[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 4 - 09:36:56 ]
Hello to our early arriving chat participants! Today's Space Team Online chat with Joe Delai from NASA Kennedy Space Center will begin at 10:00 a.m., Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure you have read Joe's profile at http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/space/team/delai.html to prepare your questions.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 5 - 09:37:19 ]
Once the chat begins, Joe will attempt to answer as many of your questions as quickly as he can, but PLEASE be patient. Today's chat may be MODERATED to help Joe keep up with our questions. This means that only a few questions would be posted to the chat room at a time. Don't worry if your questions do not appear on your screen immediately during moderation. They will be held in our chat queue and posted as Joe answers those ahead of you.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 6 - 09:37:30 ]
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[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 7 - 09:37:48 ]
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[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 10 - 10:00:05 ]
Hello and welcome to today's Space Team Online chat with Joe Delai from NASA Kennedy Space Center. Joe works in the Space Station Hardware Integration Office (SSHIO) on the Space Lab Pallet. He works directly with other engineers on the development of the International Space Station. Joe wears many hats in his job. He must function as an engineer, budget analyst, and design analyst, as well as schedule and provide advice on all stages of projects.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 11 - 10:00:24 ]
And now, here is Joe Delai to answer your questions.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 15 - 10:02:13 ]
RE: [Rory] Hello Mr Delai, I was wondering what are the shuttles heat Shields made of?
The tiles are made of a ceramic silicon material. They can withstand about 4000 degrees.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 16 - 10:02:45 ]
RE: [Daniel] Hello, What is your area of expertise within SSHIO?
I am in charge of all the payload processing for SSHIO on flight 3A SLP.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 17 - 10:03:11 ]
RE: [Graham] Hi, How does the cancellation of the pre-scheduled launch affect you?
The cancellation of this launch really does not effect future flights.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 20 - 10:05:42 ]
RE: [JoeDelai/KSC] I am in charge of all the payload processing for SSHIO on flight 3A SLP.
My area of expertise would be to look at design, manufacturing, testing, cost, requirements, crew training, and on orbit operations for all the elements flying on flight 3A in Feb 00.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 21 - 10:06:51 ]
RE: [Oran/NASAChatHost] Joe, many of our students have asked why the missions seem to be numbered out of sequence, e.g. STS-Z come before STS-Y. Perhaps you could give us some insight into how this system works, and why no one in NASA seems to get confused.
The "STS" number was originally planned to fly in order but due to weather, delayed launches, etc. things happen and the numbers get out of order.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 24 - 10:11:45 ]
RE: [Roger/CSUSM] That payload is destined for the ISS?
I think your are asking if my payload is going to the ISS. Yes it is. It will fly on flight 3A.

[ Roger/CSUSM-Roger/CSUSM - 30 - 10:18:36 ]
Yes, that answers my question about the payload to ISS. Thanks!

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 27 - 10:15:16 ]
RE: [JoeDelai/KSC] Does anyone know why we are building the space station?
OK, Joe, what reason(s) would you give to a young person who asked why we were building a space station?

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 29 - 10:17:44 ]
RE: [Oran/NASAChatHost] OK, Joe, what reason(s) would you give to a young person who asked why we were building a space station?
The main reason for space station is to conduct experiments in space(medical, materials, computer, biology, life science, etc.). There are things we can do in space better then on earth, due to gravity. Right now 17 different nations are working together, sharing science, all to benefit mankind on earth!!

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 31 - 10:19:02 ]
RE: [Sam-Yelton/DentMiddleSchool] What is it like being in the space program?
It takes all sorts of people to run a space program. I think it is a honor to work and be involved in the countries space program.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 37 - 10:23:02 ]
RE: [Roger/CSUSM-Roger/CSUSM] At my college a few classes in a language other than English is required for a degree. Is there a language that seems helpful to learn for those working in the space program?
The main countries we are working with in the past, present, and hopefully in the future are Japan, Russia, Germany, and Italy.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 39 - 10:25:37 ]
RE: [Sam-Yelton/DentMiddleSchool] What exactly is your job?
On flight 3A, I have to make sure that all the experiment and different flight hardware is working. I usually start at the design stage. I help/conduct with the design, manufacturing, and testing of the flight hardware. I have to make sure that all requirements are meet, there is enough resources, and enough money to conduct my work. I also help with crew training.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 40 - 10:27:08 ]
RE: [Roger/CSUSM-Roger/CSUSM] Some concerns have been vocalized about Russia's commitment or ability to implement some of their portions of the ISS. Does this affect your project?
My project is not directly involved with the Russians. But let me say this, the Russian people are very dedicated and hard workers. I feel that they will meet their goals and all will work-out.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 42 - 10:28:53 ]
RE: [MrFiller/HarrisElementary-Mr.Filler/HarrisElementary] Hello, Joe My class would like to know how many modules in all will the space station have and when will the project be completed?
Right now we plan on having 7 modules. Various experiments will be conducted in the modules. Some are being built now and some to come.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 43 - 10:29:19 ]
We'd like to remind you to share your thoughts about today's chat with us at http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/qchats. Thanks!

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 45 - 10:30:31 ]
RE: [Sam-Yelton/DentMiddleSchool] What kind of experiments will be on board the flight?
The ISS will have medical, biology, life science, computer, and material experiments.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 46 - 10:31:36 ]
RE: [Roger/CSUSM-Roger/CSUSM] I certainly didn't mean to question the Russian will, which we all know to be strong. Thanks for the answer. This might be out of your area of expertise, but I am pursuing a degree in Computer Science and was wondering if there was a specific programming language(s) that would be helpful to learn in preparation of joining NASA?
. Just take your basic college courses and NASA loves to have their computer people to have a minor in electrical engineering. As for the [computer programming courses], what is required in your degree is enough.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 50 - 10:35:31 ]
RE: [Sam-Yelton/DentMiddleSchool] Which of the experiments that will be on board do you find most interesting, or promising to science?
I feel that the medical and computer experiments are the most interesting. There are many things from DNA/RNA, growing protein crystals, and growing/manufacturing computer silicon chips, that can be done in space at a much faster rate due to microgravity.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 51 - 10:36:24 ]
RE: [Roger/CSUSM-Roger/CSUSM] OK, thanks!
Does your college have a computer/electrical engineering program?

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 54 - 10:39:00 ]
RE: [Roger/CSUSM-Roger/CSUSM] No, unfortunately. Only computer science.
ok. Try to minor in electrical engineering. It would be worth the extra semester or two. Those two degrees seem to go hand in hand these days. If you can do that, it would be worth your time!!

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 57 - 10:41:23 ]
RE: [MrFiller/HarrisElementary-Mr.Filler/HarrisElementary] Are there any specific educational requirements my students will need if they desire to work for NASA?
Ii takes all sorts of people to run a space program. Business people, teachers, engineers, etc. I recommend that you take a degree that will make you happy. Also in high school and college there are many student programs that NASA is involved with. NASA loves to hire its former students.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 59 - 10:42:29 ]
RE: [Roger/CSUSM-Roger/CSUSM] My ultimate goal is to join the astronaut corps (who doesn't right?).
Stick with it; it is hard but fun. I used to fly in the military, it was hard but worth it in the end

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 63 - 10:44:27 ]
RE: [MrFiller/HarrisElementary-Mr.Filler/HarrisElementary] My students would like to know what the salary range is for someone who might do your job?
oh boy! What a question! Our salary range is from $55,000 to $93,000/year.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 66 - 10:46:25 ]
RE: [JoeDelai/KSC] oh boy! What a question! Our salary range is from $55,000 to $93,000/year.
This is also dependent on the region of the country you live here in the United States..

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 64 - 10:45:03 ]
RE: [Sam-Yelton/DentMiddleSchool] Thank you for responding to so many questions. I enjoyued it and found the chat very educational.
thank you

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 65 - 10:46:20 ]
RE: [Roger/CSUSM-Roger/CSUSM] You didn't list any astronomy experiments as those to be aboard the ISS. Will those be done as well? Have a great meeting!
There will be some performed but mainly on the outside of station. Most of our astronomical experiments are flown on separate payloads.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 67 - 10:47:19 ]
RE: [Roger/CSUSM-Roger/CSUSM] I can drive down to another college that does have both of those programs though. Recommended? I'm just starting the upper divsion core and it will probably transfer well.
If you can take both and switch to another school; it might be worth your time.

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 71 - 10:49:39 ]
RE: [MrFiller/HarrisElementary-Mr.Filler/HarrisElementary] My class would like to know the average amount of hours you will work in a week? Is your work time consuming?
I have to go now, but to answer the last question. I work anywhere from 40-85 hours a week. It depends on what event is going on. But if you love your job, you don't mind the long hours. Thanks to all and I hope to talk to you in the future Joe

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 72 - 10:50:56 ]
We will now be ending our chat with Joe Delai. We would like to thank everyone for joining us today. Our special thanks to Joe for his thoughtful responses and sharing his career experience and expertise with us.

[ Roger/CSUSM-Roger/CSUSM - 73 - 10:51:01 ]
Thanks for your time!

[ JoeDelai/KSC - 75 - 10:52:16 ]
RE: [Oran/NASAChatHost] We will now be ending our chat with Joe Delai. We would like to thank everyone for joining us today. Our special thanks to Joe for his thoughtful responses and sharing his career experience and expertise with us.
Thank you

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 77 - 10:53:38 ]
RE: [JessicaandKathleen/Columbia-Yelton/DentMiddleSchool] What kind of education do you need to go in the astronaut corps? About how long will it be until you can get in?
Jessica and Kathleen, unfortunately we've ended the chat for today. However, you can find out about astronaut requirements by visiting the NASA Johnson Space Center web site at http://www.jsc.nasa.gov.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 76 - 10:52:34 ]
We hope you will be able to join us for our next Space Team Online chat with Diane McMahon from NASA Johnson Space Center. This chat is scheduled for Thursday, May 20, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 78 - 10:53:52 ]
Be sure to share your comments about today's chat with us, by using our online surveys at http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/qchats/qchat-surveys.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 79 - 10:54:11 ]
Check the Space Team Online chat schedule page at http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/space/chats/#chatting.html to learn more about our upcoming Space Team Online chats. Also check our schedule of events page at http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/common/events to learn about other upcoming chats with NASA experts.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 81 - 10:54:36 ]
RE: [MrFiller/HarrisElementary] Thank you very much
You're welcome, Mr. Filler. Please join us again!

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 83 - 11:00:03 ]
RE: [JessicaandKathleen/Columbia] Thanx for taking the time to chat and answering our questions
Our pleasure, Jessica and Kathleen. We hope to hear from you online again!