Space Team Online Web Chat

Date: December 10, 1997

Featuring: Stuart Engelhardt
Software Developer
NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX

[ Karen/TheWhiteLakeSchool-Massey/TheWhiteLakeSchool - 8 - 09:58:58 ]
Good Morning from Fort Worth, Texas. We are second graders. We are learning about space and computers.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 9 - 10:00:36 ]
Karen and Rowland, thanks for joining us. We will begin our chat shortly. Please stay with us!

[ Rowland/-Massey/TheWhiteLakeSchool - 15 - 10:07:49 ]
You're welcome. We will wait awhile.

[ Karen-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs. - 16 - 10:09:21 ]
We are logged on for the chat.

[ Brandon-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs. - 19 - 10:11:15 ]
Hi, we are logging on from University School.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 14 - 10:07:12 ]
While we wait for Stuart, I would like to invite those of you unfamiliar with our project to learn more about Space Team Online. Please visit our homepage at http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/shuttle .

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 20 - 10:13:37 ]
Stuart works with a small group of software developers to develop and train astronauts how to use computer applications which are used during space shuttle missions. The engineers are part of the Space Operations Computing (SpOC) Team at NASA Johnson Space Center. Stuart has also worked as a flight controller in the Mission Control Center, and provided support for the STS-69 and STS-73 missions.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 22 - 10:14:54 ]
Hello Everyone!

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 23 - 10:15:47 ]
Welcome, Stuart. We are ready to take questions from our participants.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 26 - 10:17:08 ]
EVERYONE, Stuart has now joined us and is ready to take your questions. Thank you very much for waiting.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 27 - 10:18:03 ]
RE: [James-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Does the 0 gravity affect how the computer works?
In some aspects it can. We flew some Macs a long time ago, and when the automatic eject for the floppy ran, it spat the floppy across the shuttle. Also, when we fasten computers down, you have to be careful with cables, if they are fastened wrong, you could have a power cord holding the whole mass of the computer.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 28 - 10:19:23 ]
RE: [Karen-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Mr. Englehardt, thank you for letting us join in this chat today. Can you tell us what kind of tools you use in your capacity at NASA?
I work as a programmer using C++, Delphi, Visual Basic, Microsoft Access. As a system administrator for our web-site, I work on Microsoft NT 4.0 and WebSite by O'Reilly. I also code HTML with Notepad.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 32 - 10:22:23 ]
RE: [Richard-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Do the computer chips have to be specially manufactured to withstand fluctuations with temperature and pressure.
No. We use COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) products whenever we can. We do have a lab that evaluates all of the vibrations, oscillations and any gasses that they might give off. We also check for flammability and power drain, as we want to manage our consumables (propellants) onboard as best we can.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 34 - 10:24:08 ]
RE: [Hank-Massey/TheWhiteLakeSchool] Do you use a satellite to get messages to the shuttle?
Yes, the typical path to the shuttle is from JSC to WhiteSands, then to either TDRS East or West, depending on where the orbiter is. We have a ZOE (Zone of Exclusion) over the Indian Ocean, but have a naval station on the ground that can sometimes provide a connection.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 36 - 10:27:07 ]
RE: [Karen-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Thank you very much for your answer. What gave you the incentive to be in the position you are in?
When I was in high school - here in Clear Lake, my Sunday School teacher was an astronaut at that time. David Leestma. He is now director of the astronaut branch. He had the most impact in using my computer interest with space.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 39 - 10:28:42 ]
RE: [Jason-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Did you use a computer program to determine the shape of the new space shuttle? If so was it a simple algorithm or was it more manual?
I've not worked with any of the development of the new shuttle. I think it is the X-33 or X-34. I know they are planning on using more of our portable computers to control the new vehicle, as they are easier to manage and reconfigure.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 40 - 10:29:34 ]
RE: [Emily-Massey/TheWhiteLakeSchool] Did you help Voyager 1 and 2 take pictures of the planets?
No, the Voyager and other deep space programs are typically controlled from JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory). I think the pictures are great, though. And Hubble is getting some good ones, too.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 41 - 10:30:43 ]
RE: [Karen-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] We're a sixth grade class at University School. Do you expect to use the space shuttle for the establishment of a space station on the moon?
The current space shuttle fleet will probably be replaced by a new fleet before we do any more work on the moon. Right now there is more effort to look to mars than the moon, and that may delay anything else with the moon, too.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 43 - 10:32:20 ]
RE: [Karen-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] We're a sixth grade class at University School. Do you expect to use the space shuttle for the establishment of a space station on the moon?
Also, the shuttle can only go into LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and couldn't manage to get to the moon itself. We might build a space station that would help get to the moon with another vehicle. One more suitable for space flight, instead of going in and out of an atmosphere.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 44 - 10:34:15 ]
RE: [Chris-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Thank you for your excellent responses. What is the primary power source for all of the electronics in the space shuttle?
We have an elaborate fuel system for both the main engines, smaller control jets and power units. These use various gases to fuel them, some are toxic. That is why we have to "safe" the vehicle right after landing, to make sure no bad gases are leaking, to harm the crew or other people as the get off the shuttle.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 47 - 10:36:02 ]
RE: [Karen-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Thank you for your answers. Was science your favorite subject in sixth grade?
I enjoyed science, but I believe orchestra was my favorite throughout all of junior high. I was in the GATE program and was bussed to a junior high across town, so I had extra time after school to wait for my ride, and I enjoyed playing my violin.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 51 - 10:39:20 ]
RE: [James-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Thank you from University School.. What does fire look like in 0 gravity in the spaceship?
Well, first, we are not in 0 gravity. It is a term that has become popular by the media. Actually the gravity is roughly 8.9m/s/s where as on earth the gravity is 9.8m/s/s. The difference is we are in a constant balance - or free-fall in orbit. Fire on orbit is in a spherical shape, since heat can escape in all directions. On the earth, heat rises because of the imbalance of gravity.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 52 - 10:40:39 ]
RE: [Rowland/Allyson/Davion-Massey/TheWhiteLakeSchool] How does your computer work? Is it bigger than mine in school? We are second graders, learning about space and computers.
The PGSCs we fly in space (Payload and General Support Computers) are IBM 755c Thinkpads. They are 486s with 36MB RAM and ~500MB hard drives.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 54 - 10:42:05 ]
RE: [Karen-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Mr. Englehardt, did you ever want to go into space yourself?
I would like to go into space, but probably if we get a chance to go to Mars or a more permanent station than the one we are planning now. Of course, I would probably take any opportunity if it was available! Wouldn't everyone?!

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 55 - 10:44:37 ]
RE: [Bryan-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Thank you for your answers. How much electricity does it take to power the shuttle's computers?
I'm not really sure about this. If you have a chance to look on the JSC web (www.jsc.nasa.gov) see if you can locate a position called ECLS (eeclis) or EECOM that deals with those systems.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 57 - 10:45:15 ]
RE: [ Rowland/-Massey/TheWhiteLakeSchool - 11 - 10:04:11 ] How does the message get to the shuttle?
Messages get to the shuttle through the position I used to work in the MCC. The MATS (Message and Timeline Support) is a back-room position that supports the FAO (Flight Activities Officer). Messages for the crew, and changes for their timeline (things to do today) are sent up through this position.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 58 - 10:47:00 ]
RE: [David-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Thank you for your responses. How much does the computer equipment cost to run the shuttle?
That's a hard question to answer. The actual five GPCs (General Purpose Computers) that fly the shuttle are based on the old 8088 computers - before 286, 386, 486 and Pentiums. The ones we use for Payloads and General Support are IBM Thinkpads (755 now, going to be 760 soon) and you might find information at www.ibm.com.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 61 - 10:48:56 ]
If you guys would like to see the applications I create, with other members of the SpOC Team, look at our website: http://fltproc.jsc.nasa.gov/poccb/SpOC/

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 62 - 10:50:41 ]
RE: [Karen-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Thanks again for your answers. We're the sixth grade again. Have you made any discoveries related to space study?
I haven't made any discoveries myself, but I worked with the crew of STS-75, the Tethered Satellite System, and using my application they discovered that the electricity generated by the earth's magnetosphere is greater than physics had predicted.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 65 - 10:53:01 ]
RE: [Ravi/Amber-Massey/TheWhiteLakeSchool] Can you send or receive messages in the ZOE? We like to talk on the computer.
In the ZOE, the shuttle cannot "see" either of the TDRS satellites (east or west). Only if we are over the naval station on an island in the Indian Ocean can we get messages up and down. But the ZOE usually only lasts 5-20 minutes. I think the name is something like Diego Garcia, the island where the naval station is, but not certain.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 67 - 10:54:28 ]
RE: [Cameron-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] What type of education is required to achieve the type of position you hold?
A good background in computers, from the operating systems to the hardware, and plenty of programming. Usually you need a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 68 - 10:55:27 ]
RE: [StuartEngelhardt/JSC] In the ZOE, the shuttle cannot "see" either of the TDRS satellites (east or west). Only if we are over the naval station on an island in the Indian Ocean can we get messages up and down. But the ZOE usually only lasts 5-20 minutes. I think the name is something like Diego Garcia, the island where the naval station is, but not certain.
Ravi, check with your science or geography teacher and see if you can find that island. It is an interesting place.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 70 - 10:57:14 ]
RE: [Karen-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] That sounds pretty impressive. When in space, how much heat from the sun can the space shuttle withstand?
The shuttle can withstand all of the direct sunlight from the heat that is out there, as well as all of the cold from deep space. See, if the payload bay is facing the sun, it has hundreds of degrees of heat. At the same time, the belly is facing deep space and has no heat, nearly -277 degrees or about three degrees above absolute zero.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 72 - 10:58:47 ]
RE: [Karen-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] That sounds pretty impressive. When in space, how much heat from the sun can the space shuttle withstand?
We have a special lab out here at JSC called SESL (like Cecil) for Space Environment Simulation Laboratory. It can simulate a vacuum close to that of space, with the heat of the sun on one side and the cold of deep space on the other. We use it to check out satellites and payloads, to see how they will hold up on the mission. Look for SESL on the JSC website, at http://www.jsc.nasa.gov

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 74 - 11:00:01 ]
RE: [David-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Thank you for your responses. Is it possible to receive television waves while in the space shuttle?
Yes. Actually the band we send down from the shuttle is a Ku band for video. It is the same type of bands used for television broadcasts in your city areas. We have also flown a television receiver, made by IBM, in one of the Thinkpads, to work with a payload.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 75 - 11:02:08 ]
RE: [JamesP-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Thank you for your responses. Do the magnetic fields of the planets cause interference with the computers on the shuttle?
Not so much the magnetic field as the ion particles from the sun's solar wind, we sometimes call it a "cosmic ray hit." They can flip a single bit in RAM, and can cause a program to crash if it doesn't protect against that type of memory corruption. The hard disks are usually not so easy to corrupt, but RAM is.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 78 - 11:03:32 ]
RE: [Karen-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] We are really enjoying participating in this chat today. Thank you for the opportunity. When the space shuttle is in space, what hours do you work?
My hours are usually normal now days. When I worked in a controller position it would float with whatever shift I was assigned to, and that could be anytime. This last mission, with the SPARTAN satellite and VGS system checkout, I worked a few late night hours when the crew was operating the RMS or a payload, or going EVA.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 80 - 11:05:55 ]
RE: [DanielH-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Thank you for your response. Please tell us what missions you have worked on and if so, which one was your favorite?
We did some work on STS-82 with the Hubble Telescope Servicing Mission back in February of this year. That was fun. The program we are developing was being tested then, helping the astronauts use the RMS better - keeping them more aware - RSAD (RMS Situational Awareness Display).

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 82 - 11:07:29 ]
RE: [Stuart-Massey/TheWhiteLakeSchool] Is your job hard or fun? My dad works at Lockheed. Did you notice my name?
My job is both hard and fun. I think it would be boring and not a fun job if it wasn't a challenge. I have had an opportunity to revolutionize a few things around here, and be part of some really cool programs and projects. Like the name, Stuart :-)

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 84 - 11:09:03 ]
RE: [Matt-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Your answers have been excellent and much appreciated. Did you have to re-program the computers for each different shuttle mission?
There are some aspects that have to change, but usually not the program itself. We include flight-specific data in the INI files for the programs, and they read those to deal with the different data. One example is the RMS - robotic arm. They had to change the one out at the last minute on this last mission, from arm 303 to 301 or vice versa. We just updated the joint biases in the INI file and that fixed the change for us.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 85 - 11:09:25 ]
RE: [Karen-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] The sixth grade science class at University School thanks you for providing us with this chat today. We learned a lot! We must log off now. Bye.
Thanks for joining us today; we hope you can join us again for another chat! Happy Holidays!

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 87 - 11:10:13 ]
Thanks everyone, I've enjoyed conversing with you. Stay as long as you can, I'll answer more...

[ Brandon-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs. - 88 - 11:12:01 ]
Mr. Engelhardt, thank you so much for taking the time to answer questions today. It has been most enjoyable.

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 89 - 11:12:42 ]
RE: [Brandon-Karen/Univ.Schl.ofNovaSECoralSprgs.] Mr. Engelhardt, thank you so much for taking the time to answer questions today. It has been most enjoyable.
You are welcome. Anymore questions?

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 92 - 11:15:33 ]
If anyone has anything else later, or wants to look at the website for my department at Johnson Space Center, and ask questions about it, feel free. My e-mail is listed there: http://fltproc.jsc.nasa.gov

[ Karen-Massey/TheWhiteLakeSchool - 93 - 11:15:36 ]
Thank you very much for talking to us today. We think that you are very nice. We have learned very much today. Thank you for your answers and cooperation. Second grade is hard but very fun. We wish our teacher was like Mrs. Frizzle so we could go into space. Ten of us think that we would like to work in space or for NASA. We have to go now. Thank you. Second Graders

[ StuartEngelhardt/JSC - 95 - 11:16:42 ]
RE: [Karen-Massey/TheWhiteLakeSchool] Thank you very much for talking to us today. We think that you are very nice. We have learned very much today. Thank you for your answers and cooperation. Second grade is hard but very fun. We wish our teacher was like Mrs. Frizzle so we could go into space. Ten of us think that we would like to work in space or for NASA. We have to go now. Thank you. Second Graders
You are welcome, Vive Diu Et Proveni!

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 94 - 11:15:58 ]
Thank you to everyone for joining us for today's chat with Stuart Engelhardt from NASA Johnson Space Center. A special thanks to Stuart Engelhardt for joining us and for spending additional time with us.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 96 - 11:17:31 ]
We hope you can join us for future chats; please check the chat schedule at http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/space/events/interact.html to find out about our upcoming chats.