Chamber to manage Infinity

The Hancock County Chamber of Commerce will manage and market the $30 million Infinity Science Center, officials said Friday. The science center is located along Interstate 10 not far from the Mississippi and Louisiana state line. The center, which is designed to highlight the science work at nearby Stennis Space Center, opens to the public on April 12. Infinity is a 68,000 square foot facility with 30,000 square feet of total gallery space. (Sources: WLOX-TV, Sea Coast Echo, Sun Herald, 03/30/12)

Historic engines to be recovered?

The five Rocketdyne F-1 engines that in July 1969 powered the first stage of the Saturn V rocket that launched Apollo 11 for its rendezvous with the moon have been found in the Atlantic Ocean. They were found by Bezos Expeditions, owned by Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com. He said he hopes to raise one or more of the engines, which are owned by NASA, to put on display. The five engines, built in California, were assembled into the first stage at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Michoud was the manufacturing center for the entire Saturn V system. (Sources: multiple, including MSNBC, Time, New Orleans Times Picayune, 03/29/12) The F-1 engines were tested at Stennis Space Center, Miss. When the five-engine cluster was test-fired for the first time in March 1967, windows shattered in nearby communities from the 7.5 million pounds of thrust; Bezos also founded Blue Origin of Kent, Wash., which soon will test its BE-3 engine thrust chamber assembly at Stennis Space Center's E-1 test stand.

Procurement services contract awarded

NASA has awarded a contract to Wichita Tribal Enterprises LLC, of Norman, Okla., for procurement services, effective June 1. Contract-closeout services will be on a firm-fixed price completion basis, and the procurement-support services will be provided under a firm-fixed price indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity provision in the contract. The contract consists of a four-month base period with four one-year option periods. The potential value for contract-closeout support, which includes contracts, purchase orders, grants, cooperative agreements and more, is $12 million. Potential value of procurement-support services is $30 million. The contract, which will provide services to all of NASA, will be managed at the NASA Shared Services Center at Stennis Space Center, Miss. The NSSC, a partnership between NASA, CSC and the states of Mississippi and Louisiana, performs business activities for all 10 NASA centers in financial management, human resources, information technology and procurement. (Source: NASA via PRNewswire, 03/29/12)

Contract: General Dynamics, $27M

General Dynamics Information Technology, Herndon, Va., is being awarded a $27,091,748 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for information technology engineering and mission sustainment services in support of the commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Stennis Space Center, Miss. Sixty percent of the work will be done at SSC. Other sites are Monterey, Calif. (20 percent); Washington, D.C. (10 percent); San Diego, Calif. (8 percent); and Bahrain, Saudi Arabia (2 percent). Work is expected to be completed by April 1, 2013. The NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, Mechanicsburg, Pa., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 03/29/12)

NSSC gets new deputy director

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- Rebecca Dubuisson became the NASA Shared Services Center's deputy director this week. She'll assist Director Michael J. Smith in managing the center and providing leadership to the business and technical functional areas of financial management, human resources, information technology, procurement and agency business support services. She has 24 years of experience in business administration, including acquisition management, institutional management, and financial management. She began her NASA career in 1988 at Stennis Space Center as a procurement analyst in the Procurement and Business Management Office. (Source: NASA, 03/19/12)

EU balks over merger

The European Commission is taking a closer look at the proposed $16.5 billion merger between United Technologies and Goodrich. One of the concerns is the high market share of a combined UT/Goodrich in areas such as engine controls and power generators, where UT's Hamilton Sundstrand unit and Goodrich are competitors. UT unveiled the takeover in September last year, which would reinforce its presence in the civilian aerospace market. Hartford, Conn.-based UT's aviation activities include Sikorsky and Pratt and Whitney. It makes an array of products, including rocket engines, helicopters and elevators. Charlotte, N.C.-based Goodrich makes aircraft equipment including landing gears and electrical power systems. (Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, 03/27/12) Previous. UT's Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne assembles and tests rocket engines at Stennis Space Center, Miss.

White promoted, gets Pentagon post

Rear Adm. Jonathan W. White, current head of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command at NASA's Stennis Space Center, is getting a second star and a Pentagon post. According to a Defense Department release, White will be director of the Navy's Oceanography, Space and Maritime Domain Awareness Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations/Oceanographer of the Navy. (Source: DoD, 03/21/12)

CHARTS used in survey

BELIZE CITY, Belize -- The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) has been using airborne laser and imagery systems since early February to conduct cooperative hydrographic surveys in the coastal waters of Belize. It's part of a long-term project to survey the western Caribbean Sea off the coasts of Belize, Honduras and Nicaragua. The surveys are designed to improve safety of navigation by mapping the seafloor and locating shallow reefs and other obstructions in the approaches to Belize's major ports, Belize City and Big Creek, and are being conducted in cooperation with the government of Belize. The airborne laser system, called Compact Hydrographic Airborne Rapid Total Survey (CHARTS) system, uses light to map the bottom. U.S. and Belize governments will use the data for new charts. (Source: NNS, 03/27/12) NAVOCEANO is based at Stennis Space Center, Miss., and the CHARTS program is run by the Joint Airborne Lidar Bathymetry Technical Center of Expertise at Stennis International Airport in Kiln, Miss.

Mississippi company showcased

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- NVision, a Mississippi company that partnered with Stennis Space Center to create a disaster information system, is one of seven companies that will be highlighted in the 2012 NASA Technology Day on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. NVision, located at the Stennis Technology Park adjacent to SSC, teamed with NASA to create the Real-time Emergency Action Coordination Tool (REACT), which incorporates maps, reports, Internet-driven data and real-time sensor date into a geographical information system-based display to provide information during emergency and disaster situations. NASA Technology Day on Capitol Hill is sponsored annually by the agency's Office of the Chief Technologist to showcase technologies that improve life, and to inform Congress and the public about the secondary benefits of NASA partnerships and technology. (Source: NASA/SSC, 03/27/12)

Forest threat tool released

A Web tool that tracks threats to the nation's forests has been released by the USDA Forest Service. Called ForWarn, it's a satellite-based monitoring and assessment tool that can detect threats from fire, disease or other causes before the threat increases in severity or extent. It provides information on weekly changes in forest canopy conditions as they are impacted by insects, diseases, wildfires or extreme weather events. NASA's Stennis Space Center, Miss., worked with the Forest Service to develop the system. The prototype has successfully operated since January 2010 and uses NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer satellite to track changes in vegetation. ForWarn uses a web-based map tool, the Forest Change Assessment Viewer, to provide an 8-day coast-to-coast snapshot of the landscape. The coverage area is immense. According to the U.S. Forest Service, there are some 747 million acres of forest in the United States. (Source: Tcp, 03/22/12) Website and release. Background story

March Lagniappe available

The March issue of Lagniappe, the monthly newsletter about NASA activities at Stennis Space Center, Miss., is available for download. The issue has a story about NASA Deputy Director Lori Garver's visit to SSC; a visit by more than 100 community leaders to SSC in early March; an update on preparations for the testing of the J-2X engine; a feature on the Infinity Science Center; a story about the recent robotics competition and more. (Source: Lagniappe, March 2012)

SBIRS beats expectations

The first Space Based Infrared System geosynchronous earth orbit satellite is exceeding performance requirements in a series of tests. SBIRS GEO 1 was launched by an Atlas V in May 2011 from Florida. Within two months it began sharing initial data with mission partners to determine performance. Sensors are detecting targets 25 percent dimmer than requirements, and payload pointing is nine times more precise than required. SBIRS provides early missile warning capability and improves other critical mission areas. "We've been extremely pleased with the performance of this first-of-its-kind spacecraft," said Col. James Planeaux, director of the Infrared Space Systems Directorate. (Sources: Spaceflight, 03/19/12, Space War, 03/21/12) SBIRS is an A2100 satellite-based spacecraft. Work on the A2100 core's propulsion system, which positions the spacecraft in orbit, is done at Stennis Space Center, Miss. Previous

CSG test shows fix needed

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- Testing of a vital component for the A-3 test stand did exactly what it was intended to do: it showed a problem in the chemical steam generator (CSG). In testing at the E-2 facility, the two-inch angle-globe valves supplied with the unit were unable to stand up to operating conditions. Pieces of the seat material were "liberated" from the seat and valve stem, possibly allowing propellants to leak into the combustion chambers after minimal operational cycles, according to NASA. The procurement office is issuing a request for proposal from small businesses for 27 liquid oxygen (LOX) valves, 27 isopropyl alcohol (IPA) valves and related items. The new A-3 test stand will use nine three-module CSG units to generate superheated steam needed to create a vacuum that allows operators to test next-generation rocket engines at simulated high altitudes up to 100,000 feet. (Source: Tcp, 03/21/12) NASA solicitation; Previous related post

Robot to robot refueling tested

WASHINGTON -- The Naval Research Laboratory successfully demonstrated the robotic fluids transfer from a stationary platform to an unmanned surface vehicle in wave heights greater than three feet. The Rapid Autonomous Fuel Transfer project was able to track the motion of a Sea Fox naval vessel, emplace a magnetic refueling fitting to an on-board receptacle and complete fluids transfer. The testing was done at the Army Aberdeen Test Center wave simulator facility. Further robotic transfer tests may include land-based autonomous vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicle. (Source: NRL via Business Wire, 03/20/12) The NRL has a major operation at Stennis Space Center, Miss.

Teams compete in robotics

Students from 49 high school teams in six states competed in the 2012 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Bayou Regional competition March 15-17 in Kenner, La. A team from David Thibodaux Career and Technical High School in Lafayette, La., joined with a pair of teams from Texas to emerge as the tournament champion. The FIRST competition is designed to encourage students to pursue engineering and technology careers. High school teams are given six weeks to build robots that can perform assigned tasks. They then compete in regional events across the country to earn a chance to go to the finals April 26-28 at the Edwards Jones Dome in St. Louis. NASA and the John C. Stennis Space Center are strong supporters of FIRST Robotics and the Bayou Regional event with team coaches, mentors, training, judges, referees, a machine shop and other volunteers. Thirty teams in the regional were from Louisiana and seven from Mississippi. (Source: NASA, 03/20/12)

NASA: E-4 a "great opportunity"

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- A NASA official says an under-utilized test stand at Stennis Space Center is a "great opportunity" for a company interested in a partnership with NASA. The federal agency since November has been gauging industry interest in the E-4 Test Facility, which consists of a high-bay work area, control room space, personnel offices and concrete test cells. It also has road and barge canal access and utilities. The E-4 Test Facility can also be expanded to meet future requirements. "This is a great opportunity for a commercial company to explore partnership possibilities with NASA," said Stennis Engineering and Test Directorate Associate Director John Stealey. Projects conducted at the E-4 Test Facility also will have the ability to access Stennis onsite amenities and support capabilities, including cafeteria, medical clinic, laboratory, component, information technology, institutional and other services. (Source: NASA/SSC, 03/19/12) Previous

NRL opens robotic lab

WASHINGTON -- The Naval Research Laboratory held a ribbon cutting for its Laboratory for Autonomous Systems Research, which will focus on autonomous systems research for the Navy and Marine Corps. The lab will bring together scientists and engineers from diverse backgrounds. The one-of-a-kind lab has specialized facilities to support research in intelligent autonomy, sensor systems, power and energy systems, human-system interaction, networking and communications and platforms. It has multiple bays providing environments from desert to littoral and more. (Source: Business Wire, 03/16/12) NRL has a lab at Stennis Space Center, Miss.

It's official: Rocketdyne for sale

Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne is officially up for sale by its parent company, United Technologies. On Thursday, Rocketdyne's parent company, Hartford, Conn.-based United Technologies, announced it was selling the company to help finance its $16.5-billion purchase of aerospace supplier Goodrich Corp. Rocketdyne was first formed by North American Aviation. North American later merged with Rockwell International, which became part of Boeing. In 2005, Boeing sold Rocketdyne to United Technologies Corp. (Source: Los Angeles Times, 03/15/12) Previous: Shareholders OK merger; UT eyeing sale. Gulf Coast note: Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne assembles and tests engines at Stennis Space Center; Goodrich has an operation in Foley, Ala.

Material for booster tested

Booster test at MSFC. NASA/MSFC photo

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- A sub-scale solid rocket motor that mimics NASA's Space Launch System booster design successfully was tested Wednesday at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The 20-second firing tested new insulation materials on the 24-inch-diameter, 109-inch-long motor. The motor is a scaled down, low-cost replica of the solid rocket motors that will boost SLS off the launch pad. ATK of Brigham City, Utah, is the prime contractor for the booster. (Source: NASA, 03/14/12, Huntsville Times, 3/15/12) Stennis Space Center, Miss., will test the RS-25 and J-2X engines for the SLS.

Abort engine hot-fired

CANOGA PARK, Calif. -- Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne completed mission-duration hot-fire tests on a launch abort engine on Friday, March 9. The engine is in support of Boeing's CST-100 spacecraft being developed for NASA's Commercial Crew Development Round 2. Boeing's Crew Space Transportation system is a reusable, capsule-shaped spacecraft designed to take up to seven people or a combination of people and cargo to low Earth orbit, including the International Space Station. The abort propulsion system is designed to push the crew capsule to safety if an abort becomes necessary during launch or ascent. (Source: PRNewswire, 03/13/12) The CST-100 is compatible with the Atlas V, Delta IV and Falcon 9 launch vehicles. Gulf Coast note: NASA's Stennis Space Center, Miss., tests RS-68 engines for United Launch Alliance's Delta IV, and also has a Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne operation.

Jacobs awarded contract option

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. announced today that it's been awarded its first option year by NASA for its Manufacturing Support and Facility Operations Contract at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The option year has a potential value of $137 million. MAF, capable of manufacturing large aerospace structures at a single location, has played a key role in the design, assembly and manufacture of the Space Shuttle external tank and continues to support the development and manufacture of hardware for future spaceflight programs. (Source: PRNewswire, 03/13/12)

Shareholders OK merger

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Goodrich Corp. announced that shareholders today approved the proposed merger with United Technologies Corp. More than 98 percent of votes were cast in favor of the transaction, or some 75 percent of the outstanding shares of Goodrich common stock as of February 6, 2012. Upon completion of the merger, Goodrich will become a wholly owned subsidiary of United Technologies. (Source: Goodrich via PRNewswire, 03/13/12) UT owns Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, which has an operation at Stennis Space Center, Miss.; Goodrich operates the Alabama Service Center in Foley, Ala.

Orion EFT-1 nears completion

NEW ORLEANS -- The initial construction of the Orion Exploration Flight Test-1 vehicle built at Michoud Assembly Facility is nearing completion, NASA said. The EFT-1 will be launched in 2014 by a United Launch Alliance Delta IV. The test will be conducted for NASA by Lockeed Martin Space Systems. The unmanned capsule will be launched to an altitude of more than 3,600 miles above Earth. When EFT-1 is finished in May, it will be shipped to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., for final assembly and launch preparations. The capsule is designed to carry astronauts into deep space. (Source: NASA, New Orleans Times-Picayune, 03/08/12) Orion will eventually be launched by the Space Launce System. The SLS engines are being tested at Stennis Space Center, Miss.

J-2X returned to A-2

J-2X returned to A-2. NASA/SSC photo

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- J-2X engine 10001 is returned to the A-2 Test Stand at NASA's Stennis Space Center for its second round of tests. The developmental engine underwent an initial series of tests last year. Both the engine and test stand have been modified to begin simulated altitude testing in the coming months. The J-2X engine is designed and built by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. The J-2X will provide upper-stage power for NASA's Space Launch System, a new heavy-lift vehicle capable of missions beyond low-Earth orbit. (Source: NASA/SSC, 03/08/12)

March Messenger newsletter available

The March 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 NASA Deputy Administration Lori Garver; updates about the Capsule Parachute Assembly System and the fabrication of carbon fiber components for the Orion Launch Abort System and Service Module; the erection of a giant NASA logo outside Michoud's new high bay building; and more. (Source: Michoud Messenger, March 2012)

SSC future looks bright

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- NASA's Stennis Space Center hosted a breakfast Thursday for community leaders from Mississippi and Louisiana to talk about the future, and it looks bright. Patrick Scheuermann, director SSC, said the center, where rocket engines are tested, has a $1 billion impact on the region. Work is booked on every test stand, he said. But the NASA center also hosts activities from other federal and state agencies and commercial companies. Martin Flinders, facilities engineering manager for the Rolls-Royce North America Outdoor Test Facility, said it was the 125,000-acre acoustical buffer zone surrounding Stennis Space Center that prompted the company to pick South Mississippi to test airliner engines. The first stand opened in 2007 and work will begin soon on a second stand. (Sources: Sun Herald, Times-Picayune, 03/01/12)