Our New Look!

Page 3

Space Station 

Microscope: 

From 2-D to 3-D

Page 2

FEB Wings of 

Excellence Winners

Page 9

Suite of Experiments 

Study Flames in 

Microgravity

Pages 4–5

VOLUME 19 • ISSUE 6 • JUNE 2017
2

Microscopes allow us to look at particles that would otherwise be invisible to the 

naked eye, but these particles are usually masked by gravity. The same force that 

keeps your feet firmly planted to the ground also interferes with getting a good look 

at how things move and interact at the microscopic level.

The Light Microscopy Module (LMM) microscope aboard the International Space 

Station gives researchers a look at what is happening fundamentally without the 

interference of gravity. LMM is a remotely controllable, automated microscope that 

operates in the Fluids Integrated Rack and is managed by NASA Glenn. 

Presently, the microscope provides detailed 2-D images that aid the advancement 

of science. However, the images it provides can be a bit fuzzy and hard to examine. 

Engineers at NASA Glenn recently sent an LMM upgrade consisting of a new laser, 

scanner and 8-bit digital camera aboard the SpaceX CRS–11 International Space 

Station resupply mission. In July, space station astronauts are slated to install the 

new hardware. This upgrade will significantly improve the microscope’s resolution 

and contrast by eliminating unnecessary light.

“We’ll have a 3-D capability that will expand our ability to see what is going on at 

a fundamental level,” said Ron Sicker, project manager, ISS and Human Health 

Branch. 

By providing sharper images that can be studied from every angle, the LMM will 

aid researchers in gaining a better understanding about the microscopic world. 

That knowledge will help us on Earth and in space. 

“This could open a whole new world of science,” said Sicker.

Pictured Above:

Astronaut Dan Burbank, Expedition 30 commander, conducts a session 

with the Preliminary Advanced Colloids Experiment at the LMM 

on the International Space Station. 

GRC-2017-CN-00026 Photo by NASA

From 2-D to 3-D, Space Station 

Microscope Gets an Upgrade

Continuing Our 

Commitment to Safety

Safety and Health Awareness Day 

takes place on Tuesday, June 13, 

and I am pleased to welcome 

former Shuttle Program Manager, 

Wayne Hale, and safety expert, 

John Martin, as our guest speakers. 

This year’s theme, Safe and Sound, 

echoes the Occupational Safety and 

Health Administration’s campaign, 

and it is an important reminder 

that we must make sound decisions 

when it comes to our safety. Please 

join me for the discussions, activities 

and interesting presentations. 

I hope to see you there.

Let us continue our journey to safety, 

health and mission excellence.

AeroSpace Frontiers

is an official publication of Glenn Research 

Center, National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration. It is published the second 

Friday of each month by the Office of 

Communications & External Relations 

in the interest of the Glenn workforce, 

retirees, government officials, business 

leaders and the general public. 

Submit short articles and calendar items 

to the editor at doreen.b.zudell@nasa.gov. 

Editor: Doreen B. Zudell, ATS, 

 216–433–5317

Assistant Editor: S. Jenise Veris, ATS

Design: Jami Drost, ATS

Managing Editor: Kelly R. DiFrancesco

Circulation: Angela Williams, ATS, 

 216–433–8921
JUNE 2017

3

We think you’ll find the enhanced AeroSpace Frontiers layout helps tell 

NASA Glenn’s story in a visually pleasing manner.

We’ve also made changes to how the issue is distributed. Issues are now 

delivered in bulk mailing to internal mail stops (without personalization) and 

hard copies of the newsletter are no longer being mailed to external readers. 

In addition, new publication stands are located at Lewis Field and Plum Brook 

Station main gates, as well as the fitness center and the Edward R. Sharp 

Employee Center. Pick up a copy for yourself or share it with a friend.

Welcome to the Newly Designed 

AeroSpace Frontiers! 

Publication stands 

containing newsletters 

are located in several 

high-traffic areas within 

Lewis Field and at the 

Plum Brook Station 

Main Gate. 

Photo by Doreen Zudell

GRC-2017-CN-00027

GRC-2017-C-02660 Photo by Rami Daud

Last month, NASA Glenn held its 2017 National 

Lab Day activities at Lewis Field and Plum Brook 

Station. On May 12, the Office of Education hosted 

approximately 200 middle school students to 

Lewis Field. Students participated in facility tours, 

an engineering design challenge and research 

demonstrations. Astronaut Jeff Williams kicked 

off the event. On May 17, Plum Brook Station 

welcomed nearly 100 middle school students for 

a day of hands-on activities and facility tours. 

Employees from across both campuses staffed 

these events to help inspire our next generation 

of scientists and engineers. 

National Lab Day Promotes STEM Careers

GRC-2017-CN-00036 Photo by Doreen Zudell
4

Researchers from across the country have developed a series of experiments to expand our understanding of flames 

at a fundamental level. Working with NASA Glenn to conduct research on the International Space Station (ISS), the 

investigators will study flames burning in microgravity under a range of conditions. Results of the experiments could 

lead to improved fuel efficiency and pollutant reduction. 

Glenn’s Advanced Combustion Microgravity Experiment (ACME) project hardware—comprised of five independent flame 

experiments designed to test different aspects of flames—recently launched on SpaceX’s 11th space station resupply 

mission. ACME tests will be conducted in the space station’s Combustion Integrated Rack, and the experiments will be 

operated remotely from Glenn’s ISS Payload Operations Center. 

“Four of ACME’s experiments are designed to improve our understanding of flame behavior for practical use on Earth,” 

said ACME Project Scientist Dennis Stocker, Combustion Physics and Reacting Process Branch. “The other experiment 

is intended to help us understand and improve spacecraft fire safety.”

The experiments include

• Coflow Laminar Diffusion Flame (CLD Flame)

• Electric-Field Effects on Laminar Diffusion Flames (E-FIELD Flames) 

• Structure and Response of Spherical Flames (s-Flame)

• Flame Design

• Burning Rate Emulator (BRE)

For more information on the ACME experiments, visit https://go.nasa.gov/2rEeHyY.

Suite of Experiments Study 

Flame Behavior in Microgravity 

ACME Systems Engineer Chris Mroczka (ZIN), left, and CIR engineer Jim Birchenough perform a ground check of the ACME chamber 

insert, which fits into the space station’s Combustion Integrated Rack. 

GRC-2016-C-05055 Photo by Marvin Smith
5

On the Cover:

Chris Mroczka (ZIN) takes an up close look at the ACME hardware that 

will be inserted into the combustion chamber. Mroczka is examining 

a simple burner (a narrow tube from which the gaseous fuel flows) and 

the disk-shaped copper mesh, which is used to generate an electric field.

GRC-2017-C-05051 Photo by Marvin Smith

JUNE 2017

Microgravity conditions 

allow the creation of spherical 

flames that simplify analysis and 

reveal behavior which is difficult 

to study on Earth. Flames like this 

one are yielding valuable information 

about soot formation and flame extinction.

Photo by Peter Sunderland

GRC-2017-CN-00025
6

NEWS AND EVENTS

GRC-2017-CN-00024 Photo by NASA

Did You Know...

Glenn Rocks SBIR/STTR Contracts

NASA Glenn has consistently been one of the agency’s 

leaders in awarding Small Business Innovative Research and 

Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) contracts. 

For FY17, Glenn received the most proposals of all NASA 

centers—almost 20% of the agency’s total! 

More than 540 scientists, engineers and managers are 

involved in reviewing, evaluating and ranking 376 proposals. 

Here’s what we have done in SBIR contracts thus far in FY17:

• Awarded 8 Phase 3 contracts

• Awarded 22 Phase 2 contracts (16% of agency’s 

133 awards)

• Awarded 53 Phase 1 SBIR contracts and 5 STTR contracts 

(15% of agency’s 399 awards)

• Phase 2 STTR awards from PY16 will be reviewed and 

awarded later this year

For more information on NASA SBIR/STTR, visit 

https://sbir.nasa.gov.

Unite Our Voices By 

Speaking Together

Participants check out an augmented reality fluid flow display 

while touring the Graphics & Visualization (GVIS) Lab during 

the annual International Space Apps Challenge hosted at 

Lewis Field, April 28. This international event brings together 

coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, 

technologists and space enthusiasts in cities around the 

world to address NASA challenges. Participants used NASA’s 

Earth Science data to develop mobile applications, software, 

hardware, data visualizations and platform solutions that 

could help improve life on Earth. 

Space Apps Challenge 

Encourages Creative Solutions

Photo by Gary Nolan

GRC-2017-CN-00028

During Glenn’s Asian American and Pacific Islander 

Heritage Program, May 9, Dr. Param Srikantia, pictured, 

introduced the concept of the “chattering monkey” in 

our brain that affects our self-esteem and creates barriers to working in multicultural environments. Respected 

professor, speaker and author, Srikantia used animated 

humor to encourage audience members to rise above 

negative man-made realities that impede our ability to 

unite our voices toward common goals. This program 

was sponsored by the Office of Diversity and 

Equal Opportunity and Glenn’s 

Asian American/Pacific Islander 

Advisory Group.

Photo by Rami Daud

GRC-2017-C-02464
7

Dr. Kavandi 

Addresses 

Women in STEM 

at City Club

Center Director Dr. Janet Kavandi and 

Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s 

Director and CEO Dr. Evalyn Gates, 

addressed the topic, Bridging the 

Divide: Women, Innovation and STEM, 

during a forum at the City Club of 

Cleveland, April 21. They discussed the 

impacts of increasing women in STEM 

(Science, Technology, Engineering and 

Mathematics) and the structural social 

barriers that still face women. 

Expedition Astronaut Shares 

Post-Flight Mission Highlights 

Astronaut Jeff Williams, who served as Expedition 47 flight engineer and 

Expedition 48 commander, conducted a post-flight mission briefing for Glenn 

employees at Lewis Field, May 11. Williams, pictured, talked about his career 

and spaceflight experiences. In addition to spending a record-breaking 534 

days in space, Williams was instrumental in preparing the space station for the 

future arrival of the U.S. commercial crew spacecraft. He shared some history 

of the evolution of the space station and the importance of working with international partners. After the briefing, Williams participated in an informal meet 

and greet session.

GRC-2017-C-02489 Photo by Rami Daud

Photo courtesy of Michaelangelo’s Photography

GRC-2017-CN-00034

The Ohio State University honored the legacy of the late Neil 

Armstrong, Apollo 11 commander and first man on the moon, 

during the Space Symposium and Chair Installation for The Neil 

Armstrong Chair in Aerospace Policy in the John Glenn College of 

Public Affairs and the College of Engineering, May 8. Center Director 

Dr. Janet Kavandi; Marshall Space Flight Center Director Todd May; 

Mike Griffin, former NASA administrator, and several Apollo era 

astronauts and program managers spoke at the event to honor 

Dr. John Horack as the first Chair. Glenn’s Outreach staff provided 

the exhibits. The event was open to the public. Pictured, left to right: 

May, Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt, Dean of The Ohio State 

University College of Engineering David Williams, and Kavandi.

OSU Honors Astronaut Neil Armstrong 

With Chair Installation

GRC-2017-C-02727 Photo by Rami Daud

JUNE 2017
Glenn Celebrates Contributions 

to Mission Successes 

An illustration of Cassini above 

Saturn’s northern hemisphere.

Photo by NASA/JPL-Caltech

GRC-2017-CN-00021

After 17 years in orbit, the experimental Earth Observing Satellite (EO–1) 

mission came to an end on March 30. On Sept. 15, the Cassini-Huygens 

spacecraft will complete the final phase of its mission to explore Saturn and its 

complex system of rings and moons. 

Glenn and Primex Aerospace developed, designed and qualified a pulsed 

plasma thruster (PPT) for use with a technology flight experiment on the EO–1 

mission. The PPT combined new technology with heritage designs from the 

1970s and 1980s. During the 3-day experiment, the low-mass PPT enabled 

the satellite to conduct precise pitch control maneuvers and managed its 

momentum during the solar array’s operation. The overall EO–1 mission 

focused on performing Landsat-like measurements with new remote sensing 

technologies and instruments. EO–1 is expected to return to Earth, after 

disintegrating into bits, by 2056. 

A Glenn team monitored Cassini’s flight from liftoff on Oct. 15, 1997, through 

separation from the Centaur stage. The center’s Communications Technology 

Division developed Cassini’s 32-GHz traveling wave tube with its power supply 

(amplifier), called a TWTA, and provided flight hardware for the mission. This 

device increased the accuracy of the distance measurements for the radio 

science and gravitational wave experiments conducted while Cassini orbited 

Saturn and transmitted vital data to scientists worldwide.

By S. Jenise Veris

An illustration of the EO–1 satellite in orbit.

GRC-2017-CN-00023 Photo by NASA/GSFC

Dr. Carol Ginty (E–STA) and Dr. Gary Ruff 

(Saffire) attended the event as representatives 

for their teams. 

Glenn Teams 

Nominated for 2017 

RNASA Stellar Awards 

Glenn’s European Service Module Structural 

Test Article (E–STA) Campaign Team and a 

joint corporate/government team of Glenn’s 

Saffire Team and Orbital ATK’s Cygnus Saffire 

Integration and Operations Team, were among 

the finalists that recently competed at the 

Rotary National Award for Space Achievement 

(RNASA) Foundation’s 2017 Stellar Awards.

E–STA was nominated for enabling human 

spaceflight beyond the moon through 

international collaboration on structural and 

acoustic testing of a new service module. 

The Saffire/Cygnus team was nominated for 

development and successful demonstration 

of an advanced spacecraft fire safety 

experiment (Saffire) flown as a Cygnus hosted 

payload. 

The RNASA Foundation coordinates the 

annual event to recognize outstanding 

individual and team achievements in space 

and create greater public awareness of the 

benefits of space exploration.
9

FEB Awards Recognize Outstanding 

Service to Job and Community

Carl A. Brown, for distinguished service as a safety and 

occupational health specialist assuring fire and life safety measures 

are installed on the job and at numerous public events; and for 

volunteerism and community service with Glenn’s Disability 

Awareness Advisory Group and African Heritage Advisory Group, 

the Cleveland Food Bank and the Ohio High School Athletic 

Association. 

Brian A. Held, for his knowledge as NASA Glenn’s Facility 

Operations Specialist for High Voltage and innovative approach to 

overseeing the maintenance of Glenn’s institutional and ground 

test facilities to ensure they are operational for NASA missions; 

and for achieving the distinction of an Eagle Scout and becoming 

an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Lodge 3505 in 

Brunswick, Ohio.

Tina L. Jicha, for vision and leadership as the business manager 

for the European Service Module Integration Office while 

collaboratively executing international partnerships with diverse 

personnel in the United States and Europe for this deep space 

endeavor; and for inspiring community support through fundraising 

efforts for cancer research.

Helen Kabak, for service with distinction as executive support 

assistant to the director of Glenn’s Center Operations Directorate 

and for providing mentoring, advice, guidance and quality control 

among the administrative staff to ensure the organization’s success 

Seven NASA Glenn employees received the Federal Executive Board (FEB) “Wings of Excellence” Award, May 5, during the 2017 

Recognition and Awards Program. The award honors employees whose outstanding performance on the job or in the community 

has been an inspiration to others and/or brought credit to the federal service. The following Glenn employees were honored:

By S. Jenise Veris

in meeting its commitments daily. Kabak’s ability to communicate 

effectively with a wide array of customers has made her a trusted 

point of contact.

L. Danielle Koch, for developing patent-pending bio-inspired 

acoustic absorbers now being developed for a wide range of 

aviation and industrial noise control applications; for serving as 

a FEB tutor and collecting donations for needy students at Clark 

School; and for supporting Glenn’s Shadowing Program. Koch 

also promotes improved public speaking as an officer in Glenn’s 

Aerospace Toastmasters Club.

Ra-Deon L. Sledge, for leadership of a matrixed team of 

information technology professionals and analysts assembled to 

overhaul Glenn’s IT financial management practices to align with 

new federal law and regulations. Sledge also serves the community 

through her leadership as vice-chair of Glenn’s African Heritage 

Advisory Group, mentoring Lean Six Sigma candidates and lending 

her exceptional vocals towards improving workforce morale.

Marcus Tarver, for service as a budget analyst in Glenn’s Resource 

Analysis Division, providing outstanding support to NASA’s Science 

Mission Directorate projects by building better relationships. 

Tarver also supports multiple Glenn outreach events as chair for 

the African Heritage Advisory Group planning Black History Month 

programming, mentoring and creating shadowing opportunities that 

pair group members with local high school students.

GRC-2017-CN-00035 Photo by Barb Breen, Veterans Administration Medical Center

Glenn’s Associate Director for Strategy Therese Griebel, far right, 

joins the Glenn honorees, left to right: Held, Kabak, Jicha, 

Sledge, Koch, Tarver and Brown. 
10

Dr. Carol Ginty, European Service Module Integration Office, Space Flight 

Systems Directorate, retired May 3, 2017, with 35 years of service.

Joseph E. Morris, Program Management and Planning Office chief, 

Facilities Division, retired May 31, 2017, with 27 1⁄2 years of service. 

Robert M. Puzak, Systems and Operations Management Branch chief, 

Facilities Division, retired May 31, 2017, with 33 1⁄2 years of service.

Attention Retirees!

To electronically subscribe to AeroSpace Frontiers, email 

grc-aerospacefrontiers-subscribe@lists.nasa.gov

Dr. Ginty Morris Puzak

RETIREMENTS

Many thanks for your expressions of love and generosity for 

my retirement. I truly appreciate my NASA family and will be 

in awe of NASA forever. — Avis Hudson-Burnette

IN APPRECIATION

Jim Free, NASA’s deputy associate administrator for Technical Programs, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, 

presented the Space Flight Awareness Flight Safety Award to Caleb Fisher, Fluid and Cryogenics Systems Branch. Former Center 

Director Free returned to Glenn on April 24 to recognize Fisher for his efforts in exposing a critical safety hazard and coordinating 

a multicenter mitigation response for the return segment of the Orion Exploration Flight Test-1 mission. 

Deputy Director Dr. Marla Perez-Davis, far right, and Fisher’s supervisor, 

Robert Buehrle, far left, join Free in presenting the award to Fisher. 

GRC-2017-C-01826 Photo by Marvin Smith

Fisher Receives Prestigious Flight Safety Award 

Edward W. Otto, 95, a 1977 retiree with 33 

years of NACA/NASA service, died April 21. 

Otto began his career while also serving in the 

Air Force Reserves, conducting research on 

control systems for piston, jet and rocket engines. Later, as the Flight Experiments Section 

head, Nuclear Systems Division, his control 

experience was used to help design the gimbal 

rig and Zero-G facility. 

G. Paul Richter, 84, a 1997 retiree with 42 

years of NACA/NASA service, died March 

28. Richter retired from the Turbomachinery 

and Propulsion Systems Division after a long 

career supporting research for the development of slush hydrogen (SLH2) as a propellant. 

His expertise in the design of unique fluid flow 

systems earned him numerous awards for 

individual and team contributions to propellant 

integration and analytical modeling supporting 

the National Aero-Space Plane Program and 

Variable Cycle Engine Project.

Victor G. Weizer Jr., 83, a 1997 retiree with 

41 years of NASA service, died March 4. 

Weizer retired from the Power and Onboard 

Propulsion Technology Division, where he 

conducted research and developed technology 

for alternate and cost-cutting ways to improve/

increase output of solar cells and arrays. He 

was recognized as a leader in the field and 

authored numerous papers on the subject. 

Weizer also mentored for the NASA/East Tech 

Partners in Education Program.

Richter Weizer Jr.

MORE THAN A MEMORY
11

SAFETY AND HEALTH 

AWARENESS DAY

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, 

June 13, MIC Auditorium. Doors 

open at 8:30 a.m. for information 

booths. The program begins 

at 9 a.m. 

NASA Glenn Employees: For more calendar information, visit https://wing.grc.nasa.gov/event-calendar/.

IFPTE LOCAL 28, LESA MEETING

LESA will hold its next membership 

meeting, Wednesday, July 12,

noon, in the Glenn Employee 

Center’s Small Dining Room. 

The Emergency Management 

Office staff will conduct an audible 

siren test focusing on the “area 

evacuation” tone on Saturday, 

July 1, at Lewis Field. An outdoor 

“voice” test will be conducted at 

Building 3 on Wednesday, July 5.

POC: Allen Turner, 3–6826

JULY OUTDOOR SIREN TESTING 

Wednesday, July 26

Children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of Glenn civil servant 

and support service contractors are invited to attend Take Our 

Daughters and Sons to Work Day at Lewis Field and Plum Brook 

Station, July 26. Look for details and registration information on 

Today@Glenn. POC: Nola Bland, 3–9343

Take Our Daughters 

and Sons to Work Day

Upcoming Center Events

Deadline for next calendar section 

is June 23, noon. News and feature 

stories require additional time.

Wednesday, July 19

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Food, music and fun activities with your co-workers! 

Watch Today@Glenn for details.

Retirees Welcome!

Reservations: Harmony Myers, 216–433–9613

2017 Center Picnic

New clip-and-save format! Cut along the dashed line to keep this calendar for your reference. 
National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration

John H. Glenn Research Center 

at Lewis Field

21000 Brookpark Road 

Cleveland, Ohio 44135

www.nasa.gov

Read AeroSpace Frontiers online at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/news/AF/index.html

Emergency and Inclement Weather Lines 

Lewis Field: 216–433–9328 (WEAT) 

Plum Brook Station: 419–621–3333

Connect With Glenn

Focus on Sustainability: 

Greening Glenn and the Local Community

Glenn’s Green Earth Committee and the Environmental Management Office hosted the center’s annual Sustainability Fair at Lewis Field, May 3. 

Employees learned about products and practices that protect the environment while perusing items from local vendors who keep sustainability 

as a top priority in their products. Thomas Hartline, Glenn’s Sustainability Officer, and Sandra Albro, Cleveland’s Botanical Gardens Research 

Associate, Applied Urban Ecology, addressed the value of sustainability practices. Additionally, throughout the months of April and May, organizations within the center supported events around this theme. They included a discussion on steelhead fishing opportunities in the Rocky River led 

by Cleveland Metroparks’ Aquatic Biologist Mike Durkalec; the annual Garlic Mustard Pull to remove the invasive species and help maintain healthy 

ecosystems; and the Northeast Ohio Earth Day Coalition’s EarthFest 2017 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. 

Representatives from the Erie Shore Activists were among the many sustainability-minded vendors who attended the Sustainability Fair at Lewis Field. 

GRC-2017-C-02384 Photo by Rami Daud

Left to right: Tom Miller, Bethany Eppig 

and Keith Martin participate in the annual 

garlic mustard pull at Lewis Field. 

GRC-2017-CN-00031 Photo by Lisa Ramsey

Ian Jakupca conducts a regenerative fuel cell 

demonstration for guests at EarthFest 2017.

GRC-2017-C-01014 Photo by Marvin Smith GRC-2017-CN-00030 Photo by Bethany Eppig

Aquatic Biologist Mike Durkalec discusses 

Ohio’s steelhead stocking program.