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.