VOLUME 21 • ISSUE 6 • JULY 2019

Bridenstine 

Maps Out 

Return to Moon

Page 8

Associate 

 Administrator, 

Deputy Visit

Page 9

NASA Awards 

 Gateway Power, 

Propulsion

Page 12

Apollo: 

 Looking Back, 

Leaping Forward 

Pages 2–3
2

Glenn Celebrates Apollo 

and the Next Giant Leap

This month, America celebrates humankind’s first steps on the Moon. In April, 

employees gathered for a celebration of the Apollo Program’s 50th Anniversary 

prior to the closing of an exhibit honoring the anniversary. “Apollo and the Next 

Giant Leap” was on display in the upper level of the Lewis Field Cafeteria, from 

April 9 to 22.

The Glenn-designed exhibition features a unique collection of exhibits and 

artifacts—including an actual Apollo spacesuit—that showcases the amazing 

achievements of Apollo and NASA’s plans for the next giant leap. Other highlights include exhibits for the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft, which 

will be used for these bold new journeys. A Moon rock, returned by the Apollo 

astronauts, was also on display to hold and photograph during the event. 

Center Director Dr. Janet Kavandi highlighted the legacy of Apollo and Glenn’s 

contributions to the program. She talked about NASA’s plans to go forward to 

the Moon and the key roles Glenn is playing. 

“None of this would be possible without the individuals designing the systems, 

testing the hardware and developing the processes that allow us to visit the 

Moon,” Kavandi said. She then recognized 11 current employees who were 

working at NASA Glenn during the Apollo Program. “We will return to the Moon 

in 2024 because of people like you,” she said.

Portions of the traveling exhibit will be used to enhance the collections at Neil 

Armstrong’s namesake museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio, during the Summer Moon 

Festival and the NASA exhibit at AirVenture 2019 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

By Doreen B. Zudell

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

To the Moon: Success 

Lessons From Apollo

July 20, 2019, marks the 50th Anniversary 

of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. As we 

commemorate this anniversary milestone 

with immense national pride, we reflect on 

the many successes and lessons in Apollo 

history. The Apollo 1 fire taught us the 

importance of candid discussions to solve 

problems and assure mission success. The 

historical Moon landing demonstrated the 

recovery that led to many future successes 

in the Apollo Program and beyond. 

Robert Gilruth, the first director of NASA’s 

Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson 

Space Center) once said, “Someday people 

are going to try to go back to the Moon and 

they’ll find out how hard it really is.” 

That day has now arrived.

As we take the next steps in the Artemis 

Program to further human exploration, 

I encourage all of us to continue to reflect 

on the invaluable Apollo lessons learned 

and implement them 

in our journey forward 

to the Moon!
The NASA Kilopower team of Marc 

Gibson and Lee Mason, Glenn principal 

technologists for power and energy 

storage, and team members from the 

Department of Energy’s National Nuclear 

Security Administration, received a Gears 

of Government President’s Award in May. 

They won for demonstrating how Kilopower 

Reactor Using Stirling Technology (KRUSTY) 

could be used as a power system to 

establish a sustainable presence on the 

Moon by 2028. The award recognizes the 

best individual/team performances, across 

the entire federal workforce, that can make 

a profound difference in the lives of the 

American people.

Gibson Mason

Lunar Power System

Team Earns Award

On the Cover:

Current employees, Robert Hendricks, left, and 

Dr. Louis Povinelli reflect on their work with the 

Apollo Program as they walk through the “Apollo 

and the Next Giant Leap” exhibit. Both worked 

in research related to liquid hydrogen fuel during 

the Apollo era. 

GRC-2019-C-04155 Photo by Bridget Caswell

JULY 2019

3

The Glenn-designed “Apollo and the Next Giant Leap” exhibit 

swept across the upper level of the Café. 

GRC-2019-C-01443

Photo by Marvin Smith

At left: Eight out of 11 current employees who worked at the center during the 

Apollo years. Left to right: Albert Juhasz, Robert Cataldo, James Smialek, Robert 

Hendricks, Center Director Kavandi, Deputy Director Marla Pérez-Davis, Gustave 

Fralick, Robert Anderson, Gerald Brown and Louis Povinelli. Not pictured: Marvin 

Goldstein, Earl Hanes and Peter Sockol. 

Photo by Bridget Caswell GRC-2019-C-01413

Deborah Thompson relishes the opportunity to hold an actual 

Moon rock from an Apollo mission.

GRC-2019-C-01438

Photo by Bridget Caswell
4

NEWS AND EVENTS

Special guest Maria Daniels sings the National 

Anthem and “Wind Beneath My Wings” during the 

Memorial Day Observance on May 22 at the Lewis 

Field flag pole. The annual event is sponsored by 

Glenn’s Veterans Awareness Committee (VAC) to 

pay tribute to the service men and women who 

have given their lives in the line of duty. The VAC 

committee members participate in the flag presentation, flag raising and wreath laying. 

During Glenn’s 2019 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Event, 

May 22, Olivia Adrian, pictured, shared highlights of her journey from a 

GS–1, Administrative Clerk, to GS–15, Chief of Contract Support Section, 

U.S. Department of Interior, and president of the Federal Asian Pacific 

American Council. Adrian demonstrated this year’s theme, “Unite Our 

Mission by Engaging Each Other,” by explaining the benefits of participating 

in mentorship and professional development programs, volunteering, 

networking and improving presentation and leadership skills to position 

yourself for future success. The Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity 

and the Asian Pacific Islander Advisory Group sponsored the event.

Glenn’s Human Resource Council selected Stephen Helland, Aeronautics 

Mission Office, to attend the Federal Asian Pacific American Council’s 

(FAPAC) 2019 National Leadership Training Program (NLTP), May 13 to 16, 

in Huntsville, Alabama. The program theme “Unite Our Mission by Engaging 

Each Other” was heard throughout the training. Several NASA officials gave 

presentations on diversity and inclusion; career and personal development; 

and leadership. The NLTP provides awareness, and helps develop skills in 

leadership, diversity, inclusion, career advancement and management for 

federal employees.

Unite Our Mission by Engaging Each Other

At left: Helland, left, with Olivia Adrian, president of the FAPAC.

A Tribute to 

Our Fallen Heroes

GRC-2019-C-03094

GRC-2019-CN-00035 

Photo by Bridget Caswell

Photo by Angela Pierce

GRC-2019-C-02881 Photo by Rami Daud
JULY 2019

5

HAZMAT Exercise Tests Emergency Procedures

On May 16, Glenn’s Emergency Management team led a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) emergency exercise in the 

West Area at Lewis Field that tested the center’s emergency, mass casualty and crisis communications plans. More 

than 80 responders, evaluators and controllers from local, state and federal government agencies participated in the 

exercise. Glenn’s safety, security, facilities and research and engineering directorate personnel were instrumental in 

developing, planning and participating in this exercise.

Glenn Emergency Management Specialist, Janelle Hood, center, works with internal and 

external emergency response agencies in the field during the exercise.

Employees at Lewis Field and Plum Brook Station reached out to help feed 

the needy through the 2019 Harvest for Hunger (H4H) campaign. The center 

collected a total of 2,373 pounds of food—about 400 pounds more than 

last year—during the campaign, which ran March 10 through May 10.

In addition to drop-off boxes throughout both Glenn campuses, a H4H 

Chili Cook-Off at Lewis Field, held April 17, beefed up the collection total. 

Employees who donated a nonperishable food item were able to sample all 

the recipes and vote for their favorite. Christina Koleno received the Wooden 

Spoon Award for her chili recipe (served by Anna Falcon). Sarah Deroche’s 

chili (served by Amanda Thompson) took second place; and third place went to Dawn Pottinger‘s chili (served by Cindy 

Acquaviva). The Exchange Store stocked canned goods specifically for purchase during the Chili Cook-Off.

NASA Glenn’s donations were distributed to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and the Victory Kitchen in Sandusky.

Harvest for Hunger Campaign 

Helps Take Bite Out of Hunger

Pictured serving are, front to back, 

Falcon, Thompson and Acquaviva.

GRC-2019-CN-00036

Photo by S. Jenise Veris

GRC-2019-C-03774

Photo by Rami Daud
Shadowing Day

During the fall Shadowing Day in November, students experienced firsthand a workday in the life of a NASA 

Glenn scientist, technician, engineer or business professional. They spent 6 hours at the center in activities 

that included: observing their mentor in the work environment; listening to a diverse panel of Glenn subject 

matter experts on career opportunities; touring several facilities; and receiving counseling on NASA’s various 

educational resources and programs. Pictured, top left: Dr. Tiffany Williams, right, a research chemical 

engineer, shows students samples of electrically conductive polymer films used to fabricate electrically 

conductive textiles. (Photo by Rami Daud; GRC-2018-C-09873)

True2U Out-of-School Experience 

On April 18, Glenn hosted a True2U Out-of-School Experience as one of the agency partners of Cleveland’s 

Neighborhood Leadership Institute program, which serves eighth-graders across the Cleveland Metropolitan 

School District. Glenn engaged 100 middle school students and chaperones from three schools (Benjamin 

Franklin, Warner Girls’ Leadership Academy and Willow School). Pictured, top center: Willow School students 

experience the thrill of mastering a flight simulator. (Photo by Rami Daud; GRC-2019-C-01363)

High School Capstone for Simulated Lunar Operations 

OE staff, along with subject matter experts across the center, collaborated to conduct innovative capstones, 

such as the High School Capstone for Simulated Lunar Operations. These projects related directly to 

Glenn research while generally adhering to a realistic timeline. Pictured, top right: Students videotaped the 

demonstrations of their final rover designs in the Simulated Lunar Operations (SLOPE) Laboratory on May 13. 

(Photo by Marvin Smith; GRC-2019-C-02484)

Glenn’s Office of Education (OE) is always looking for dynamic ways to support the agency’s 

mission of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) engagement that inspires and prepares 

a future workforce. Before school let out in the spring, OE provided several realistic learning experiences that connected students to NASA people, content and facilities. Here are just a few:

NASA Glenn Connects 

With the Next Generation

6
TECH Day at NASA Glenn 

TECH Day at NASA Glenn, previously known as National Lab Day, featured a variety of facility tours, an 

engineering design challenge, career exploration stations and hands-on educational activities at Lewis 

Field, May 15. The daylong events captured the imagination and encouraged more than 200 middle school 

students, grades 6 to 8, to pursue careers in STEM. Pictured, bottom left: Michael Herlacher, an electronics 

test engineer, points to a transmitting log-periodic antenna inside the Electromagnetic Interference Lab, and 

explains how we generate and transmit information, without interference, to keep astronauts and missions 

safe. (Photo by Marvin Smith; GRC-2019-C-02786)

Girls in Information and Communication Technologies Day 

While not one of the OE’s events, approximately 80 young women participated in the Girls in Information 

and Communication Technologies (ICT) Day, April 27. Glenn’s Space Communications and Navigation 

(SCaN) Program hosted ICT with Hyland Software Inc. at their campus in Westlake, Ohio. WKYC-TV 3 Chief 

Meteorologist, Betsy Kling welcomed the students participating from all over Northeast Ohio. Attendees 

learned basic programming skills, created a simple Python application and explored exhibits that showcased 

cryptography, virtual reality and Arduino hardware. Pictured, bottom right: Students gain user experience in 

3D printing, design and other software platforms. (Photo by Marvin Smith; GRC-2019-C-01920)

By S. Jenise Veris

JULY 2019
8

Administrator Bridenstine Maps Out Return to the Moon and Why

“We’re going quickly, and we’re going to stay,” said NASA 

Administrator Jim Bridenstine during his visit to NASA 

Glenn on June 10. In his all hands address to employees, 

Bridenstine mapped out Phase 1 (landing on the Moon) and 

Phase 2 (sustainable missions with commercial and international partners on the Moon) of the Artemis program. He 

stressed that in going to the Moon, NASA is laying the foundation that will eventually enable human exploration of Mars. 

The Moon will provide a proving ground to test technologies 

and resources that will take humans to Mars and beyond. 

NASA is building a sustainable, reusable architecture for 

expanding human exploration into the solar system, with 

the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft as 

the backbone of that plan. By 2024, NASA will launch SLS 

and Orion on Artemis 3 to the Gateway in lunar orbit for a 

mission to the surface of the Moon. The SLS rocket will fly 

the first woman and the next man to the Moon. 

Bridenstine identified several technological areas where 

Glenn research will play key roles in the program, such 

as Kilopower and in-situ resource utilization. He cited the 

significance of the development of the power and propulsion 

element for Gateway, which Glenn manages, and Orion testing in the Space Environments Facility at Plum Brook Station.

“Glenn is very instrumental in helping us achieve these goals 

in a sustainable way,” he said. 

On July 20, America celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing in 1969, when Neil Armstrong 

and Buzz Aldrin became the first people to set foot on the Moon. Today, activities are underway on the 

Artemis Program—named after Apollo’s twin sister—to lead humans back to the Moon by 2024.

Bridenstine stressed that exploring the Moon will help create 

a vibrant future that establishes American leadership and 

strategic presence, expands U.S. global economic impact, 

and encourages careers in STEM, to name a few. He said 

the “science” is the most important part of the mission. 

He addressed the fiscal year 2020 presidential budget 

amendment, which provides an increase of $1.6 billion 

above the original request of $21 billion. This is the down 

payment on humans landing at the Moon’s South Pole by 

2024 and is required to achieve this bold goal. “The timing 

was off when we submitted the amendment to Congress,” 

he said. Bridenstine explained that the amendment was sent 

too far along in the budget process for it to be considered at 

that time. He is confident that there will be other opportunities for the amendment to be considered, both by the Senate 

and the House, as the budget process moves along. 

“Fifty years ago, Apollo changed the course of history,” 

Bridenstine said. “We now have a new generation—50 

years after Apollo. This is our generation, the Artemis 

generation. We will learn how to live and work on another 

world—and go on to Mars.”

His visit included a meeting with Glenn’s 200-plus 

summer student interns and faculty, a media roundtable 

in the Simulated Lunar Operations laboratory and a meeting 

with university presidents.

By Doreen B. Zudell

We Are Going

GRC-2019-C-03454

Photo by Bridget Caswell

Bridenstine takes a selfie with 

summer interns and faculty.
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 missions that 

flew during the month of July:

Apollo Program 

Reflections

Apollo 15

DATE: July 26 to Aug. 7, 1971

MISSION: Landed on the Moon

CREW: Scott, Irwin, Worden

Apollo 11

DATE: July 16 to 24, 1969

MISSION: First to land on the Moon

CREW: Armstrong, Aldrin, Collins

To learn more about the Apollo Program, visit 

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

apollo/index.html

NASA Associate Administrator 

and Deputy Visit Lewis Field

NASA Associate Administrator Steve Jurczyk and Deputy Associate 

Administrator Melanie Saunders visited Lewis Field on May 23. The day 

included an all hands meeting with employees, lunch with early career/

new employees and facility tours. 

After a welcome from Center Director Dr. Janet Kavandi at the all hands 

event, Jurczyk and Saunders acknowledged the efforts of several 

employees who played key roles during the 35-day furlough. Saunders 

presented Silver Achievement Awards to nine employees.

Jurczyk reinforced NASA’s commitment to the Artemis program—

returning to the Moon by 2024 with a sustained presence by 2028. He 

highlighted Glenn’s role in managing the development of the power 

propulsion element (PPE) for the Gateway and congratulated the Glenn 

team that led the PPE procurement and acquisition strategy. 

He noted several other important missions that are in various stages of 

production. “Keep up the good work,” he said. “We must continue to 

deliver on our commitments.” 

The all hands presentation touched on the Agency Operating Model with 

management initiatives continuing. Saunders stressed the importance 

of the agency’s Mission Support Architecture and its objective “to clarify 

center roles and create a more integrated, cross-functional model across 

the agency.” She reported several accomplishments under the Mission 

Support Future Architecture Program.

Saunders asked employees to spread the word about Artemis and other 

NASA activities to the public. She also encouraged employees to share 

their opinions as the Artemis Program progresses.

“Headquarters needs your feedback,” she said. “Speak up if you think 

something isn’t going to work. Tell us where things are working and 

where they’re not.”

By Doreen B. Zudell

Saunders, left, and Jurczyuk, far right, with Silver Achievement Award winners: 

David Kunath, Dominic Giordano, David Brandeburg, Larry Sivic, Edward Brewster, 

Robyn Gordon and Duane Schaft. Not pictured: Sean Gallagher and Christi Tomaro.

GRC-2019-C-03016

Photo by Rami Daud

9
David Plachta, Fluid and Cryogenic Systems 

Branch, Propulsion Division, retired May 31, 

2019, with 34 years of service.

Laura Stokley, Aeronautics Mission Office, 

Aeronautics Directorate, retired May 25, 

2019, with 36 years of service.

RETIREMENTS

Plachta Stokley

PROMOTIONS

David Bittner has been selected Mission 

Assurance Manager in the Program and 

Project Assurance Division, Safety and 

Mission Assurance (SMA) Directorate. Bittner 

previously served as the chief SMA officer 

for Glenn’s International Space Station and 

Human Research Program projects.

Bradley Kershaw has been selected 

Architectural ad Structural Systems manager 

for the Systems Management and Operations 

Branch in the Facilities Infrastructure Division, 

Facilities, Test and Manufacturing Directorate. 

Kershaw previously led development of 

Glenn’s Test Facilities Master Plan.

Bittner Kershaw

AWARDS

NASA Associate Director for the Office of Safety and Mission 

Assurance, Terry Wilcutt, recently presented a “Yes If” award to 

Manny Dominguez, Senior Safety Engineer in the Management 

Integration Office. Dominguez was recognized for his contributions to 

management and implementation of the NASA Safety Culture Program. 

He also helped develop the safety culture model, survey, SATERN 

training and handbook.

Dr. Candice McDonald, Office of Protective Services, was 

honored during the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio’s 2019 Women 

of Distinction Luncheon on May 10. The event recognizes women, 

who through their roles as business, community, academic and 

civic leaders, demonstrate dedication to supporting opportunities 

for women and girls.

Dominguez Dr. McDonald

AWARDS

AIAA Inducts 

Blankson to Fellow

The American Institute of Aeronautics 

and Astronautics (AIAA) officially inducted 

Dr. Isaiah Blankson to the rank of Fellow 

at the AIAA Fellows Dinner and Aerospace 

Spotlight Gala, May 14 to 15, in Crystal 

City, Virginia. Blankson, who is a NASA 

Glenn Senior Technologist, was bestowed 

the honor due to his notable research in 

hypersonics, aerodynamics and propulsion and other contributions to the 

aeronautics and astronautics community. 

Dr. Blankson, left, accepts a 

certificate from Dr. John Langford, 

President of AIAA

Benavage Sommers

Emye L. (Benavage) Sommers, 67, a 2006 retiree with 24 years of service, died Dec. 20, 2018. 

Benavage was a skilled technician who graduated from the Apprentice Program as an electronic 

systems mechanic. She served primarily in the Test Installations Division and contributed to 

several organizations’ Group Achievement awards. She also played a critical role monitoring test 

equipment for research and development of Digital Audio Radio. Benavage was an active member 

of Glenn’s Women’s Advisory Group and Native American Advisory Council.

MORE THAN A MEMORY

GRC-2019-CN-00016 Photo by AIAA
JULY 2019

11

Friday, Aug. 9

Mallard Creek 

Golf Course

Glenn Centerwide Golf Outing

Sign up as individual or team. Register at http://ndgrcfo1.ndc.nasa.gov/golf19

POCs: John Leone (216–433–5722) or Shelly Doehne (216–433–8636)

$65 per person (includes golf, cart, range 

balls, prizes, donuts, dinner and beverages)

$20 per person (dinner and beverages only)

Upcoming Center Events

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

Deadline for next calendar section is July 17, noon. News and feature stories require additional time.

Employee Registration closes July 26.

Retiree Registration: Jill Noble, 216–433–3711.

Wednesday, Aug. 7

(Rain date: Thursday, Aug. 8)

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Lewis Field Picnic Grounds

2019 Center Picnic

GSEL MOBILE LIBRARIAN

The Glenn Science and Engineering 

Library (GSEL) Mobile Librarian will be 

visiting building 86 through July 18, and 

building 110 from July 30 to Aug. 8, from 

1 to 3 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

NASA GLENN 100-YEAR RELAY RACE

Register for the 50th Running of 

the 100-Year Relay Race, set for 

Wednesday, July 31, at 4:30 p.m. at 

the Lewis Field Picnic Grounds. Food 

and beverages will follow the race. 

Entry forms and flyers are available 

on Today@Glenn and by contacting 

Paul Ferkul, 216–433–8107.

The next luncheon will be on Thursday, 

Aug. 15, at 1 p.m. at Michael Angelo’s 

Winery, 5515 Broadview Road, Richfield. 

Please reserve your place by calling 

Gerry Ziemba, 330–273–4850 or email 

gto64gerry@yahoo.com

NASA RETIRED WOMEN’S LUNCHEON

LESA will hold its next membership 

meeting, Wednesday, Aug. 14, noon, 

in the Glenn Employee Center’s Small 

Dining Room.

IFPTE LOCAL 28, LESA MEETING

The Emergency Management Office 

staff will conduct an audible siren 

test on the “lock-down” tone on 

Saturday, Aug. 3 at Lewis Field. A 

mass notification “voice” test will be 

conducted at building 6 on Wednesday, 

Aug. 7.

POC: Allen Turner, 3–6826

OUTDOOR SIREN TESTING

NASA's Glenn Research Center: 

We were there for the first step, 

and we're here for the next giant leap. 

Join the celebrations! 

• Apollo on the National Mall (Washington, DC) July 18 to 20 

• "Giant Leaps: Past and Future" live on NASA TV July 19 

• Summer Moon Festival (Wapakoneta, Ohio) July 19 to 21 

• Apollo celebration at the NASA Glenn Visitor Center July 19 to 20 

• Center-wide picnic (Glenn employees and retirees only) August 7 

• Free Youth Day at the NASA Glenn Visitor Center August 12 

• Cleveland National Air Show August 31 to September 2 

EXPLORE MOON to MARS 
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

NASA Awards Artemis Contract 

for Lunar Gateway Power, Propulsion

Glenn Manages Development of Power and Propulsion Element 

In one of the first steps of the agency’s Artemis lunar exploration plans, NASA selected Maxar Technologies, formerly SSL, 

on May 23 to develop and demonstrate power, propulsion and 

communications capabilities for NASA’s lunar Gateway. 

“The power and propulsion element is the foundation of 

Gateway and a fine example of how partnerships with U.S. 

companies can help expedite NASA’s return to the Moon 

with the first woman and next man by 2024,” said NASA 

Administrator Jim Bridenstine. “It will be the key component 

upon which we will build our lunar Gateway outpost, the 

cornerstone of NASA’s sustainable and reusable Artemis 

exploration architecture on and around the Moon.”

The power and propulsion element is a high-power, 50-

kilowatt solar electric propulsion spacecraft that will operate 

at three times the power of current capabilities. The power 

and propulsion element will also allow the Gateway to act 

as a mobile command and service module by providing a 

communications relay for human and robotic expeditions to 

the lunar surface, starting at the Moon’s South Pole.

A team of employees, under the newly formed Power and 

Propulsion Office, is led by Project Manager Mike Barrett. 

They will manage a multicenter effort on the design, development, launch and in-space flight demonstration of the power 

and propulsion element, as well as integration of the power 

and propulsion element to Gateway.

“We’re excited to demonstrate our newest technology on the 

power and propulsion element. Solar electric propulsion is 

extremely efficient, making it perfect for the Gateway,” said 

Barrett. “This system requires much less propellant than 

traditional chemical systems, which will allow the Gateway 

to move more mass around the Moon, like a human landing 

system and large modules for living and working in orbit.” 

The power and propulsion element design will be completed 

during the initial base period, after which the exercise of 

options will provide for the development, launch and in-space 

flight demonstration. NASA is targeting launch of the power 

and propulsion element on a commercial rocket in late 2022. 

The flight demonstration will last as long as 1 year, during 

which the spacecraft will be fully owned and operated by 

Maxar. Following a successful demonstration, NASA will 

have the option to acquire the spacecraft for use as the first 

element of the Gateway.

Photo by NASA