VOLUME 21 • ISSUE 2 • MARCH 2019

Administrator 

Welcomes Back 

Employees 

Page 6

Inside the 

Test Cell 

Page 8

Caught 

Doing Right 

Page 9

Increasing 

Power Availability 

Pages 2–3
2

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

Glenn Embraces 

Safety Culture 

Our workforce continues to demonstrate 

NASA’s culture of safety-mindedness, as 

evidenced by our return to work activities following the recent lapse in funding 

and the ensuing partial government 

shutdown. Throughout the 5-week 

furlough, our safety, security and operations personnel worked methodically 

to provide an incident-free opening 

of our center, both at Lewis Field and 

Plum Brook Station. I appreciate seeing 

the commitments to safety, and the 

participation of employees in the active 

reporting of issues and incidents that 

were corrected to make our community 

safer and healthier for all.

Thank you for strengthening our 

safety-focused climate at the 

Glenn Research Center!

ALBus Hopes to 

Increase 

Power Availability 

for CubeSats

A new CubeSat, launched Dec. 16, 2018, will test 

high-power electric systems and the use of unique shape 

memory alloy (SMA) components for the first time. 

The solar arrays on this high-power 

CubeSat use a custom-designed 

shape memory alloy construction, 

allowing for greater design flexibility.

GRC-2017-C-09615

Photos by Bridget Caswell
The ALBus CubeSat team with the flight hardware prior to shipment to Rocket Lab’s Huntington Beach Facility for launch vehicle integration.

GRC-2017-C-09593

Completely designed and led by a team of 12 early career 

scientists and engineers at Glenn, the Advanced Electrical 

Bus, or ALBus, will be the first CubeSat to demonstrate power 

management and distribution of a 100-watt electrical system. 

The CubeSat will also employ a custom-built SMA release 

mechanism and hinges to deploy solar arrays and conduct 

electricity. 

CubeSats are very small, lightweight satellites, about the size 

of a loaf of bread, and typically operate within a power range 

of 5 to 20 watts. Lower power systems are typically used 

in CubeSats because of size and weight limits, while higher 

power systems and components cause excessive heat. 

“We looked at some of the challenges of high-power CubeSat 

applications—power management and distribution, system 

performance and reliable release of solar arrays—and 

how we could use Glenn technologies and in-space power 

expertise to address them,” said Project Manager Katie Oriti, 

European Service Module Integration Office. 

If ALBus successfully validates its 100-watt power system, 

it could open up future opportunities for different advanced 

CubeSat missions requiring high power, while adding functions like electric propulsion and advanced communications 

systems to these small satellites. 

ALBus will collect energy from solar arrays and store it in 

batteries as it conducts multiple tests of the 100-watt power 

system. Four solar arrays will be deployed on ALBus by a 

single, resettable SMA mechanism, which is unique because, 

unlike other CubeSats, its arrays can unfurl at the same time. 

While the use of SMA in space isn’t new, they’ve been used 

on several high-profile missions like the Parker Solar Probe. 

The ALBus project expands SMA capabilities by creating new, 

more dynamic materials that could enable future missions. 

“We developed advanced shape memory alloys that can 

function at high temperatures and perform in a stable 

and repeatable manner,” said Othmane Benafan, High 

Temperature and Smart Alloys Branch. 

Another special characteristic of the SMA components is 

each solar array hinge will transfer electrical power from the 

respective array to ALBus’ power management system. This 

feature decreases the total number of parts needed, reducing 

weight and minimizing risk.

“This is done by conducting electricity generated by the 

solar arrays through the superelastic springs in the hinges,” 

said Benafan. “This is a novel use of superelastic SMAs, 

particularly in CubeSats where space and weight come at 

a premium.” 

Unlike deployment systems used on other CubeSats that can 

only move once, ALBus’ SMA components are also capable 

of resetting, or moving, multiple times. This allows for greater 

design flexibility, additional preflight testing, and the ability 

to make last-minute changes, which could improve future 

mission success rates. 

“This is the first for us as we’ve been able to develop a 

resettable, reusable mechanism enabled by shape memory 

alloys,” said Allen Guzik, Mechanisms and Tribology Branch. 

“This allowed us to ground test these parts several times to 

ensure everything worked before installing it on ALBus. This 

capability should significantly reduce component failure risk 

on CubeSats in the future.” 

The ALBus CubeSat launched out of New Zealand on Rocket 

Lab’s Electron rocket, and will operate in orbit for up to a year 

to prove the system is capable of operating 100-watt distribution in the low-Earth orbit environment.

By Jimi Russell and Nancy Smith Kilkenny

On the Cover: 

NASA Glenn engineers Mark 

Sorrells, left, and Allen Guzik 

make final adjustments to 

the ALBus CubeSat before 

shipping to New Zealand 

for launch.

GRC-2017-C-09627

MARCH 2019

3
4

NEWS AND EVENTS

Virtual Tours Provide an Inside Look at Glenn

https://www.nasa.gov/content/nasa-glenn-virtual-tours

Curious NASA fans have a new way to discover 

what goes on behind the gates at Glenn. 

A collection of 360-degree virtual tours takes 

online users behind the scenes to learn about the 

unique capabilities of Glenn’s research and test 

facilities. The virtual tours feature real imagery, 

and users can tap icons within each 360-degree 

image to view narrated videos and see testing 

in action. 

Six tours are available, including the Icing 

Research Tunnel, Space Environments Complex 

and Zero-G Facility. Work is underway to launch 

additional tours in 2019.

On NASA’s Day of Remembrance, Feb. 7, Glenn joined the agency in remembering the Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia 

crews and members of the NASA family who lost their lives supporting NASA’s mission of exploration. Center Director 

Dr. Janet Kavandi, pictured, led an observance at Glenn where she expressed the importance of honoring their legacy. 

She urged employees to remain vigilant in their safety practices and speak up if they feel there may be a problem.

Honoring 

Their Legacy

GRC-2019-C-00148

Photo by Bridget Caswell
Door Hangers 

Recognize 

Glenn Inventors

If you happen to see the pictured door 

hanger on an office door or cubicle, 

consider congratulating the recipient. 

Door hangers are presented by the 

Technology Transfer Office, New 

Technology Representative, as part 

of the New Technology Report (NTR) 

in-reach campaign acknowledging 

the “Brilliant Ideas” submitted by our 

inventors. The NTR is an opportunity 

for Glenn inventors to show the potential value and impact of their invention 

to NASA and its innovative space. 

“Submitting an NTR is part of the 

natural development process to 

protect innovator ideas,” explained 

Irene Cierchacki, NASA lead, New 

Technology Representative. “They 

are also a way to bring recognition, 

licensing opportunities and possibly 

additional program funding to Glenn.”

MARCH 2019

5

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

Software 

Release System 

A simple, five-step process to release your 

innovation to the public 

New 

Code 

Developed 

New Technology 

Report Submitted 

& Approved 

invention.nasa.gov 

Contact Software 

Release Authority 

Jason Hanna 

216.433.6731 | jason.m.hanna@nasa.gov 

Document Package 

Submitted & Reviewed 

SRRA Form | Compliance Matrix | Compliance Checklist 

softwarerelease.ndc.nasa.gov 

Software 

Released 

software.nasa.gov 

NASA TECHNOLOGY 

TRANSFER PROGRAM 

GLENN RESEARCH CENTER 

BRINGING NASA TECHNOLOGY DOWN TO EARTH 

technology.grc.nasa.gov
On Jan. 29, Administrator Jim Bridenstine held a town hall meeting livestreamed on 

NASA TV to welcome back the workforce after a 35-day government shutdown. 

Bridenstine addressed several issues pertaining to activities during the shutdown and plans for moving ahead. 

“I understand the burden all of us went through,” he said. “I want to say thank you for your patience and for your 

commitment to this agency and to the mission we all believe in so dearly.”

Although the majority of the NASA civil servant and contractor staff was on furlough, Bridenstine said that those 

involved in activities deemed “critically important during the shutdown” worked without pay through the furlough. He 

said several of NASA’s critical programs, such as maintaining the International Space Station and ongoing planetary 

missions, continued operations. 

Work also progressed on NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, where private vehicles made by SpaceX and Boeing 

transported cargo to the space station. Additionally, contractors funded in advance of the shutdown continued 

working, enabling achievements in New Horizons/Ultima Thule and OSIRIS REx missions. However, in other areas, 

some contract workers were reassigned to other clients, so it will take some time to replace them. 

Bridenstine addressed back pay for federal employees. He said NASA’s financial office worked through the weekend 

to make sure everyone received their back pay by the end of the first week. Because each company funded by NASA 

has its own contract and provisions with the agency, retroactive pay for contractors would depend on each contract. 

Chief Information Officer Renee Wynn reported that cybersecurity was of paramount importance during the shutdown, 

so activities were monitored and prioritized.

Bridenstine said the NASAPeople website was considered a “gold standard” for communications during the shutdown. 

He reminded employees to continue monitoring it for updates at https://nasapeople.nasa.gov. 

“We have a lot of amazing projects ahead of us in 2019. Keep the faith.”

Administrator, Glenn Center Director 

Welcome Back Staff

Glenn employees listen to Administrator Bridenstine’s live broadcast in the MIC Auditorium. Others viewed from their desktops or NASA TV.

GRC-2019-C-00103

Photos by Bridget Caswell

6
Immediately following the Administrator’s broadcast, Center Director Janet Kavandi hosted 

a local town hall to provide post-shutdown information and answer employees’ questions. 

Kavandi told employees that she and other staff communicated with NASA Headquarters three times a week. Other 

staff monitored/protected information technology equipment and facilities at both Lewis Field and Plum Brook Station 

during the shutdown.

“I want to thank everyone who worked so hard during the furlough.”

Members of the Director’s Senior Management (DSM) Team provided information on shutdown activities and guidance 

moving forward in the areas of Human Capital; Office of Chief Counsel; Information Technology; Center Operations; 

Facilities; Safety and Health and Office of Chief Financial Officer. 

Before gates opened for returning employees, DSM senior leaders and safety personnel inspected buildings to 

eliminate any hazards and ensure a safe work environment. Employees are encouraged to report potential hazards to 

the NASA Mishap Information System.

The key topic employees were most anxious to hear about was the issue of back pay. Office of Human Capital 

Management Director Lori Pietravoia reported that civil servants would receive back pay by the end of the first week. 

Along with the NASAPeople site, employees are encouraged to visit the Glenn Human Resources page for more 

specific information. See the Today@Glenn archives for an attached document with information that was presented by 

the directorates at the town hall. Important websites are included.

By Doreen B. Zudell

NASA has once again been named the “Best Place to Work” among large agencies 

in the federal government. This marks the seventh year in a row the agency has 

received this honor. The ranking emerges from the annual results of the Federal 

Employee Viewpoint Survey. The “Best Places to Work” results are published by the 

Partnership for Public Service.

“I could not be prouder of the work each of you have done to create such a positive work environment.” 

—Administrator Jim Bridenstine 

NASA Earns “Best Place to Work” 

Center Director Kavandi and Chief Information Officer Sean Gallagher answer questions pertaining to information technology issues. 

Several senior leaders addressed issues pertaining to the shutdown during the town hall. 

GRC-2019-C-00115

MARCH 2019

7
To learn more about the Apollo Program, visit 

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/

apollo/index.html.

From October 2018 through December 2022, 

NASA will mark the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 

Program that landed a dozen astronauts on the 

moon between July 1969 and December 1972.

Here’s a snapshot of the Apollo mission 

that occurred during March 1969:

Apollo Program 

Reflections A team at Glenn is building a spaceflight experiment—Flow Boiling and 

Condensation Experiment (FBCE)—that will operate on the International 

Space Station in 2020. FBCE will study boiling (liquid to gas) and 

condensation (gas to liquid) in space to understand the effect that gravity 

has on our knowledge of heat transfer and two-phase flow (liquid and 

gas). This information will be used to build smaller, lighter and higher 

performing thermal management and power transfer systems for future 

space exploration platforms.

In order to prepare for the spaceflight experiment, the FBCE team built 

a high-fidelity brassboard system that operates in room 127 of the 

building 110 high bay. The system has been used to mature the science 

objectives, develop flight software and test critical avionics, thermal and 

fluids hardware components. 

FBCE will be conducted in the Glenn-managed Fluids Integrated Rack 

(FIR) on the Destiny module of the space station. The experiment will 

take 6 months and be controlled by project personnel from Glenn’s 

Telescience Support Center in building 333. 

The research team includes Glenn’s Dr. Henry Nahra and Dr. Mohammad 

Mojibul Hasan and Purdue University’s Dr. Issam Mudawar. Several early 

career engineers are also involved in the project.

A Look

Inside Our Test Cells

Boiling and Condensation

Apollo 9

DATE: March 3 to 13, 1969

MISSION: Tested the Lunar Module

CREW: McDivitt, Schweickart, Scott

Philip Gonia, left, and Jordan Higgins record and discuss test run data 

in front of the FBCE baseboard control station.

GRC-2019-C-00156

Photo by Bridget Caswell

8
We are often quick to point out when someone does something 

wrong, but NASA’s Safety Culture Team believes it is equally 

important to identify good behavior. In 2016, they launched 

NASA’s Caught Doing Right, an initiative that provides employee 

on-the-spot recognition, and promotes and celebrates the NASA 

family’s commitment to practicing proper safety procedures. 

Photos, called “safies,” are taken of employees doing right and 

submitted to the agency’s Safety Culture website. Last year, 

the Caught Doing Right site featured many photos of Glenn 

employees working safely. The photos submitted not only show 

the agency commitment to safety, but also share great work 

practices as well. 

How can you become involved? 

When you see an employee or group working safely:

• Take a photo 

• Submit your photo and complete the form 

by using the “Submit Photos” button at 

https://sma.nasa.gov/sma-disciplines/safety-culture

At the end of each year, a team of NASA safety professionals 

will assess the safies and decide on one to feature on a poster 

for all NASA centers. NASA’s Safety Culture Team chose 

Glenn’s Brandon Hale and Morgan Miller’s Caught Doing Right 

photo for the 2019 poster! Be a part of celebrating your team’s 

outstanding safety practices while encouraging others to do the 

same agencywide. 

View photos at https://sma.nasa.gov/sma-disciplines/safetyculture/safety-culture-caught-doing-right.

Employees Caught—

Doing Right!

Hale is quantitatively fit tested by Miller with an 

air-purifying respirator to assure he has the right 

fit to perform his work safely. This photo will be 

showcased on the 2019 NASA Safety poster.

John Casciano was found wearing proper personal 

protective equipment (ear plugs, safety glasses and 

safety shoes) while operating a blasting machine 

in one of the center’s many shops.

Looking for interesting stories about women’s contributions during Women’s History Month? Visit the 

NASA STEM Engagement site featuring NASA women at https://www.nasa.gov/education/womenstem.

It highlights the accomplishments and dedication of women, who by their example as role models, embody the essence 

of Women’s History Month. The site has been expanded to feature not only women who serve NASA as program/project 

managers, but also those in nontraditional roles in pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

March is Women’s History Month 

MARCH 2019

9

GRC-2018-CN-00061

Photo by Amanda Shalkhauser

GRC-2018-CN-00062
Dear LLF friends, families and 

co-workers of NASA, 

After 20 years of service at Lewis 

Little Folks, I am leaving to embark 

on a new career with 18 wheels 

under my feet and the open road 

before me. I would like to express 

my everlasting gratitude for the 

love, laughter and friendship so 

many of you have given me and my 

family. I will miss my many morning 

greetings and hugs the most.

Please stay in touch!

—Linda Ryan

IN APPRECIATION

David Anderson, Space Science Project Office, 

Space Flight Systems Directorate, retired Jan. 3, 

2019, with 40 years of federal service, including 

30 years with NASA.

Sylvia B. Cooper, Aeronautics and Ground-Based 

Systems Branch, Systems Engineering and 

Architecture Division, retired Jan. 3, 2019, with 36 years of service.

Cynthia Forman, Office of Human Capital Management, retired Jan. 4, 

2019, with 40 years of federal service, including 33 with NASA.

George R. Harpster, Thermal Systems and Transport Processes Branch, 

Propulsion Division, retired Jan. 3, 2019, with 41 years of service. 

Robert Hauer, Facilities Infrastruture Division, Facilities, Test and 

Manufacturing Directorate, retired Jan. 3, 2019, with 36 1⁄2 years of service.

RETIREMENTS

Anderson Forman

Harpster

Timothy L. Page, 68, a nondestructive 

examiner with Mainthia Technologies, Inc., 

died on Dec. 31, 2018. Page began his 

44-year career at NASA Glenn in 1974 as a 

draftsman working in the Reliability Safety 

Maintenance group. He later transitioned to 

an inspector role working with the Pressure 

Systems Office, performing various nondestructive examinations of pressure vessels 

and piping systems to ensure their safety 

and continued safe operation.

“Tim had a significant impact on our organization and on his co-workers, both personally and professionally. He will be greatly 

missed,” said Calogero DiRienzo, Pressure 

Systems Office manager.

Page Helped Keep the 

Glenn Workplace Safe

MORE THAN A MEMORY

Donald Kozlowski, 84, a 2001 retiree with 20 years of 

federal service, died Jan. 30. Kozlowski was a U.S. Marine 

Corps veteran who joined NASA as a draftsman in 1987. 

He advanced to senior design engineer and later earned a 

1995 Group Achievement Award for the W–7 Stators and 

Laser Window Design for Space Station Training Facility 

Compressor. He was also on the Lewis Heart Pump Team 

that assisted the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in the design 

of the Innovative Ventricular Assist Device.

Kozlowski

Hyde

Reshotko

William F. Hyde, 80, a 1995 retiree with 38 years of NASA 

service, died Oct. 14, 2018. Hyde was a 1961 graduate 

of NASA’s Apprentice Program. He served primarily with 

the Facilities Engineering Division Design Team, where he 

was recognized in a NASA Group Achievement Award for 

implementing the Construction of Facilities FY1990 Minor 

Program. He also helped develop a NASA Lewis test rig 

supporting the Convertible Engine Systems Technology 

Program to research experimental aircraft capable of 

vertical take-off and landing. 

Meyer Reshotko, 77, a 1995 retiree with 30 years of 

NASA service, died, Nov. 11, 2018. Reshotko began his 

NASA career in 1965 in the Reactor Fluid Dynamics 

Systems Section. He spent most of the 1970s in the 

Jet Acoustics Branch where he authored Tech Briefs on 

noise measurement systems. By 1981, he moved to the 

Launch Vehicles Division as a member of the Medium 

Launch Vehicle Evaluation Team that won a NASA Group 

Achievement Award. He was an AIAA Associate Fellow 

in 1988.
MARCH 2019

11

Upcoming Center Events

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

Deadline for next calendar section is March 20, noon. News and feature stories require additional time.

The Cleveland Monsters ice hockey team is paying tribute 

to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing.

Discounted tickets for current and retired 

employees and contractors are available at 

www.theqarena.com/fedtix.

Moon Landing Night

Save the Date

Glenn’s Safety Culture Survey will be open 

 March 15 through April 15, 2019.

Former NASA astronaut 

Mario Runco drops the 

puck at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 23

7:00 to 9:30 p.m. 

Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Quicken Loans Arena

One Center Court, Cleveland, Ohio 44115

IFPTE LOCAL 28, LESA MEETING

LESA will hold its next membership 

meeting, Wednesday, March 13, noon, 

in the Glenn Employee Center’s Small 

Dining Room.

GSEL MOBILE LIBRARIAN

The Glenn Science and Engineering 

Library (GSEL) Mobile Librarian will be 

visiting building 6 through March 14 

from 1 to 3 p.m. and building 15 from 

March 19 to 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

A Glenn reference librarian will be 

ready to assist employees with subject 

searches, finding specific books and 

articles and other information needs 

on the spot. 

POC: Robin Pertz, 3–5776

HELP NEEDED FOR FIRST ROBOTICS

The 2019 FIRST Buckeye Regional 

Robotics Competition will be held 

March 28 to 30 at the CSU Wolstein 

Center in Cleveland. Over 60 high 

school teams and 1,500 students 

will be participating in this annual 

STEM event. 

Help is still needed for various positions throughout the 3-day event. 

Roles, descriptions and registration 

information can be found at 

https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/

frcbuckeye/

POC: Stephanie Brown-Houston, 

3–8006

OUTDOOR SIREN TESTING

The Emergency Management Office 

staff will conduct a mass notification 

“voice” test at building 39 on 

Wednesday, April 3 at Lewis Field. 

An audible siren test will be conducted 

on the “emergency condition” tone on 

Saturday, April 6. 

POC: Allen Turner, 3–6826 
National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration

John H. Glenn Research Center 

Lewis Field

21000 Brookpark Road 

Cleveland, Ohio 44135

Plum Brook Station

3597 E. Scheid Road

Sandusky, Ohio 44870

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

Plum Brook Station Completes Acoustic Test for SLS

Researchers at Plum Brook Station have completed a development test on a proposed design of acoustic panels for the 

Space Launch System’s (SLS’s) Universal Stage Adapter. Given the extreme sound produced by the world’s most powerful 

rocket, this test series, conducted in the Reverberant Acoustic Test Facility, provided data for acoustic modeling. It will be 

used to ensure future payloads aboard the second configuration of SLS, called Block 1B, are protected from the high levels 

of noise and vibration experienced during launch. The testing was supported by personnel from Glenn; Marshall; USA prime 

contractor, Dynetics; and acoustics subcontractor, ZIN Technologies. The Block 1B version of NASA’s SLS is scheduled to 

launch Exploration Mission-3 in 2024, carrying both crew and cargo to the moon.

GRC-2018-CN-00063

Photo by Larry Opper