May 22, 2009

Marshall TV 2009 Summer Intern Fascinated by Broadcasting, Ares

OWhen Ashley Love started her summer internship with Marshall TV on May 20th, she hit the ground running.

In her first couple of days, the 19 year old upcoming sophomore at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville was part of major video shoots and edit sessions.

She considers this a great learning experience, because, while she is currently a radiology major, she is also fascinated with broadcasting, computers, and now with the Ares project.

2009 Marshall TV Summer Intern Ashley Love

One of her first video shoots was in Marshall Building 4705 where work was being done in support of the Ares I rocket.

“That was my favorite part so far,” she said.

Ashley is from Huntsville. Although a student at Wallace State, she actually got this internship through a program at Oakwood College.

She is no stranger to the Marshall Center. Her father, Willie Love serves as the Assistant Director of the Center’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity. He began his NASA career as a co-op student thirty years ago this year.

Ashley’s assigned Marshall TV mentor is Camille Sevier. Other members of the team, including Sarah Milligan, are also mentoring Ashley.

Although Ashley is not exactly sure what she will do in her career, this experience will go a long way in helping her decide whether television might be part of her professional life.

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May 13, 2009

Marshall TV Video Features Surprise, Out-Of-This-World Message

On April 20, 2009, Marshall employees came out in droves to a Centerwide social. The entertainment included a roast of recently retired Center director Dave King.

The roast was followed by a commemorative video that depicted the contributions King made to NASA’s success during his quarter century with the agency. That video included comments from former NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, former Associate Administrator and astronaut Bill Readdy, former KSC Director and astronaut Bob Crippen, and acting Marshall Center Director Robert Lightfoot.

But then, there was a message from the “highest levels of NASA… literally.” Members of the International Space Station Expedition 19 crew had recorded a script provided to them by Marshall TV. In it, they reflected on King’s career, and wished him Godspeed. The crew’s message came as a surprise to the Marshall employees, and to King and his family who were in attendance.

ISS Expedition 19 Crew

Shown recording their message from aboard the International Space Station (L to R) are Expedition 19 Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata, Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineer Michael Barratt.

Marshall TV originally proposed the idea for the crew segment. However, bringing it to fruition took the combined efforts of various NASA and contractor personnel at Marshall and at the Johnson Space Center.

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May 7, 2009

Marshall TV Broadcasts Center’s Portion of FY 2010 NASA Budget Briefing

Marshall TV broadcast the FY 2010 NASA budget proposal briefing by acting Center Director Robert Lightfoot (below) on May 7th. The LIVE program aired on Centerwide television, and originated from the 4316 activities building.

Acting Center Director Robert Lightfoot

Lightfoot’s presentation followed a briefing to the entire agency by acting NASA Administrator Christopher Scolese from NASA Headquarters which was shown on NASA TV.

For more information about the FY 2010 NASA budget proposal, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/budget

Earlier in what was a very busy day, Marshall TV documented the annual Center Director’s breakfast. That event took place in the Westin Hotel at Huntsville’s Bridge Street Town Centre.

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April 28, 2009

2009 Great Moonbuggy Race: LIVE and in HDTV

Inspired by the Apollo-era developers of the Lunar Rover, or Moonbuggy; High school and college teams brought their original creations to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center to compete in the 2009 Great Moonbuggy Race.

The human-powered, two person vehicles ran a rugged, and grueling simulated lunar track on April 3rd and 4th. 68 teams competed this year from 20 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Germany, India and Romania.

Marshall TV videographer Tyson Eason supports the HDTV coverage of the 2009 Great Moonbuggy Race.

The Rochester Institute for Technology, in Rochester, NY, took first place honors in the college division. Two teams shared the top spot in the high school competition: Erie High School in Erie, KS, and the Huntsville (AL) Center for Technology.

As has been the case since the first race in 1994, Marshall TV documented the event on video. This year the race was captured entirely in High Definition TV, and several dozen LIVE shots were conducted with various TV stations across the country. Those stations were also provided with edited video, or B-Roll, of the race.

“We did have a first this year,” said Marshall TV producer Bill Hubscher. “We attached small high-definition cameras to two of the moonbuggies and recorded their run from the buggy’s point of view. This added a new dimension to our coverage.”

Joining Hubscher on the moonbuggy race support team were Marshall TV’s Camille Sevier, James Bilbrey, Sarah Milligan, Tyson Eason, Lee Erickson, and Curtis Bishop, and Bob Moder.

For more information about the Great Moonbuggy race, visit:
http://moonbuggy.msfc.nasa.gov

To see more 2009 Great Moonbuggy Race photos, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/moonmars/moonbuggy.html

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March 24, 2009

Marshall TV Video Captures Excitement of Cross Country 2008 Space Exploration Exhibit Tour

Last year, a unique, highly interactive, and state-of-the-art traveling NASA exhibit brought the excitement of America’s space program to people in 8 states. Its journey spanned 19,231 miles. Along the way, Marshall TV captured the excitement of visitors young and old. And, while the exhibit’s 2008 season may be over, it will live on through a recently produced video.

Titled” THE 2008 SPACE EXPLORATION EXPERIENCE EXHIBIT TOUR: “ONE ’COOL!’ JOURNEY,” the video weaves together highlights of the entire season into a fast paced five minute program.

“That was so fun. It was like the best thing I have ever been in,” says one young lady in the video..

“Yeah, that was cool!” One young man exclaims.

Space Exploration Exhibit receives guests at The Iowa Children's Museum in Coralville, IA.

At a stop in South Dakota, veteran astronaut Mike Fossum sums up the value of the exhibit for the students of today, and the space explorers of tomorrow, “They won’t leave the ground today, but their minds are leaving today as they are thinking about it, and they are getting there, it’s opening up their minds to that kind of exploration; those kinds of possibilities.”

The video shows exhibit stops at museums, festivals, and especially at schools where some teachers incorporated the event into their curricula. “I really don’t know how I am going to top the rest of the year,” says Ames, Iowa science teacher Diana Tibben.

Marshall TV producer Mick Speer was in charge of the overall project, and served as director of several of the on-location video shoots. He also oversaw the edit session.

“This video captures the excitement that the exhibit, and NASA’s exploration mission brings to communities large and small; especially those places that don’t have a NASA center in their backyard,” said Speer. “This was an extended project, and I think everyone involved can be proud of the final product.”

Joining Speer to lead video shoots at various locations were fellow producers Camille Sevier and Bill Hubscher. Hubscher also pulled double duty as he brought his narration talent to the program.

James Bilbrey and Tyson Eason were among the on-location videographers, Lee Erickson brought his editing talents to the mix, and Mike Arrington wrote the script.

To learn more about the exhibit, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/esmd/aboutesmd/outreach/exhibit_exploration_trailer.html

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March 5, 2009

Marshall TV Broadcasts STS-126 Astronaut Crew Visit

	Following their highly successful mission aboard Shuttle Endeavour to the International Space Station last November, crewmembers of STS-126 visited the Marshall Space Flight Center team on March 5th for the traditional post-flight briefing. Four members of the crew, led by veteran astronaut and mission commander Christopher Ferguson, discussed their ISS re-supply and servicing mission and shared video clips in Morris Auditorium. For those members of the Marshall team who could not attend in person, Marshall Television Services broadcast the event Centerwide. Seen here, top to bottom, are Commander Christopher Ferguson, Pilot Eric Boe, Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, and mission specialist Donald Pettit with Ferguson. Click the pictures to enlarge them. For more mission information visit the page at NASA.gov.

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December 5, 2008

Two Astronauts Present Marshall Television Producer with Prestigious “Silver Snoopy” Award

Silver Snoopy Award Winner (Left-to-Right) Astronaut Scot D. Altman, Silver Snoopy Award winner Anthony Orton, Astronaut John M. Grunsfeld, and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Deputy Director Robert Lightfoot. The group poses after Orton was presented the prestigious award. (Photo by David Higginbotham, MSFC/UNITeS)

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October 24 , 2008

Marshall TV Team Proves Mettle During Marathon Week of High-Profile Activities

Given a marathon week of high-profile, back-to-back assignments; the Marshall TV team seized the opportunity, and proved, once more, just what they are capable of doing under pressure.

Producer Camille Sevier, manager George Baker, and technical director Sarah Milligan work in the Marshall TV Control Room during the NASA Administrator’s All-Hands meeting

A variety of events involved the NASA Administrator, the Marshall Center Director, a gathering of some of the other key figures in the aerospace industry, and more than two-hundred of the world’s renowned Gamma-Ray astrophysicists.

Here is a rundown of the key events that Marshall TV supported during the week of October 20th:

• NASA Administrator Mike Griffin held an all-hands meeting with Marshall Center Director Dave King, and members of the Marshall workforce. Marshall TV broadcast the event LIVE Centerwide.
• Administrator Griffin also addressed the annual Wernher von Braun Symposium which took place at two locations at the Von Braun Center. Marshall TV documented activities at both venues.
• The 2008 Gamma-Ray Burst Symposium brought hundreds of astrophysicists to Huntsville’s Embassy Suites. Marshall TV shot 23 one-on-one interviews with scientists involved with the Fermi and Sprint satellite observatories

NASA Administrator Mike Griffin and Marshall Center Director Dave King conduct an All-Hands Meeting at MSFC. (Photo by David Higginbotham, UNITeS)

The annual Von Braun Awards Dinner filled the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Davidson Center. During that event, which was hosted by CNN’s Miles O’Brien, five Marshall TV-produced mini biographies introduced each of the award recipients. The TV team also documented the evening event from start to finish.

The team supported the kick-off of the annual Combined Federal Campaign, or CFC. The event, which took place in Morris Auditorium, was videotaped by Marshall TV.

Sarah Milligan calls the shots during the LIVE broadcast of the NASA Administrator’s All-Hands meeting.

“Those events involved just about all of our team members, and video equipment,” said Lead Producer Bob Moder. “We began our planning and coordination weeks in advance, and I think we can all be proud of the end results.”

“I think the team did an outstanding job on all of these events,” said Marshall TV manager George Baker. “We have a long heritage of providing professional support to our NASA customer even when the pressure is on, and this was another opportunity to prove what we can do, and how well we can do it.”

July 23, 2008

Marshall TV Broadcasts ISS Expedition 15 and 16 Crewmember’s Visit

Marshall Television Services provided LIVE Centerwide coverage of a visit by three astronauts representing the International Space Station’s Expedition 15 and 16 crews.

Astronauts Peggy Whitson, Daniel Tani, and Clayton Anderson addressed the Marshall community in Morris Auditorium on July 22nd. They presented video highlights of their missions which expanded and maintained the orbital laboratory.

All three astronauts praised the Marshall team for their integral role in ISS mission success.

International Space Station astronauts (L-to-R) Peggy Whitson, Daniel Tani, and Clayton Anderson brief the Marshall community, and praise them for their role in mission success. (Photo by Emmett Given / UNITes)

Whitson served as the commander of Expedition 16, which was her second long duration stay aboard the ISS. She previously flew aboard Expedition 5. With 377 days in orbit, she has logged more time in space than any other U.S. astronaut.

Tani served as the Expedition 16 Flight Engineer, and logged 120 days in orbit during the flight. He is also a veteran of STS-108 – the 12th Shuttle mission to visit the ISS.

Anderson made his first space flight during the Expedition 15 mission. He lived and worked aboard the ISS for five months serving as, both, the Flight Engineer and Science Officer.

Members of the Marshall TV crew who worked the event were Camille Sevier, Mick Speer, Lee Erickson, Dusty Hood, Gerald Shelley, Rachel Evans, Alvin Lowery, Sarah Milligan, and Robert Drake.

To find out more about these astronauts and their missions, visit:

Peggy Whitson
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/whitson.html

Daniel Tani
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/tani.html

Clayton Anderson
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/anderson-c.html

Expedition 15
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition15/index.html

Expedition 16
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition16/index.html

June 17 , 2008

U.S. Congressman, Students Among Multitude of Visitors to Traveling Space Exploration Exhibit in New Jersey

Marshall TV’s continuing coverage of the 2008 Space Exploration Experience Exhibit tour recently took team members too Elizabeth, NJ from June 6th through the 11th. Among the multitude of visitors was U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, D-NJ-10th.

Marshall TV producer Bill Hubscher, right, interviews U.S. Rep Donald Payne in New Jersey.

In addition to Rep. Payne, other visitors included students from Benedictine Academy, and the Dr. Albert Einstein Academy. Both, are in Elizabeth, NJ. The latter is a NASA Explorer school.

Marshall TV’s coverage of the exhibit’s tour will continue. Later this year, video crew’s will catch up with the customized tractor-trailer truck AGAIN IN New Jersey, and then in Iowa and Minnesota.

June 09 , 2008

Marshall TV Documents NASA Traveling Exhibit Activities in Connecticut

Residents of Connecticut are among the latest to visit NASA’s 2008 Space Exploration Experience Exhibit.

America’s future plans to explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond, come to life in a traveling, multi-media, interactive exhibit.  Based in a customized NASA tractor-trailer truck, the 2008 space Exploration experience exhibit recently criss-crossed the state of Connecticut, and Marshall Television was on the road to document the activities.

Marshall TV videographer James Bilbrey prepares to document activities at the NASA exhibit in Bristol, CT.

Marshall TV producer Mick Speer and videographer James Bilbrey conducted a marathon video documentation journey alongside the exhibit from March 19th through June 5th. Their work took them to the Connecticut cities of Hartford, Bristol, and Bridgeport.

“The footage that we shot will ultimately be incorporated into a video that will summarize the exhibit’s nationwide travels following its 2008 run,” said Speer.

As enthusiastic students visit the exhibit by the busload in Bristol, CT, (left-to-right) NASA/Langley engineer Larry Cooper, NASA/Marshall Exhibit Tech Doug Whitt, and Marshall TV producer Mick Speer discuss the day’s activities.

The exhibit has been enthusiastically received by members of the public.

"We hope the multimedia experience helps people better understand how the country plans to explore the moon and journey beyond in the next decade or so," said outreach coordinator Keyke Reed, an exhibit spokesperson from NASA's Marshall Center.
"The exhibit simulates a breathtaking visit to the first destination on America's new journey into the solar system: Earth's moon," Reed said. "Interactive control panels and activity station, immersive 3D imagery and audio effects will plunge visitors into a not-too-distant future on the moon. They'll discover what it will be like to live and work on the surfaces of other worlds - and how it will benefit life back home on Earth."

NASA's Marshall Center manages the traveling exhibit for the agency's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate in Washington. For more information, visit: http://exploration.nasa.gov

May 09 , 2008

Death Valley Days

Mick Speer and Tyson Eason shoot video at Death Valley. (Photo by Dana Gould / NASA)

Marshall TV writer/producer Mick Speer (left) and videographer  Tyson Eason (right) braved the elements at Death Valley to document testing of the Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology (ALHAT) on May 4th and 5th.

Tyson Eason shoots video of helicopter used in testing at Death Valley. (Photo by Mick Speer)

Using a specially equipped helicopter, and Death Valley’s rugged terrain, researchers successfully tested the system that may someday land spacecraft on the Moon, and other celestial objects. The testing and television documentation was conducted in support of NASA’s Exploration Technology Development Program.

April 23 , 2008

Marshall TV’s James Bilbrey Garners Coveted 2007 NASA Videographer of the Year
Award

Marshall Television Services videographer James Bilbrey garnered one of the most coveted awards among his peers across the agency. During ceremonies at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas on April 15th, Bilbrey was named the 2007 NASA Videographer of the Year in the documentation category.

NASA Videographer of the Year Winner Marshall Television Services videographer James Bilbrey (right) is flanked by department manager George Baker. Bilbrey won top honors in the recently presented 2007 NASA Videographer of the Year competition. (Photo by Robert Moder)

Although Bilbrey knew he had won something in the competition, it wasn’t until the very last moment that the 10 year vet of Marshall TV learned that he had secured a first place trophy.

“I just want to say how proud, happy and thrilled I am to receive this award,” remarked Bilbrey. “I couldn't have done it without my co-workers, Anthony Orton, Carver Myhand and Sarah Milligan because shooting great video is a team effort.”

“We started this award as a way to recognize the talent behind the camera, the men and women whose work becomes a part of the history of the Agency,” Said Rodney Grubbs, NASA DTV Program Manager. “Our judges always comment how difficult it is for them to choose just one entry and are always impressed by the quality work they review.  Winners should be very proud of their accomplishment--the competition is always close!”

“Marshall TV has placed in this competition since it started, and James has previously won third and second place awards, but I knew that it was just a matter of time before our team brought home the first place trophy,” said Marshall TV Manager George Baker.

Bilbrey works for Honeywell Technical Services, Inc., which operates Marshall TV under NASA’s UNITeS contract at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL.

April 18 , 2008

Marshall TV Broadcasts STS-122 Crew Visit

Members of the STS-122 crew came to Marshall Space Flight Center on April 15th for the traditional post-flight briefing, and thanked members of the Marshall team for the outstanding performance of their Space Shuttle propulsion systems.

The crew members in attendance were Commander Stephen N. Frick, pilot Alan G. Poindexter, mission specialists Rex J. Walheim, Stanley Love, Leland D. Melvin, and Hans Schlegel.

Members of the STS-122 crew address the Marshall community, and area students. Seen here (from left-to-right) are:Stanley G. Love, Hans Schlegel, Alan G. Poindexter, STS-122 commander Stephen N. Frick, Rex J. Walheim, and Leland D. Melvin. (Photo by Doug Stoffer, MSFC/UNITeS)

The astronauts presented a highlights video from the 13 day mission aboard Atlantis which launched on February 7th, and concluded on February 20th.

STS-122 was the 24th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, and launched an Italian-built U.S. multi-port module for the station.

STS-122 crew members pose for a photo during their 13 day mission. From the left (front row) are NASA astronauts Stanley Love, mission specialist; Steve Frick, commander; Daniel Tani and Leland Melvin, both mission specialists. From the left (top) are NASA astronauts Rex Walheim, mission specialist; Alan Poindexter, pilot; and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Hans Schlegel, mission specialist. (Photo / NASA)

For those members of the MSFC community who could not attend in person, Marshall Television Services broadcast the event LIVE Centerwide. The production team included: Bill Hubscher, Lee Erickson, Mick Speer, Rachel Evans, Alvin Lowery, Bob Moder, Dusty Hood, Gerald Shelley, Robert Drake, and Shane Jackson.

As part of the broadcast, the astronauts fielded questions from inquisitive area students who just might fly in space themselves someday.

To learn more about the STS-122 mission visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts122/sts122missionfeature.html

April 08 , 2008

Marshall Television Captures, Shares Excitement of The 15th Annual Great Moonbuggy Race

The fifteenth annual Great Moonbuggy Race, which was held April 4th and 5th at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, brought dozens of student teams from across the nation, and as far away as Germany to the Rocket City for a harrowing challenge.

Moonbuggy Masters Student racers from Erie High School Team II in Erie, Kan., took first place in the high school division of NASA's 15th annual Great Moonbuggy Race.

Combining their innovation with their intellect, and adding a strong competitive spirit, the students took to their self-designed, self-propelled, two person moonbuggies. The half-mile track came complete with craters, gullies, and other obstacles they might find on the lunar surface. Some teams even faced a challenge they would never experience on the Moon: rain.

As has been the case since the very beginning of the annual competition, Marshall Television Services played a major role in supporting the event.

“We documented the event with three television cameras covering the action on the track and in the pits, and provided support for a variety of LIVE shots to hometown television stations across the country,” said Marshall Television Services producer Bob Moder. “That support included a two-minute feed of edited race highlights for TV stations to use in their coverage of the story.”

Despite the chilly rain, and the long hours on a Friday and a Saturday, Moder said, “it really is one of the most fun activities that we do during the year. The enthusiasm and excitement of the students makes working the race very enjoyable.”

It took the vast majority of the TV department to support the race, said Moder, “and, they did an outstanding job.”

In addition to Moder, other team members who supported the event were Camille Sevier, Bill Hubscher, Sarah Milligan, Lee Erickson, Tyson Eason, James Bilbrey, Rachel Evans, Alvin Lowery, Curtis Bishop, and Gerald Shelley.

As for the race winners, in the college division, the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana sped past 23 teams from around the globe to a four minute and 25 second victory.

In the high school competition, students from Erie High School in Erie, Kansas, earned their first-place trophy with a three minute and 17 second finish.

"Once again, we're amazed and inspired by the ingenuity and energy of our participating teams," said Tammy Rowan, manager of the Marshall Center's Academic Affairs Office, which organizes the moonbuggy race each year. "This race is a great example of how NASA's educational initiatives can inspire and motivate new generations to carry on the nation's journey of discovery, to the moon and onward into the solar system."

For more information about

The Great Moonbuggy Race visit:
http://moonbuggy.msfc.nasa.gov/

March 17 , 2008

Marshall Television Services Garners Two Prestigious Honors in Annual Telly Awards Competitio

Competing alongside video production professionals from all fifty states, and five continents, Marshall Television Services garnered two prestigious awards in the 28th annual Telly Awards competition.

The bronze awards were presented for two video productions: Chandra’s Universe, and the International Space Station Payload Operations Center video.

Chandra’s Universe chronicles the tremendously successful and on-going mission of the free-flying Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Chandra was launched by the Space Shuttle Columbia aboard the STS-93 mission in July, 1999. That video’s production team includes Mick Speer, James Bilbrey, Sarah Milligan, Tyson Eason, and Dusty Hood.

The ISS Payload Operations Center video provides a behind-the-scenes tour of the Marshall Space Flight Center-based science command post that links scientists around the world with their experiments aboard the International Space Station. The team that produced that video includes Bill Hubscher, Lee Erickson, James Bilbrey, Sarah Milligan, Tyson Eason, and Dusty Hood. Lori Meggs, with Marshall’s Public and Employee Communications Office, hosted the program.

“The 28th annual Telly Awards received more than 14,000 entries from some of the very best in our business. So, to be honored in this competition shows that we provide support to our NASA customers that meets and exceeds current industry standards” said Marshall Television Services manager George Baker.

For More Information:

Telly Awards
http://www.tellyawards.com/

Chandra
http://chandra.harvard.edu/

Payload Operations Center
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science/payload_ops.html

January 09, 2008

Marshall TV Broadcasts STS-120 Astronaut Crew Visit

Following their stellar mission to the International Space Station, the crew of STS-120 visited the Marshall Space Flight Center January 9th to present mission highlights, answer questions, and thank the Marshall community for its role in making the October 23 – November 7, 2007 flight so successful.

STS-120 Commander Pam Melroy updates the Marshall community on the successful mission to the International Space Station. (Photo by Doug Stoffer/UNITeS)

“Thank you, you did good,” STS-120 Commander Pam Melroy told the Marshall community. “It makes us proud to be on your team.””

For those who could not attend the Morris Auditorium event in person, the astronaut’s program was broadcast LIVE Centerwide by Marshall Television Services.

In addition to Melroy, the other astronauts in attendance were Pilot George Zamka, and Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski, Stephanie Wilson, Doug Wheelock, and Paolo Nespoli.

The crew of STS-120 visits Marshall. They are (from left-to-right) Scott Parazynski, Pam Melroy, George Zamka, Stephanie Wilson, Doug Wheelock, and Paolo Nespoli. (Photo by Doug Stoffer/UNITeS)

Also part of the STS-120 crew, but not at the Marshall event were Expedition 15/16 Flight Engineer Clayton Anderson who returned to Earth from the space station aboard STS-120, and his ISS replacement, Daniel Tani. Tani is slated to return on shuttle mission STS-122.

STS-120 was the 23rd shuttle mission to the International Space Station, and delivered an Italian-built U.S. multi-port module called Harmony Node 2.

The crew also conducted four spacewalks, including one to repair a torn and snagged solar panel. Outstanding work by the Shuttle, ISS, and ground crews resulted in a fully deployed and functional solar array.

The Marshall Television crew, who broadcast the event, included Bill Hubscher, Lee Erickson, Dusty Hood, Carver Myhand, James Bilbrey, Tyson Eason, Rachel Evans, Mick Speer, Gerald Shelley, and Christina Douglas.

For more information about STS-120, click the link below:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/launch/index.html

December 18 , 2007

Ares Quarterly Progress Report Team Earns NASA Group Achievement Award

The small steps and giant leaps leading to the next chapters in America’s space exploration are being carefully documented nationwide on High-Definition Television, scripted into concise programs, and packaged into multimedia presentations. Called Ares Quarterly Progress Reports, the programs highlight accomplishments made by NASA’s Ares Projects Office, which is developing the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle and is designing the Ares V Cargo Launch Vehicle.

The fifth episode in this ongoing series of progress reports was released this past summer, and on November 30th, the team responsible garnered a prestigious NASA Group Achievement Award.

NASA Group Achievement Award Winners Shown are some of the team members who earned a NASA Group Achievement Award for their work on the fifth episode of the Ares Quarterly Progress Report.  From left-to-right are  Christopher “Dusty” Hood, George Baker, Sarah Milligan, Greg Trent, Rachel Evans, Dawn Lyons, Anthony Orton, Debbie Solomon, NASA presenter Bob Armstrong, Shari Edwards, Camille Sevier, Carver Myhand, Lee Erickson, James Bilbrey, Alvin Lowery, and Robert Moder.

In part, the award reads, “for superior teamwork in the creation of the Ares Quarterly Progress Report #5.”

The commendation was signed September 12, 2007, by Marshall Space Flight Center Director David King, and was presented at a ceremony on Friday, November 30, by Marshall’s Ares Projects Office Director Steve Cook.

“I think this is a very outstanding group of people,” said the Ares Projects Office’s Bob Armstrong, who initiated the award for the production team.

“They took a very complex process, and made, not just one, but two very compelling video products. One is a five minute, narrated video for the general public. The other was used by Steve Cook in his presentation to the Exploration Systems Missions Directorate quarterly review. These videos are showing that we are doing a lot to make the future of space exploration happen. We are now doing real testing with real hardware,” said Armstrong.

The Marshall Space Flight Center’s UNITeS contract and the Office of Strategic Analysis and Communications teamed up for the project. The individuals involved include: George Baker, James Bilbrey, Martin Burkey, Tyson Eason, Shari Edwards, Lee Erickson, Dusty Hood, Bart Leahy , Alvin Lowery, Dawn Lyons, Tracy McMahan, Sarah Milligan, Robert Moder, Carver Myhand, Anthony Orton, Bruce Shelton, Jason Shoemate, Camille Sevier, Holly Snow, Debbie Solomon, Sherrie Super, Greg Trent, and Terry White.

The sixth episode in the Ares Quarterly Progress Report series has already been completed, and the seventh installment is currently in production.

“As for the quality, they just keep getting better all of the time,” said Armstrong.

November 30, 2007

Marshall TV Broadcasts ISS Crew Visit

International Space Station astronauts Michael Lopez-Alegria and Sunita Williams are two of a very select few people who have ever lived and worked in space for months at a time. The chance to hear them share their experiences and adventures filled Morris Auditorium with members of the Marshall Community and busloads of students. For those who could not attend in person, Marshall Television broadcast the event LIVE Centerwide.

International Space Station astronauts Michael Lopez-Alegria and Sunita Williams speak at Marshall’s Morris Auditorium. (Photo by David Higginbotham / UNITeS)

The astronauts narrated a video of mission highlights, and took questions from the audience. A majority of those questions came from mesmerized students.

One wide-eyed, ten year old asked Williams to comment about the future of space flight. Williams told the girl she just may have the opportunity to go to the Moon. That possibility may be more likely for youngsters today than it has been in generations.

During the broadcast of the astronaut visit, Marshall TV’s Alvin Lowery operates one of the cameras at the event, while Mick Speer serves as floor director. (Photo by David Higginbotham / UNITeS)

Marshall TV’s Bill Hubscher produced the broadcast. The production team included Lee Erickson, Rachel Evans, Alvin Lowery, Carver Myhand, Mick Speer, Dusty Hood, Gerald Shelley, Robert Drake, and Christina Douglas. 

For more information about these astronauts and their missions:

- Astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria Bio
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/lopez-al.html

- Astronaut Sunita Williams Bio
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/williams-s.html

October 23, 2007

Marshall TV Shines With Trio of High-Profile Projects On Same (Red Letter) Day

Monday, October 22nd, 2007 was a red letter day (and night) for Marshall Television Services as they supported three major, and extremely high-profile events.

NASA Administrator Mike Griffin gives the keynote address at the 2007 Wernher von Braun Awards Dinner. This was one of three separate high-profile events supported by Marshall Television Services on the same day. (Photo by David Higginbotham / UNITeS)

It began with an All-Hands meeting during which NASA Administrator Mike Griffin and Marshall Center Director Dave King answered a variety of questions from the Marshall community. The event was carried LIVE Centerwide by Marshall Television Services.

Marshall TV’s Camille Sevier produced the multi-camera coverage, which went off without a hitch. The production team included Lee Erickson, Sarah Milligan, Dusty Hood, Gerald Shelley, and Richard McWhorter.

At about the same time, Marshall TV documented a presentation at the National Space Science and Technology Center as part of the Distinguished Lecturer Series.

The speaker was Dr. Andrew Steele of the Carnegie Institution in Washington, D.C.  Dr. Steele’s lecture was titled “From the Artic, to the Space Station, To Mars – Science and Exploration – The Journey Has Just Begun”. Dr. Steele is a key member of the NASA astrobiology and solar system exploration community and an internationally recognized expert in the detection of microbial life.
Videographer Alvin Lowery single-handedly documented the ninety minute presentation.

That evening, the Marshall TV team supported the 2007 Annual Von Braun Awards. CNN anchor/reporter Miles O’Brien served as master of ceremonies, and NASA Administrator Mike Griffin was the keynote speaker. The awards recipients were X-Prize CEO Dr. Peter Diamandis (Von Braun Space Flight Trophy,) film legend George Lucas (Media Award,) U.S. Space & Rocket Center founder and author Ed Buckbee (Community Award,) the Gravity Probe-B Team (Engineering Award,) and Hokes Bluff, Alabama teacher Suzette Tommie (Aerospace Educator Award.)

Marshall TV’s Robert Moder led the production team which included Curtis Bishop, James Bilbrey, Tyson Eason, Rachel Evans, Alvin Lowery, and Lee Erickson. Using Marshall TV’s production truck, the team documented the multi-camera event, and integrated pre-produced videos into the ceremony.

Preparation for the awards event began weeks before as the TV team researched, wrote,  produced, and edited five two-minute videos introducing the various winners. Although George Lucas did not attend, Marshall TV worked closely with LucasFilms, Ltd. to secure needed photos and clips from “Star Wars.” LucasFilms, Ltd., previewed the script and the finished video, and replied: “It looks great!”

Rachel Evans, Robert Moder, Mike Arrington, and Shari Edwards worked on the introductory videos project.

“I am always impressed with the fact that this team consistently excels when they are really put to the test,” said Marshall Television Services manager George Baker. “That was a very challenging day, and the team’s performance was outstanding!”

Despite the extremely eventful and successful day that spanned about 14 hours, there was no time for the team to rest on their laurels. The following morning heralded the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-120 mission, and several other major projects were scheduled for later that same week.

September 12, 2007

Marshall TV Provides Live Centerwide Coverage of Congressional Visit

Two U.S. Representatives who are strong advocates for America’s space program visited Marshall on September 12, 2007, and brought an update that dealt with steady progress, and potential challenges in the years ahead.

The All-Hands update came from Huntsville’s own 5th District U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer, and U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon of Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District.

The address took place in Marshall’s Morris Auditorium, and was broadcast LIVE to the Center by Marshall Television Services.

Camille Sevier produced the one hour program. She praised the TV team for their “outstanding professionalism.” That team included Carver Myhand, Gerald Shelley, Lee Erickson, Mick Speer, Alvin Lowery, and Robert Drake.

U.S. Representatives (left to right) Bart Gordon (TN) and Bud Cramer (AL) address Marshall employees. (Photo by Emmett Given)

June 28, 2007

HTSI’s Marshall Space Flight Center Television, Imaging & Test Area Teams Earn Prestigious NASA Award

The Honeywell Technical Solutions, Inc. (HTSI) team working on the UNITeS contract at the Marshall Space Flight Center garnered three annual NASA awards for their Television, Imaging, and Test Area support.

Marshall Television Services earned the prestigious honor for producing the “Focus on Marshall” broadcast and streaming video series. Debuting in April, 2006, the monthly show informs the Marshall and NASA communities about important capabilities here. The team has also produced program segments at the Kennedy Space Center and the Michoud Assembly Facility.

Members of three HTSI teams at the Marshall Space Flight Center garnered NASA Group Achievement Awards. Among those were Marshall Television Services' "Focus on Marshall" team. Shown here (left-to-right) are Bob Moder, George Baker, Bill Hubscher, Lee Erickson, and Christopher Hood. (Photo by David Higginbotham, UNITeS/HTSI)

The Marshall TV team members included in the award are George Baker, Robert Moder, Bill Hubscher, Carver Myhand, Tyson Eason, Lee Erickson, Christopher Hood, and Robert Drake.

“It is great to get an award for something you enjoy so much,” said Moder. “It really is fun to produce this program, and to work with such a great team. We’ve consistently gotten great comments from our clients.”

Imaging Services photographer David Higginbotham was named in another NASA Group Achievement Award for his photographic support of the April 19th,2006 Open House at the Michoud Assembly Facility. The event highlighted the value -- to NASA, Louisiana and the nation -- of the Michoud complex, where contractors manufacture, assemble and process the space shuttle External Tank. Elements of the Constellation program are also slated to be built at the Michoud Facility.

"I am very proud of all of these award recipients," said manager George Baker. "The awards are indicative of their overall professionalism, and dedication to customer satisfaction.”

In addition to the group achievement Awards, UNITeS/HTSI Data Administrator Sherry Martin received individual honors for her support of Marshall’s Liquid Engine & Main Propulsion System Branch

The commendation read: “For outstanding dedication, personal sacrifice, technical contributions and leadership as the sole interface to all of the propulsion data system customers, both on-site and off-site, ensuring the real time and post test/flight data system and the real-time video/audio systems are operating flawlessly in support of all propulsion ground tests and flight. She provides all data system users with the data and software necessary to analyze the performance of propulsion systems ranging from small component tests to engine acceptance for flight. She ensures the data is available and is always on call to address issues.”

All of the awards were officially presented at the Marshall Center’s Honors Awards Ceremony on June 28th.