Kennedy Space Cente

A n n u a lR e p o r t 20

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

H

2 Center Director’s Mess

3 NASA Vision and Mis

4 Significant Event

8 Core Valu

10 Space Shuttle Processin

14 International Space Station and Payload Processi

16 Launch Services Prog

20 Explorati

22 Applied Technol

27 Partnershi

28 Environmental Leaders

30 Educati

32 Outreach to the Wor

36 2005 KSC Business Repo

  Economic Imp

 Work Force Diversit

  Procurement Re

2 0 0 5 N

contentsT HE K e n n e d  S pa c  C e n t 

2 0 0 5 
The year 2005 will be forever remembered at KSC for continuing 

the rich history of human space flight with the return-to-flight 

launch of space shuttle Discovery during the STS-114 mission. 

This crowning achievement nearly 30 months after the tragic 

Columbia accident signaled a return to normalcy for the Space 

Shuttle Program. 

At the same time, the work force supported the launches of five 

expendable launch vehicles that will both explore our universe 

and study our wonderful planet so we can learn more about the 

world around us. This was accomplished through the dedication of our diverse work force and its ability to embrace change 

while achieving the next chapter of greatness in our nation’s 

storied space legacy. 

During 2005, KSC also processed elements of the International 

Space Station, studied distant planets, and took the first steps to 

make America’s new Vision for Space Exploration a reality for 

our nation.

Under the leadership of our NASA Administrator, Michael Griffin, our agency 

began implementing the vision set forth by President George W. Bush. The vision 

includes completing the International Space Station, developing NASA’s next 

human space flight vehicle, returning astronauts to the moon, and continuing to 

explore Mars and beyond. 

KSC’s space accomplishments are not fulfilled for NASA alone, but for the global 

community. All people benefit from the advanced technology, science experiments, and products that eventually make their way from sterile labs, and sometimes space, to your businesses and homes. 

By employing a combination of mission success, safety, teamwork and integrity 

as a beacon, we will continue our legacy of greatness.

|  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r messagec e n t e   i r e c t o r sm e s
vision and mission

The NASA Vision

To improve life here,

To extend life there,

To find life beyond.

The NASA Mission

To understand and protect our home planet,

To explore the universe and search for life,

To inspire the next generation of explorers

...as only NASA can.

2 0 0 5 NUAL REPORT | vision

n a avisio n  a d 
10/07/04 10/08/04 10/12/04 10/13/04 10/15/04 11/20/04

Main Engine Arrives

The third and final 

space shuttle main 

engine for Discovery’s 

return-to-flight mission 

STS-114 arrives at 

Kennedy Space Center. 

The engine returned 

from NASA’s Stennis 

Space Center in 

Mississippi where it 

underwent testing.

Normal Operations

The Vehicle Assembly 

Building resumes normal 

operations following repairs 

to lost panels caused by an 

active hurricane season. 

The building lost 820 panels 

from the south wall during 

Hurricane Frances, and 

Hurricane Jeanne pulled 

25 additional panels off the 

east wall.

Cupola Arrives

International Space Station 

element Cupola arrives at 

KSC. Shipped from Italy, the 

European Space Agency 

element is scheduled to be 

installed on the space station 

during the STS-133 mission. 

The dome-shaped module 

has seven windows to give 

astronauts a panoramic view.

White House Praise

During a National Disability 

Employment Awareness 

Month event, a White House 

administrator with the Office 

of Special Education and 

Rehabilitation Services 

praises KSC for the 

employment opportunities 

the center offers people 

with disabilities.

New “Shoes”

NASA’s two crawler transporter 

vehicles receive new “shoes.” The 

$10 million project replaced both 

crawlers’ 456 tread belt shoes, 

weighing more than one ton each. 

The shoes are critical for safely 

transporting the space shuttle to 

the launch pad.

Swift Launches

The Swift satellite 

launches aboard a 

Boeing Delta II launch 

vehicle from Cape 

Canaveral Air Force 

Station (CCAFS), 

Fla. The satellite will 

pinpoint the location of 

distant explosions that 

appear to signal the 

births of black holes.

|  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e

eventssi g ifi c an  e v 
O’Keefe Resigns

NASA’s 10th 

administrator, Sean 

O’Keefe, resigns 

after three years 

with the agency.

12/08/04 12/13/04 12/31/04 01/06/05 01/12/05 02/01/05

Main Engines Installed

Space Shuttle Discovery’s 

three main engines are 

installed. The engines, 

clustered at the tail of the 

orbiter, provide power to 

launch the shuttle into 

low-Earth orbit.

John Young Retires

Space pioneer John Young retires 

after 42 years of service. Young is the 

only astronaut to fly on three human 

space flight programs (Gemini, Apollo 

and space shuttle). He participated in 

half a dozen space flights, including a 

moonwalk and the first space shuttle 

mission. He began his NASA career 

in 1962. 

Deep Impact Launches

Aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket, 

NASA’s Deep Impact spacecraft 

launches to begin its 268-millionmile journey to Comet Tempel 1 

to better understand a comet’s 

interior. The comet has passed 

through the inner solar system 

several times and orbits the 

sun every 5.5 years, therefore 

making it a good target to study 

evolutionary change in the upper 

crust of a comet.

Redesigned Tank

The redesigned external 

tank rolls out from the barge 

that carried it to KSC from 

NASA’s Michoud Assembly 

Facility in New Orleans, and 

is examined at the Vehicle 

Assembly Building. It is 

eventually attached to the 

twin solid rocket boosters 

and Space Shuttle Discovery 

for the return-to-flight 

mission, STS-114.

Columbia Anniversary

Hundreds of people 

gather at the KSC 

Visitor Complex Space 

Mirror Memorial to 

honor the fallen 

astronauts of space 

shuttle Columbia on 

the second anniversary 

of the tragedy.

2 0 0 5 NUA

events i g ifi c an  e v 
03/15/05 04/14/05 04/15/05 05/20/05 07/08/05 07/26/05

Second Tank at KSC

NASA’s second redesigned 

space shuttle external tank, 

designated for use on 

Atlantis’ return-to-flight 

mission STS-121, is now 

at KSC.

New Administrator

NASA’s new 

administrator, 

Michael D. Griffin, 

reports to work as 

the agency’s 11th 

leader.

DART Launch

NASA’s Demonstration of 

Autonomous Rendezvous 

Technology (DART) space 

vehicle launches aboard a 

Pegasus XL expendable 

launch vehicle from 

Vandenberg Air Force Base, 

Calif. DART was designed 

to demonstrate technologies 

to allow a space vehicle to 

locate and dock with another 

spacecraft without direct 

human guidance.

NOAA-N Launch

The National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric 

Administration’s 

NOAA-N launches on 

May 20, 2005, aboard 

a Delta II from VAFB. 

The satellite makes 

global measurements 

of Earth’s atmospheric 

temperature, humidity, 

surface temperature, 

cloud cover and other 

weather features for 

inputs to atmospheric 

and surface forecast 

models. 

New Control Tower

Rising 110 feet above 

the Shuttle Landing 

Facility (SLF) runway 

midpoint, the new 

NASA control tower 

and Media Operations 

Facility are formally 

unveiled. The tower 

manages all SLF 

landings and 

departures within 

KSC and CCAFS 

restricted airspace. 

Discovery Lifts Off

NASA’s space shuttle 

return-to-flight mission 

(STS-114) is under 

way. Space Shuttle 

Discovery lifts off from 

KSC at 10:39 a.m. EDT 

to make its way to the 

International Space 

Station.

|  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e

eventssi g ifi c an  e v 
08/09/05 08/12/05 08/21/05 08/29/05 09/02/05

Discovery Lands

Completing a 14-day, 

5.8-million-mile journey in 

space, Space Shuttle 

Discovery lands at 

Edwards Air Force Base

in California. Landing at 

KSC wasn’t feasible due to 

thunderstorms. The mission 

included an unprecedented 

orbiter back flip maneuver, 

equipment and procedure 

tests, a first-of-its-kind 

spacewalking repair, and 

phone conversations between 

the astronauts and President 

George W. Bush and 

Japanese Prime Minister 

Junichiro Koizumi. 

Flight to Mars

A seven-month flight to 

Mars begins as NASA’s 

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter 

launches aboard an Atlas V 

launch vehicle from CCAFS. 

This was the first Atlas V 

launch of an interplanetary 

mission.

Discovery 

Returns to KSC

Space Shuttle 

Discovery returns 

to KSC from 

California atop a 

modified Boeing 747 

called the Shuttle 

Carrier Aircraft.

Hurricane Katrina

The Category 4 Hurricane Katrina moves 

ashore near the Louisiana-Mississippi 

border and affects Stennis Space Center, 

Miss., and Michoud Assembly Facility in 

New Orleans. Stennis provides shelter to 

4,000 employees and their families during 

the storm. Some Stennis buildings sustain 

water and roof damage. At Michoud, 

which makes the external fuel tanks for 

NASA’s space shuttles, several buildings 

suffer window and roof damage. Space 

flight hardware is not damaged. Hundreds 

of employees are left homeless by the 

hurricane.

Recovery Efforts

KSC employees head to 

Stennis and Michoud with 

much-needed emergency 

equipment, food and 

medical supplies to assist 

with the recovery efforts 

associated with Hurricane 

Katrina. 

2 0 0 5 N

events i g ifi c an  e v 
NASA employees recognize their responsibilities and are accountable for the important 

work entrusted to them. Our shared core values express the ethics that guide our behavior, and form the basis for our decisions.

Mission Success

On behalf of the nation, NASA is privileged to take on missions of extraordinary risk and 

complexity to explore, discover and learn. We believe that mission success is the natural 

consequence of an uncompromising commitment to safety, teamwork and integrity.

Safety

NASA’s constant attention to safety is the 

cornerstone upon which we build mission 

success. We are committed, individually and 

as a team, to protecting the safety and health 

of the public, our team members, and those 

assets that the nation entrusts to us.

Teamwork

NASA’s most powerful tool for achieving 

mission success is a multi-disciplinary team 

of competent people. The agency will build 

high-performing teams that are committed 

to continuous learning, trust, and openness 

to innovation and new ideas.

Integrity 

NASA is committed to an environment of 

trust, built upon honesty, ethical behavior, 

respect and candor. Building trust through 

ethical conduct as individuals and as an 

organization is a necessary component of 

mission success.

Former Kennedy Space Center Deputy Direct

Woodrow Whitlow Jr. presents an award for a winning 

entry in the NASA Values essay contest to Mary Erdm

with Bionetics during the One NASA Leader-Led Workshop. Erdmann was one of four KSC workers rec

for essays on NASA’s four core valu

> The open doors of the Vehicle Assembly Building shed a light border around the external tank on Space Shuttl

Discovery as the stacked vehicle begins its trek to Launch Pad 39B for return-to-flight mission STS-

|  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r core valuesn s ’ s c o e  va l

Kennedy Space Center’s space shuttle processing team concentrated on completing the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) recommendations and preparing orbiter Discovery for 

NASA’s much-awaited, return-to-flight mission. Major activities included a total refurbishment of Discovery and Launch Pad 39A and B, redesign of the 

external tank’s foam and application, and certification of Launch Control Center firing room 4.

STS-114 Return-to-Flight 

Launch and Landing

The success of return-to-flight mission STS-114 

began with Discovery’s launch on July 26, 2005, 

from Launch Complex 39B. The launch followed 

more than two and a half years of extensive vehicle and facility modifications and processing enhancements in response to the CAIB recommendations. The STS-114 integrated flow, while quite 

successful, was not without its challenges. The 

NASA/contractor team executed several non-standard procedures, including two external tank tanking tests, rollback from the pad, an orbiter de-mate 

and swapping of the external tank and solid rocket 

boosters for another set. 

The processing team completed 19 return-toflight modifications on Discovery. Twenty-two 

temperature sensors and 66 accelerometers were 

installed behind the reinforced carbon-carbon 

(RCC) panels as part of Discovery’s wing leading 

edge sensor modification to detect potential damage during launch and ascent. The Canadian-built 

Orbiter Boom Subsystem was installed in the payload bay area to provide the astronauts with the 

capability to inspect the underside of the orbiter 

for tile and RCC damage with newly installed cameras. Wiring was installed on Discovery for the new 

external tank separation cameras. 

The historic 14-day mission of STS-114 concluded on Aug. 9, 2005, with a successful landing at 

Edwards Air Force Base in California. Orbiter Discovery returned to KSC atop the Shuttle Carrier 

Aircraft on Aug. 21, 2005.

First Orbiter Major Modification 

Completed at KSC

Discovery underwent a full orbiter major modification in KSC’s Orbiter Processing Facility prior 

to its return to flight. Workers logged a total of approximately 3.5 million hours to prepare Discovery 

for launch, replacing more than 25,000 parts. Nearly every major orbiter component was removed, 

inspected and reinstalled, including all windows, 

the orbital maneuvering system pods, forward 

reaction control system, rudder speed brake and 

all of its actuators, body flap, and all wing leading 

edge reinforced carbon-carbon panels. Discovery 

underwent approximately 286 modifications during its STS-114 processing flow. Some of the major 

modifications installed in the orbiter included the 

Against the backdrop of a golden sunset, Space Shuttle Discovery, sitting ato

the mobile launcher platform, on the crawler transporter, traverses the crawlerway 

toward Launch Pad 39B for its return-to-flight mission STS-1

10 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r shuttles pa c  sh u t tl e  p r oc e
multi-functional electronic display system, or “glass 

cockpit,” multi-purpose logistics module cooling 

enhancements, wireless video, thicker window 

panes and increased payload capabilities.

External Tank Tanking Tests

Using a high degree of technical and operational 

competence, the workers conducted two external 

tank tanking tests during the STS-114 integrated 

flow. The processing team also responded exceptionally to demands for the second tanking test, 

even with limited time to accomplish the ground 

and flight system turnaround, define and implement troubleshooting requirements, and execute 

the test. The team corrected abnormal conditions 

associated with the external tank engine cutoff 

sensors and the hydrogen prepress system prior to 

the first actual launch attempt. 

External Tank Cameras

Several new cameras were attached between 

the external tank and orbiter as part of the new 

Enhanced Launch Vehicle Imaging System (ELVIS) 

to provide improved real-time video images of the 

tank during STS-114’s launch. The camera system 

is part of the first-generation ELVIS project. During 

and after launch, the video was downlinked in real 

time and analyzed.

External Tank Bipod Fitting 

The bipod fitting was redesigned to eliminate 

the use of a foam ramp. The redesign required additional heating to keep ice and frost from forming 

on the tank and becoming debris. Also, temperature monitoring, variable power and active temperature controls were added as requirements for 

the new bipod fitting heater system.

Firing Room 4 Acceptance

Inside the Launch Control Center, the newly 

modernized Launch Processing System in Firing 

Room 4 reached operational readiness on Aug. 19, 

In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Matt Scott (left) with United Space Alliance and Donald Wall w

Quality Assurance closely inspect the final reinforced carbon-carbon panel to be installed on orbiter

Discovery’s left wing in preparation for mission STS-11

Johnson Controls operator Kenny Allen works on the recently acquire

Contraves-Goerz Kineto Tracking Mount with a two-camera control unit that wi

be used during launches. The KTM is remotely controlled and offers film an

shuttered and high-speed digital video. 

2 0 0 5 NUAL REPORT 
2005, after two years of refurbishment. The firing 

room was used during processing of Discovery 

inside the Orbiter Processing Facility in late August 2005 and will be used for the first time for 

shuttle processing flow and launch during mission 

STS-121 in 2006. Upgrades included new console 

enclosures, remote air-handlers, sound-absorbing 

wall and floor material, enhanced humidity control, anti-static flooring, an automatic and non-halon fire suppression system and a modern power 

distribution system that will enhance operations 

and increase equipment space. 

New Transoceanic Abort Landing Site 

The Space Shuttle Program selected the French 

Air Force Base in Istres, France, as a replacement 

for the Ben Guerir, Morocco Transoceanic Abort 

Landing (TAL) site. This reduces the probability of 

a launch scrub caused by poor weather at existing 

TAL locations. 

 Istres Air Base is used by the French Air Force 

for pilot training and as a flight test center, where 

fighter aircraft are tested and improved. The KSC 

team, working with the French Air Force, three other agency centers, NASA Headquarters, the American Embassy in Paris and the U. S. Air Force, coordinated the installation of equipment at the base, 

including underground utilities, concrete foundations, and visual and electronic landing aids. 

Pre-existing runway lighting wasn’t sufficient, 

so KSC and the French Air Force developed an engineering solution to install special Xenon lighting 

near the runway threshold for night landings and 

near the touchdown end. A new electronic navigation aid provides range and bearing to the orbiter 

during landing. A microwave scanning beam landing system was installed at the runway to provide 

precision guidance from 15 miles to touchdown. 

The KSC team established an operation building near the base, providing warehouse space for 

Above: In the Orbiter Processing Facility, during t

Crew Equipment Interface Test activities, membe

of the STS-114 crew get a hands-on look at tools

from the Tool Stowage Assembly. At left is Missi

Specialist Stephen Robinson and at right is Mission

Specialist Soichi Noguchi, who is with the Japanese

Space Agency

Below: In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Unit

Space Alliance Technician Lisa Campbell hand

components of the new Wing Leading Edge Impac

Detection System being placed on the wing leading

edge of orbiter Discovery

12 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r shutt
Aft mechanical technicians attach dome heat shields

to the space shuttle main engines on orbiter Atlantis

in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The shields provi

protection for the orbiter against the high temperatures generated by the engines.

In the back transfer aisle of the Orbiter Processing Facility, NASA Qua

Assurance Inspector Matt English checks paperwork for the thermal protectio

system blanket to be wrapped around the orbiter boom sensor system in the 

payload bay of orbiter Discovery for return-to-flight mission STS-11

equipment and operations offices, and installed a 

50-foot-tall communications tower and weather instrumentation at the site necessary for KSC operations in case of an emergency landing. Istres was 

activated as a certified TAL site and successfully 

supported the STS-114 launch. 

Launch Pad Refurbishment

Launch Complex 39B was designated the return-to-flight launch pad for mission 

STS-114. Refurbishment of the launch 

pad structure included correcting 

critical debris issues. All of the old zinc 

coating was removed from the Fixed 

Service Structure and the Rotating 

Service Structure using abrasive blasting with a coal slag grit. The structures 

were then recoated with a coating system composed of a layer of zinc paint 

and an inorganic topcoat. Work directly 

associated with the Columbia Accident 

Investigation Board recommendations 

included coating the wing covers of 

the Rotating Service Structure with a 

layer of epoxy and a coating of polyurethane sealant to significantly reduce 

porosity and prevent future oxidation 

and debris. The project was performed 

by local contractor Ivey’s Construction 

of Merritt Island. 

Other significant work included the redesign of 

bearing materials on the hinge column between 

the Fixed Service Structure and the Rotating Service Structure on each launch pad to correct the 

design overload. Redesign of the duct tips on the 

gaseous oxygen vent arm provided a more efficient method of supplying heated gaseous nitrogen. Launch tower modifications included enlarging the opening that the gaseous hydrogen vent 

arm line enters by about 9 inches to prevent the 

vent line/carrier plate assembly from contacting 

the tower structure during launch. 

KSC Return-to-Flight Design Certification 

Major activities performed at KSC to return our 

shuttles and astronauts to space included reviewing and certifying modifications on critical systems 

and facilities. Hardware, software and processing 

issues were improved upon, and CAIB recommendations applicable to KSC were implemented. 

KSC performed 105 return-to-flight modifications to ground-support equipment or facilities. 

About 500 software changes to the launch processing system were performed to provide significant 

enhancements for engineering and shuttle processing activities. All of this work began in the summer 

of 2004 and was completed in May 2005.

2 0 0 5 NUAL REPORT 
Workers inside the Space Station Processing Facility maintained approximately 250,000 pounds 

of hardware scheduled to be delivered to the International Space Station. This includes six truss 

elements for delivery to the station on flights 

scheduled for 2006 and 2007. Two multi-purpose 

logistics modules and a Spacehab module are also 

maintained on a constant basis. These will be used 

to ferry supplies, experiments and other smaller 

items to the station, and bring waste materials, 

completed experiments or hardware in need of repair back to Earth. The Japanese Experiment Module and the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer also are 

in the processing facility.

To support these future missions, representatives from the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Administration, European Space Agency and Russian 

Space Agency have been a constant presence at 

KSC. Directorate personnel interface with these 

representatives on a regular basis to plan testing, 

payload processing and the eventual launch and 

delivery of the international partner’s components 

to the station.

Fiber Optic Pin Inspection 

Tool Development

KSC engineers developed different methods to 

safely inspect fiber optic pins on space flight equipment. New and safer methods were developed 

through the efforts of NASA and Boeing engineers, 

contractors and private vendors. The new tools reduce the risk of damage because they never touch 

the pins. They enhance productivity and efficiency 

for aerospace workers dealing with fiber optic pin 

connectors. The processing of space flight equipment is proceeding with improved safety and efficiency. 

STS-114/LF-1 (Raffaello)

The Italian-built, multi-purpose logistics module 

Raffaello, which was processed at KSC, delivered 

food, clothing, spare parts and research equipment 

to the International Space Station. Included with 

12 large containers was the Human Research Facility-2. This module will expand the station’s capability to support human life sciences research. The 

External Stowage Platform-2 was also delivered 

and attached to the station’s airlock and will serve 

as a permanent storage facility for spare parts.

STS-121/ULF-1

The space station processing team prepared 

several payloads for mission STS-121. A new Trailing Umbilical System (TUS), which will replace 

one that failed on orbit, was processed and tested 

in preparation for delivery to the station. The TUS 

In the Space Station 

Processing Facility,

technicians attach the 

Cargo Element Lifti

Assembly down rods to

the External Stowage

Platform in preparation

for lifting the ESP-2 fro

its transportation 

container and installing it into the Payload

Transportation Caniste

for transfer to Discovery’s

payload bay at Launch

Pad 39B

14 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r space station i n t e r nat i o n l  s pc e s t

a n d pay l o a d p r o c e si 
space station

In the Space Station Processing Facility, a worker

stands by as the Rack Insertion Device slowly move

the Human Research Facility-2 science rack into the

multi-purpose logistics module Raffaello for flight on

Discovery’s return-to-flight mission STS-11

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers help

guide the Control Moment Gyroscope as a cran

lowers it onto the Small Adapter Plate Assembly. 

CMG was delivered to the International Space Statio

on mission STS-114 to replace one that had failed

is part of the mobile transporter system attached 

to the station. The umbilical system controls the 

movement and direction of the mobile transporter 

as it navigates along the station’s external truss system. The TUS is essential for the installation of additional truss elements. 

Also, a new Oxygen Generation System was 

processed and prepared for mission STS-121. It will 

be delivered to the station to support the generation of oxygen that is a vital commodity on orbit.

STS-123/1-E 

(Columbus Module)

International Space Station/Payloads supported 

the design reviews of the Columbus module in 

preparation for delivery to KSC. The Columbus 

module is scheduled to be installed on the station 

during mission STS-123. Workers in Bremen, Germany, continue to complete the work necessary 

for transfer and shipment to KSC. Columbus is designed as a general-purpose laboratory to support 

European Space Agency materials and fluid sciences, life sciences and technology development.

European Space Agency Cupola Module

The Cupola, a dome-shaped module with seven 

windows, was uncrated inside the Space Station 

Processing Facility. The module was shipped from 

Alenia Spazio in Turin, Italy, for the European Space 

Agency. The Cupola is scheduled to be installed on 

the space station in late 2009. The module will give 

astronauts a panoramic view for observing many 

operations on the outside of the orbiting complex, 

enhance the astronaut arm operator’s situational 

awareness, and supplement television camera 

views and graphics. It will provide external observation capabilities during spacewalks, docking 

operations, hardware surveys and Earth and celestial studies. The Cupola is the final element of the 

space station’s core.

NODE-2

The NODE-2, manufactured by Alenia Spazio in 

Italy for the European Space Agency, is the second 

of three station connecting modules. When delivered to the station, it will be attached to the end 

of the U.S. lab and provide attach locations for 

the Japanese laboratory, European laboratory, the 

Centrifuge Accommodation Module, and a docking 

point for multi-purpose logistics modules. 

During the past year, significant NODE 2 processing activities were accomplished inside the 

Space Station Processing Facility, including verification and validation of the module for flight. The 

Node 2 is scheduled for launch on a mission to the 

space station in late summer 2007.

2 0 0 5 NUAL REPORT | 15 
NASA’s Launch Services Program was busy with 

five successful launches of expendable launch vehicles, including the first NASA mission to launch 

aboard an Atlas V, and other projects supporting 

the Vision for Space Exploration. A skilled team 

worked to provide safe, reliable, cost-effective and 

on-schedule processing, mission analysis, spacecraft integration and launch services for NASA and 

agency-sponsored payloads on expendable launch 

vehicle missions.

While overseeing the missions of the fiscal year, 

the Launch Services Program team also managed 

more than 30 future missions and worked with other NASA centers, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., Marshall 

Space Flight Center in Huntsville, 

Ala., Goddard Space Flight Center 

in Greenbelt, Md., and the Applied 

Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University in Laurel, Md., to 

plan and process NASA’s scientific, research and communications 

spacecraft for launch.

In November 2004, NASA entered a partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects 

Agency (DARPA), a part of the 

U.S. Department of Defense, in 

support of the DARPA-sponsored 

FALCON Program. A key objective 

of the FALCON Program is to demonstrate affordable and responsive 

space lift capability. The Launch 

Services Program was assigned 

the responsibility to manage and 

coordinate NASA’s contributions 

to the partnership, including funding, expertise and use of launch 

site capabilities at the Wallops 

Flight Facility in Virginia and participation from KSC, Marshall and 

Wallops.

Atlas V Launch Vehicle Certification 

The Launch Services Program is responsible 

for certifying any launch vehicle used by NASA to 

ensure that government-owned spacecraft assets 

are not exposed to undue risk. The program’s engineering and analysis teams undertook a huge effort 

to perform a complete flight margin verification of 

three consecutive flights while completing other 

important duties such as assessing vehicle reliability and hardware and software qualifications. Vehicle certification included the Atlas V 401 supporting the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter mission and 

the Atlas V 551 for the New Horizons spacecraft, 

which launched on Jan. 19, 2006, from CCAFS.

Erupting from the flames and smoke beneath it, NASA’s 

Impact spacecraft lifts off from Launch Pad 17-B, at Ca

Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., on Jan. 12, 2005. De

Impact was heading for space and a rendezvous 83 million 

miles from Earth with Comet Tempel 1 on a mission to reve

the secrets of the comet’s interior.

16 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r launch servicesl a u n h s r v c e s p r o
Fiscal

Swift, a NASA mission with international participation, launched Nov. 20, 2004, aboard a Delta 

II from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Swift is 

a satellite dedicated to addressing the gamma-ray 

burst mystery. 

Deep Impact is humanity’s first space mission to literally take an “in-depth” look inside a 

comet. The satellite launched on Jan. 12, 2005, from 

CCAFS aboard a Delta II. This NASA Discovery Mission probed the mysteries of these heavenly nomads by flying a specially designed impactor into 

comet Tempel 1 on July 4, 2005. The resulting cosmic fireworks exposed fresh materials from the 

comet’s interior, allowing the close Deep Impact 

“flyby” spacecraft to document the consistency 

and chemistry of materials beneath the exterior. 

Results from this seven-month mission will lead to 

a better understanding of comets, some of the solar system’s most flamboyant constituents.

The Demonstration of Autonomous 

Rendezvous Technology (DART) space vehicle launched, April 15, 2005, aboard a Pegasus 

XL from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. While 

NASA has performed rendezvous and docking missions in the past, astronauts have always piloted 

the vehicle. DART was designed to demonstrate 

technologies to allow a space vehicle to locate and 

dock with another spacecraft without direct human guidance. The DART space vehicle performed 

a series of navigational maneuvers using a global 

positioning system and an advanced video guidance sensor to approach a target satellite.

NOAA-N is included in the National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric Administration’s ongoing series 

of polar-orbiting weather satellites. The satellites 

make global measurements of atmospheric temperature, humidity, surface temperature, cloud cover, water-ice-moisture boundaries, and space proton and electron fluxes for inputs to atmospheric 

and surface forecast models. NOAA-N launched 

May 20, 2005, aboard a Delta II from Vandenberg. 

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter 

(MRO) spacecraft launched Aug. 12, 2005, from 

CCAFS aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle. The MRO 

Above: NASA’s encapsulated Mars Reconnaiss

Orbiter nears the top of the Vertical Integration

Facility on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canave

Air Force Station, Fla. The spacecraft was mate

with the Atlas V rocket already in the tower. MRO 

the next major step in Mars exploration.

In Hangar E at Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat

Fla., technicians with Spectrum Astro Inc. prepar

to cover the Swift spacecraft with plastic before 

moving it to the launch pad. 

2 0 0 5 NUAL REPORT | 17 lau
At the upper level of the launch service tower on Launch Complex 37 at C

Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., the Geostationary Operational Environme

Satellites (GOES-N) spacecraft is lowered toward the Boeing Delta IV se

stage. GOES-N is the latest in a series of Earth-monitoring satellites an

scheduled to launch no earlier than May 18, 2006.

> An Osprey soars high above th

ground at Kennedy Space Center,

staring intently at its prey.

was the first NASA mission to use the Atlas V launch 

vehicle. The spacecraft will characterize the surface, subsurface and atmosphere of Mars, and will 

identify potential landing sites for future missions. 

After a seven-month cruise to Mars and six months 

of aerobraking to reach its science orbit, the MRO 

will provide information about the history of water on Mars. Its science instruments will zoom in 

for extreme close-up photography of the Martian 

surface, analyze minerals, look for subsurface water, 

trace how much dust and water are distributed in 

the atmosphere, and monitor daily global weather. 

These studies will help determine if there are deposits of minerals that form in water over long periods of time, detect any shorelines of ancient seas 

and lakes, and analyze deposits placed in layers 

over time by flowing water.

SpaceTech  (ST5) launched on March 22

2006, from Vandenberg, aboard a Pegasus XL vehicle. This New Millennium Program mission comprises three miniature spacecraft called “microsats.” ST5 will flight-validate innovative technology 

concepts in order to reduce risks on future science 

missions. ST5’s miniaturized components include a 

cold gas micro-thruster, X-band transponder communication system, variable emittance coatings for 

thermal control, and a low-voltage power system. 

ST5 will demonstrate the ability of small spacecraft 

to perform research-quality science by measuring 

the Earth’s magnetic field using highly sensitive 

magnetometers. This type of measurement will be 

useful for future missions that will study the effect 

of solar activity on the Earth’s magnetosphere, the 

region of upper atmosphere that surrounds our 

planet, to help us understand the “space weather” 

that can disrupt our communication, navigation and power systems.

Fut

The CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar 

and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations) and CloudSat satellites are 

scheduled to launch aboard a Delta II launch 

vehicle in April, from Vandenberg Air Force 

Base, Calif.

The satellites were developed to provide 

scientists a new, 3-D perspective on Earth’s 

clouds and airborne particles called aerosols. 

Their mission is to evaluate and help answer questions about how clouds and aerosols 

form, evolve and affect water supply, climate, 

weather and air quality. The satellites will contribute to better weather prediction, mitigation 

of natural hazards, water resource management 

and understanding of climatic processes.

Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO) is being built by the Johns 

Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland under contract to Goddard. It 

is scheduled to launch in the summer aboard 

a Delta II from CCAFS. STEREO has a two-year 

mission employing two nearly identical observatories that will provide 3-D measurements 

of the sun to study the nature of coronal mass 

ejections. These powerful eruptions are a major 

source of the magnetic disruptions on Earth 

and a key component of space weather, which 

can greatly affect satellite operations, communications, power systems, the lives of humans 

in space, and global climate.

18 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r launch servic

Kennedy Space Center employees made important contributions to support the nation’s Vision 

for Space Exploration. 

Exploration Operations 

Integration Office

The Exploration Operations Integration Office 

at KSC led the center’s support of NASA’s Constellation Systems, which is responsible for developing the vehicles and infrastructure that will allow 

us to return to the moon, then travel to Mars and 

beyond.

Constellation Systems will develop the crew 

exploration vehicle and other exploration-related 

elements, including the crew launch vehicle, cargo 

launch vehicle and lunar surface access module. 

The office supported the NASA Administrator’s 

Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS) 

to develop the best strategy to minimize the gap 

between an operational crew exploration vehicle 

and retirement of the shuttle in 2010. 

The KSC ESAS team helped define Constellation 

operations requirements and provided technical 

leadership in the areas of ground processing, test 

and verification, logistics, launch, landing, recovery, 

safety and mission assurance. 

In addition to the architecture study, KSC personnel helped lead or support the crew exploration vehicle acquisition effort, multidiscipline 

concept and requirements development, and numerous other ground operations-oriented studies 

for Constellation Systems. 

Like the Apollo and space shuttle vehicles, the 

crew exploration vehicle will represent the next 

generation in human space flight. The ability to 

travel and explore the solar system will rely on 

KSC’s experience in ground processing, systems 

engineering, integrated test and verification, logistics, systems integration, launch, landing and recovery, facility and ground systems design and development, and human factors. 

Applied Technology Development Efforts

The KSC Exploration Project office worked 

with project teams from other NASA centers, government agencies, industry and academia to perform important development work pertinent to 

attaining goals in the Vision for Space Exploration. 

KSC led a project for developing a capability that 

will, for the first time, enable future system operations analysts to understand, estimate and make informed decisions about the supply chain for future 

space transportation systems. These improvements 

will significantly advance life-cycle cost estimating 

and analysis and increase our understanding of sustainability, affordability, reliability and safety, which 

are inseparable from supply chain operations. KSC 

also led a project addressing the usefulness of 

three distinct, but closely related concepts: electrostatic radiation shielding, ion beam propulsion, and 

beamed energy delivery to future space exploration architectures. 

KSC employees participated on many other 

projects. An example was the determination of 

magnetic properties of lunar dust and the evaluation of methods for dust collection, removal and 

transport. KSC participated in several projects 

concerning in-situ resource utilization. These include developing methods for identifying natural 

resources on the moon and on planetary bodies, as 

20 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r exploratione x p l o r a i 
well as using these resources for construction of 

outposts and generation of propellants. 

Other in-situ resource utilization projects in-

cluded beginning to develop a modular characterization instrument suite, creating an oxygen production system design, and developing a process 

for generating oxygen as a by-product of metal and 

metallic alloy production. 

Additional work included a project for integrat-

ing geospatial data in a series of products to assist 

in navigation for use with the crew exploration ve-

hicle, and with spacecraft and facilities planning. 

KSC’s exploration office was also involved in a 

project to develop new wiring materials with selfhealing properties and polymeric materials with 

increased conductivity, and developing bioregen-

erative technologies for water systems and inte-

grated biological surface systems. An artist’s rendering of NASA’s crew explorat

vehicle (top) and lunar vehicle (bottom).

2 0 0 5 NUAL REPORT | 21
In the Applied Physics Lab, NASA physicis

Willard demonstrates the tool developed to detect water 

in the space shuttle’s thermal protection system tiles.

In the Cryogenics Test Lab, a technician performs 

insulation thermal performance test using liquid 

nitrogen. Several patents for this process were 

granted in 2005.

The center’s cutting-edge technology advancements improved operations close to home and 

circled the globe. 

KSC’s research and technology experts supported space shuttle return-to-flight efforts. The 

Electromagnetic Physics Lab developed a sensor 

and performed testing to measure electrostatic 

charge buildup on shuttle orbiter insulation. There 

was a concern that charge buildup could cause 

sparks if the insulation blankets were not properly 

configured. The testing identified several blanket 

configurations that required modification to prevent this.

The Applied Physics Lab developed a bank of 

infrared projectors, which would serve as a backup 

solution to other measures to reduce ice buildup 

on the shuttle’s external tank during countdown. 

The Cryogenics Test Lab developed a method 

for preventing ice buildup on the exposed fuel 

pipe of the external tank bellows. The design was 

wind-tunnel tested to meet stringent launch requirements. It was ready in case heaters could not 

be certified and installed in time for launch.

Technologies were developed to increase safety and productivity. With time and use, the orbiter’s 

reaction control system nozzles can degrade, and 

the number of spare nozzles is dwindling. To aid 

in inspections and prepare the space shuttle for 

launch, workers developed the reaction control 

system coating, acoustic hole and fuel hole inspection tools. 

The space shuttle’s thermal protection system 

tiles are susceptible to water saturation, which can 

make the vehicle heavier. Previously, heat lamps 

baked the water out. In replacement, the Applied 

Physics Lab delivered a new vacuum system that 

removes more water and does so in less time. The 

system was put to the test when the orbiter was 

caught in a rainstorm after landing at Edwards Air 

Force Base in California after the STS-114 mission.

The Space-based Telemetry And Range Safety 

(STARS) system supported the historic Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer flight by providing real-time video, audio and still images of pilot Steve Fossett. The 

three-day, solo, non-stop flight around the world 

began Feb. 28 from Salina, Kansas. STARS, which 

demonstrates the capability of a space-based platform to provide communication and tracking support for various launch vehicles, was modified to 

remove excess size and weight on the aircraft. The 

system successfully transmitted video to Mission 

Control at Kansas State University in Salina. The 

hardware and software exceeded performance 

expectations, and STARS development continues 

through test flights.

22 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r technologya p p i ed  t ec h n o l o



In the early morning hours of Aug. 22, 2005, at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, the orbiter Discovery is slowly lowe

toward the ground from the mate/demate device. Discovery landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Aug. 9 after 13 days in 

on mission STS-114. Visible on the orbiter is the tail cone that covers the main engines during the ferry flight from Californ

Page 23: STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins leads the way as the crew walks from the Operations and Checkout Building en ro

Launch Pad 39B. In the left row, from front, are Pilot James Kelly and Mission Specialists Wendy Lawrence, Charles Camarda and

Thomas. In the right row, from front, are Collins and Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi and Stephen Robin

Center Spread: Clouds of smoke and steam roll away from Launch Pad 39B as Space Shuttle Discovery roars into the sky on July

2005, on return-to-flight mission STS-114

26 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e
With the establishment of a Government and 

Community Relations Division, KSC continues to 

build on its history of partnerships with space-related industry leaders, customers, and community 

and legislative officials to accomplish agency and 

center goals. 

KSC continues to expand its partnership with 

the state of Florida. Through formal and informal 

partnerships with several branches of Florida’s government, KSC and Florida’s Office of Trade, Tourism and Economic Development met several goals 

and objectives. For example, by partnering with 

KSC, Enterprise Florida Inc. (in association with regional economic developers) prepared a state incentive plan to potentially attract additional crew 

exploration vehicle assembly work to Florida.

The creation of the Commission on the Future of 

Space and Aeronautics in Florida was a major milestone that could foster new opportunities for KSC 

to partner with Florida in greater capacities. This 

commission examined Florida’s existing space programs to make recommendations for maximizing 

the state’s leadership as the “gateway to space.”

The partnership with the state also launched 

joint education projects with the Florida Space Research Institute and several financial projects with 

the Florida Aerospace Finance Corp. Other state 

partners included Florida Aviation Aerospace Alliance, Florida universities and institutes, the Center 

for Aerospace Technical Education, Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, and key Chambers 

of Commerce and their associated civic organizations.

KSC’s partnerships with 

charitable organizations in 

Brevard County, principally United Way of Brevard, 

served as a vehicle for employees to contribute to our 

healthy and growing local 

community, as well as numerous charities across the 

nation. In keeping with this year’s theme, “Launching Dreams of Those in Need,” KSC employees voluntarily contributed a record-breaking $433,000 

in donations through the 2005 Combined Federal 

Campaign, with more than $158,000 going to local charities and nearly $20,000 designated for the 

NASA Family Assistance Fund. 

As always, the U.S. Air Force 45th Space Wing 

continues to be a key KSC partner and plays a vital role in supporting the center’s space shuttle 

launches and numerous expendable launch vehicle missions. Through the Cape Canaveral Spaceport Management Office, the wing and the center 

managed joint base operations at KSC and the 

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This partnership 

resolved key return-to-flight recommendations and 

embraced the Vision for Space Exploration.

KSC’s government relations liaisons and senior 

management supported extensive activities to 

maintain and enhance KSC’s legislative relationships with local, state and federal elected officials. 

KSC representatives briefed members of the Brevard County Commission, Florida Legislature, Florida Governor’s Office and Florida Congressional 

Delegation, focusing on the Vision for Space Exploration and other initiatives involving the center. 

KSC also participated in events marking the annual 

Florida Space Day in Tallahassee. 

Throughout the year, the center hosted legislative staff including local elected officials, state 

representatives and senators, White House staff 

and members of the first family to learn about 

KSC and view critical milestones such as the STS114 launch.

Lynda Weatherman (left), president andCEO of the Economic Develo

Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, and Center Director Jim Kenn

shake hands after signing a three-year Space Act Agreement for economi

development cooperation in support of existing and future missions of 

NASA at K

2 0 0 5 NUAL REPORT | 27 

pa r t n e r hi
The center’s work force recognizes the significance of being situated on a wildlife refuge. Therefore, KSC’s Environmental Program applies both 

proven and new techniques to conserve and protect local and global resources. 

KSC is addressing the energy concerns facing 

our nation today. Corn and other grain products 

are now providing ethanol fuel for several hundred 

vehicles at KSC. The renewable fuel provides a constant resource that doesn’t deplete oil supplies, is 

biodegradable and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The fuel, known as E85, is 85 percent ethanol 

and 15 percent gasoline. Selling for nearly the same 

price as unleaded gasoline, ethanol is domestically 

produced, making U.S.-grown feed grains more 

valuable.

Additional ethanol resources, such as agricultural and forestry wastes, are under investigation. After 

ethanol is produced, the remaining protein, minerals, vitamins and fibers are sold as livestock feed. The 

carbon dioxide that escapes during processing is 

captured by crops for nutrients. In the case of a spill, 

ethanol also poses less environmental risk than oil 

or gasoline, as ethanol degrades quickly in water.

To identify and manage the environmental impact of facility operations, all federal facilities are 

required by executive order to have an Environmental Management System (EMS) in place by the 

end of 2005. Nine months before the deadline, KSC 

formed an EMS Core Team representing all major 

NASA and contractor organizations. The team, 

which is assessed annually, and KSC’s Environmental Program analyzed potential environmental impacts and developed a plan to minimize potential 

adverse impacts to the environment. 

KSC’s Environmental Remediation Program is 

cleaning up unintentional contamination of soil 

and groundwater resources caused by five decades 

of operations and processing associated with 

groundbreaking rocket launches. The contamination occurred before the potential for damage was 

recognized. Nearly 35,881 tons of contaminated 

soil were removed from the center in 2005. 

For further details about KSC’s Environmental 

and Energy Programs, visit http://environmen

tal.ksc.nasa.gov/.

> Sunlight glistens on the 

feathery crown of a snowy 

egret in the marshes at 

Kennedy Space Center

David Ishiyama, a student, participates in KSC’s Spaceflight and Lunar Sciences and Technology Pro

by collecting soil samples near Launch Complex 3

28 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r environmente vi r n m e n a l  l e a de

Equipped with the center’s unique 

facilities and more than 200 years of 

combined teaching experience, Kennedy’s Education Programs and University Research Division prepares 

students to pursue careers related to 

exploration, and educates the public in 

NASA’s activities and discoveries. 

The NASA Explorer Schools (NES) 

program, which focuses on fourththrough ninth-grade educators and 

students, added five new teams from 

Florida and Puerto Rico to KSC’s 10 

existing teams. KSC provided professional development for NES teachers, 

and NES schools enjoyed a remarkable 

year. One school’s experiment flew 

on a NASA aircraft, another’s relativity 

experiment will fly on a future space 

shuttle mission, and another received a 

supplemental $1.6 million grant to extend the program. Participants from three schools attended the 

STS-114 launch, and enjoyed the privilege of sitting 

near first lady Laura Bush in the launch viewing 

stands.

Twenty-two high school students participated 

in NASA’s Summer High-school Apprenticeship 

Research Program for eight weeks. These students 

demonstrate a strong interest and aptitude in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

They worked with quality mentors from KSC colleagues representing two KSC contractors (Dynamac Corp. and the Boeing Company), and seven 

NASA directorates. 

A Return to Flight conference with the informal education community (museums, science 

centers, planetariums) was jointly hosted by KSC, 

JSC, Marshall Space Flight Center (Alabama) and 

Stennis Space Center (Mississippi) at KSC to help 

educators engage the public throughout NASA’s return-to-flight events. NASA provided tools for these 

informal educators to increase the public’s understanding of NASA’s return-to-flight process, and to 

incorporate into their home institutions. The 90 

participants represented institutions with yearly 

attendance of more than seven million people. 

KSC’s Educator Resource Center and Exploration Station (ERC/ES) had a very dynamic year interacting with K-12 educators and students, including those from programs such as NES and the RTF 

conference. KSC’s educator workshops enabled 

2,500 teachers to receive on-site professional development training, using NASA mission-related materials and activities to improve science- and mathrelated teaching. Nearly 7,600 educators received 

materials and information on-site at the Educator 

Resource Center. Additionally, Exploration Station 

staff reinforced the skills of nearly 20,000 students 

participating in 304 programs, and nearly 15,000 

families participated in learning activities. ERC/ES 

participants also include those from local community partnerships with Delaware North Park Services, Boy Scouts of America and the Orlando Science Center. All of Brevard County’s sixth-grade 

science teachers and 6,000 sixth-grade students 

participated in ERC/ES educational activities.

KSC hosted the national conference for NASA’s 

Network of Educator Astronauts for 160 educators 

contending to become NASA astronauts. The finalists attended the four-day conference, updating 

their professional skills and NASA knowledge with 

workshops, tours and education kits that included 

a space shuttle tile for their schools. The top 35 

candidates returned for the STS-114 launch.

A student prepares to measure the fin span of a

spotted ray during KSC’s Summer High School

Apprentice Research Progr

30 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r educatione d u c a i 
The Aerospace Education Services Program 

supported KSC’s region of Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, providing programs 

for more than 22,000 educators, K-12 students 

and family groups. Program representatives also 

visited KSC’s 15 NASA Explorer Schools to provide classroom instruction and family involvement activities.

For the third year, KSC and the University of 

Central Florida co-hosted the 2005 Florida FIRST 

(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and 

Technology) Robotics Competition. FIRST demonstrates how mastering science and technology 

can enrich the lives of everyone. External studies 

found that 41 percent of FIRST alumni, including 

women and minorities, select engineering as a major. This is roughly seven times the average among 

college students in a national U.S. Department of 

Education study. 

Community Outreach Programs for Education reach across many facets of Central Florida, 

responding to community-driven, unplanned requests for various types of support. KSC recently 

supported 34 elementary, three regional and two 

state (Florida and Georgia) science fairs, and national and local space and engineering events such 

as National Space Day.

Through this summer’s education programs 

and grants, KSC benefited from the skills of 103 

university interns and faculty members. In addition to being rich in ethnic diversity, this talent 

pool represented 66 colleges and universities, 26 

college majors and 27 states. Participants worked 

on KSC technology development and applied research tasks. KSC hired three undergraduate interns and one of the six National Research Council 

post-doctoral program participants.

This summer’s participants included 30 U.S. and 

Canadian students who were part of NASA’s Spaceflight and Life Sciences Training Program, which 

attracts collegians interested in NASA-related research. They completed environmental, biological 

and flight projects highlighting the unique aspects 

of research and long-duration missions in space. 

The Graduate Student Research Program hosted 12 students performing research and technology tasks. Additionally, KSC won funding to place 

four teams of faculty members and undergraduate 

and graduate students together in strategic positions across KSC to address the center’s highest 

technology needs. Leveraged by KSC’s faculty research programs, KSC hosted 22 faculty members 

accompanied by 15 students.

KSC’s Virtual Lab is a suite of virtual microscopes. Teachers involved with its development 

emphasized the importance of making science 

engaging, using materials that students can relate 

to beyond the classroom. The lab received national 

recognition for hands-on learning in Science Magazine’s April 8, 2005 issue. It was praised for giving students a closer look at electron microscopes 

than textbooks can offer. The software can be 

downloaded from http://virtual.itg.uiuc.edu. 

The development team tested the product in three 

under-served area high schools, integrating one of 

the virtual microscopes into biology classes.

The Kennedy Launch Academy Simulation System, an interactive software program for schools 

that simulates a space shuttle launch countdown, 

is in its first year of development. Students can act 

as system engineers and address problems related 

to their studies. A middle school teacher helped 

develop designs and student materials. KSC will 

distribute a working prototype in 2006. 

KSC is developing a sister Web site to its Enter 

the Firing Room site (http://enterfiringroom.

ksc.nasa.gov) to highlight personnel working 

on the Launch Services Program. 

For further details, visit www.nasa.gov/cen

ters/kennedy/education/index.html.

Students in the Spaceflight and Lunar Sciences and

Technology trainee program participate in a research

project in the Space Life Sciences La

2 0 0 5 NUAL REPORT | 
An artist’s rendering of the new Shuttle Launch Experience current

under construction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Comple

KSC Visitor Complex

The KSC Visitor Complex continued to effectively spread NASA’s message to more than 1.4 million guests from all over the world. This number 

is expected to grow as new attractions and experiences are realized from the 10-year master plan 

unveiled this year. Each key addition of the plan 

will provide the public with a deeper learning opportunity, and broaden the depth and diversity of 

NASA as an agency committed to space exploration as a destiny, as well as a destination.

The Visitor Complex hosted 15,000 launch viewing guests for NASA’s historic return-to-flight mission, STS-114. An additional 3,000 guests watched 

from the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Giant screens 

at the main complex delivered the dramatic and 

exciting views of space shuttle Discovery launching from pad 39B.

After nearly two-and-a-half years in design and 

development, the NASA and concessionaire team 

celebrated the groundbreaking for the Shuttle 

Launch Experience. The new simulation experience will open in 2007. Only astronauts have been 

able to experience the sensations of a launch. But 

soon, guests at the Visitor Complex will share in 

the excitement of a simulated space shuttle liftoff 

from countdown through main engine cutoff, creating lifelong memories.

The next scheduled enhancement in the master plan, NASA Central, will become the focus of 

design and planning. The new central hub of the 

Visitor Complex will provide guests with an exciting and inspirational sense of arrival at KSC.

Only 12 men have walked on the moon, but 

guests at the Visitor Complex can now share the 

experience through a new 3-D IMAX film presented and narrated by Tom Hanks. “Magnificent 

Desolation: Walking on the Moon” takes audiences 

to the lunar surface to walk alongside the extraordinary astronauts who have been there, nearly a 

quarter-million miles above the Earth’s surface.

The retail stores located in the Orlando International Airport continue to thrive and contribute to 

reaching more than 25 million travelers that commute through one of the top 10 busiest airports in 

the country. 

The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame maintained its 

focus on sharing and honoring the human and 

heroic experiences that belong to our astronauts. 

The educational programs based at the Hall of 

Fame museum delivered a real opportunity 

for more than 2,600 participants to engage in 

the world of an astronaut with two immersive 

programs: Camp KSC and the Astronaut Training Experience. Camp KSC introduced a robotics track to the program this year. The new 

program allowed camp attendees the use of 

automation and artificial intelligence as they 

designed, assembled, programmed and tested 

robots within a team environment.

The immersive Astronaut Training Experience entered its second year with total success, as participants 14 years and older spent 

their time in the one-day program absorbed 

in hands-on learning experiences. Activities 

included a special tour of KSC, a meeting with 

an astronaut, participation in a simulated space 

shuttle mission and classroom exercises.

The Visitor Complex hosted 6,000 sixthgrade students for Brevard Space Week in 

partnership with the Brevard County School 

Board. A new program was launched in the 

fall for 6,000 seventh graders who engaged in 

32 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r outreacho u t r e a h to t e  w o 
“Brevard Learning About Science and Technology” 

(BLAST), an Astronaut Training Experience tailored 

for a younger audience.

Special events at the Visitor Complex included 

the induction of the third class of space shuttle astronauts into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and the 

30th anniversary of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project.

Exhibits

KSC’s Display Management Team and Kennedy 

Integrated Display Staff supported a total of 40 

events reaching out one-on-one to nearly 439,000 

visitors, mostly in the southeast region of the country. KSC’s road show explained NASA’s exciting 

space flight history, education programs and new 

science and technology programs. 

Exhibits included an astronaut “spokes-mannequin” sharing information on NASA’s Technology 

Transfer Program and its goals; opportunities putting visitors into space through their own cameras, 

using realistic graphics and a mock-up astronaut in 

an extra-vehicular activity suit; and interpretive displays of NASA programs including Space Shuttle, 

International Space Station and Launch Services 

programs, with a focus on the Vision for Space Exploration. Displays and handout materials featured 

the benefits of space, spinoffs and NASA’s mission 

and vision.

KSC also participated in a variety of minority 

events including the Tuskegee Airmen Annual Convention, Exponica, and the United Third Bridge 

Puerto-Rican/Hispanic Festival. Other events included technical and educational conferences and 

air shows in the southeast such as Blue Angels in 

Paradise in Key West, Suncoast Fest in St. Petersburg, the Tyndall Air Force Base Air Show in Florida 

and the Vidalia Air Show in Georgia.

KSC continued to work closely with NASA 

Headquarters and all of the other NASA centers to 

provide a One NASA image.

Speakers Bureau

KSC’s Speakers Bureau reached more than 

200,000 people at 423 events during the year, including 22 international and 48 national events. Approximately 236 KSC speakers participated, along 

with 22 NASA astronauts.

Using resources such as the new NASA mission 

and vision charts, a Vision for Space Exploration informational CD and several updated presentations, 

KSC brought the NASA message to educators, scientists, government representatives, special interest groups, industry officials and others throughout the United States and other countries.

The Speakers Bureau supported national events 

in Washington, D.C., Illinois, Georgia, Mississippi, 

Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Michigan, 

North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, New York, 

Colorado, California, Arkansas, Nevada and Iowa. 

The group supported international events in Bermuda, Colombia, India, England, Puerto Rico, Canada, Portugal, Italy and Australia.

KSC’s speakers brought the NASA message to 

minority groups including Hispanic and AsianAmerican groups and the Tuskegee Airmen Annual 

Convention.

Speakers also presented to library, university 

and retirement community groups, women leaderThe KSC News Center was a hub of activity for several days leading up to and including the day of 

launch of Discovery on return-to-flight mission STS-11

2 0 0 5 NUAL REPORT |
ship programs, girls in math and science programs, 

engineering and science organizations, aerospace 

groups, education and business conferences, church 

and scouting groups, and numerous corporations. 

KSC Web site and NASA Direct!

KSC’s Internet outreach continued to capture 

the public’s attention with coverage of five expendable launch vehicle missions. Mission pages, 

Web broadcasts and Virtual Launch Control Center sites were developed and managed for Swift, 

Deep Impact, DART, NOAA-N and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, in addition to a GOES-N Web 

broadcast requested by and produced for Goddard 

Space Flight Center. 

The biggest event was the STS-114 return-toflight mission. The center managed the agency’s 

official return-to-flight Web site for several weeks 

prior to launch, as well as after landing, and produced hundreds of news updates and dozens of 

feature stories, videos and image galleries.

A record 2.8 million visitors tuned in to watch 

events on NASA TV online during the two-week 

mission. On launch day, Internet users simultaneously watched approximately 439,000 webcast 

streams of NASA TV and returned en masse to 

watch 394,500 streams of Discovery’s landing in 

California. 

Kennedy’s Virtual Launch Control Center was 

especially popular on both launch and landing 

days. On landing day, this single Web page received 

a total of nearly 1.9 million page views, nearly four 

times the number of views received by the entire 

Kennedy Web site for the launch of STS-113 on 

Nov. 23, 2002. And during a 15-hour period, the six 

landing-related videos in the VLCC were played an 

average of 429 times per minute.

Media Services

The Media Services Division at KSC’s NASA 

News Center increased public awareness and support of space programs by interfacing with the 

world’s media and public audience through a wide 

variety of avenues. This included a television affiliate for NASA TV that broadcasts all NASA space 

shuttle and rocket launches, a World Wide Web 

operation which includes live webcasts, television 

streams and on-demand videos and a full-service 

Public Affairs Office catering to all forms of professional journalists. 

During the year, more than 97,000 multimedia 

products were produced, including fact sheets, 

press releases, video news releases, live and radio 

phone-in interviews, still photographs, video footage of activities, tapes, CDs and DVDs.

The year was highlighted by the coordinated 

public affairs effort for NASA’s space shuttle returnto-flight mission STS-114 in July, in which 2,600 

media representatives were accredited from all 

the world’s major media outlets. The space shuttle 

launch was broadcast live to an American audience 

in high-definition television and an estimated 500 

million people viewed the launch on either TV or 

on the Web. Along with this event, media services 

hosted media for seven expendable launch vehicle 

launches and numerous local and national events 

hosted at the world’s largest space port. Along with 

these activities, more than 190 media visits were 

hosted supporting movies, documentaries, magazines and news articles during the year. 

> In the stands at KSC’s Banana Creek viewing site, First Lady Laura Bush (center) watches Launch Pa

for the liftoff of Space Shuttle Discovery on return-to-flight mission STS-114. She is flanked by astrona

 Scott Altmann at left and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush at right. Sitting in front of astronaut Altman is Micha

O’Brien, NASA Headquarters assistant administrator of the Office of External Rel

In front of Gov. Bush is Woodrow Whitlow Jr., former KSC deputy directo

Near the

countdown clock 

at the KSC New

Center, members

of the press, 

photographers 

and press site 

volunteers view the 

launch of Space 

Shuttle 

Discovery on

return-to-flight 

mission STS-114,

on July 26, 2005.

34 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r outrea

Much like the previous year, FY 2005 saw many 

changes in the conduct of financial operations. Full 

cost procedures were implemented throughout 

the agency in FY 2004, with many of the lessons 

learned during that year applied to FY 2005. KSC 

continued to increase its budget allocation for the 

fifth straight year. Our financial systems continue 

modification, with much of the year spent developing and testing a new, standard breakdown structure throughout the agency and new labor distribution system. At the agency level, NASA continues 

to seek a clean financial opinion from independent 

auditors. Locally, the Office of the Chief Financial 

Officer prepared to support KSC’s role in the Vision for Space Exploration through the conduct of 

strategic planning efforts, enhanced customer service and business process improvements by applying Six Sigma methodologies. 

Financial Highlight

The KSC budget in FY 2005 totaled $1.246 billion. When including the Johnson Space Centermanaged Space Flight Operations Contract work 

performed at KSC, together with other NASA centers’ contract work, this number nearly doubles 

KSC’s spending authority to more than $2.3 billion. This was an increase of $266 million over the 

FY 2004 level. In addition, the center had 111 active reimbursable agreements in FY 2005, accounting for an added $206 million in commercial/other 

government work.

United Space Alliance (USA) is the contractor for the Space Flight Operations Contract at Kennedy Space Center. The space shuttle processing work is 

managed by Johnson Space Center and performed at KSC. The FY2004 numbers are actuals and FY2005 and FY2006 are the President’s budget.

NASA/KSC BUDGET AUTHORITY SUMMARY

FY 2004 thru FY 2006

($ in Millions)

36 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r ksc business2 0 0  kc b u i n e ss r 
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

FY 2005 BUDGET AUTHORITY

($ in Millions)

2 0 0 5 NUAL REPORT | 37 

• The Space Shuttle Program’s return to flight increased its FY 2005 budget 

by more than $150 million over the previous year. 

• International Space Station funding showed a 9 percent increase in FY 

2005.

• The Launch Services Program continued supporting the agency’s science 

missions at a budget level of $40 million over FY 2004.

• The Exploration Program, funded at a modest $62 million in FY 2005, is 

expected to significantly increase over the next several years, a good sign 

for KSC’s future work expectations.

• Included in the FY 2005 funding was $126 million in an emergency 

supplemental appropriation to repair damaged assets resulting from last 

year’s hurricanes, and to increase protection against future storm damage 

on many of the facilities at the center.

• KSC remains an economical place to conduct business. The center’s general and administrative rate is the lowest in the agency. 

Space Shuttle $561

Space Science $319

Space Station $142

Space and Flight Support $142

Exploration Systems $62

Education $3

Corporate G & A $17

Total KSC $1,246
NASA/KSC BUDGET AUTHORITY SUMMARY

FY 2005

($ in Millions)

38 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e

NASA continues progressing toward receiving a clean audit opinion on its annual 

financial statements. One of the material weaknesses identified by the auditors is 

NASA’s valuation of “property, plant and equipment.” The agency is currently developing compensating controls which will strengthen NASA’s ability to validate this 

valuation, and ultimately lead to clean audit opinions in the near future. 

ksc business Purchased Goods & Services $1,026

83%

Civil Service Salaries $215

17%

Total $1,246

Travel $5

.4%
FINANCIAL SYSTEMS 

The conversion of all NASA centers to a single 

financial system is the major component of NASA’s 

progress in the “improve financial management” 

element of the President’s Management Agenda. 

Among the FY 2005 changes within the Integrated 

Financial Management Program is its name change 

to the Integrated Enterprise Management Program. 

The title change was made to highlight the fact 

that this major overhaul of the agency’s information and data systems goes well beyond the involvement of those in the financial world. 

The last half of FY 2005 was heavily involved 

with implementing two new modules in this program. Project Management Information Improvement (PMI2) will provide a consistent work breakdown structure across the agency for labor, travel 

and technical project management. PMI2 was a demanding effort that engaged the entire center and 

affected every civil servant who records employment time, travels or works on a project. As such, a 

rigorous “change management” effort was involved, 

which included directives from the administrator, 

a series of town hall meetings featuring our center 

director, and numerous other events to prepare for 

this massive change. The second new module is the 

Agency Labor Distribution System (ALDS), which 

is an extension of the current financial system that 

captures labor costs at the employee level. The 

ALDS creates a single agency system of record for 

labor distribution and retires 10 different center labor distribution systems. The purpose of both new 

systems is to improve management decision-making through better information. 

BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT

Six Sigma is an improvement method that applies a rigorous model to define, measure, analyze, 

improve and control a process. The Six Sigma metric is the result of comparing the output of the business process with customer requirements. By the 

close of FY 2005, the Office of the Chief Financial 

Officer had applied Six Sigma to four business processes: civil service travel, contractor cost analysis, 

procurement request generation and civil service 

labor collection. Metrics will continue to be measured over time; early results are promising. 

The role of Center Business Process Lead really 

found its place during this fiscal year, leading the 

implementation of PMI2 across the center, directing the procurement request process improvement 

activity, and serving as a liaison between KSC users, 

the Integrated Enterprise Management Program 

and its Competency Center. The agency’s Center 

Business Process Lead summit, hosted by KSC last 

June, showcased the fact that KSC is among NASA’s 

leaders in implementation, operations and process 

improvement. 

STRATEGIC PLANNING 

Finally, this year KSC made great strides in transformation within the Office of the Chief Financial 

Officer to develop a “Vision for 2010,” which included establishing financial goals, business process improvement, full service to the center’s customers, 

and business partnerships with KSC stakeholders 

as the agency transforms and prepares to make the 

Vision for Space Exploration a reality. The office 

has chosen “Making Dollars Make Sense” as the 

representation of its vision. 

2 0 0 5 NUAL REPORT | 39 
To fulfill its mission, NASA requires an extraordinary range of commodities including liquid and 

gaseous propellants, rocket engines, computers 

and photographic equipment. The range of services purchased is just as wide, including communications, laboratory testing, space shuttle processing, 

payload integration and testing and expendable 

launch services. In meeting NASA’s demand for 

these goods and services, local contractors employ 

workers, produce products, fund payrolls and generate output. These workers and contractors generate additional impacts as they spend their incomes 

and place orders with other regional firms for materials and services. Each round of such spending 

recirculates NASA’s initial demand among Florida’s 

businesses and households, multiplying the direct 

impact on the economy. 

A number of other activities directly associated 

with NASA also add to the total economic impact in 

Florida. These include the local travel expenditures 

of out-of-state business and government personnel 

that travel to KSC to conduct business, KSC Visitor 

Center’s sales to out-of-state visitors, and the federal, state and local taxes these sales generate. 

KSC annually conducts an Economic Impact 

Analysis to measure NASA’s effect on the economy at the local, regional and state levels. Since 

2002, the report has been conducted by the 

Transportation Economics Research Institute of 

Mount Dora, Fla. 

In FY 2005, of the $16.1 billion NASA budget, 

it is estimated that KSC and other NASA centers 

injected nearly $1.7 billion into the local and state 

economies of Florida. This spending set off a cycle 

of economic transactions that flowed throughout 

many sectors of these economies and created a 

multiplied level of total economic activity that far 

exceeded NASA’s initial injection. This multiplied 

“NASA effect” results in a total economic impact of 

$3.7 billion in the state of Florida. This represents 

the fourth year of consecutive increases since the 

report was initiated in its current form. 

40 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r ksc businesse c o n mc  im 
$1,800

$1,600

$1,400

$1,200

$1,000

$800

$600

$400

$200

$0

(Spending in millions of 2005 dollars)

In FY 2005, all KSC/NASA activities injected $1.67 billion of outside money 

into Florida’s economy. This total consisted of $958 million in direct earnings 

payments to households and $716 million in direct commodity purchases from 

contractors. Ninety-five percent of the total injection went to Central Florida 

businesses and households.

Commodity

Purchases

Income Paid

to Households

Total Direct

Injections

Brevard Other Central Florida Other Florida

Commodity Purchases

Income Paid to Households

Total Direct Injections

Brevard

$627

$854

$1,481

Other Central

Florida

$32

$85

$116

Other

Florida

$58

$19

$77

Florida

Total

$716

$958

$1,674

TOTAL INJECTIONS INTO FLORIDA ECONOMIES BY KSC/NASA 

ACTIVITIES SPENDING, LOCAL TRAVEL EXPENDITURES OF KSC 

BUSINESS VISITORS AND KSC VISITOR CENTER PURCHASES

BY OUT-OF-STATE VISITORS FY 2005

2 0 0 5 NUAL REPORT | 41 
THE TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ALL NASA ACTIVITIES AT KSC

ON FLORIDA BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA FY 2005

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

Output, Income & Taxes in millions of 2005 dollars

In FY 2005, economic modeling showed a total NASA economic impact in Florida of nearly 

$3.7 billion, including $1.8 billion in household income driven by the net creation of 35,000 

jobs throughout the state, including the KSC population. NASA activity also generated $272 

million of federal, state and local taxes. Eighty-six percent of the economic output and 91 

percent of the employment occurred within Central Florida.

Output Income Federal

Taxes

State &

Local Taxes

Total Jobs

(in hundreds)

Brevard County Central Florida Region State of Florida

Area of 

Economic Impact

Brevard County

Central Florida Region

State of Florida

Output

2,196

3,168

3,680

Income

1,184

1,554

1,758

Total Jobs

21,000

31,800

35,000

Federal

Taxes

72

167

187

State &

Local Taxes

23

69

85

42 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r ksc busine
Kennedy Space Center is the most broadly 

based, complex and successful launch center in 

the world. Both NASA and contractor personnel 

working at the center are essential to the success 

of KSC.

The work force is a diverse group of people 

dedicated to supporting the nation’s space program and the Vision for Space Exploration. To accomplish the various missions expected of the 

Space Center, these individuals fulfill a multitude 

of tasks. 

At the end of each year, the center takes a “snapshot” of its workforce. This picture includes all federal and contract employees chartered to work for 

KSC. Other organizations, such as the European 

Space Agency and Patrick Air Force Base have roles 

here, but are not reflected in these numbers. 

As of September 30, 2005, the total KSC population was 14,595. This includes 2,074 full-time and 

other-than-full-time NASA civil servants and 10,894 

total on-site and off-site contractor employees. The 

civil servant skill mix includes scientific and engineering, administrative, technical and clerical 

workers. There are 557 construction employees, 

with 1,070 tenants on the center. 

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER WORK FORCE PROFILE

(through 9/30/05)

On Duty Full-Time Civil Service 1,797

On Duty Other Than Full-Time Civil Service 277

Total Civil Servants 2,074

Civil Servant Skill Mix

Scientific & Engineering 60%

Administration 25%

Technical 9%

Clerical 6%

On-Site Contractor Employees 10,340

Off-Site Contractor Employees 554

Total Contractor Employees 10,894

Total Construction Employees 557

Total Tenants 1,070

TOTAL KSC POPULATION 14,595

2 0 0 5 NUAL REPORT | 43 

w o r f o r c  D V E
44 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r ksc businessp r o c u r m e n

Industry Partners at a Glance

The companies listed below were KSC’s top support contractors or Launch Services contractors in 

terms of dollars obligated in FY 2005. Following is 

a brief description of their work for the agency:

United Space Alliance (USA)

Under a Johnson Space Center contract, USA is the 

prime contractor for the Space Flight Operations 

Contract. USA’s primary purpose is to ensure mission success for the Space Shuttle Program. KSC is 

the primary point of responsibility for launch and 

landing of the space shuttle. USA supports ground 

operations and orbiter logistics elements of the 

Space Shuttle Program at KSC.

Space Gateway Support (SGS)

SGS, a joint venture of Northrop Grumman and 

Wackenhut, provides base operations support for 

KSC and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. SGS is 

responsible for such activities as roads and grounds 

maintenance, facilities maintenance, custodial services, fire protection, security, calibrations, and propellants handling.

The Boeing Company

The Boeing Space Operations Company is the 

prime contractor for the Checkout, Assembly and 

Payload Processing Services (CAPPS) contract. Its 

primary purpose is to support payload processing 

for the International Space Station, space shuttle, 

and expendable launch vehicles (ELVs). Boeing 

performs all aspects of payload processing, including planning and receiving payloads, maintaining 

associated payload ground systems, integrating 

payloads with the space shuttle, launch support 

and space shuttle post-landing payload activities.

InDyne, Inc.

InDyne, Inc. provides communication services under the KSC Integrated Communications Contract 

(KICS) supporting the space shuttle, payload carriers, launch services and the International Space 

Station. InDyne provides hardware and software 

integration and development for voice, video and 

data communications. InDyne also provides motion picture, still photography, digital and video 

products and services for NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense and commercial ELV customers. 

InDyne handles the operation, administration and 

maintenance of the administrative telephone system in support of all KSC residents. 

Analex, Inc.

Analex is the prime contractor on the ELV Integrated Support contract. The contractor is responsible 

for performing and integrating the overall programmatic ELV business and administrative functions, 

including program and project planning, risk management, evaluation and information technology. 

Services include managing, operating, maintaining and sustaining engineering of the NASA ELV 

communications and telemetry stations located at 

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Vandenberg 

Air Force Base in California, along with assigned 

NASA facilities, systems, and equipment at Vandenberg. The company performs engineering services/

studies and technical services for various ground/

flight ELV systems, missions and payloads. 

The Artic Slope Research Corporation 

(ASRC) Aerospace

ASRC Aerospace provides research and engineering services and technical support to the KSC 

Spaceport Engineering and Technology organization and other operational customers at the center. 

The support includes providing research, engineering development and management of complex research and development and technology projects. 

The company also provides engineering and technical support of various KSC laboratories and test 

beds. ASRC Aerospace uses a group of affiliated universities in performing applied research and technology development efforts. ASRC Aerospace also 
Small Business Contractors

Large Business Contractors

2 0 0 5 NUAL REPORT | 45

provides technology outreach to foster awareness 

and use of capabilities that are unique to KSC.

Dynamac Corporation

The Life Sciences Services Contract provides a 

broad range of life sciences services to NASA. 

These include medical operations for shuttle and 

space station programs, environmental compliance 

and stewardship, life sciences payload operations 

and development, support to the Agency Occupational Health Program Office, biological science, 

work force protection, fitness and musculoskeletal 

rehabilitation, and education outreach.

The Boeing Company

Delta Launch Services, Inc. provides NASA with 

launch services using its Delta II vehicle. Boeing 

is the contractor for one of three existing NASA 

Launch Services multiple-award Indefinite Delivery Quantity task order contracts. Principal location for the Delta II vehicle assembly is in Decatur, 

Ala. The Delta II vehicles launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Vandenberg.

Lockheed Martin Company

Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services, 

Inc. provides the agency with launch services using its Atlas vehicle. Lockheed is the contractor for 

one of three NASA Launch Services multiple-award 

Indefinite Delivery Quantity task order contracts. 

Principal location for the Atlas vehicle assembly is 

in Denver. The Atlas vehicles launch from Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg.

Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC)

Orbital Sciences Corporation provides NASA with 

launch services using its Pegasus and Taurus small 

expendable launch vehicles launched from Cape 

Canaveral, Vandenberg, Wallops Flight Facility in 

Virginia, and equatorial launch ranges. OSC is the 

contractor for one of three NASA Launch Services multiple-award Indefinite Delivery Quantity 

task order contracts. Additionally, OSC provides 

Pegasus and Taurus vehicles to the agency under 

a second contract, the Small Expendable Launch 

Vehicle Contract.
State Total ($K)

ALABAMA 498

ARKANSAS 24

ARIZONA 27,104

CALIFORNIA 18,934

COLORADO 1,312

CONNECTICUT 13,482

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 56

DELAWARE 51

FLORIDA 1,046,989

GEORGIA 1,571

HAWAII 16

IOWA 42

ILLINOIS 882

INDIANA 4

KANSAS 410

KENTUCKY 242

LOUISIANA 175

MASSACHUSETTS 2,609

MARYLAND 6,082

MICHIGAN 712

MINNESOTA 140

MISSOURI 75

MISSISSIPPI 6,196

NORTH CAROLINA 750

State Total ($K)

NORTH DAKOTA 24

NEBRASKA 23

NEW HAMPSHIRE 410

NEW JERSEY 975

NEW MEXICO 167

NEVADA 6

NEW YORK 514

OHIO 1,569

OKLAHOMA 69

OREGON 84

PENNSYLVANIA 1,323

PUERTO RICO 0

RHODE ISLAND 206

SOUTH CAROLINA 203

SOUTH DAKOTA 33

TENNESSEE 71

TEXAS 2,609

UTAH 31

VIRGINIA 4,791

WASHINGTON 32

WISCONSIN 1,446

TOTAL 1,142,939

46 |  e n n e d ys pa c  c e n t e r ksc businessYOUR PROCUREMENT DOLLARS AT WO

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION BY STATE

(FISCAL YEAR 2005 OBLIGATIONS)
2 0 0 5 NUAL REPORT | 47 

The Boeing Company 12 333,664

Space Gateway Support 1 322,392

Lockheed Martin Corp. 1 114,140

InDyne, Inc. 1 58,825

Met-Con 1 39,423

Analex Corp. 1 37,018

ASRC Aerospace Corp 2 28,604

Orbital Sciences Corp. 2 26,626

Dynamac Corp. 4 20,169

Air Liquide America Corp. 1 8,648

Praxair, Inc. 2 7,800

Cendant Mobility Services Corp. 1 6,656

Rush Construction, Inc. 3 6,475

Rush Peak Joint Venture 8 5,460

Sauer, Inc. 6 4,425

All Points Logistics, Inc. 3 3,635

Chrome Electric Inc. 6 3,288

AstroTech Space Operations Inc. 4 3,255

Seyforth Roofing Co. Inc. 1 3,011

Infinite Energy, Inc. 1 2,840

Spades Contractor, Inc. 1 2,723

David A Boland, Inc. 1 2,481

Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Inc. 2 32,124

OAO Corp. 2 11,988

American Remote Vision Co. 1 68

TOTAL 108 1,045,737

TOP 25 KSC BUSINESS CONTRACTORS

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005

Johnson Space Center’s Space Flight Operations Contract held by United Space Alliance 

recorded $796.94 million managed by the KSC Procurement Workforce in FY 2005.

Contractor Number of Dollars

Obligated Contracts/Orders (in Thousands)

NP-2006-04-014-
www.nasa.gov

NP-2006-04-014-