, academ-ia, and the inter-national com-munity to assistus in developing the tools andprocesses we need to successfully advancethe Vision for Space Exploration," saidAdministrator Sean O'Keefe. "Doing sowill enable us to take the next bold stepsinto space and rekindle the innovationand entrepreneurial skills that is ourlegacy to humankind." ◆

Glenn has new CFO

Ward has a very strong customer servicefocus and experience in leading majorchange efforts. At HUD, Ward led areengineering effort of its nationwide CFOorganization that resulted in consolidat-ing ten accounting operations into oneservice center. Ward believes that hisdirect leadership in implementing andconverting complex core financial sys-tems enables him to understand thedifficulty Glenn employees are experi-encing and to meet challenges duringthis period of transition in the Agency. ◆

Continued from page 1

SEPTEMBER 2004

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BY S. JENISE VERIS

Glenn technology still a viablepartner in weather prediction

he families of the Challenger, STS–51, crew accepted the Congressional SpaceMedal of Honor from NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe. The honors, presented inthe name of Congress and on behalf of President George W. Bush, were made recentlyduring a private ceremony in Washington.

"The Challenger tragedy was a defining moment in American history and demonstratedthat achieving great things often comes with great sacrifice. We honor the bravery anddedication of the crew and their families with a renewed commitment to the causes towhich they devoted their lives—exploration and discovery," said Administrator O'Keefe.

The Congressional Space Medal of Honor was authorizedby Congress in 1969 to recognize "any astronaut who inthe performance of his duties has distinguished himselfby exceptionally meritorious efforts and contributions tothe welfare of the Nation and mankind."

Astronauts who have been honored with the Congres-sional Space Medal include John Young, Jim Lovell, Virgil"Gus" Grissom, Shannon Lucid, William Shepherd, andSenator John Glenn. Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong,who recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of the firstwalk on the Moon, received the first Congressional SpaceMedal of Honor in 1978. In all, a total of 27 astronautshave now been honored. ◆

O'Keefe bestows CongressionalSpace Medal of Honor on crew

Photo by Renee Bouchard

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Continued on page 8

ASA announced the selection ofone industry and one academic-led teamto conduct advanced electric-propulsiontechnologies research in support of theVision for Space Exploration. The ad-vanced electric-propulsion technologiesprogram is part of Project Prometheussupported within NASA's ExplorationSystems Mission Directorate.

The total value of the work to be doneover a 3-year period is approximately $7million with support from one period tothe next contingent on program need,availability of funds, and each team'sability to meet proposed milestones.NASA's Glenn and Jet Propulsion Labo-ratory (JPL) are members of bothteams with notable responsibility inmeeting those milestones.

Northrop Grumman Space Technology(Redondo Beach, CA) leads the industryteam selected to develop a nuclear-electric pulsed inductive thruster systemcapable of sustained operation at 200kilowatts at 70 percent efficiency within aspecific impulse range between 3000 to10,000 seconds. Arizona State Univer-sity (Tempe, AZ) rounds out the teamawarded approximately $3 million forwork over a 2-year period.

Princeton University (Princeton, NJ) isthe academic-led team leader selectedfor an approximate $4 million contract,with work to be performed over 3 years,to advance the technologies of a lithium-fed magnetoplasmadynamic thrustersystem. If successful, their lithiumthruster should operate at 240 kilowatts,with greater than 60 percent efficiency,while retaining a specific impulse of 6200seconds. NASA's Marshall Space FlightCenter joins Glenn and JPL as well as theUniversity of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI,),and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute(Worcester, MA) in this effort.

For more information about ProjectPrometheus on the Internet, visit http://exploration.nasa.gov/proprom.html. ◆

Advanced propulsionR&D teams chosen

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C-1978-2225

erhaps the 25th anniversary celebrationthrown by the World MeteorologicalOrganization for FGGE (First GARP Glo-bal Experiment), did not register on thepublic's radar. However, the fact that 7out of 17 aircraft-to-satellite data relay(ASDAR) units built at Glenn still fly andprovide data on a daily basis warrants afew balloons and streamers.

The ASDAR system is a unique 70-poundweather data gathering unit designed,built, tested, and integrated by a team ofGlenn engineers in 1977 as a prototypeweather data transmission system for jet aircraft on global routes. NASA, the NationalOceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National EnvironmentalSatellite Service funded the system cooperatively. The unit consisted of a power supply,clock, 80-watt transmitter, antenna, and a small computer. It flew in the belly of a wide-bodied Boeing 747 and relayed weather data formatted from the aircraft's existinginstrumentation to geostationary operational environmental satellites, which transmit-ted the information instantaneously to ground processing stations.

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Across borders

Poster display

AirVenture 2004

Space domes

Glenn was part of the magic in Cleveland during the weekend of July 30th, as dreams

came true for 3000 young athletes and their families from all over the world.Excitement filled the air at the International Children's Games, where adrenaline-pumped youth, ages 12 to 15, competed to gain international glory in 1 of 10 sports.Glenn staff distributed educational materials, lithographs, and the ever-popularNASA temporary tattoo. This was the first time since its inaugural year in 1968 thatthe games have been held in the United States. Pictured are members of the Frenchdelegation—who competed in track, swimming, and table tennis events—photographedas members of the astronaut corps.

More than 125 people participated in the 11th annual Historically BlackColleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Other Minority Universities (OMUs)Research Conference held at OAI on July 14 and 15. The 2-day conference isa critical element of a program that enables researchers and students fromHBCUs and OMUs to give a progress report on Glenn-sponsored research,according to Dr. Sunil Dutta, HBCU/OMU program manager and Center pointof contact for Small Disadvantaged Businesses. Seven HBCUs and two OMUspresented a total of 24 technical papers in the areas of propulsion, microgravity,materials, catalysts, photovoltaics, and probabilistic life prediction. Pictured,Dr. Isaiah Blankson, left, technical monitor for research conducted at NASA'sCenter for Aeropropulsion at Hampton University, discusses one of thecenter's projects with Al Juhaz (5940).

Over the summer, GlennSpeaker's Bureau membersSteve Bauman (5960),Jeffrey Woytach (6910),Nancy Hall (6712), andMike Quintin (8400), pic-tured, made presentations tostudents who are learning tolive in space. The four visitedSpace Domes America, aunique camp featuring 10 geode-sic domes, aligned—like a spacecraftwith satellites—to simulate a space civili-zation. Located behind Copley-FairlawnHigh School, each dome houses differ-ent instructional material to encouragea spirit of exploration. Campersparticipate in rotation simulation offlight on the space shuttle or spacestation, rocket building and launching,and a variety of experiments and com-puter space-related activities. They alsolearn about hydroponics and raising fishfor food, health and fitness, and howto coexist with others in their "space"home as if living on the Moon or Mars.

Over 800,000 aviation enthusiasts from around the world visited theExperimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture 2004 in Oshkosh, WI,July 26 to August 2. Many of them also visited NASA's exhibit, featuringaccomplishments in aeronautics and space. Throughout the week, morethan 50 NASA employees fielded questions and gave an overview of theexhibits, including one named for NASA's Vision for Space Exploration, asubject touted in Administrator O'Keefe's special presentation during his visiton July 28. The same day, NASA engineers, responsible for the record-setting Mach 7 scramjet test flight, recounted the chain of events leading upto the flight. A model of the parametric inlet, a supersonic inlet for jet enginesdeveloped by Glenn and Techland Research, was also a crowd magnet.

Photo by Marvin Smith

Photo by Anna Falcon

C-2004-1002

Photo by Justin Fitzgerald

Photo by Richard Manco

SEPTEMBER 2004

5

Q: What steps are Glenn senior management taking todefend against the very real threat of Glenn ResearchCenter being dissolved and replaced with a Federally FundedResearch & Development Center (FFRDC)? Will you forwardour position against FFRDC to Headquarters and O'Keefe?I would like HQ to show "irrefutable proof" that a FFRDCwill solve NASA's budget and management problems.

LESA MEETING: LESA/IFPTE, Local 28,will hold its next monthly membershipmeeting on Wednesday, September 8, atnoon in the Employee Center, room 101.

SUMMER FIESTA: Back by popular de-mand, Glenn's Summer Fiesta 2004 isscheduled for Friday, September 10, at 5p.m., at the Picnic Grounds. The eventwill feature Spanish cuisine, dance con-tests, door prizes, and raffles. The cost is$12 for adults and $6 for children ages 4to 11. For tickets, contact Anna Falcon at216–433–8993 or Danny Rodriguez at216–433–2778.

SATURDAY VISITOR CENTER EVENT:Matt Melis, aerospace engineer in theBallistic Impact Laboratory, will share in-formation on the Columbia Accident In-vestigation Board (CAIB) findings andReturn to Flight (RTF) efforts for the spaceshuttle on Saturday, September 18, at theVisitor Center. As a member of a teamthat conducted ballistic impact testingand analysis in support of the investiga-tion, Melis will highlight his specific workfor both CAIB and RTF efforts. Reserva-tions for the 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. presenta-tions are encouraged. The day willinclude special shuttle-related activities

A. (7/26/04) There are no plans to close any NASA center. Any effort to differentlystructure a center will not happen overnight. Considerable time and effort will berequired to understand what makes sense to NASA and how to pursue that goal.We plan to keep all NASA employees informed about the transformation process.Our first step will be to gather information and understand the issues and choicesavailable to the Agency. This process must ensure that inherently governmentalfunctions are preserved and the Vision for Space Exploration is supported. OnTuesday, July 27th, I joined other Agency leaders to begin communicating theprocess throughout the Agency by way of a Transformation Dialogue from theGoddard Space Flight Center.

The Exchange Store's Third AnnualSidewalk Sale will be held on theMain Cafeteria patio on Wednesdayand Thursday, September 15 and 16,from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Great buys onExchange Store closeout items.

Exchange Corner

Q. What is the intended purpose ofthe change from a numericorganization code system to letter-based code? Given that HQ is nowde-emphasizing the use of the codedesignations and that the letters arecausing confusion among theworkers (did they mean HQ Code Ror GRC Code R?) why don't we staywith the numeric code system?

A. (7/26/04) I have asked that allreferrals to organizations, both oraland written, contain the name of theorganization rather than numeric oralphanumeric codes. The use ofcodes is necessary, however, forpurposes of employee identification,structure data, and other data suchas leave and pay. ◆

from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For informationand reservations, call 216–433–9653.

AEROSPACE POWER–ELECTRONICSWORKSHOP: NASA and partners arehosting a workshop entitled AerospacePower and Electronics Simulation Work-shop 2004. The one-day session focus-ing on the interdisciplinary simulationenvironment integral to achieving cost-effective, reliable systems in a timelymanner will be held on September 21at the Sheraton Cleveland City Centre.For more information, contact RayBeach at 216–433–5320 or visithttp:///www.aeroee.com.

HISPANIC HERITAGE OBSERVANCE:The Hispanic Advisory Council will hostthe Center's Hispanic Heritage MonthObservance Cel-ebration 2004 withthe theme "HispanicAmericans: Makinga Difference in ourCommunities andour Nations." Theevent will be heldWednesday, Sep-tember 22, from9:30 to 11:30 a.m., in the DEB Audito-

rium. Jose C. Feliciano, a partner in the lawfirm of Baker & Hosteler, LLP, will be thekeynote speaker.

AFGE MEETING: AFGE Local 2182 willhold its next monthly membershipmeeting on Wednesday, October 6, at5 p.m., at Denny's Restaurant, 25912Lorain Road, North Olmsted. All mem-bers are encouraged to attend.

MENTORNET VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:Mentornet, a collaborative effort betweenthe Girl Scouts of Lake Erie Council, theAfrican Heritage Advisory Committee,and the Business and ProfessionalWomen's group, is seeking volunteersfor the 2004–2005 school year. Mentorsare matched up with Girl Scouts fromlocal schools and meet once a monthat Glenn. They also chat monthly onthe Internet. For further information,contact Nola Bland at 216–433–9343.

Feliciano

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Continued from page 1

2004HonorAwards

Dr. Alterovitz Beach

Dr. Braun Buehrle

Dr. Chamis

Dr. Dempsey Emerson

Fox Dr. Freed

Dr. James B. MinFor exceptional performance, technicalleadership, and vision to develop ad-vanced computational structural dynam-ics and life prediction methodologies insupport of several NASA programs

Exceptional Engineering Achievement

Dr. Paula J. DempseyFor exceptional effort in developing anew method for aircraft drive systemsthat accurately and reliably detects gearsurface damage

Exceptional Service Medal

Dr. Donald C. BraunFor superior and sustained contributionsto the advancement of digital signal pro-cessing and its applications to research atthe Glenn Research Center through flightand experimental testing

Gerald J. ChomosFor outstanding contributions to aero-space communications in areas such asthe Advanced Communications Tech-nology Satellite (ACTS), AdvancedCommunications for Air Traffic Man-agement, and aviation weather com-munications technologies

Dawn C. EmersonFor outstanding contributions toadvancing the engineering capabilitiesat the Glenn Research Center

Dennis S. FoxFor valued contributions to the develop-ment of advanced materials technologyand its transfer to the turbine enginemanufacturers

Dr. Alan D. FreedFor outstanding contributions toengineering mechanics and materialsscience through the development ofinnovative, robust, and efficient math-ematical models for viscoplastic andviscoelastic material response

Thomas B. IrvineFor sustained contributions to NASAaeronautics and space flight missions in-cluding aerospace systems testing andevaluation and the International SpaceStation Program

Dr. Anatole P. KurkovFor advancing the state of the art ofnoncontact blade vibration measurementat Glenn Research Center and pioneeringblade deflection measurement on ad-vanced turbomachinery rotors

Dr. Shantaram S. PaiFor outstanding technical leadership andcreativity in the development of innova-tive, unique, and state-of-the-art probabi-listic analysis methodologies for NASAAeronautics and Space Programs

Dr. J. Michael PereiraFor exceptional contributions to researchin ballistic impact and high-strain-ratestructural behavior, which have led tolighter weight jet engine containmentsystems and turbine blades

Dr. Gary D. RobertsFor outstanding contributions to NASA'sefforts to develop affordable, durable,lightweight materials through researchon the long-term durability and fatigue ofadvanced materials

Ignacy TelesmanFor contributions to advanced materialsand structures research for aerospaceapplications

Wayne A. Whyte, Jr.For exemplary leadership in guidingthe Agency's Spectrum ManagementProgram

Exceptional Technology Achievement

Lanny G. ThiemeFor significant contributions anddedication to the development of thefree-piston Stirling convertor as theDepartment of Energy's high-efficiencyradioisotope power system for NASA'sfuture deep space missions

Outstanding Leadership Medal

Louis R. IgnaczakFor sustained leadership of NASA projectsand demonstrated ability to developtechnical and management talents ofGlenn Research Center employees

Calvin T. RamosFor exemplary technical leadership andintegrity in directing, organizing, plan-ning, and implementing NASA's ad-

Chomos

SEPTEMBER 2004

7

Continued on page 8

2004HonorAwards

Dr. Hwang Ignaczak

Irvine Dr. Kurkov Dr. Liou

Dr. Min Morscher

Martzaklis

Ramos Dr. Roberts Dr. Shin Telesman

Whyte, Jr. Wickenheiser

vanced terrestrial-, aeronautics- andspace-based networking architectures

Dr. Jaiwon ShinFor outstanding leadership and contribu-tions in Aviation Safety, Aviation Capac-ity, and Aerospace Operations SystemsPrograms at the Glenn Research Center

Timothy J. WickenheiserFor outstanding leadership in providingvision and direction for the AirbreathingSystems Analysis Office

Public Service Medal

Mark A. Allman (Formerly of RSIS)For outstanding contributions in the re-search and development of space net-working protocols that have enabledGlenn Research Center to significantlyadvance the state of the art in Internet-based protocols for aeronautical- andspace-based platforms and environments

Gregory N. Morscher (OAI)For outstanding contributions towarddevelopment of ceramic matrix compos-ite materials for aerospace applications

Distinguished Publication Award

Mary Ann Meador, Valerie Cubon, andDaniel A. Scheiman and William R.Bennet (QSS Group, Inc.)In recognition of the excellence andvalue of their publication entitled,"Effect of Branching on Rod-Coil BlockPolyimides as Membrane Materials forLithium Polymer Batteries"

Group Achievement Awards

Embedded Web Technology Team: Foroutstanding contributions in the devel-opment and commercialization ofEmbedded Web Technology, which isrevolutionizing how users command, con-trol, and monitor embedded computers

Glennan Microsystems Initiative Tech-nical Team: For exceptional technicalachievements in significantly advancingthe state of the art of harsh-environmentsilicon-carbide-based microsystems

Compound Semiconductor MonolithicMicrowave Integrated Circuit Team: Forexemplary performance in solving thenumerous complex problems in com-

pound semiconductor monolithic micro-wave integrated circuit (MMIC) materialsand device technology and reliability,which led to the adoption of MMICs inpresent-day spacecraft

Propulsion IVHM Technology Experi-ment (PITEX) Team: For successful dem-onstration of real-time execution of ad-vanced diagnostics technology for spacetransportation propulsion systems onflightlike hardware

Structural Seals Research Team: For theexceptional effort put forth in providingthe technical and experimental supportto the development of control-surfaceseals for future reentry vehicles

Thieme

Dr. Pai Dr. Pereira

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Presidential RankDonald J. CampbellWoodrow Whitlow, Jr.John J. Adamczyk

Continued from page 7

Dr. Adamczyk Campbell

Dr. Whitlow, Jr.

Career Service Awards50 Years: Earl R. Hanes45 Years: Ojars V. Klans, Gerald V.Brown, Martin T. Stupiansky, RichardK. Shaltens, Ralph G. Garlick40 Years: Grant M. Brown, Klaus H.Gumto, Thomas B. Schneider, Betty J.Waszil, William R. Armstrong, ThomasJ. Hill, George H. Neiner, Alvin E.Buggele, Jack A. Salzman, LuequentionWilkins, James R. Davis, Thomas J.Biesiadny, Gerald J. Chomos

Editor's note: In addition to the NASAHonor Award medal winners, recipientsof other awards were recognized at theceremony. They have been publishedpreviously in the AeroSpace Frontiers: AbeSilverstein, Steven Szabo, and Craftsman-ship awards, June 2004; and Senior Ex-ecutive Service honors—Dr. DamodarAmbur, August 2004, Jih-Fen Lei,December 2003, Charles Scales, July 2004,and Bruce Ward, September 2004. ◆

2004HonorAwards

C-1975-342

C-1975-1782

ASDAR going strongin global forecastingContinued from page 3

Pictured is the actual ASDAR747 aircraft mockup for GARP.

Sandra Foust, formerly of the FlightProjects Branch, inventories ASDARparts. Foust now serves in the Researchand Technology Directorate.

Seventeen ASDAR flew and provided data to the FGGEproject, which was part of the Global AtmosphericResearch Program (GARP) and involved over 76nations. The World Meteorological Organization re-trieved data from more than 60 aircraft a day duringthe year-long experiment conducted in 1979.

"ASDAR demonstrated how a satellite could be a viableasset for timely transmission of meteorological datacollected from aircraft around the world and processedon the ground to improve weather forecasting. It alsooffered the added benefit to airlines of tracking favorablewinds for the best flight patterns resulting in millions of dollars saved on fuel, annually,"said Richard Krawczyk, Space Communications Office. Krawczyk was the power systemsengineer responsible for power system design and electrical interference testing.

Krawczyk was a member of the ASDAR principal design team, which included JosephHemminger (Engine Systems Technology Branch); NASA retirees Martin Conroy,David Culp (deceased), Royce Myhre, G. Richard Sharp, and Robert Zakrajsek(currently with Analex); and Bruce Lindow. James Bagwell, who now is a consultant forAnalex, was the project manager.

Retiree Robert Steinberg, who served in the Center's Satellite Communications Divi-sion, first suggested using commercial aircraft to collect upper air data to improveforecasting in a 1973 paper entitled "Commercial Aircraft in Global MonitoringSystems." He observed that wide-body jet aircraft, like B–747s and D–10s, arefrequent fliers through the tropics and the far northern latitudes—regions thatdetermine much of the circulation patterns of the world's atmosphere.

"ASDAR has continually demonstrated its effectiveness in daily global forcasting," saidSteinberg. "ASDAR, and more recently Aircraft Communication Addressing andReporting System, have been the predominant sources of automated aviation to date.They collectively are known as Aircraft Meteorological Data Reporting systems andare making an increasingly important contribution to the observational database ofthe World Weather Watch of the World Meteorological Organization."

Thanks to the evolution of technology predicting weather patterns, the NationalWeather Service is now able to forewarn the public and recommend expedientevacuations when necessary. Losses from the recent tropical storm Bonnie and

hurricane Charley along the Gold Coast,for example, were greatly reduced bythis state-of-the-art technology, whichowes much to ASDAR. ◆

SEPTEMBER 2004

Student interns modify toysfor children with disabilitiesInstalling cables and jacks on battery-operatedtoys allows any child to use a toy.

P articipation in a toy adaptation work-shop by high school students from theLewis Educational and Research Collabo-rative Internship Program (LERCIP)proved to be enlightening and an oppor-tunity to brighten the upcoming holidayseason for area children with disabilities.

Glenn and RePlay for Kids, a nonprofitorganization that modifies toys and re-pairs assistive devices for children withdisabilities, hosted the workshops at Glennon July 26. Under the guidance of Glennemployees and volunteers from RePlay,LERCIP students took battery-operatedtoys apart and installed cables and jacks.This process allows any child to use a toyonce the appropriate switch is inserted.These switches include ones that are largeror easier to press, or that are activated bypuffing into a tube or tilting one's head.

"Through this workshop, our students sawfirsthand how achievements in science,engineering, and technology can improvesomeone's quality of life," said Jo AnnCharleston, chief, Educational ProgramsOffice. "The interns not only learnedmore about electronics but also aboutpeople with disabilities, while providinga useful community service."

Samantha Hasselbusch, a senior at ValleyForge High School, organized thedaylong event, which was part of hersummer internship. Hasselbusch, whois blind, is a LERCIP student under theHigh School/High Tech Program, whichis operated through United CerebralPalsy. She reported that 75 studentsand 20 mentors participated in theworkshops, modifying 28 toys.

The workshop toys were donated byGlenn employees and by the U.S. MarineCorps' Toys for Tots program, which hasa partnership with RePlay to supply toysthat can be adapted for switch access.

Photo by Doreen Zudell

Joanne Walton, Microgravity Division,standing, right, works with LERCIP students,left to right, Jessica Moore, Felishia Mangla,and Anna Gillespie, to insert a switch in aCare Bear stuffed animal so that it can beoperated by a child with a disability.

The toys adapted at the Glennworkshops will be donatedto local agencies for holidaydistribution.

"We knew that the technical skills of theNASA employees would be a greatfit for our workshops—and the studentinvolvement was an added benefit,"said Bill Memberg, president of RePlay."We hope to collaborate with NASA onfuture workshops too."

For more information on RePlay for Kids,go to www.replayforkids.org. ◆

Fitness Center open housefocuses on health and wellness ore than 300 employees learned allabout the Center's health and wellnessservices during an open house at the newFitness Center on August 4. Bloodpressure screenings, posture evaluations,and wellness-related door prizeshighlighted the event.

"Singleton Health Services (SHS) set uptables that offered information on suchtopics as nutrition, physical fitness, andmedical services," explained ReneeBarrett, Fitness Center director, SHS/

M Environmental Management Office."Employees had opportunities to meetthe medical director, physical therapist,dietician, nurses, and fitness profess-ionals on staff at Glenn."

Additional highlights included ademonstration of the automatic externaldefibrillator and details on the freeergonomics program. The Glenn SafetyOffice set up a "Safety Shack" outsidethe Fitness Center, where staff membersprovided information on the VoluntaryProtection Program. ◆

Photo by Doreen Zudell

Lead Nurse Patty Oleksiak, right,SHS/Environmental Manage-ment Office, explained theautomatic external defibrillatorand encouraged employees toregister for training.

9

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 theOctober issue must be received by noon,September 10. The deadline for the Novemberi s sue i s noon, October 15 . Submi tcontr ibut ions to the editor via e-mail,

doreen.zudell@grc.nasa.gov, fax216–433–8143, phone 216–433–5317 or 216–433–2888,or MS 3–11. Ideas for newsstories are welcome but willbe published as space allows.View us online at http://A e r o S p a c e F r o n t i e r s .grc.nasa.gov.

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2004 GRC CFC CampaignMonday, September 20 to Friday, October 22, 2004

2004 Glenn CFC Campaign Kick-offMonday, September 20, Administration Building Auditorium

Glenn CFC Pacesetter CampaignMonday, September 20 to Friday, October 1

Agency FairTuesday, September 21 and Wednesday, September 22, Building 15 hallway

Car Show and Ice Cream SocialWednesday, October 6

Civil servant contributions can be made to assigned Keyworkers.Retiree, student, and contractor contributions can be made to

Blanche Preusser at 216–433–2528.

Dr. Willie Ray "Karimi" Mackey, a spacecraft plasma physicistserving in the Photovoltaics and Space Environment Effects Branch,recently died at the age of 51. From the time he arrived at Glennin 1989 until his passing, Mackey was committed to sharingNASA's goals of sustaining the Earth and developing space tech-nology to benefit all humankind.

Mackey supported the International Space Station electrical powergrid team by proposing several assessment models for electro-magnetic compatibility of spacecraft power systems utilizing sur-

face plasma effects and a plasma anodization process. He was technical monitor for theConsortium for the Advancement of Renewable Energy Technology (CARET) Programdeveloped by his branch in 1998. More recently, he supported research in advancedpropulsion program concepts such as fusion power and magnetic bubbles to catchsolar winds. However, the bulk of his NASA contributions lies in educational outreach.

As an adjunct professor at Wilberforce University, Mackey helped to implementa photovoltaic chemical modeling grant in cooperation between NASA and theHistorically Black Colleges and Universities. Detailed to Cheyney and Lincoln Univer-sities of Pennsylvania as a NASA Administrator's Fellow, he coordinated the designand installation of an anodized aluminum nanopores laboratory.

A long-standing relationship withCleveland's African-American Museumprovided a unique forum for Mackey toparlay his many gifts into stimulating inter-est in science and space. He led trulyinnovative projects, such as the NASA–OAI African-Americans in Space Sciencetraveling exhibit, and the African SolarVillage Outreach Project. The villageproject, a collaboration between Glennand CARET, utilizes records from 83 ruralphotovltaic systems installed by NASAworldwide between 1977 and 1985 (pri-marily from USAID) to inspire and illus-trate how science and culture interrelate.

He also used traditional African danceperformances to compare patterns ofrhythm to mathematical equations. Hewas a tireless force in pursuit of the re-sources, both private and public, to helpprepare underserved youth to take theirplace among the stars. ◆

Mackey committed to NASA's goals

Dr. Mackey

View us online athttp://

AeroSpaceFrontiers.grc.nasa.gov

11

JULY 2004

a closer look at our colleagues

Nola Bland

Dr. Salem

Award

Job Assignment::::: Human resourcesspecialist (HR Development) HumanResources and Workforce Planning

Time at NASA: Nearly 14 years as acivil servant and 2 years with a supportservice contractor (Cortez)

Describe your family: God has blessedme with a Christian husband, ShantonBland, and a beautiful son, Noah Bland.How could a girl get so lucky?

Favorite quote: Jesus answered,"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father exceptthrough me." John 14:6 (NIV)

Advice for the President of the United States: When you're making politicaldecisions, please put yourself in the shoes of "We the people."

Social/professional activities at Glenn: Mentor (2003–2004) for the LewisEducational Research Collaborative Internship Program (LERCIP) and a memberof the LERCIP Rating Panel (2000–2004), LERCIP Interview Panel (2000–2004),African Heritage Advisory Council, National Technical Association, and Advanc-ing Careers and Employee Success Mentoring Program

Hobbies/interests: I'm cochair of the Mentornet, a collaborative effort betweenthe Girl Scouts of Lake Erie Council, African Heritage Advisory Committee, and theBusiness and Professional Women's group here at Glenn. The program begins inOctober and continues through May. Last school year, the program matched 25Girl Scouts from schools on Cleveland's Near West Side with 10 Glenn mentors.The mentors are all professional women, including engineers, mechanics, re-searchers, computer specialists, human resources development specialists, andprogram analysts. The goal of the program is to help the girls deepen their self-awareness, develop values, relate to others in a positive way, and contribute tosociety, as well as encourage the girls to enter scientific and technical career fields.Mentors also benefit from the relationship by receiving a personal sense offulfillment from helping in the development of the girls. The mentors and their girlsmeet once per month here at Glenn and also chat once per month on the Internet.

Person you most admire: My husband—he is such a humble and blessed humanbeing. He's a devoted husband, an outstanding father, a good son, and loyalfriend.

Stress buster: The best way to relieve stress is putting God first in your life. Justknowing that with Him and through Him. . . the battle is not ours; it's the Lord's.

Favorite Web site: Bible.com

Bland helps a Girl Scout make paperairplanes, one of the requirements toearn an Aerospace Girl Scout Badge.

I would like to thank my family membersand all my friends and coworkers whoattended my retirement luncheon andrecent coffee and cake reception. Aspecial thanks to all those who participatedin the preparation of the reception,presentations, very special gifts, andthoughtful sentiments. Although mycareer at Glenn has ended, I will alwayshave fond memories of all those peopleI had the privilege and opportunityto work with. I am proud to have beena member of the NASA team. My bestwishes to all. —Thomas Dorony

Vincent Lalli, RiskManagement Of-fice, retired fromGlenn on August 8,2004, with 41 yearsof NASA service.

George Neiner,Aeropropu l s ionProjects Office,retired from Glenn on July 2, 2004, with40 years of NASA service.

Lalli

Dr. Jonathan Salem,Structures andAcoustics Division,is the recipient of theAdvanced CeramicsAward presentedby the ASTM Inter-national's (formerlyknown as AmericanSociety for TestingMaterials) Commit-tee C28 on Advanced Ceramics. He wasrecognized for his contributions to thework of C28 subcommittees, sections,and task groups. C28 is one of 136ASTM technical standards-writing com-mittees from which standards areaccepted and used in research anddevelopment, product testing, qualitysystems, and commercial transactionsaround the globe.

12

Volume 6 Issue 9 September 2004

AeroSpace Frontiersis recyclable!

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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

Hispanic Heritage Month

I

This is the fourth in an AeroSpace Frontiersseries of heritage and awareness month features.

n recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Glenn employees of Hispanicdescent were asked, "How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?"

Ricardo Figueroa (LMIT), Engineering and Technical Services Directorate."I usually don't celebrate Hispanic Heritage month in any specific way.However, I try to expose my children to their Hispanic heritage wheneverpossible. My parents, who are Puerto Rican (dad) and Mexican (mom),speak Spanish to my children and teach them a few words at a time. Myfamily enjoys my mom's Spanish recipes (as do my coworkers)."

Annie Holton, Programs and Projects Directorate. "I celebrate my Hispanicheritage by inspiring others to share, participate, and advocate whileempowering them to succeed in their personal and professional life.As former chair and current member of the Hispanic Advisory Council,I led a team effort to bring forth cultural awareness by encouraging others inthe community to participate in our annual Hispanic heritage observanceevent. I take pride in celebrating my Hispanic heritage every day by reflectingon my culture, sharing my language and cultural background, and givingback to the community."

Olga Lozano (IDI), Engineering Development Division. "I celebrate it byattending the special observances and celebrations throughout the differentorganizations and communities. I look forward to the dynamic speakerssponsored by NASA. I also enjoy performances done by the various musicaland dance groups, especially the children performing folkloric dance. I am

Holton

Lozano

Figueroa

Polanco

proud of my Puerto Rican heritage and takepleasure in sharing the culture with others."

Miguel Polanco, Engineering DevelopmentDivision. "During Hispanic Heritage Month, Ihave opportunites to see films from Latincountries that are not available all year round.I also enjoy the art exhibits and the festivalsof the Hispanic culture in the area. Needlessto say, I also attend Glenn's activities forHispanic Heritage Month." ◆