National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

NASA Aeronautics May 2024 

No. 36 

Monthly STEM Newsletter 

INSIDE 

Celebrate Asian 

American, Native 

Hawaiian, and Pacific 

Islander Heritage 

Month 

NEW Flight 

Opportunity! 

_ 

NASA Internships, 

USRC, and more! 

The DC-8 aircraft returned to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in 

Palmdale, California, on April 1, 2024, after completing its final mission 

supporting Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ). 

The aircraft and crew were welcomed back with a celebratory water salute by the 

U.S. Air Force Plant 42 Fire Department. It’s not too late to sign up on Flight Log 

to send your name on its final flight to Idaho State University. 

CREDIT: NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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May 2024 

May flowers are blooming, Aeronauts, which means it is almost the end of the 2023-

2024 academic year! This month we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and 

Pacific Islander Heritage, moms everywhere of many different types (how many of you 

educators have been called “mom” over the years?!?), and the retirement of our 

beloved DC-8 research aircraft. Check out our Aero Crew Highlight of the month, 

Stephen Helland. He is a traveler helping others reach their full potential and giving 

young people a strong role model to look up to. Check out STEM classroom 

opportunities from AeroFair and the new round of internship opportunities available 

at NASA centers throughout the country. Let your students know about their chances 

to apply for NASA internships, challenges, or other opportunities. AND there’s a new 

flight coming up! Sign up with Flight Log today so you don’t miss the chance to fly on 

the final flight of the DC-8, receive new flight updates, and other opportunities to 

engage with NASA Aeronautics. 

Do you need to see more of something or have a new idea for upcoming newsletters? 

Let us know! Do you know someone else who needs this monthly update? Share the 

good news and sign up for our monthly STEM newsletter. Have questions or want to 

be removed from the list? Send an email to april.a.lanotte@nasa.gov or 

holly.o.gutierrez@nasa.gov. 

www.nasa.gov 

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Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and 

Pacific Islander Heritage Month 

May 

Our country is made up of many different people from all 

over the world. At NASA we celebrate the diversity of 

people whose ancestors or they themselves have come 

here to add their skills to change the future of 

Aeronautics, Earth, and humankind. This month we 

celebrate our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and 

Pacific Islander friends, family, and colleagues who have 

dedicated their careers to the missions at NASA. 

May commemorates the first Japanese immigration to 

America in 1843 and the completion of the 

transcontinental railroad in 1869 which was built mostly 

by Chinese immigrant workers. Beginning in 1977, 

Representatives Frank Horton and Senator Daniel Inouye 

of New York proposed (at different times) to congress 

declaring the first 10 days of May to be Asian/Pacific 

American Heritage week. Both proposals were denied, 

but during the following year, 1978, Rep. Horton 

resubmitted the proposal and President Jimmy Carter 

signed it into law on October 5, 1978, with an amended 

7-days instead of ten. In 1990, President George H.W.

Bush extended Asian American, Pacific Islander Heritage

week to the entire month of May.

Throughout the years NASA has celebrated the many 

contributions made by these wonderful individuals who 

have shared their culture and heritage and have 

accomplished so much over the years. Watch this video 

to meet two of NASA’s very own, Anita Dey and Johnny 

Lim, who are working to achieve their missions towards 

the betterment of humanity. Read about some of the 

aeronautics crew at NASA Armstrong Flight Research 

Center such as Litia Ata who is breaking barriers and 

stepping out of her comfort zone and Wason Miles 

inspiring the next generation of pilots and engineers. 

DC-8 Retirement Flight

May 2024 

The Douglas DC-8 was built in 1969 and entered the 

Airborne Science Project in 1987. The aircraft is 157 feet 

long with a 148-foot wingspan and has a range of 5,400 

nautical miles. It can fly at altitudes up to 42,000 feet for 

up to 12 hours, and has the ability to carry 42 researchers, 

a flight crew, AND 30,000 pounds of scientific instruments 

and equipment! The DC-8 has been an amazing aircraft 

Aeronautics Crew Highlight 

Stephen Helland, NASA Associate Director & 

Technical Advisor for AETC 

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Stephen Helland is a motorcycle-loving Associate 

Director at NASA inspiring young people to 

persevere and seize opportunities. Read on to 

learn about Stephen’s journey to NASA. 

I serve as the Associate Director, Technical 

Advisor overseeing NASA's Aerosciences 

Evaluation and Test Capability (AETC) Portfolio at 

headquarters. Responsible for managing extensive 

ground test facilities spanning NASA Ames, Glenn, 

and Langley, I am dedicated to bolstering the 

research facility workforce, fostering their 

professional growth, and facilitating cross-center 

collaboration across the three NASA centers. I am 

also an American Institute of Aeronautics and 

Astronautics Associate Fellow. 

Born in Hong Kong and adopted by Lutheran 

missionaries, my early years were filled with travel 

from Asia through Hawaii and California before 

settling in the Cleveland area of Ohio. My 

fascination with flight began with watching the first 

moon landing on a black and white TV, leading to 

a childhood spent building model airplanes. Little 

did I know, this passion would culminate in a 40-

year career at NASA, where I've celebrated my 

work anniversary every April 1st - yes, hired on 

April Fools' Day! 

My journey to NASA wasn't conventional. After 

starting college at "The Ohio State University," I 

transferred to a local community college, where I 

seized the opportunity for an apprenticeship at 

NASA Glenn. Working full-time while pursuing a 

graduate degree in Electrical Engineering from 

Cleveland State University, I've navigated through 

trades, engineering, and management roles. I 

advocate for young people to pursue their dreams, 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and for nearly 40 years, has provided a flying science 

laboratory that has contributed so much data and 

research to many disciplines such as meteorology, 

biology, oceanography, volcanology and much more! 

The DC-8’s work focused on four primary areas: sensor 

development, satellite sensor verification, space vehicle 

launch and re-entry telemetry and tracking, and research 

studies of the Earth's surface and atmosphere. Read more 

HERE to learn more about the research in these areas. 

The DC-8 just flew the last mission -- the Airborne and 

Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality Mission. The US 

Air Force Plant 42 welcomed the craft with open arms and 

was given a water salute for her retirement from airborne 

science missions. The DC-8 will fly one last time to a new 

home at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho, where 

students will be given real-world, hands-on experiences 

for the school’s Aircraft Maintenance Technology 

Program, just in time to celebrate Aviation Maintenance 

Technician Day on May 24th! 

Student and Internship Opportunities 

Deadline This Month! University Leadership 

Initiative (ULI) 

The University Leadership Initiative (ULI) is a collaboration 

between NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate 

and university student programs to create new innovative 

ideas for current NASA projects and the future of aviation. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to tell NASA about your ideas! 

Watch the ULI workshop on demand to learn how to 

submit your proposal. Submit your Round 8 proposals by 

May 29, 2024 through NASA NSPIRES. 

NEW! NASA Community College Aerospace 

Scholars (NCAS) 

NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) 

has three missions designed 

to challenge and build 

student’s knowledge and 

skills. Mission 1: Discover 

registration is open through 

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June 10, 2024! Students 

will collaborate to work on 

real NASA missions and 

goals. Mission 1: Discover 

takes students through a 5-week, self-paced online 

course where they gain broad knowledge of NASA’s 

mission directorates and discover NASA career paths. 

Students can expect to hear from subject matter experts 

embracing non-traditional paths and seizing 

learning opportunities. 

Throughout my career, I've delved into various 

roles, from procurement to center management, 

including a memorable detail in Washington DC at 

the Office of Management and Budget. Along the 

way, I've cherished experiences like flying back 

with the Administrator on the NASA plane, 

meeting Senator John Glenn, and witnessing my 

daughter participate in the Easter Egg roll on the 

White House lawn. 

I've had the privilege of contributing to

groundbreaking projects such as the National 

Aerospace Plane, Orbital Space Plane, and various 

aircraft testing programs. But beyond the projects, 

my focus has always been on serving others, 

continuous learning, and fostering meaningful 

relationships. 

Outside of work, I enjoy golf, music, riding my 

motorcycle, volunteering, particularly with

initiatives like the First Robotics Competition and 

the Cleveland Men’s shelter. As a formal NASA 

mentor, I'm committed to inspiring the next 

generation of innovators. My journey is a 

testament to the power of perseverance, curiosity, 

and the importance of giving back. 

Stephen, you are a true inspiration. Thank you for 

giving back and encouraging others to carpe 

diem! Happy Flying! 

Professional Development 

Come See Us in Person! 

COSI Science Festival 

Big Science Celebration 

Scioto Peninsula, OH on May 4th, 2024: Join 

NASA Glenn Research Center at the COSI Science 

Festival’s Big Science Celebration at Scioto 

Peninsula in Ohio. This four-day event happens at 

different locations throughout central Ohio. Each 

location is different, but will feature a combination 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and learn about NASA’s missions dedicated to space 

exploration, technology, and aeronautics research. 

Engineering design challenges are hosted at a partner 

institution or a NASA field center. NCAS alumni are also 

eligible for NASA internship opportunities. 

For more information, eligibility, and the application 

process join an information session or visit the NCAS 

website. 

Projects Available! NASA Internships 

Did you miss the 

summer and fall 

2024 NASA 

internships? 

NEW projects 

have already 

been added for 

Spring 2025. 

Encourage 

student to apply 

for a NASA 

internship today 

to get their 

names in early. Some opportunities start at 16 years old. 

Learn more HERE about available STEM and non-STEM 

projects at various NASA centers that offer in-person, 

virtual, and hybrid opportunities. Whatever you are 

interested in studying, NASA has a place for you! Get 

your application in by August 23rd, 2024, and join 

NASA experts in the Spring for a chance to show them 

the vision for the future of NASA. 

Design Challenges and Grant Proposals 

Next round opening soon! University Student 

Research Challenge 

Join the NASA University Student Research Challenge 

family and collaborate with peers to contribute to the 

evolving field of aeronautics! NASA is seeking creative 

ideas and concepts relevant to NASA Aeronautics from 

interdisciplinary student teams. 

• Receive up to $80,000 to pursue your ideas

• Gain technical and entrepreneurial experience

of hands-on activities, performances, speakers, 

and more. 

Virtual Opportunities 

NASA Aero Fair Virtual or In-Person STEM 

Engagement Opportunity: DEADLINE May 10th, 

2024: Bring STEM to the classroom with NASA’s 

Aero Fair. Apply for the opportunity to have NASA 

Aeronautics experts teach your class for three 1-

hour sessions. Curriculum uses aeronautics 

principles for real-world projects aligned with Next 

Generation Science Standards. Log into your 

NASA STEM Gateway or create an account to 

apply for this unique educational experience. 

NEW Flight Opportunity! Flight Log 

The DC-8 is retiring, and you have a chance to take 

a virtual ride with her on her last flight. She is flying 

to Idaho State University on May 15th, 2024. Sign 

up today to fly on the DC-8’s Retirement Flight and 

get updates on other flights coming soon. Earn an 

endorsement code for your flight log when you 

complete activities and join NASA Aeronautics 

STEM engagements online and in-person. We 

have new flights and opportunities being added to 

Flight Log all the time. Add your email to our 

contact list to stay up to date on upcoming flights 

and other opportunities. It’s a great time to fly with 

us! 

NASA CONNECTS: Are you interested in other 

professional development opportunities? Create a 

new account or log into NASA’s STEM Gateway to 

find a session that interests you. 

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• Open to all majors and interdisciplinary teams

(engineering, business, etc.)

• Interface with NASA experts and receive exposure to

the aerospace industry

Attend the USRC Q&A/Info Session and Proposal 

Workshop on May 6, 2024, at 2pm ET to learn more 

about submitting a successful proposal. The solicitation 

window for this round is closed but stay tuned for the next 

round when proposals are due June 20, 2024. 

In case you missed it... 

2024 Dream with Us design challenge—JOIN US FOR 

THE AWARDS CEREMONY! 

The 2024 Dream with Us design challenge closed April 

30, 2024, and we are working on judging some amazing 

projects! Join us for the upcoming Virtual Awards 

Ceremony, which is open for anyone to attend on 

Tuesday, May 21st at 7pm EST. 

TEAMS Meeting number: 211 443 798 725 

Passcode: hFZjwX. 

This is a yearly, team-based challenge for students in 

grades 6-12 to share their ideas for the future of 

aeronautics with NASA experts. The 2024 Dream with Us 

challenge asked students to dream of new ideas for 

“Responding to Natural Disasters using New Aviation” 

such as drones and air taxis. A HUGE 

CONGRATULATIONS to all the participants for all their 

hard work and dedication that shines through their 

projects. Stay tuned for the 2024 winner announcements 

coming soon on our Dream with Us webpage and NASA 

Aero social media channels. Head to the page to check 

out the winners from past challenges and learn more 

about how you can join next year’s 2025 Dream with Us 

design challenge! 

Did you know?

May the 4

th be with you. Today is Star Wars Day 

and Free Comic Book Day! Two great things on 

one great day. We don’t have Star Wars comics, 

but we do have our First Woman Graphic Novel 

that is completely FREE! That’s right, POR GRATIS! 

The second issue is now available online and 

introduces a new character from the Choctaw 

Nation with a background in aeronautics. Check 

out both issues HERE available in English y en 

Español! 

May 6

th

– 10th is teacher appreciation week. 

Educators everywhere are dedicated to the 

knowledge and growth of young people 

everywhere. Show your teachers how much their 

hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated 

and does not go unnoticed and hopefully 

someone will recognize all of you who are 

educators! 

May 12th is Mother’s Day. Let’s celebrate moms 

everywhere for all their hard work with some 

much need rest and relaxation. Try some of our 

aeronautics coloring sheets as a quiet activity to 

give mom a break today. Aero STEM has plenty of 

pictures for you to create an aviation collage to 

show mom how your heart soars for her. 

May 20th is National Women in Aerospace Day. 

Women do amazing things, so let’s celebrate their 

sacrifices and contributions to home, work, and 

aviation. Support the women in your life to pursue 

careers in aerospace technologies, sciences, and 

other programs. Read about two amazing women 

remembered in a unique way for breaking 

barriers and paving the way for women and girls 

everywhere! 

May 26th is National Paper Airplane Day and 

NASA Aeronautics STEM has just the paper plane 

you need to enjoy this flying fun day! Make Your 

Own X-59 paper airplane and let it soar. Get some 

friends together and see whose paper X-59 can fly 

the farthest! 

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Links to our Aeronautics STEM Resources: 

Aeronautics Research Resources: (all ages) This link takes you to a wide variety of educator resources, 

Aeronautics@Home, ebooks, National Academies Reports, webinars, lithographs and mini posters, the NASA 

Aeronautics Research Institute, and more. 

Aeronautics@Home: (K-12) This web page contains aeronautics-based activities, videos, games, and more that can 

be completed at home, in the classroom, or in any number of settings. Topic areas include: “Build It!” “Explore It!” 

“Watch It!” “Solve It!” “Color It!” and “Aero Educator Resources”. Coming soon: “Read It!” and “Do It!” 

Aeronautics Innovations Challenges: Keeping up with our many design challenges and opportunities for both postsecondary and K-12 can be tough. In response, we created a “one-stop shop” to pull them all together in one 

location. 

Flight Log Experience: (K-12, post-secondary, general public) Sign up to send your name with NASA Aeronautics on 

X-planes, UAS flights, and more as you build your virtual NASA flight log. Earn virtual endorsement stamps and 

mission patches and access aeronautics STEM activities and resources. Educators can sign up their entire class. 

NASA Express Sign-Up: (K-12, post-secondary) Have you signed up for NASA’s NASA EXPRESS weekly newsletter? 

This newsletter contains the latest information for educators (K-12 and post-secondary) about new resources, design 

challenges, internships, and workshops. It is THE go-to for the latest STEM news. 

Aeronaut-X: (K-12) Our Next Gen STEM: Aeronaut-X team provides new and exciting STEM activities that focus on 

cutting-edge aeronautics education and the future of flight. 

Museum and Informal Education Alliance: (Informal Educators and Museums) Not in a classroom? Looking for 

informal education materials? Join NASA’s Museum and Informal Education Alliance, where you have access to 

NASA resources—including aeronautics—for your program, organization, museum, science center, or library. Find 

out about events happening near you and in the virtual world, and let the MIE Alliance help you build your 

programs! Access to guest speakers, the latest announcements about grant programs, and an active community 

network allow you to connect with other like-minded people in a supportive, engaging, and aerospace-focused 

neighborhood. 

NASA Aeronautics for Educators Facebook Page: (K-12, post-secondary) Join our NASA Aeronautics for Educators 

Facebook page, where the latest aeronautics updates, professional development opportunities, lessons and ideas 

are freely shared. 

NASA Connects: (K-12, post-secondary) NASA Connects is a network of educators who come together to 

collaborate, share NASA resources, and create personal collections of materials that can then be shared with others. 

Members can join groups tailored to their specific interests. 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

Headquarters 

300 E. Street, SW 

Washington, DC 20546 

www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch 

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