A NASA LOOK AT PERSEVERANCE

MPAC presents the next entry in Emily Judd’s Pops Blog!

A lot has changed for many of us in the Michigan Pops family with the global COVID-19 pandemic and its associated health, safety, economic, and social impacts. We are living with large amounts of uncertainty in many aspects of our lives, from changes in work routines and the new reality of social distancing to concerns over health and what the future will hold. As we continue through this situation, I’d like to share how the novel coronavirus has impacted NASA and what lessons from past experiences in space exploration can help us through the pandemic. In doing so, and with the help of some recordings from our past MPO Intergalactic Pops concert, I hope to spread a little joy during this time.

Concert Poster from Fall 2017 [Image Credit: Michigan Pops Orchestra]

Concert Poster from Fall 2017

[Image Credit: Michigan Pops Orchestra]

Apollo 13 Astronaut Fred Haise Speaking at a 2019 Event at NASA Langley

Apollo 13 Astronaut Fred Haise Speaking at a 2019 Event at NASA Langley

You’ve all heard the line, “Houston, we’ve had a problem.” After hearing a bang, which came from an explosion in one of the oxygen tanks, and seeing warning lights appear, the crew of Apollo 13 called that phrase down to Mission Control at the Manned Spacecraft Center (now the Johnson Space Center), kicking off a tremendous effort to bring them back home. With additional damage resulting from the tank explosion, oxygen and electrical power resources dwindled for Command Module Odyssey. Flight Director Gene Kranz led Mission Control through the initial stages of working the problem, saying, “...let’s everybody keep cool...Let’s solve the problem, but let’s not make it any worse by guessing.” Within an hour of the explosion, a new mission plan had been determined: to scrap the Moon landing and return the crew using a gravity assist from flying around the Moon. The crew transformed Lunar Module Aquarius into their lifeboat within three hours, using procedures developed on the ground; and with only 15 minutes of power remaining in the Command Module, all three crew members transferred safely into the Lunar Module. With the immediate emergency taken care of, the engineers on the ground worked to redefine the maneuvers required to to fly the vehicles around the Moon and back to Earth for a safe landing. Other issues came up, such as how to connect the square lithium hydroxide (LiOH) canisters on the Command Module to the round LiOH canisters on the Lunar Module in order to provide sufficient removal of carbon dioxide in the cabin atmosphere. NASA met these challenges as they came, solving the “square peg in a round hole” problem with pieces of a spacesuit, a flight plan card, and, of course, duct tape. About 3.5 days later, the crew transferred back into Command Module Odyssey for reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere. Finally, after a harrowing journey of over 623 thousand miles [1], Commander Jim Lovell, Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert, and Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise arrived back safe on Earth. [2]

Apollo 12 Command Module Yankee Clipper at the Virginia Air and Space Museum

Apollo 12 Command Module Yankee Clipper at the Virginia Air and Space Museum

As NASA celebrated the 50th anniversary of Apollo 13 this April, we looked back on what made this mission into the “successful failure” it was. The strength of our workforce shone at that time, with people devoting many extra hours to research vehicle systems, test emergency procedures, and define new mission plans to solve the problems with limited time and the pressure of knowing that crew lives depended on their results. Although landing on the Moon was lost, several science experiments were still conducted, records were set, and the crew were returned safely. This Perseverance has become a hallmark of NASA missions, especially…

...as it’s the name of our newest Mars rover! Many of the names of our NASA missions and spacecraft reflect the human spirit, showcasing our desire for exploration and discovery and our drive to accomplish what was previously only a dream. The student who won the contest to name our Mars 2020 rover, 7th grader Alexander Mather of Burke, Virginia, explained this embodiment of humanity within space exploration in his competition essay, describing why Perseverance should be part of our fleet [3]:

            “Curiosity. InSight. Spirit. Opportunity. If you think about it, all of these names of past Mars rovers are qualities we possess as humans. We are always curious, and seek opportunity. We have the spirit and insight to explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond. But, if rovers are to be the qualities of us as a race, we missed the most important thing. Perseverance. We as humans evolved as creatures who could learn to adapt to any situation, no matter how harsh. We are a species of explorers, and we will meet many setbacks on the way to Mars. However, we can persevere. We, not as a nation but as humans, will not give up. Even faced with bitter losses such as Opportunity and Vikram 2, the human race will always persevere into the future.” [4]

As NASA responds to the COVID-19 pandemic across the agency, it has become clear that Perseverance is exactly what we need right now. With all NASA centers moved to mandatory telework except for mission essential personnel, there has been a disruption to critical mission preparatory work, particularly for some key elements, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, the Space Launch System, and the Orion spacecraft [5]. As Mars mission opportunities depend on planetary alignment, we are moving forward with the planned launch of Perseverance and the Mars Helicopter this summer, giving us all something to look forward to and a way to show that NASA can-do attitude, as exemplified by our Perseverance team in this article [6].

A Mockup of the Curiosity Rover at the National Air and Space Museum in D.C.

A Mockup of the Curiosity Rover at the National Air and Space Museum in D.C.

Percy will look a lot like her predecessor, the Curiosity rover, but she will include different instruments to aid in her mission of understanding the potential for life on Mars, both past and present. This will include looking for signs of microbial life, testing a method to produce oxygen from the atmosphere (that could help future crewed missions to Mars), observing the Martian environmental conditions, and caching rock and soil core samples for a future mission to return to Earth. It will be exciting to see all we can learn from this mission! [7]

As we all continue through this pandemic, we are all getting a little taste of what it’s like to be an astronaut: remote work, isolation from family and friends for a long period of time, limited outside excursions that require strategic planning and protective equipment, all in a stressful environment. Luckily for us, NASA has studied how to keep our astronauts happy and healthy during spaceflights, so we can learn from their experiences!

Trying on Astronaut Peggy Whitson’s Sokol Suit Glove with Shuttle Astronaut Don Thomas

Trying on Astronaut Peggy Whitson’s Sokol Suit Glove with Shuttle Astronaut Don Thomas

Astronaut Anne McClain recommends working as a team with your fellow isolation buddies, emphasizing communication, good leadership and followship, self- and team care [8]. As seen in this video, Chris Cassidy is used to quarantine before a flight up to the International Space Station, but the current situation has even impacted that, requiring reduced support personnel and determining if his family can view the launch! Retired astronaut Scott Kelly encourages keeping to a schedule and working on a hobby, while Peggy Whitson highlights understanding the reason behind the new behavior to give purpose and provide continued incentive to keep up the social distancing.

Overall, the global COVID-19 pandemic is challenging all of us professionally and personally. While we all continue through this time, hopefully some of the lessons that NASA has learned over the years about working through challenging situations and in isolation can help us persevere, perhaps even provide a bit of “jollity”, as we anticipate emerging victorious from our successful social distancing! After all, “failure is not an option”.

Pops Love,

Emily Judd

MPO 2016-2019, Principal Horn

5/1/20

*All opinions expressed are those of the author and do not imply the official position of the federal government.

References

[1] NASA, accessed 17 April 2020 [https://history.nasa.gov/SP-4029/Apollo_13a_Summary.htm].

[2] Uri, J., ed. Mars, K., 50 Years Ago: “Houston, We’ve Had a Problem,” 14 April 2020, accessed 17 April 2020 [https://www.nasa.gov/feature/50-years-ago-houston-we-ve-had-a-problem].

[3] Hautaluoma, G., Johnson, A., Agle, DC, ed. Potter, S., Virginia Middle School Student Earns Honor of Naming NASA’s Next Mars Rover, 5 March 2020, accessed 17 April 2020 [https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/virginia-middle-school-student-earns-honor-of-naming-nasas-next-mars-rover].

[4] Mather, A., Perseverance, accessed 17 April 2020 [https://www.futureengineers.org/nametherover/gallery/6989].

[5] Inclán, B. and Northon, K., NASA Leadership Assessing Mission Impacts of Coronavirus, 20 March 2020, accessed 17 April 2020 [https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-leadership-assessing-mission-impacts-of-coronavirus].

[6] Hautaluoma, G., Johnson, A., Agle, DC, ed. Greicius, T., How NASA’s Perseverance Mars Team Has Adjusted to Work in the Time of Coronavirus, 21 April 2020, accessed 23 April 2020 [https://www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/how-nasas-perseverance-mars-team-has-adjusted-to-work-in-the-time-of-coronavirus].

[7] NASA, Mars Perseverance Mission Overview, 5 March 2020, accessed 18 April 2020 [https://www.nasa.gov/perseverance/overview].

[8] NASA, An Astronaut’s Tips for Living in Space - or Anywhere, 9 April 2020, accessed 18 April 2020 [https://www.nasa.gov/feature/an-astronaut-s-tips-for-living-in-space-or-anywhere].

FROM MICHIGAN TO THE MOON (AND BEYOND!): OUR NASA CONNECTION

MPAC presents the next entry in Emily Judd’s Pops Blog!

Many of you know of Michigan’s tradition of excellence in engineering and physics, but you may not know just how influential Michigan has been in the field of aerospace. As my first blog post on NASA topics to the Michigan Pops Orchestra alumni, I’d like to cover a little of our Michigan history in space, especially as it relates to NASA!

The University of Michigan started off the field of aeronautical engineering in the U.S., teaching the first American courses on the topic in 1914. By the 1950s, Michigan Engineering had worked on research involving captured German V-2 rockets from World War II, conducted experiments to study the upper atmosphere with the High Altitude Engineering Laboratory (HAEL) and the Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL), and trained Air Force officers in Pilotless Aircraft and Guided Missiles. With the formation of NASA in 1958, Michigan continued to forge ahead with space research, utilizing a 1963 NASA grant to build the Space Research Building (now the Climate and Space Research Building), which houses the Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering department (formerly Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences) and SPRL. Faculty got involved with NASA’s astronaut program right away, even teaching orbital mechanics to the first two astronaut groups! [1, 2]

Of course, students and alumni also got involved with the astronaut corps, and two NASA missions had all-Michigan crews! The first was for Gemini 4 in 1965; Edward H. White II (M.S. Aeronautical Engineering ’59) completed the first American spacewalk during the mission while orbiting the Earth, working with his co-pilot and commander, James A. McDivitt (B.S. Aeronautical Engineering ’59). The next all-Michigan mission was to the moon with Apollo 15 in 1971. James Irwin (M.S. Aeronautical Engineering and M.S. Instrumentation Engineering ’57) piloted the Lunar Module, which took commander David Scott (Mechanical Engineering, transferred to West Point) and him down to the surface of the moon. Alfred Worden (M.S. Aeronautical Engineering and M.S. Instrumentation Engineering ’63) piloted the Command Module and completed the first spacewalk outside of Earth orbit. The Apollo 15 crew also established the lunar branch of the UM alumni association by leaving a certificate on the Moon, which read, “The Alumni Association of The University of Michigan. Charter Number One. This is to certify that The University of Michigan Club of The Moon is a duly constituted unit of the Alumni Association and entitled to all the rights and privileges under the Association’s Constitution.” Artifacts from these and other space missions that Michigan participated in can be viewed in the atrium of the Francois-Xavier Bagnoud (FXB) building on UM’s North Campus. [3, 4]

Fast forwarding, Michigan researchers have contributed to such missions as the Advanced Composition Satellite (ACE), a space weather satellite; Cassini, a spacecraft that studied Saturn and its moons; Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS), an eight satellite constellation that looks at hurricanes; MESSENGER, a mission to Mercury; and many more. Researchers, including students, also use data collected by other missions to make new discoveries about processes and properties of the solar wind, planetary atmospheres, and a little closer to home, the northern lights, soil wetness, and glacier thicknesses. One of the most recent missions, Parker Solar Probe, is traveling the closest to the Sun we’ve ever been—and the fastest! This mission is allowing for more discoveries on how the Sun’s rotation and magnetic field impact the solar wind, which in turn, will influence space weather forecasting. This forecasting ability is important to be able to predict space weather events that could negatively affect Earth telecommunications systems or for astronauts traveling to the Moon or Mars! [2, 5]

For a particular example of how students at Michigan get involved with space research, I’d like to share my experience working with the Bioastronautics and Life Support Systems (BLiSS) student organization. Our group regularly takes on challenges proposed by NASA as part of the Exploration Habitat grants. For the 2018-2019 academic year, we studied how to include a medical workstation within a space habitat, either in a microgravity environment (such as in orbit around a planetary body or in transit to one) or on the surface of Mars. This project involved students from across the university, including aerospace and space systems engineers and pre-med scientists. We looked at the most commonly expected medical ailments for space and proposed what equipment would be needed to effectively treat astronauts in space, working around the issues of limited mass and volume for all the equipment. We ended our study by creating a model of the workstation in virtual reality, allowing us, and our NASA mentors, to experience what the workstation would look like. This allowed us to test out different storage methods and configurations so that astronauts of all heights would be able to effectively use the area safely. After receiving feedback from our medical advisors and NASA mentors, we presented our results to the wider aerospace community at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in October 2019.

In addition to all of the other space research, these types of student projects caught the attention of the NASA Administrator, Jim Bridenstine, who visited campus right after IAC. Current research in solar electric propulsion will be key in the upcoming Artemis missions, allowing for a sustainable presence on the Moon. College of Engineering dean, Alec Gallimore also discussed the University of Michigan Space Institute, a new initiative to bring together researchers from many disciplines (life and physical sciences, climate and space engineering, etc.) to all work on new ideas for space exploration. The administrator toured the BLiSS habitat mockup while the students explained the past few years of work and plans for the future. He rounded out his visit with another Michigan staple, a game in the Big House, where he led the marching band for the “Victors” after a space-themed half-time show, including appearances by past NASA astronauts with Michigan connections.In addition to all of the other space research, these types of student projects caught the attention of the NASA Administrator, Jim Bridenstine, who visited campus right after IAC. Current research in solar electric propulsion will be key in the upcoming Artemis missions, allowing for a sustainable presence on the Moon. College of Engineering dean, Alec Gallimore also discussed the University of Michigan Space Institute, a new initiative to bring together researchers from many disciplines (life and physical sciences, climate and space engineering, etc.) to all work on new ideas for space exploration. The administrator toured the BLiSS habitat mockup while the students explained the past few years of work and plans for the future. He rounded out his visit with another Michigan staple, a game in the Big House, where he led the marching band for the “Victors” after a space-themed half-time show, including appearances by past NASA astronauts with Michigan connections.

Overall, Michigan has a long-standing tradition of excellence in space research that is continuing with our current and future students. This work allows for partnering with NASA on unprecedented missions to study the unknowns in space and improve the understanding of our planet. With more and more involvement by commercial entities in the space industry, it will be exciting to see how both NASA and Michigan adapt to meet the technological needs and drive the forefront of scientific exploration.

1/1/20

Sources:

[1] Milgrom, R., “Wolverines in space: The all-Michigan astronaut crews,” The Michigan Engineer News Center, 24 Oct. 2016, accessed 18 Dec. 2019 [https://news.engin.umich.edu/2016/10/wolverines-in-space/].

[2] Whitehouse, B., ed., “The Michigan NASA connection,” The Michigan Engineer News Center, 20 Dec. 2016, accessed 18 Dec. 2019 [https://news.engin.umich.edu/2016/12/michigan-nasa-connection/].

[3] Walker, M., “Space race: Michigan’s ties to NASA, Apollo program,” Detroit Free Press, 19 Jul. 2019, accessed 18 Dec. 2019 [https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/07/18/space-race-michigan-nasa-apollo-program/1709403001/].

[4] Wisner, J., “University of Michigan Astronauts,” 12 Dec. 2001, accessed 18 Dec. 2019 [http://www.umich.edu/~hist265/links/projects/2001b/jwisner/astro.html].

[5] Lynch, J., “Parker Solar Probe: ‘We’re missing something fundamental about the sun’,” The Michigan Engineer News Center, 4 Dec. 2019, accessed 18 Dec. 2019 [https://news.engin.umich.edu/2019/12/were-missing-something-fundamental-about-the-sun/].

[6] Rahal, S., “NASA administrator: UM to play big role in space exploration,” The Detroit News, 27 Oct. 2019, accessed 18 Dec. 2019 [https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/10/26/um-play-big-role-space-exploration-nasa-administrator-says/2455855001/?fbclid=IwAR3LZ5CLHEutJBrlJPZaMgf15OHwq7mia5SjjanLaoMLl7MXOBEQg-nvufI].

EMILY JUDD: TRAILBLAZING A PATH TO NASA

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MICHIGAN POPS ALUMNI is proud to feature Emily Judd (‘19) as our first Pops blogger. Follow her journey from University of Michigan graduate to NASA’s newest engineer. We spend this first entry getting to know Emily!

MPA: Emily, tell us about your path to joining the Michigan Pops Orchestra.

Repping the horn section at Pops rehearsal

Repping the horn section at Pops rehearsal

EMILY: In my undergraduate studies, I was a double major in music performance and aerospace engineering. Although I decided to pursue engineering as my career path, I wanted to continue being involved with music. And that was one of the great things about attending graduate school at the University of Michigan—the music program is very strong.

When I arrived, I looked online for non-music major opportunities on campus. I first joined the Campus Symphony Orchestra (CSO). We were playing Pavane for a Dead Princess, and Rotem was conducting for that piece. After rehearsal, he came up to me and asked if I would be interested in joining the Michigan Pops Orchestra as well. CSO only rehearsed once a week, and I thought it’d be a great opportunity to join a second ensemble. So I auditioned, got in, and stuck with it!

MPA: What was it like balancing Pops with your master’s program?

““I have figured out that if I don’t regularly participate in something musical, I am simply not as happy of a person.””

EMILY: I did have professors and advisors tell me multiple times that I should quit music because it was taking away from my engineering career. However, I have figured out that if I don’t regularly participate in something musical, I am simply not as happy of a person. Even though people may say that I shouldn’t be devoting so much time to music, I really do need this amount of time—music uses other parts of my brain and is a great stress break. I get to do something different from engineering and exercise my lungs.

Since moving out to Virginia, I haven’t been as involved with music as in school. Recently though, I went to a Virginia Symphony Orchestra concert, and again, I realized that I so need that music time, and I am very excited to be starting rehearsals with two community orchestras!

MPA: What is your current role with NASA?

Langley’s newest aerospace engineer!

Langley’s newest aerospace engineer!

EMILY: I am an aerospace engineer in the Space Mission Analysis Branch at the Langley Research Center! We take new mission ideas and turn them into more feasible concepts, which can then be presented to leadership. This summer, I have been working on cost estimate modeling and human exploration analysis. For example, at the beginning of the summer, I worked on a proposal for a new science satellite that is designed to orbit the Earth and collect atmospheric measurements. Based on previous satellites and planned upgrades for the new model, I can make predictions on how much the mission might cost. My branch engages in a lot of the behind-the-scenes support and analysis for the agency. Our work can directly influence the direction that the agency is taking and what projects move forward, which I think is really neat.

MPA: Tell me more about the Langley Research Center. What other projects are happening?

EMILY: Langley is the original NASA center. It started out as a NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) center, which turned into NASA under Eisenhower. We celebrated our 100th anniversary in 2017!

A model of the Orion Launch Abort System used in the National Transonic Facility

A model of the Orion Launch Abort System used in the National Transonic Facility

Inside Langley, we have a variety of wind tunnels to test model aircraft and spacecraft. Langley also does materials and structures work, like validating the heat shield for the Orion capsule, which will carry up to four astronauts for space travel to the Moon and Mars. We also deal with fluid dynamics and aeroacoustics, including how to make airplanes quieter and minimizing sonic booms associated with supersonic/hypersonic planes. We are working on new designs for supersonic planes that would create a sonic “thump” rather than a boom. These are just a few of our wide range of research projects.

MPA: What do you hope to achieve or learn at NASA?

EMILY: Considering that I started full-time two months ago, I am still figuring out what skill areas I want to develop and what direction I want to take for my career. However, I am coming in at a very exciting time for human exploration work because we are returning to the Moon with crew by 2024. So in my first five years, I will be working on missions to the Moon! We are following up on the Apollo program and aiming for a more sustainable approach this time as we target the lunar south pole. This new program is named Artemis for the goddess of the moon and twin sister of Apollo. The name is a nice nod to the Apollo program and the female astronauts that will be involved this time. I’m excited to see the fruits of our work in the next couple years.

MPA: What does a typical day at work look like?

EMILY: I do a lot of computer work in my cubicle on cost estimate models and human exploration, which includes research, reading papers, working on presentations, and meeting with coworkers to discuss our projects. It’s hard to say what a typical day looks like because, so far, I have experienced a wide variety.

First day on the job!

First day on the job!

As a new hire, I have been going on tours to different parts of the center; recently, we saw a wind tunnel (specifically, the National Transonic Facility) for the transonic region, which is very tricky from an aerodynamics point of view. I was also on the planning committee for the Langley Summer Games. Center buildings competed against each other in cornhole, tug-of-war, water balloons, and volleyball, among other activities. It was a very fun event overall!

Some of the work that we do is also partnered with other centers or other groups across the center. A current project I have is partnered with the Advanced Materials and Processing Branch. I was able to go over to see the machinery and processes they use to analyze samples. Understanding the materials analysis helps me with my cost analysis and the overall study. I am also learning a lot of methodology. My mentor and I went down to Houston where the Johnson Space Center hosted the NASA Cost and Schedule Symposium. Essentially, all the personnel doing cost and schedule modeling met together to go over best practices, background data behind the models, updates, and future work. The symposium was a great learning experience, and it helped with networking with other people in the costing community across the agency and in the industry.

MPA: What was your most memorable moment from Pops?

Horn Island

Horn Island

EMILY: There are so many! Oh wow, I would say my favorite concert was Intergalactic Pops (Fall 2017). I’m a space person, and I play horn so John Williams, that is great stuff—my favorite concert for sure! I’d say my favorite Pops memory is Horn Island. The horns were a little persnickety, which made for good section bonding, and the camaraderie we developed as a section was great. Getting to know different people and making some amazing friends outside of engineering was also awesome. There were so many great opportunities from Pops that I am thankful for. The Pops Love is real!

Tune in soon for the next blog entry on Emily’s new life at NASA

Visiting the space shuttle Endeavor with the Michigan AIAA chapter!

Visiting the space shuttle Endeavor with the Michigan AIAA chapter!