Orion drop test successful

Orion parachute drop. NASA photo

NASA conducted a drop test of the Orion crew vehicle's parachutes over the Arizona desert last week in preparation for its orbital flight test in 2014. Orion will carry astronauts deep into space, and will include an emergency abort capability. A C-130 plane dropped the Orion test article from an altitude of 25,000 feet above the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Grounds. Orion's drogue chutes were deployed between 15,000 and 20,000 feet, followed by the pilot parachutes, which then deployed two main landing parachutes. (Source: NASA, 12/21/11) Gulf Coast note: Lockheed Martin builds Orion at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.

A year of J-2X testing

A-2 Test Control Center at SSC. NASA photo

NASA has provided a year-end wrap-up of the work that's been done on the J-2X engine, which will power the heavy-lift Space Launch System's second stage. It's the first human-rated rocket engine to be developed in 40 years, and NASA and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne are setting new records in rocket engine development with the first J-2X engine unit, E10001. During the year it went through its first 10 tests probing engine performance and accumulated a total hot-fire test run time of 1,040 seconds at NASA's Stennis Space Center, Miss. "E10001 got to 100 percent power in just four tests and achieved a full flight-duration test of 500 seconds in its eighth test, quicker than any other U.S. engine program in history," said Tom Byrd, J-2X engine lead in the SLS Liquid Engines Office. The J-2X engine test program will need only five percent the number of tests required to develop the original J-2 engine. (Source: NASA, 12/21/11) Previous post

December Lagniappe available

The December issue of Lagniappe, the monthly newsletter about NASA activities at Stennis Space Center, is available for download. The issue has a story about Stennis Space Center being ranked as one of the best places to work; a story on J-2X testing as well as preparations for the J-2X powerpack testing; the arrival of the Pegasus barge and more. (Source: Lagniappe, December 2011)

Another test done on AEHF

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. - Raytheon Co. has successfully tested with the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite that will provide secure communications for the military. Raytheon's U.S. Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT) is the second operationally fielded terminal to interoperate with an on-orbit AEHF satellite after the recent success of the company's U.S. Army Secure Mobile Anti-jam Reliable Tactical Terminal (SMART-T). The first AEHF satellite, launched in August 2010, recently began a set of operational tests. The AEHF, designed to replace the Milstar system, is a joint service satellite communications system for high-priority military ground, sea and air assets. (Source: Raytheon, 12/20/11) The Lockheed Martin AEHF satellite's core propulsion module is built at Stennis Space Center, Miss. Previous

NASA picks SBIR technologies

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- NASA selected 85 small business proposals to enter into negotiations for Phase II contract awards through the agency's Small Business Innovation Research Program. The projects have a total value of about $63 million. One of the projects involves technology being developed for the Office of the Chief Technologist at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center. StormCenterCommmunications Inc. of Baltimore, Md., is developing tools for multiple geobrowsers to communicate over the Internet. The SBIR program encourages small businesses to engage in federal research, development and commercialization, enabling them to explore technological potential while providing the incentive to profit from new commercial products and services. (Source: NASA, 12/20/11)

FTS completes Korea survey

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- A five-person crew from Fleet Survey Team (FST) returned from South Korea last month after a 33-day survey of the Han River, looking for unaccounted-for U.S. servicemen from the Korean War. FST was looking for the crash sites of three U.S. aircraft in support of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC). No aircraft remains were positively identified, but FST will provide JPAC with detailed bathymetry and sidescan imagery of the area surveyed for further analysis. FST is a rapid-response team with capabilities to conduct quick-turnaround hydrographic surveys anywhere in the world. (Source: NNS, 12/12/11)

AJ26 No. 8 tested at SSC

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- There was another successful test firing of Aerojet's AJ26 engine No. 8 Thursday in support of Orbital Science Corp.'s program to launch a cargo mission to the International Space Station. The next test of an AJ26, this one engine No. 9, is slated for January. Once the data is reviewed and the engine is inspected, it will be shipped to the launch site at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia for installation on Orbital's Antares rocket, the new name for the medium-class launch vehicle previously called Taurus II. The Aerojet engines will power the first stage of the Antares. Orbital is part of NASA's ongoing Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Contract. (Source: NASA, 12/15/11) Previous AJ26 test post

SSC wraps up J-2X 2011 tests

J-2X engine test Dec. 14, 2011. NASA photo

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- NASA conducted its final J-2X rocket engine test of the year Wednesday, the 10th firing in a series on the upper-stage engine for the Space Launch System. The engine was test fired on the A-2 stand at 100 percent power for engine performance calibration and the effects of fuel inlet pressure variations. The engine, No. 10001, will be moved from the stand to allow for addition of a nozzle extension and associated test facility modifications needed for additional engine tests in 2012. J-2X engines 10002 through 10004 are being manufactured for hot fire testing at Stennis planned through 2014. In addition, tests of the J-2X powerpack are scheduled for 2012. On Thursday SSC is scheduled to test the Aerojet AJ26 engine. (Source: NASA, 12/14/11)

South Miss hotspot for defense jobs

A new report ranks South Mississippi as one of the top five less-known regions in the country for defense jobs. The report released Tuesday by ClearanceJobs.com said defense spending, notably in shipbuilding and aerospace, helped rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina. The report said South Mississippi has jobs for rocket scientists, oceanographers, cyber-security personnel, geospatial analysts, technical trainers and test engineers. South Mississippi is home to NASA's Stennis Space Center, and the Navy is a big tenant. It's also home to the Navy Seabees, Keesler Air Force Base and major shipbuilding activities. Detroit, Omaha, Neb., Seattle, and Mohawk Valley in upstate New York also were named in the top five. (Source: Sun Herald, PRNewswire, 12/13/11)

Engines to be tested this week

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – Two rocket engine tests are scheduled this week at Stennis Space Center. On Wednesday NASA will conduct another in a series of tests on the J-2X rocket engine being developed by Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne for NASA's Space Launch System. The test is at the A-2 stand. NASA did a combustion stability test of the J-2X Dec. 1. On Thursday there will be a test of the Aeroject AJ26 rocket engine that will power Orbital Sciences Corp.’s commercial cargo flights to the International Space Station. (Source: NASA, 12/13/11)

SSC to test Blue Origin engines

Another commercial engine will be tested at NASA's Stennis Space Center, Miss., next spring, according to NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver. She made the announcement while visiting Blue Origin in Kent, Wash., Thursday. The company is one of NASA's commercial partners developing systems to reach low Earth orbit as part of the Commercial Crew Development Program. Garver said Blue Origin has delivered its BE-3 engine thrust chamber assembly, the engine's combustion chamber and nozzle, to SSC, where testing will begin in April 2012 on the E-1 Test Stand. The company is developing a reusable launch vehicle, designed to take off and land vertically, and an escape system for its crewed spacecraft. "We're delighted Blue Origin is taking advantage of Stennis, a center with a long record of propulsion testing from the dawn of the Space Age, to test the rocket engines of the future," Garver said. (Source: NASA, 12/08/11)

Undersea robots get smarter

ARLINGTON, Va. – Underwater robots that can make their own decisions? According to the Office of Naval Research, scientists have successfully transitioned fundamental research in autonomy to undersea gliders, demonstrating in sea tests in the Pacific how the new software can help robots become smarter at surveying large swaths of ocean. "Using the new algorithms, the vehicle has a greater ability to make its own decisions without requiring a human in the loop," said Marc Steinberg, program officer for ONR's Adaptive Networks for Threat and Intrusion Detection or Termination (ANTIDOTE). With plans to deploy squadrons of air, surface and undersea robotic vehicles later this decade, the Navy is investing in basic research programs to improve autonomous system capabilities. (Source: NNS, 12/02/11) Note: The Naval Oceanographic Office at NASA's Stennis Space Center operates a fleet of underwater vehicles; the ONR's Naval Research Lab has a detachment at SSC.

SLS booster to be discussed

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- NASA will host an industry day at the Marshall Space Flight Center to share information on an upcoming NASA Research Announcement for the Space Launch System's advanced booster. Marshall is leading the design and development of the SLS. The 130-metric ton vehicle will require an advanced booster with a significant increase in thrust over existing U.S. liquid or solid boosters. Its first full-scale test flight is set for 2017. The industry day is Dec. 15 at 9 a.m. CST in the Morris Auditorium in Marshall's building 4200. (Source: NASA, 12/07/11) Note: NASA's Stennis Space Center, Miss., and Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, are both involved in the SLS project.

Upgraded powerpack ready to test

J-2X powerpack at A-1 stand. NASA photo

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- An upgraded J-2X powerpack has been installed on the A-1 Test Stand at NASA's Stennis Space Center and will be tested next month. The powerpack that was installed Monday consists of a gas generator and turbopumps. The powerpack pumps liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the J-2X's main combustion chamber to produce the needed thrust. The Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne J-2X is designed to provide 294,000 pounds of thrust, up from the 230,000-pound capability of the original J-2 used in the Apollo program. It took two years to modify the A-1 stand for the test series. (Source: NASA, 12/06/11)

Naval oceanography hits 181

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Command celebrated its 181st birthday Dec. 6 with activities at its offices and installations throughout the world. "This birthday celebration is important because it reminds us of our legacy, and it reminds us that what we do is important and why," said Rear Adm. Jonathan White, NMOC commander. Naval oceanography traces its roots to 1830 with establishment of the Depot of Charts and Instruments. Early focus was on safety of navigation with surveys of coastlines and islands. Today Navy oceanographers use complex computer models to predict ocean conditions every day. NMOC is the only organization to predict ocean conditions for operations. Navy oceanographers also are the Navy's experts in the operation of unmanned underwater vehicles. (Source: NNS, 11/06/11)

Millions in work on the table

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center is ready to put $200 million of work for the heavy launch Space Launch System on the table. NASA announced its intentions Dec. 1 and modified the announcement Dec. 2 on the government contracting website fbo.gov. The agency said it will issue a "Draft Research Announcement" around Dec. 12. NASA is seeking research proposals to meet the "goal of reducing risk in the areas of affordability, performance, and reliability" in the new rocket's booster, scheduled to make its first flight in 2017. (Source: Huntsville Times, 12/05/11) Gulf Coast note: Stennis Space Center, Miss., and Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, are both involved in the SLS project.

Big biofuel purchase made

F/A 18 with green markings. Navy photo

WASHINGTON -- The Defense Logistics Agency is buying 450,000 gallons of drop-in biofuel, accelerating demonstration of a homegrown fuel source that can reduce dependence on foreign oil. The biofuel is made from a blend of non-food waste from the Louisiana-based Dynamic Fuels LLC and algae produced by Solazyme. The fuel will be used in the Navy's demonstration of a Green Strike Group in the summer of 2012 during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise. The biofuel will be mixed with aviation gas or marine diesel fuel for use in the demonstration. In preparation for the demonstration, the Navy recently completed testing of all aircraft, including F/A-18 and all six Blue Angels and the V-22 Osprey, and has successfully tested the RCB-X (riverine command boat), training patrol craft, self defense test ship, and conducted full-scale gas turbine engine testing. (Source: NNS, 12/05/11) Gulf Coast note: Dynamic Fuels, a joint venture of Tyson Foods Inc., and Syntroleum Corp., is building a synthetic fuels plant in Geismar, La., between Baton Rouge and New Orleans; the Blue Angels are based at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.; riverine craft are used by special warfare units at NASA's Stennis Space Center, Miss.

Orion water landing test set

A test version of the Orion crew capsule will take its final splash of the year Dec. 13 at the Hydro Impact Basin of NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. Testing began this summer to certify the Orion spacecraft for water landings. Since July, engineers have conducted six tests from different angles, heights and pitches to simulate varying sea conditions and impacts Orion could face upon landing in the Pacific Ocean. The Hydro Impact Basin is 115 feet long, 90 feet wide and 20 feet deep. (Source: NASA, 12/05/11) Note: Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans assembles the Orion crew capsule; NASA's Stennis Space Center is where engines are tested for the heavy-lift vehicle that will carry Orion.

J-2X combustion stability tested

J-2X combustion stablity test. NASA photo

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - NASA conducted a stability test firing of the J-2X rocket engine Thursday on the A-2 test stand at Stennis Space Center in South Mississippi. The upper-stage engine is being developed to carry humans farther into space than ever before. The 80-second test firing focused on characterizing the new engine's combustion stability. During the test, a controlled explosion was initiated inside the engine's combustion chamber to introduce an energetic pulse of vibrations not expected during nominal operations. Data from this and future combustion stability tests will help engineers understand more about the engine's performance and robustness during operation. The engine is being developed by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and will provide upper-stage power for NASA's new Space Launch System. The SLS will carry the Orion spacecraft, its crew, cargo, equipment and science experiments to space. (Source: NASA, 12/01/11)

SSC security contract awarded

NASA has selected ISS Action Inc. of Jamaica, N.Y., to provide protective services at the agency's Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Miss. The firm, fixed price contract consists of a base period of eight months and four one-year option periods; with a total value of $25.9 million. ISS Action Inc. will provide security services at Stennis, including physical security operations, personnel security, access control, badging, 911 dispatch center, access monitoring, traffic control and locksmith services. (Source: PRNewswire, 12/01/11)

NASA picks SBIR proposals

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - NASA selected 300 small business proposals to enter into negotiations for possible contract awards through the agency's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Eight of the proposals involve technologies being developed for the Office of the Chief Technologist at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center, including one involving Innovative Imaging and Research at SSC and the University of Southern Mississippi. The programs encourage small businesses and research institutions to engage in federal research, development and commercialization to address NASA needs. Program results have benefited many NASA efforts, including modern air traffic control systems, Earth-observing spacecraft, the International Space Station and the Mars rovers. (Source: NASA Stennis Space Center, 11/30/11, NASA release, 11/29/11)

Another J-2X test slated

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - NASA at Stennis Space Center is scheduled to conduct another test Thursday on the J-2X, the upper-stage rocket engine being developed by Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne. Earlier this month NASA conducted a successful 500-second test of the engine, which will be used to carry humans, cargo and equipment beyond low-Earth orbit on the agency's new heavy lift Space Launch System. The J-2X uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants. (Source: NASA, 11/30/11) Previous post

FIRST tournament slated

The 2011 Mississippi Championship FIRST LEGO League Tournament at the Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg, Miss., Dec. 3. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is designed to increase student awareness of science, engineering, technology and math. The tournament marks the 10th year of FIRST LEGO League activity in Mississippi. NASA at John C. Stennis Space Center is the primary sponsor of the annual tournament. Each year, the Stennis Office of Education provides funding and a variety of volunteers and mentors for the competition. More than 500 elementary and middle school students and as many as 50 teams from across Mississippi are scheduled to participate. Teams will spend the morning in judging sessions focused on research, design and teamwork. The official robotic competition begins with an opening ceremony at about 1:15 p.m. Teams will participate in three rounds of robot competition. Winners and awards will be announced during an afternoon closing ceremony. (Source: NASA, 11/29/11)

Permit issued for airport project

A building permit has been issued for a $6.1 million terminal and hangar at Stennis International Airport in Hancock County, Miss. GM&R Construction Co. of Bay St. Louis was the successful bidder. Jack Zink, executive director of the Hancock County Development Commission, expects work to start any day on the 10,000-square foot, two-story terminal and 24,000-square foot hangar to replace the hangar destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. The airport supports business and executive jets and military flight training, and is used by Roll-Royce to support engine testing at Stennis Space Center. (Source: Sun Herald, 11/28/11)

First test done of on-orbit AEHF

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. - Raytheon Co. became the first to successfully test with the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite. Raytheon's Army Secure Mobile Anti-jam Reliable Tactical Terminal is the first operationally-fielded terminal to interoperate with an on-orbit AEHF satellite. Raytheon will deliver 364 AEHF SMART-T terminals to the U.S. armed services. The first AEHF satellite, launched in August 2010, recently began an set of operational tests. The AEHF, designed to replace the Milstar system, is a joint service satellite communications system that provides secure communications for high-priority military ground, sea and air assets. (Source: Raytheon, 11/22/11) Note: The Lockheed Martin AEHF satellite's core propulsion module is build at Stennis Space Center, Miss.

Security contract awarded

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - NASA awarded Excalibur Associates Inc. of Alexandria, Va., a contract to provide protective services at Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., and Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans. The contract begins Jan. 1, 2012, with a nine-month base period, followed by option periods. Excalibur will provide support for physical and personnel security, technology protection and emergency management and training. (Source: PRNewswire, 11/21/11)

NASA gauging interest in E-4 stand

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - NASA is seeking to identify industry interest in Stennis Space Center's underutilized E-4 Test Facility. Originally designed to conduct ground tests of propulsion systems in support of NASA's Rocket Based Combined Cycle Program, the E-4 Test Facility was partially built but has not been completed and further development is not planned. It consists of concrete-walled test cells and associated hard stand, a high-bay work area with a bridge crane and adjacent work area, control room space and personnel offices. The facility was designed to provide low-pressure hydrocarbon fuel and oxidizer to test articles having a thrust in the horizontal plane up to 50,000 lbf maximum. Pending the level of interest in a leasing or partnering arrangement, a site visit will be conducted on Jan. 12, 2012. (Source: Tcp, 11/21/11) NOA/RFI

Navy updates sci-tech priorities

WASHINGTON - The Office of Naval Research has released the latest update to the Naval Science and Technology Strategic Plan. It reflects future naval requirements, including a new emphasis on autonomous systems. "Our superiority at sea demands that we maintain superiority in science, engineering and technology," said Sean J. Stackley, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition. Key areas of difference between the 2011 biannual plan and the 2009 version include a new emphasis on accelerating insertion of mature technologies to the fleet and consolidating 13 “S&T Focus Areas” into nine, including the new category of Autonomy and Unmanned Systems. It also places an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics initiatives aimed at increasing the talent pool of future naval scientists and engineers. ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. (Source: NNS, 11/17/11) Gulf Coast note: The Naval Research Lab, part of ONR, has a detachment at Stennis Space Center, Miss.

AJ26 undergoes test

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - Engineers at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center conducted a test firing on an Aerojet AJ26 flight engine Thursday. Orbital Sciences Corp. is testing the engines for the commercial cargo missions to the International Space Station. AJ26 engines will be used to power Orbital's Taurus II rocket. Orbital is part of NASA's ongoing Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) contract. The AJ26 flight engines are being tested on the E-1 Test Stand. After the engines are successfully tested, inspected and test data reviewed, the engines are shipped to the Wallops Flight Facility launch site in Virginia for installation on the Taurus II rocket. (Source: NASA, 11/17/11) Previous story

NASA among best places to work

NASA is listed as one of the best places to work in the federal government, according to a survey released Wednesday. NASA, which operates John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss., and Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, is ranked No. 5 among 308 federal agencies and subcomponents that represent 97 percent of the 2.1 million federal workforce. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden acknowledge Stennis Space Center, ranked second overall among the federal organizations. "I'm particularly proud that Stennis was ranked first in the government for employee empowerment, fairness and support for diversity." The survey was done by Partnership for Public Service, a nonprofit, non-partisan organization. Agencies ranked higher than NASA are the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Government Accountability Office and Smithsonian Institution. (Sources: NASA, Partnership for Public Service, Washington Post, 11/16/11)

NOAA extends NGI agreement

STARKVILLE, Miss. - A Mississippi State-led research institute and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will continue their collaborative partnership for an additional five years. The federal agency announced that the NOAA Research Council determined that the Northern Gulf Institute's research over the past four years has helped advance NOAA's goals and mission, as well as Gulf of Mexico marine science. The Northern Gulf Institute, based at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, also includes Florida State and Louisiana State universities, the University of Southern Mississippi and Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Mobile, Ala. (Source: MSU, 11/14/11)

U.S. astronaut aboard Soyuz

U.S. astronaut Dan Burbank has become the first American to fly to the International Space Station since the retirement of space shuttle fleet. Burbank and Russian cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Anatoly Ivanishin launched Sunday (Monday Kazakhstan time) from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. They'll dock with the ISS Tuesday. NASA is paying the Russian Federal Space Agency $1.5 billion to fly U.S. and partner nation astronauts while waiting for U.S. commercial companies to begin round-trip supply missions, likely no earlier than 2016. (Sources: Florida Today, NASA, 11/13/11) Stennis Space Center, Miss., tests NASA and commercial rocket engines.

A growing aerospace footprint

The past few months have brought some encouraging developments for South Mississippi's aerospace activities. That includes NASA's plans to build heavy-lift rocket using space shuttle main engines and the J-2X engines that are tested at Stennis Space Center, and the transfer of the former Mississippi Army Ammunition Plant to NASA, adding a 1.6 million-square-foot facility to NASA's inventory at SSC. But that's not all. There's GE Aviation's plans to build a composite engine parts plant near Hattiesburg, and more. (Source: Sun Herald, 11/13/11)

Shuttle gear bound for SSC

The 266-foot-long Pegasus barge, used to transport space shuttle external tanks from Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, to Kennedy Space Center, Fla., is on its way to NASA's Stennis Space Center, Miss. Pegasus, which will arrive at SSC Nov. 16 after a 900-mile journey, is carrying space shuttle main engine ground support equipment. The NASA barge and shuttle equipment will remain in storage at SSC until final disposition is determined. Pegasus left Kennedy manned by a crew of four and towed by NASA's space shuttle solid rocket booster recovery ship Freedom Star. The barge sailed 41 times between 1999 and 2011 for the shuttle program. The shuttle main engine ground support equipment was used at Kennedy to install shuttle engines into orbiters. The Kennedy shop where the equipment was stored is among the facilities turned over to Space Florida for future use by Boeing, which plans to use the facility to build its CST-100 commercial crew capsule. The shuttle main engines will be used in the Space Launch System engine testing program. (Source: Space Ref, Florida Today, 11/10/11) Previous story

J-2X has 500-second test firing

J-2X test Nov. 9, 2011. NASA photo

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - NASA conducted a successful 500-second test of the new upper-stage rocket engine today at John C. Stennis Space Center. The engine will be used to carry humans, cargo and equipment beyond low-Earth orbit on the agency's new heavy lift Space Launch System. Data from the test will be analyzed as operators prepare for additional engine firings. The J-2X and the RS-25D/E engines for the SLS core stage will be tested for flight certification at Stennis. Both engines use liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants. The core stage engines were developed originally for the space shuttle. The J-2X engine is being developed by Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne. (Source: NASA, 11/09/11)

GD to build robot mine detector

General Dynamics Advanced Informational Systems has been awarded a Navy contract to design and build the Surface Mine Countermeasure Unmanned Underwater Vehicle system. The development and manufacturing will be done in Panama City, Fla., Greensboro, N.C., Fairfax, Va., and Quincy and Braintree, Mass. The $86.7 million contract calls for one Engineering Development Model and five low-rate initial production systems if all options are exercised. The system will be able to identify mines in high-clutter underwater environments in a single pass. It also will gather environmental data that can provide intelligence support for other mine warfare systems. (Source: General Dynamics, 11/09/11) Note: The Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Naval Oceanographic Office, Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center and a Naval Research Lab detachment are at Stennis Space Center, Miss.

NASA: Orion test flight in 2014

WASHINGTON - NASA plans to add an unmanned flight test of the Orion spacecraft in early 2014 to its contract with Lockheed Martin Space Systems for the multi-purpose crew vehicle's design, development, test and evaluation. The test supports the new Space Launch System that will take astronauts farther into space than ever before. The Exploration Flight Test will fly two orbits to a high-apogee, with a high-energy re-entry through Earth's atmosphere, then make a water landing. The test mission will be launched from Cape Canaveral, Fla. The agency has posted a synopsis explaining its intention on NASA's procurement website. (Source: NASA, 11/08/11) Gulf Coast note: Stennis Space Center, Miss., is testing engines for the SLS and Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, will build portions of the heavy lift launch vehicle.

J-2X may do 500-second burn

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - It's not an official objective, but the J-2X rocket engine being test fired at NASA's Stennis Space Center in South Mississippi Wednesday may fire for 500 seconds. The media has been invited to see the test, and officials from several NASA centers also will be there, according to the Huntsville (Ala.) Times. The J-2X, which will power the upper stage of the heavy-lift rocket NASA is developing, has already been tested at SSC, but not for the duration that would occur during a space mission. (Source: Huntsville Times, 11/07/11)

Eglin's space junk trackers

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - It's not one of the better-known space-related programs in the Gulf Coast. That honor goes to Stennis Space Center, Miss., and Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. But tucked in the woods of Eglin Air Force Base is the 20th Space Control Squadron. Its mission is to track space debris. There's about 25,000 separate objects circling earth, with one re-entry into the atmosphere a week and, for the most part, burn up. The radar is behind a 9-story wall, and personnel use a screen with objects assigned numbers, similar to an air traffic control screen. (Source: WEAR-TV, 11/03/11) Note: The phased array radar at Site C-6, some 35 miles east of the main gate, is one of the most powerful in the world and has been tracking space objects in near and deep space for 40 years. For background, see Gulf Coast Aerospace Corridor 2011-2012, Part II, Space Activities, about SSC, Michoud and the 20th Space Control Squadron.

Media invited to J-2X engine test

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - The media has been invited to NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss., next week to see the next test firing of the J-2X rocket engine, which will be used by NASA's Space Launch System. The test is Wednesday, Nov. 9. The SLS will carry the Orion spacecraft, its crew, cargo, equipment and science experiments beyond Earth orbit. Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne is developing the J-2X for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The SLS rocket engines will use a liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propulsion system, which will include the J-2X engine for the upper stage and RS-25D/E engines, Space Shuttle Main Engines, for the core stage. (Source: NASA, 11/03/11)

StenniSphere closed Nov. 9

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - StenniSphere, the visitor center at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center, will be closed to the general public Nov. 9 for an onsite event. The visitor center will reopen Nov. 10 and resume normal operating hours. StenniSphere is open to the public 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and is closed on major holidays. Public tours run throughout each day from the Launch Pad at the Hancock County Welcome Center, Interstate 10, Exit 2. (Source: NASA, 11/02/11)

ONR's railgun hits milestone

ARLINGTON, Va - Scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory hit a materials research milestone in the Office of Naval Research's Electromagnetic Railgun (EMRG) program when they fired a laboratory-scale system for the 1,000th time Oct. 31. The EMRG is a long-range weapon that launches projectiles using electricity instead of chemical propellants. Launched at up to 5,600 mph, the projectile reaches its target at speeds that require only a small charge like that found in automobile airbags to dispense its payload, eliminating the objective through kinetic energy. The railgun launches projectiles by generating magnetic fields created by high electrical currents that accelerate a sliding metal conductor, or armature, between two rails. NRL has experimented with a variety of materials and geometries to determine which ones can withstand the metal-melting temperatures and pressures. Scientists have been working to increase the railgun's barrel life, muzzle energy and size. The goal is for a 64-megajoule railgun with a range of about 220 nautical miles. (Source: NNS, 10/31/11) Note: The Naval Research Lab has a detachment at Stennis Space Center, Miss.

CSC to continue NSSC work

CSC has received a $41 million modification that exercises the second option period for the NASA Shared Services Center contract. The contract modification applies to the contract NASA awarded CSC in 2005. CSC will continue to provide financial management, human resources, procurement and information technology support services to NASA. The NSSC is a cooperative partnership between NASA, CSC and the states of Mississippi and Louisiana. The NSSC performs selected business activities for all 10 NASA centers. (Source: Business Wire, 10/27/11)

Partner progress report released

NASA's industry partners continue to meet established milestones in developing commercial crew transportation capabilities that will ferry U.S. astronauts to and from the International Space Station, according to NASA’s third status report. NASA will rely on private industry to transport cargo and crew to the International Space Station, while NASA focuses on deep space exploration. NASA has posted the third status report on its Commercial Crew Development 2 (CCDev2) program to the agency's Commercial Space Transportation website. (Source: NASA, 10/25/11) Gulf Coast note: The region is home to Stennis Space Center, Miss., and Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans.

October Lagniappe available

The October issue of Lagniappe, the monthly newsletter about NASA activities at Stennis Space Center, is available for download. The issue has special coverage of the 50-year anniversary of John C. Stennis Space Center, as well as a story about NASA's plans for the heavy-lift Space Launch System, an item about the busy times at the A Test Complex and more. (Source: Lagniappe, October 2011)

NASA tries to find room for SLS in budget

NASA will store some rocket engines, slow work on others and study still more as it tries to fit the Space Launch System into a $3 billion annual budget for development. Early flights of the SLS will use surplus space shuttle main engines and, as side-mounted strap-ons, the five-segment solid-fuel motors developed for the terminated Ares I crew launch vehicle's first stage. The J-2X upper-stage engine will be slowed as managers try to maintain enough development momentum to avoid a costly stop and restart in engine development as the big new rocket evolves. (Source: Aviation Week, 10/24/11) Gulf Coast note: Stennis Space Center, Miss., is where space shuttle main engines were tested and where the J-2X is being assembled and tested. Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, is where portions of the SLS will be built.

Resolution honors SSC

The U.S. Senate Friday approved a resolution sponsored by senators from Mississippi and Louisiana honoring the 50th anniversary of the John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss., and its economic impact on the region. The testing facility in Hancock County was established in 1961 and today is home to more than 30 federal organizations, including the biggest tenant, the Navy. It will continue to play a role as the test site for NASA programs and commercial ventures (Source: Sun Herald, 10/23/11)

Teachers to hear about Mission Oceans

The curriculum for the Navy-sponsored academic outreach, "Mission Ocean," will be presented at the 2011 Mississippi Science Teacher's Association Conference at the Marriott Hotel in Jackson, Oct. 23-25. The curriculum is being offered in association with the December 2011 christening of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Mississippi (SSN-782), which is scheduled for commissioning in Gulfport, Miss., in 2012. The submarine-related science curriculum, approved by the Mississippi Department of Education for 6th and 7th grades, that will be available beginning with the 2012-2013 school year. Developed by a team at Purdue University, the year-long curriculum focuses on science activities and missions in a simulated submarine control room. Participation in the Mission Ocean program, developed in 1997, has produced statistically significant improvement in standardized test scores in the content areas of science, mathematics and social studies. (Source: Tcp, 10/20/11) Note: The Navy is a major tenant at Stennis Space Center, Miss. SSC is home of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command.

SSMEs bound for SSC

All fifteen Space Shuttle Main Engines are together inside NASA's Engine Shop at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., and are being prepped for shipment to Stennis Space Center, Miss. At SSC, they'll become part of the propulsion used on NASA's next generation heavy-lift rocket, the Space Launch System. The engines are built by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, and each is 14 feet long and more than 7 feet in diameter at the end of its nozzle. (Source: Universe Today, 10/19/11) In addition to testing the SLS engines at SSC, NASA will have portions of the SLS fabricated at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. (Previous story)

Lockheed center officially opens

CLINTON, Miss. - Lockheed Martin held a ceremonial opening Wednesday for its new 33,000 square-foot technology support center at South Pointe Business Park. Lockheed Martin announced in April that it planned to create 350 new jobs at the center in Clinton, Miss. The mission support center will serve several of Lockheed Martin’s federal customers. The center is in part of the former corporate headquarters of WorldCom, the telecommunications company that went into bankruptcy in 2002. (Source: multiple, including Clarion-Ledger, WJTV, 10/19/11) Note: Lockheed Martin assembles satellite components at Stennis Space Center.

Service provider seminar scheduled

The next Service Provider Seminar scheduled for Oct. 31 features Jonathan Koenig and Bryan Ehricht of Wegmann Dazet. Entrepreneurs are sometimes weak in accounting and tax issues. What should your financial statements look like? What will a lender want to see on your company’s performance? Are there tax credits or deductions that my current accountant hasn't told you about? Guidance in all these issues and more will be offered by Wegmann Dazet, a CPA Business Consulting firm with nearly 65 on staff in two offices. The seminar is at noon in the Building 1103 conference room. Lunch will be provided. Seating is limited to 40 individuals on a first come first served bases. Register by noon Oct. 27. (Source: MSET, 10/19/11)

Infinity seeks restaurant operator

Proposals are being sought to operate a full-service restaurant at the Infinity Science Center at NASA's Stennis Space Center. Written proposals are due by Nov. 9, and a selection will be made Dec. 8, 2011. Proposals must have the requisite demonstrated competence and experience and a knowledge of restaurant, baker, deli and catering operations, including financing, marketing, design, leasing, management and oversight. Infinity is located next to the Welcome Center on Interstate 10, near the Mississippi and Louisiana state line. (Source: Infinity Science Center, 10/17/11) A pre-proposal meeting will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. to discuss this project. Contact Tommie Staten for more information on the pre-proposal meeting.

MUOS satellite tested

The first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) military communications satellite built by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Navy has successfully completed a major end-to-end system test, validating satellite performance and functionality with user ground terminals. Completion of this key milestone confirms the system meets requirements and allows the satellite to proceed to final factory test activities prior to launch. MUOS will augment and replace the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Follow-On system (UFO) providing communications, including simultaneous voice, video and data, for mobile warfighters. (Source: Lockheed Martin via PRNewswire, 10/12/11) Gulf Coast note: Work on the propulsion system for the MUOS, an A2100 satellite-based spacecraft, is done at Stennis Space Center, Miss.

Fleet Survey Team helping Albania

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - Fleet Survey Team is conducting a hydrographic survey in the harbor of Durres, Albania, its approaches and anchorages in a cooperative survey with the Albanian government. FST deployed a seven-person survey team, comprised of both military and civilian surveyors, and a nine-meter survey vessel for the mission, which includes the collection of sounding data, tidal information and geodetics. Durres, located on the Adriatic Sea, is one of Albania's major commercial ports and is home to the Albanian Hydrographic Service. Albanian hydrographers are working alongside the U.S. Navy hydrographers and participating in every aspect of the project. FST is a rapid-response team with capabilities to conduct quick-turnaround hydrographic surveys anywhere in the world. (Source: NNS, 10/12/11)

October Messenger available

The October issue of Michoud Messenger, a monthly newsletter about activities at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, is available for download. The issue includes a story about NASA picking Michoud to make the Space Launch System core stage, upper stage, and instrument ring. Also included is a story about construction beginning on the Orion MPCV flight article and more. (Source: Michoud Messenger, October 2011)

Mine warfare center has new commander

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - The Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss., has a new commanding officer. Cmdr. Chris Gabriel relieved Cmdr. Matthew Borbash Oct. 7. Gabriel comes to the center after serving on the staff of the U.S. Africa Command. Borbash is now director of expeditionary warfare at the Naval Oceanography Operations Command, also at Stennis Space Center. (Source: AP via Hattisburg American, 10/12/11)

First openings set at Infinity

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – The restaurant and initial exhibit showcasing earth and space science will open at Infinity Science Center in early 2012. The building will be finished in late October, said John Wilson, education program development director for Infinity. The exhibits were created by ESI Design and interactive designer Edwin Schlossberg, who also designed the Ellis Island experience and other major interactive exhibits across the country. Infinity Science Center, expected to cost $42 million, is at Exit 2 of Interstate 10, south of the entrance to NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center. It will be both a state-of-the-art science center and a major visitor attraction. (Source: Sun Herald, 10/06/11)

Astronaut applicants sought

HOUSTON – Early next month NASA will seek applicants for its next class of astronaut candidates who will support long-duration missions to the International Space Station and future deep space exploration activities. "For scientists, engineers and other professionals who have always dreamed of experiencing spaceflight, this is an exciting time to join the astronaut corps," said Janet Kavandi, director of flight crew operations at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. "This next class will support missions to the station and will arrive via transportation systems now in development. They also will have the opportunity to participate in NASA's continuing exploration programs that will include missions beyond low Earth orbit." A bachelor's degree in engineering, science or math and three years of relevant professional experience are required. Typically, successful applicants have significant qualifications in engineering or science, or extensive experience flying high-performance jet-aircraft. Additional information about the Astronaut Candidate Program is available by calling the Astronaut Selection Office at 281-483-5907. (Source: NASA, 10/03/11) Gulf Coast note: NASA tests rocket engines and Stennis Space Center, Miss., and will build portions of the Space Launch System at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.

StenniSphere closed Oct. 8

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - StenniSphere, the visitor center at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center, will be closed to the general public Oct. 8 for an onsite event. The visitor center will reopen Oct. 12 and resume normal operating hours. StenniSphere is open to the public 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and is closed on major holidays. Public tours run throughout each day from the Launch Pad at the Hancock County Welcome Center, Interstate 10, Exit 2. (Source: NASA, 10/03/11)

Vitter: Michoud will build SLS components

NASA has chosen Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to build components of its new heavy-lift rocket, according to Sen. David Vitter, R-La. Vitter released a statement today saying the decision is "big big news for southeast Louisiana." Earlier this month NASA unveiled the design of the rocket. NASA plans to build several components at Michoud, including manufacturing core stage and upper stage, the instrument ring and integrating engines with core and upper stages. (Source: Sen. David Vitter, 09/29/11) Stennis Space Center, Miss., is testing the engines for the SLS.

NASA tests commercial AJ26 engine

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - Engineers at NASA's Stennis Space Center conducted a test of an Aerojet AJ26 flight engine Sept. 28 that will power the first stage of Orbital Sciences Corp's Taurus II space launch vehicle. The AJ26 engine test supports Orbital's development activities to provide commercial cargo resupply flights to the International Space Station that are scheduled to begin in 2012. The company is scheduled to demonstrate its Taurus II rocket and its Cygnus cargo transportation system in a mission scheduled for later this year under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) research and development initiative. The test on the E-1 Test Stand was performed by a team of Orbital, Aerojet and Stennis engineers. Data from the test will be reviewed and verified before the engine is delivered to the Wallops Flight Facility launch site in Virginia for installation on the Taurus II rocket's first-stage core. (Source: NASA, 09/28/11)

NASA conducts J-2X test

NASA/SSC photo

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - NASA conducted a 40-second test of the J-2X rocket engine Sept. 28, the most recent in a series of tests of the next-generation engine selected as part of the Space Launch System designed to carry humans into deep space. It was a test at the 99 percent power level to gain a better understanding of start and shutdown systems as well as modifications that had been made from previous test firing results. The test came two weeks after NASA announced plans for the new SLS to be powered by core-stage RS-25 D/E and upper-stage J-2X engines. The liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen J-2X is being developed for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. (Source: NASA, 09/28/11)

NASA restructuring contracting program

NASA is restructuring its contracting program as the agency's missions change. Contractors are anticipating a new initiative worth millions over nearly 10 years. The initiative, known as the Test and Operations Support Contract, covers ground systems work now being done by Boeing and the United Space Alliance. The new program would provide NASA with services related to managing the ground systems used for flight launches, such as maintaining equipment, overseeing landings and performing simulations and experiments. (Source: Washington Post, 09/25/11) Gulf Coast note: In this region NASA has Stennis Space Center, Miss., and Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans.

September Lagniappe available

The September issue of Lagniappe, the monthly newsletter about NASA activities at Stennis Space Center, is available for download. The issue includes a story about the transfer of the former Mississippi Army Ammunition Plant to NASA, as well as an item about the visit of dignitaries to the Infinity Science Center; a story and photos about the testing of the J-2X engine; the visit to Stennis Space Center by the crew of STS-135, and more. (Source: Lagniappe, September 2011)

RS-68A completes test series

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne successfully completed a series of hot-fire tests on the certified RS-68A engine, the world's most powerful hydrogen-fueled engine, at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss. The tests demonstrated the capability of the engine to operate for 4,800 seconds of cumulative run time, four times the design life of the engine and more than 10 times what's needed to boost a United Launch Alliance heavy-lift rocket into space. The RS-68A, which evolved from the RS-68, is a liquid-hydrogen/liquid-oxygen booster engine designed for the Delta IV family of launch vehicles. In addition, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and NASA has begun testing on the upper-stage J-2X engine. To date, five hot-fire tests have been conducted on the J-2X, which could be used to boost humans beyond low-Earth orbit. (Source: Pratt & Whitney via PRNewswire, 09/22/11)

New STEM curriculum released

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – The Stennis Education Office has released its new "Food for Thought" teaching curriculum and interactive website. It uses the idea of food in space to teach students such topics as caloric content and nutritional value of food, while challenging them to build space robots, design a better microgravity coffee cup and create a space cookie recipe. The curriculum is the third produced by the Stennis education team, all within the last 15 months. It's part of NASA's Teaching from Space initiative, designed to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning by students. (Source: NASA, 09/09/11)

NASA unveils SLS

NASA unveiled plans for the Space Launch System rocket, designed to take astronauts into deep space. Administrator Charles Bolden said at a Wednesday news conference that the heavy-lift SLS, more powerful than the Saturn V, will fly in 2017. It will allow astronauts to reach asteroids and Mars. SLS will be designed to carry the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, as well as cargo, equipment and science experiments, and serve as backup for transportation services to the International Space Station. It will use technologies from the Space Shuttle and Constellation programs to leverage proven hardware and tooling and manufacturing technology. It will use a liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propulsion system, which will include the RS-25D/E from the Space Shuttle for the core stage and the J-2X engine for the upper stage. (Sources: Multiple, including Huntsville Times, Space Travel, Los Angeles Times, 09/14/11) Gulf Coast note: Stennis Space Center, Miss., does rocket engine testing and assembly of the J-2X. It's also where all the Space Shuttle Main Engines were tested. Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans has been working on Orion.(Story) It's likely to play a role in development of SLS as well.

Flight worthy Orion build begins

NASA photo

NEW ORLEANS, La. - Construction began last week on the first new NASA spacecraft built to take humans to orbit since space shuttle Endeavour left the factory in 1991. Engineers at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans started welding together the first space-bound Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. The first welds were completed Friday using an innovative new friction stir welding process, developed especially for Orion construction. The process creates a seamless, leak-proof bond that has proven stronger and higher in quality than can be achieved with conventional welding. After welding is completed at Michoud, the Orion spacecraft orbital test article will be shipped to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the heat shield will be installed. At Kennedy, it will undergo final assembly and checkout operations for flight. The first “flight worthy” Orion is set to launch in the summer of 2013. (Source: NASA, 09/09/11)

Jacobs gets SSC FOSC term 2

NASA's Stennis Space Center, Miss., has exercised award term period 2 of the Facility Operating Services Contract with Jacobs Technology Inc. of Tullahoma, Tenn. The FOSC provides a broad range of services to support NASA missions and more than 30 resident agencies sharing and using Stennis facilities and services. The term 2 award is valued at $58.7 million and is the second of seven award term periods in addition to the three-year base period. Jacobs Technology provides administrative; facility engineering; food; mail; fire protection; custodial; multimedia; public affairs; education; facility maintenance and operations; safety, quality and environmental; medical and occupational health; and logistics and transportation services. (Source: NASA via PRNewswire, 09/06/11)

September Messenger available

The September issue of Michoud Messenger, a monthly newsletter about activities at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, is available for download. The issue includes a story about the visit by STS-135 crew to thank employees for their work; an item on Operation Clean Sweep; a story about Michoud Credit union and more. (Source: Michoud Messenger, September 2011)

Lunch and Learn scheduled

The September "Lunch and Learn," hosted by the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology, is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 8, in the Herman Glazier Conference Room of Building 1103. Featured speaker is Al Watkins from A2Research. At SSC, A2R manages laboratories services. A summary will be provided at the event. The company is looking for collaborative partners to utilize the laboratory services available at SSC in other contract activities, proposals or other business ventures. Networking and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning at noon. There is no charge for MSET resident companies and members of MSET's new affiliates program. For other guests the charge is $10. (Source: MSET) For more information.

$112.5M in Gulf research announced

The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative will use $112.5 million to fund eight research teams over the next three years to study the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010. The teams will investigate what happened to the oil in the environment, the impacts of the spill and the development of new tools and technologies for responding to future spills and improving mitigation and restoration. Universities with operations along the Gulf Coast that are participating in one or more teams include the University of Southern Mississippi, University of West Florida, Louisiana State University, Tulane University, Florida State University and the University of Mississippi. Also participating will be Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Mobile, Ala., and the Naval Research Laboratory, which has a detachment at Stennis Space Center, Miss. The GRI Research Board is an independent body established by BP to administer the company's 10-year, $500 million commitment to research. Additional grant competitions will be announced soon. (Source: PRNewswire, 08/30/11)

NASA takes over plant

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - The 1.6 million square-foot former Mississippi Army Ammunition Plant was formally turned over to NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center Wednesday, increasing NASA's total facility space at SSC by about a third. The Army plant hasn't made munitions since 1990 and was deactivated in 1992. About half the space is already occupied by a dozen employers, including Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, the Government Printing Office, Department of Energy and the Department of Homeland Security's National Center for Critical Information Processing and Storage. The ceremony was held in the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine assembly portion of the plant. Attending were NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver and Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi, who said the economic development potential is "tremendous for the Gulf Coast." (Source: Sun Herald, 08/24/11)

Huge plant being turned over to NASA

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - The former Mississippi Army Ammunition Plant will be formally turned over to NASA's Stennis Space Center during a ceremony Aug. 24. With acquisition of the 1.6 million square-foot plant, which hasn't made munitions since 1990, NASA will increase the total facility space at Stennis by about 33 percent. A dozen employers, including Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne, the Government Printing Office and the Department of Energy, already are located in portions of the space. The ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. CDT. (NASA, 08/19/11)

NSSC awards ceremony held

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - The NASA Shared Services Center held its fifth annual Honor Awards Ceremony on Aug. 10 at the StenniSphere Auditorium. Robert Lightfoot, director of Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., delivered a keynote address about the importance of the work performed at the NSSC in redirecting funds towards the agency's core mission. The awards recognized individuals and groups, government and non-government, who have made outstanding contributions to the agency's missions. (Source: NASA, 08/17/11)

August Lagniappe available

The August issue of Lagniappe, a monthly newsletter about NASA activities at Stennis Space Center, is available for download. The front page shows a photo of Atlantis and is headlined "Journey’s end," right next to a photo of the test firing of a J-2X rocket engine headlined "New beginning," illustrating the transition between the shuttle program and a new era of rocket testing at Stennis. The issue also has a longer story on the J-2X testing. There are also items about the visits to Stennis Space Center by NASA's chief scientist, Dr. Waleed Abdalati, Japanese space leaders and scientists from Goddard Space Flight Center. (Source: Lagniappe, August 2011)

Students will chat with ISS astronauts

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - Students from Mississippi and Louisiana gathered at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center Thursday will place a call to astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The K-12 students will be able to ask Expedition 28 Flight Engineers Ron Garan, Mike Fossum and Satoshi Furukawa questions related to mass and weight to enhance their understanding of scientific principles, physics and space. Students from Bay Waveland Middle School in Bay St. Louis, Vancleave Middle School in Vancleave and Hancock North Central Elementary in Kiln, all in Mississippi, and Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Chalmette, La., will participate. The call will include a video link with the astronauts that will be broadcast live on NASA Television. (Source: NASA, 08/15/11)

Ferguson: SSC future most secure

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - Crew members from the final mission of space shuttle Atlantis visited NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center on Thursday to thank employees and their families for their part in the success of the mission. "Of all the NASA centers that are involved in human space flight, I think Stennis' future is probably the most clear at this point," said mission commander Chris Ferguson. Stennis tested all the space shuttle main engines, and continues to test rocket engines for commercial companies. "The space shuttle (main engines) that you've tested and operated here for probably at least 35 years was really one of the success stories," said pilot Doug Hurley. Hundreds crowded the auditorium of StenniSphere to hear Hurley, Ferguson and mission specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Waldheim share their appreciation and their experiences in space. (Source: Sun Herald, 08/11/11)

Ocean in Action Workshop set

BILOXI, Miss. - The Marine Technology Society and Mississippi Enterprise for Technology are hosting the Oceans in Action Workshop Aug. 22 and 23 at the Imperial Palace Casino in Biloxi. The workshop focuses on how marine technology is applied to real-world issues. As part of the event, the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology will host business matchmaking sessions. Representatives have agreed to meet with companies to help determine if their products and/or services can help support projects currently underway or anticipated within local government agencies and prime contractor organizations. The deadline for advanced meeting scheduling is Aug. 15. After that, meetings can be scheduled at the workshop if appointments are still available. Paid registration to the Oceans in Action workshop via the MTS is required before a meeting request can be submitted. For information on the workshop; for information on matchmaking. (Source: MSET, 08/10/11)

Rolls-Royce looks to expand test sites

Rolls-Royce Group is studying locations in the United States and Germany for new engine test sites, a newspaper reported Monday. The company told workers in Derby, England, where it employs 11,000, that it was considering sites outside of the United Kingdom, The Telegraph reported. Derby is the company's "center of excellence" for large engines. It builds and tests the Trent XWB, which will go in the new Airbus A350. That program will continue in Derby as it expands, but the company says it's looking at new locations to help fulfill orders worth about $98 billion. Rolls-Royce could open test sites either in the United States or Germany or both, the Telegraph reported. (Source: Indianapolis Business Journal, 08/08/11) Rolls-Royce currently tests jet engines at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss.

UNO to study robotic eel for ONR

NEW ORLEANS, La. - The University of New Orleans is the recipient of a three-year $937,000 award from the Office of Naval Research to design and build a robotic "eel" capable of operating in shallow water environments. Researchers will attempt to confirm an aquatic swimming motion theory that involves a swimming motion that has very low drag and high efficiency. The Navy is interested in operations in shallow water areas such as rivers and coastline. One important mission is intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, which sometimes involves monitoring and data collection in harsh or dangerous conditions. The Navy has a strong interest in developing autonomous underwater vehicles that can carry sensors into perilous environments without being detected. (Source: UNO, 08/03/11) Note: NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center has multiple operations involved in gathering ocean and littoral data.

Lunch and Learn scheduled

The August "Lunch and Learn," hosted by the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology, is slated for Thursday in the Herman Glazier Conference Room of Building 1103. Featured speaker is Dr. John Samples, who will give an overview of the current Geospatial Computing development efforts at the Naval Research Lab at Stennis. This will include the NRL's Tiled Image Servier, the GHub, and several other programs. Networking and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning at noon. There is no charge for MSET resident companies and members of MSET's new affiliates program. For other guests the charge is $10. (Source: MSET) For more information.

Atlantis crew to visit SSC

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - Crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' final mission, STS-135, will visit NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 8:45 a.m. to thank employees for their part in a safe mission. Atlantis completed its final flight on July 21.The mission also marked the final flight of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. Atlantis was launched on its maiden STS-51-J mission in October 1985. During its 26 years in service, the orbiter flew 33 missions and logged more than 131 million miles in space. Atlantis and sister crafts Discovery and Endeavour now are being prepared for permanent display at selected sites.(Source: NASA, 08/08/11)

CSC to provide redundant system to DHS

The Department of Homeland Security awarded a $2.8 million contract to Computer Science Corp. to develop and implement what it calls a "High Assurance Gateway" that will provide a redundant and trusted Internet connection at the DHS data center at NASA's Stennis Space Center, Miss. This HAG solution is intended to allow secure Web browsing for DHS personnel, even under times of elevated risk, at what will become its primary data center. Some Internet browsing has been restricted by the measures DHS has previously taken at the Stennis data center to "protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of DHS information and assets," explains a "limited sources justification" notice posted online by DHS on August 5. "While security settings described above were put in place with positive intentions, in certain instances these settings are prohibiting access to content required by DHS personnel to carry out their mission duties," the notice said. (Source: Government Security News, 08/05/11)

StenniSphere to open at noon Aug. 11

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - StenniSphere, the visitor center at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center, will delay opening on Thursday, Aug. 11, due to a special event. The visitor center will open at noon that day and resume normal operating hours. StenniSphere is open to the public 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and is closed on major holidays. Public tours run throughout each day from the Launch Pad at the Hancock County Welcome Center, Interstate 10, Exit 2. The last tour leaves the Launch Pad at 2 p.m. each day. (Source: NASA, 08/05/11)

ONR celebrates 65th

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Office of Naval Research celebrated its 65th anniversary Aug. 1 with a ceremony at its headquarters. "In the span of a lifetime, technologies from ONR and the Naval Research Lab have helped the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps become the pre-eminent maritime and expeditionary force in the world," said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Nevin Carr, who heads ONR. NRL Director of Research Dr. John Montgomery underscored ONR's historic impact during a keynote speech. "The products of ONR and NRL have changed the world profoundly and are deeply imbedded in myriad aspects of our everyday life, both military and civilian," Montgomery said. "Yet, as I look to the evolution of scientific and technical endeavors worldwide, I expect our innovations to be invaluable to the nation in the uncertain future we face." (Source: ONR, 08/01/11) Note: NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center is home to a Naval Research Lab detachment.

August Messenger available

The August issue of Michoud Messenger, a monthly newsletter about activities at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, is available for download. The issue includes a look at the end of the space shuttle era; the Boeing team's completion of the final tank assembly weld on the Pathfinder Liquid Oxygen Tank; an item on recognition given to Michoud Assembly Facility workers and more. (Source: Michoud Messenger, August 2011)

Shuttle lands safely, era ends

The space shuttle Atlantis landed safely at Florida's Kennedy Space Center early today. The 135th flight marked the end of three decades of service. The shuttle and its four crew members touched down at 5:57 a.m. EDT after a 13-day mission to the International Space Station. All shuttle main engines were tested at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss. (Source: Multiple, including NASA press release, 07/21/11)

July Lagniappe available

The July issue of Lagniappe, a monthly newsletter about NASA activities at Stennis Space Center, is available for download. This issue includes a story about the final mission of the space shuttle program; Stennis Space Center's major safety achievement award; Director Patrick Scheuermann's visit with Louisiana and Mississippi congressional delegation in Washington, D.C.; a story about the LH tank being installed on the A-3 Test Stand and more. (Source: Lagniappe, July 2011)

Lunch and Learn slated

The July "Lunch and Learn," hosted by the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology, is slated for Thursday in the Herman Glazier Conference Room of Building 1103. Featured speaker is Tom Cuff, Technical Director for the Naval Oceanographic Office, who will provide an overview of projects at NAVOCEANO. Networking and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning at noon. There is no charge for MSET resident companies and affiliates. For other guests the charge is $10. (Source: MSET) For more information.

ONR schools teachers in STEM camp

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - Gulf Coast-area science and math teachers are learning new lessons and recharging their professional enthusiasm at Office of Naval Research-funded five-day summer camps that wraps up July 15. Organized by the Naval Research Laboratory Stennis Space Center detachment in conjunction with the ASM Materials Education Foundation, the program trains middle and high school teachers in physics and materials science, electronic engineering, chemistry and polymer science. The Navy's goals are to inspire teachers and students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, raise ONR and NRL's profiles with Gulf Coast-area residents and inform them about the cutting-edge work being done at SSC. Long term, the objective is to grow and sustain the current naval STEM workforce, which will lose a multitude of workers to retirement in the coming years. (Source: Office of Naval Research, 07/11/11)

Oceanographic work topic of Lunch and Learn

This month's "Lunch and Learn," hosted by the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology, will feature Tom Cuff, Technical Director for the Naval Oceanographic Office. He'll provide an overview of projects at NAVOCEANO, including work supporting anti-piracy, disaster response, assistance in global humanitarian efforts, and the fleet. The meeting is Thursday in the Herman Glazier Conference Room of Building 1103. Networking and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m., with the presentation beginning at noon. (Source: MSET) For more information.

July Messenger available

The July issue of Michoud Messenger, a monthly newsletter about activities at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, is available for download. The issue includes a story about Michoud children joining their parents at work; Boeing unveiling its innovative manufacturing process involving friction stir welding; an item on boating safety and more. (Source: Michoud Messenger, July 2011)

NAVOCEANO gets new leader

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - Capt. Paul Oosterling assumed command of the Naval Oceanographic Office during a ceremony last week at Stennis Space Center, Miss. Oosterling replaced Capt. Brian Brown, who will transfer to Washington to serve as Executive Assistant to the Oceanographer of the Navy. NAVOCEANO supplies oceanographic products and services to all elements of the Department of Defense.

June Lagniappe available

The June issue of Lagniappe, a monthly newsletter about NASA activities at Stennis Space Center, is available for download. This issue includes a story about the J-2X engine being ready for testing; Endeavour's final mission; a tour by Mississippi mayors of the Infinity Science Center site; Stennis Space Center's Open House and more. (Source: Lagniappe, June 2011)

Exports, STEM highlight Mississippi ranking

Among the states, Mississippi ranks No. 5 for export growth, according to the Enterprising States 2011 study just released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Mississippi is also ranked 10th in cost of living, 11th in per capita income growth and higher education efficiency, and 12th in productivity growth and business birth rate. Mississippi is also ranked 20th in science, technology, engineering and math job growth as well as 20th in entrepreneurial activity. (Source: Tcp, 06/23/11) Study: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Fire damaged engine

An Aerojet AJ26 engine that will power the Orbital Sciences Corp. Taurus II launch vehicle was badly damaged in a fuel fire June 9 at Stennis Space Center, Miss. NASA is counting on the Taurus II/Cygnus and the Space Exploration Technologies Falcon 9/Dragon combinations to help resupply the International Space Station when the space shuttle fleet retires after the upcoming final flight of shuttle Atlantis. The AJ26 engine shut down prematurely after a fuel leak developed during a hot-fire acceptance test, and the leaking kerosene fuel ignited. The test stand at Stennis Space Center suffered only minor damage. A team of experts from Aerojet, Orbital and NASA is investigating the cause of the mishap and the extent of the damage to the engine. (Source: Aviation Week, 06/23/11) Previous story

Command at SSC gets new leader

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - A change of command ceremony took place at the Naval Oceanography Operations Command at Stennis Space Center last week. Capt. Van Gurley assumed command, relieving Capt. David J. Walsh, who has commanded since November 2009. Gurley has served two previous tours in Mississippi, and was the first commanding officer of the Naval Oceanography Anti-Submarine Warfare Center from 2006 to 2008. The NOOC, an Echelon IV command of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command at SSC, is comprised of over 1,000 military and civilian personnel located at seven globally distributed subordinate commands supporting every warfare area in the fleet. Rear Adm. Jonathan W. White, Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, presided over the ceremony. (Source: NNS, 06/14/11)

Upper stage engine ready for SSC testing

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - NASA's new J-2X rocket engine, which could power the upper stage of a future heavy-lift launch vehicle, is ready for its first round of testing. The fully assembled engine was installed Saturday in Stennis' A-2 Test Stand, originally used to test Saturn V rockets for the Apollo Program. Beginning in mid-June, the engine will undergo a series of 10 test firings that will last several months. The test stand, which supported the space shuttle main engine project, has been modified for the J-2X's different shape. In addition to the structural, electrical and plumbing modifications, a new engine start system was installed and control systems were upgraded on the stand. The liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen transfer lines that dated back to the 1960s were replaced. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne designed and built the J-2X for NASA. (Source: NASA, 06/13/11)

Data portal earns Gulf Guardian award

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System - Regional Association of College Station Texas will receive a Gulf Guardian Award for 2011 in the partnership category. The awards ceremony will be in conjunction with the Gulf of Mexico Alliance Meeting Aug. 3 in New Orleans. The GCOOS Data Portal Project spans the entire Gulf coast and engages people from academia, state and local government and the private sector. The Gulf of Mexico Program initiated the Gulf Guardian awards in 2000 to recognize businesses, community groups, individuals, and agencies that are taking positive steps to keep the Gulf healthy, beautiful and productive. (Source: EPA, 06/09/11)

AJ26 shuts down early in test

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - An Aerojet AJ26 engine, the propulsion system for one of NASA's commercial space-cargo haulers, shut down early in a test firing at the Stennis Space Center. The test was conducted Thursday on the E-1 Test Stand. The AJ26 is the main engine for Orbital Science Corp.'s Taurus 2 rocket, which will launch the company's Cygnus capsule for commercial resupply missions to the international space station. Orbital and Aerojet are investigating the cause, and Stennis will perform checkouts to the facility to ensure its operational integrity. "This is the reason we test engines here at Stennis before they are installed on launch vehicles," said David Liberto, AJ26 engine project manager at Stennis. Three AJ26 have been successfully test fired to date. (Source: NASA, Space News, 06/10/11)

SSC celebrates safety goal

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center celebrated a major workplace achievement Thursday with a flag ceremony to signify its status as a Voluntary Protection Program Star site, a designation of safety excellence. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration established VPP in 1982 as a proactive safety management model so organizations and their employees could be recognized for excellence in safety and health. Since then, more than 2,000 organizations, including several NASA centers, have been designated VPP Star sites. (Source: NASA, 06/09/11)

June Messenger available

The June issue of Michoud Messenger, a monthly newsletter about activities at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, is available for download. The issue includes a report about more than 3,000 Louisiana students who participated in Space Day at Louisiana Tech University, designed to involve them in science fields. Also included are items about Navy Day at Michoud; the New Orleans chamber tour of the facility; a story about Endeavours final flight and more. (Source: Michoud Messenger, June 2011)

Hydroid on track with AUV

Hydroid Inc. said it has passed Critical Design Review to provide Littoral Battlespace Sensing (LBS) Autonomous Undersea Vehicles (AUVs) and associated technologies to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). The review was to verify that Hydroid is in compliance with design requirements to proceed with system fabrication, demonstration, and testing. Hydroid is providing REMUS 600 AUVs with technologies for meteorological and oceanographic data collection, as well as technologies to process and disseminate the data. The end user will be the Naval Oceanographic Office at Stennis Sapce Center, Miss., which provides data to all elements of the Department of Defense. (Source: SeaDiscovery, 05/26/11)

Images show extent of river sediment

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - NASA's Applied Science and Technology Project Office at the John C. Stennis Space Center has provided satellite images to the Army Corps of Engineers and Louisiana showing large amounts of sediment throughout coastal Louisiana as a result of flooding on the Mississippi River. The images show three large areas of sediment, or plumes, moving through the floodwaters across Louisiana. The U.S. Geological Survey and NASA are providing satellite imagery to help in flood response efforts. It's part of the Applied Science and Technology Project Office's commitment to use data from agency satellites to help communities address issues of concern. (Source: NASA, 05/27/11)

New spacecraft based on Orion

NASA this week said a new spacecraft to take humans into deep space will be based on designs for the Orion crew exploration vehicle, and be built by Lockheed Martin. Orion, originally designed to take astronauts back to the moon, is a surviving component of the Constellation program canceled by President Barack Obama last year. The new spacecraft is called the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) and will carry four astronauts for 21-day missions and be able to land in the Pacific. NASA has spent some $5 billion on Orion since it awarded Lockheed Martin the prime contract in September 2006. Lockheed built the Orion ground test article at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. NASA still needs to finalize plans for a heavy lift vehicle. (Sources: NASA, AFP via Montreal Gazette, Space News, 05/24/11)

SSC open house set

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center is holding a 50th anniversary open house June 2. The visitor center, StenniSphere, will be closed to the general public during the event. Passes are available through Friday at chamber offices in St. Tammany and Washington parishes, and in Picayune, Hancock, Stone and Jackson counties. Passes are also available at the Launch Pad at the Mississippi Welcome Center. (Source: NASA, 05/25/11)