Puerto Ricans in NASA
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Puerto Rican community is the second largest Hispanic group in the United States. They are mostly known for their contributions to the fields of the arts, entertainment and sports. Puerto Ricans have, however, also made contributions to the fields of education and science. There are many Puerto Rican scientists involved in the American Space Program, also known as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
On May 6, 2004, Joseph M. Acaba became the first Puerto Rican to become an astronaut candidate and on February 10, 2006 the first to complete said training. Dr. Nitza Margarita Cintron was named Chief of NASA's Johnson Space Center Space Medicine and Health Care Systems Office in 2004. Dr. Felix Soto Toro is the scientist who developed an electronic 3D measuring system (APTMS) for the Space Shuttle. He also joined fellow Puerto Ricans Dr. Enectalí Figueroa and Henry Bursian Berríos as an astronaut applicant.
According to an article written by Margarita Santori Lopez for the official newspaper of the University of Puerto Rico's Mayaguez Campus, "Prensa RUM", as of 2003, of the 114 Hispanics working at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, 70 were Puerto Ricans or of Puerto Rican descent. [1]
The following are short profiles of Puerto Rican men and women and their contributions and achievements in NASA.
[edit] Short profiles
[edit] Roberto Alemán
Electronics Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
Environmental Instruments Director
Alemán directs everything that is related to the environmental instruments which the United States provides to the European Space Agency in order to operate the MetOp, a European satellite that provides environmental information to both Europe and the United States.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland
[edit] Adán Rodríguez-Arroyo
Electronics Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
Rodriguez-Arroyo is the Communications System Lead Engineer for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission, to be launched in 2008. Arroyo was in charge of the design of the communications systems of the "Global Precipitation Measurement” satellite.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland
[edit] Renán Borelli
Mechanical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
SWIFT satellite instrumentation Manager
The Swift is a multi-wavelength space-based observatory dedicated to the study of gamma-ray burst (GRB) science.
NASA Goddard Space Center in Maryland
[edit] Anthony M. Busquets
Electronics Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
His responsibilities include the development and application of multifunction control/display switch technology in 1983 and Development and application of a microprocessor-based I/O system for simulator use in 1984.
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
1986-Certification of Recognition (NASA Tech Brief Publication), 1987, 92-Certificate of Recognition (NASA Innovation Disclosure), 1992-NASA Team Excellence Award, 1993-Certificate of Outstanding Performance, 1995, 97-NASA Performance Award.
He is the author and or co-author of over 13 conference papers and NASA formal publications in the areas of cockpit controls and displays, use of stereoscopy in flight displays and pictorial flight displays for situation awareness enhancement.
NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia
[edit] Miguel Alvarez Chico
Computer Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
System Hardware Design Engineer for the Aft-Deck Simulator and the Cockpit Motion Facility.
He is also the Assistant Systems Engineer, General Aviation Simulator (reactivation) - support of the AWIN research study (1998 - 2002),
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia
[edit] Gilberto Colón
Chemical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
Associate Director for the Sun Earth Connections Programs
Colon is the director of the NASA program known as "Living with a Star/Solar Terrestrial Probes". He travels throughout the United States and Puerto Rico during the summers, instructing teachers of both private and public educational facilities.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland
[edit] Juan A. Cruz
Aerospace Engineer, Aero Space Technologist
"Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Parachute"
NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia
[edit] Lydia Del Rio
Analyst
"Research and Program Management and Center Full Cost Program Analyst."
Del Rio is responsible for planning and managing R&PM and for evaluating the effectiveness of its program efforts, and for the allocation of resources and funds utilization.
NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida
[edit] Dr. Alfonso Eaton
Mechanical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
Assistant Director of the Engineering Division of the Goddard Space Flight Center.
"In 1966, Eaton became the first Puerto Rican and graduate of the Mayaguez Campus of the University of Puerto Rico to work for NASA. Eaton retired on September 2005, after 39 years of service to the Space agency."
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
2000-NASA Medal for exceptional service, 200-NASA Medal for extraordinary service.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland
[edit] Dr. Enectalí Figueroa
Mechanical Engineer, Astronaut applicant
Astrophysicist
"Dr. Figueroa's research interests revolve around the development of high-energy-resolution imaging spectrometers for space-borne applications in experimental astrophysics and cosmology."
"Dr. Figueroa pioneered the development of position-sensitive detectors that will provide an order of magnitude more pixels (and thus larger field of view) than traditional single-pixel X-ray microcalorimeters."
In 2004, Dr. Figueroa was one in a group of 120 people chosen from 5,000 applicants to be interviewed as a possible astronaut candidate.
Dr. Figueroa is also an Assistant Professor of Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology {MIT] and the author of various papers including "Position-sensitive low-temperature detectors".
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland
[edit] Dr. Orlando Figueroa
Mechanical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
"Director of Solar System Exploration Division and Mars Exploration"
Headed the cryogenic technology section, played a key role on the Cosmic Background Explorer mission, and managed a Space Shuttle Helium on Orbit Mission. Manager for the Small Explorers (SMEX) project, manager for the Explorers Program, and Director of Systems Technology and Advanced Concept Directorate. On August 1, 2004, was named Deputy Associate Administrator for Programs.
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
1993-NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal for SMEX, 1994-Community Stars Award, 2001-Presidential Rank Award for Outstanding Performance as a Senior Executive, 2002-Pioneer Award, 2002-Hispanic Business magazine named Fiqueroa to its list of the nation's 100 Most Influential Hispanics.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland
[edit] Guillermo A. Gonzalez
Electronical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
"In Space Propulsion-Solar Sails Program Manager"
Specialty: Electropyrotechnics Firing circuit & Nickel Cadmium Battery Systems.
NASA Group/Team Achievement Awards:
1989, 90-Group Achievement Award as member of the HALOE Instrument Team, 1990-Group Achievement Award as member of the X-29 Drop Model Team, 1994-Team Excellence Award for the X-31 Drop Model Program. Co-authored 3 publications in the area of aircraft flight testing.
NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia
[edit] Olga D. Gonzalez-Sanabria
Chemical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
"Director of the Engineering and Technical Services"
Gonzalez-Sanabria is responsible for planning, and directing a full range of integrated services including engineering, fabrication, testing, facility management and aircraft services for the Glenn Research Center.
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
1993-NASA Exceptional Service Medal, 2002-NASA Medal for Outstanding Leadership, 2004-Inducted to the Ohio Women Hall of Fame.
NASA Glenn Research Center in Ohio
[edit] Amri Hernandez-Pellerano
Electronics Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
"Power Systems Electronics Designer"
Hernandez-Pellerano designs, builds and tests the electronics that will regulate the solar array power in order to charge the spacecraft battery and distribute power to the different loads or users inside the spacecraft.
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
2003-The GSFC Engineering Achievement Award for her design of the Power Systems Electronics for the MAP mission.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland
[edit] Gloria Hernandez
Technical Manager, Aero-Space Technologist
"Supersonic Aerodynamics"
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
1998-NASA Performance Award and The National Association Top Women of the Sciences Award, 6 LaRC Superior Accomplishment Awards.
NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virigina
[edit] Annie Delgado-Holton
Project Control Specialist
As a PCG Delgado-Holton us responsible for the budget planning and analysis of a major portion of a program and or project for which she was selected. She provides support to the Exploration Systems Division (ESD) as member of the Project Control Office staff. Delgado-Holton evaluates financial trends and determines compliance with project guidance.
Delgado-Holton launched the first "Esperanza Community Dialogue", Esperanza is a non-profit organization in the Cleveland area, whose main goal is to provide students with the necessary resources to excel in their college careers. Esperanza Community Dialogue brings forth to the Center Esperanza scholarship recipients and their parents to learn and discuss the great opportunities offered at NASA GRC.
Delgado-Holton began her career at NASA Glenn Research Center as an Executive Support Assistant to the Aeronautics Directorate.
Dhe is also a member of LATINA and as a member she advocated for the inclusion of a Hispanic woman into the Ohio's Women's Hall of Fame.
NASA Glenn Research Center in Ohio
[edit] Lucas G. Hortas
Aerospace Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
1990-Certificate of Appreciation (Outstanding Accomplishments Control-Structure Interaction Program), 1987, 89, 94, 96-Certificate of Outstanding Performance, 1990-Group Achievement Award (Control-Structure Interaction Mini-Mast Team), 1990-92-Superior Accomplishment Award, 1996-Performance Award.
He is the author and or co-author of over 35 technical papers in the areas of system identification, vibration control and isolation, optimal control design and implementation, optimal actuator/sensor placement, model testing, and experimental verification of control methodologies.
NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia
[edit] Grisselle LaFontaine
Information Technologist
"Information Technology (IT) Specialist"
Part of LaFontaine's job is to assist in the implementation of federal IT mandates. She develops Web-based solutions to address information management needs. LaFontaine developed a dynamic web-based bulletin board called "Today@Glenn" and she created a web site documenting Cultural Change initiatives at Glenn. LaFontaine helped develop a NASA strategic plan for the advancement of Hispanics at the Center.
NASA Glenn Research Center in Ohio
[edit] Javier Lecha
Electronics Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
"Group Leader in the area of Electromechanical systems"
NASA Goddard Space Center in Maryland
[edit] María C. Lecha
Electronics Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
Lecha is in charge of a group of engineers who are in the process of developing the “Solar Dynamic Observatory” which will be launched into outer space in 2008.
NASA Goddard Space Center in Maryland
[edit] Dr. Carlos A. Liceaga, P.E.
Electrical and Computer Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
"Explorer Acquisition Manager"
For the Explorer Program, leads the development of proposal guidelines; and the technical, management, and cost evaluation of the proposals.
Specialties: Fault-Tolerant Computing, Reliability Modeling
NASA Awards:
2003, 06-Time-Off Award; 1995, 2003, 04, 05-Performance Award; 2002-For A Special Task Award; 1999, 2000, 01-Superior Accomplishment Award; 1998-Certificate of Recognition for Invention Disclosure; 1986-Special Achievement Award.
He is the author and or co-author of 12 publications in the areas of reliability modeling, fault-tolerant computers, space systems, spacecraft simulation, Shuttle/Station subsystems, and space mission proposal guidelines.
NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia
[edit] Dr. Carlos Ortiz Longo
Mechanical and Materials Material Science and Engineering
"Manager of the Crew Health Care System and Exercise Countermeasures"
Dr.Carlos Ortiz-Longo is currently the engineer, manager who is responsible for designs and maintemance of equipment that helps the crews of the International Space Station (ISS) stay fit; he began his career at NASA around 20 years ago, working on the Space Shuttle thermal protection system or TPS (the tiles) before transitioning into the ISS program, and was a semi-finalist astronaut candidate on the group 16 selection.
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
NASA Group Achievement Award, ORS Flight Experiment, 1986, NASA Productivity Improvement Award, New TCS Blanket Inspection Method, 1989, Golden Eagle Award, TCS Inspection, 1989, NASA Productivity Improvement Award, Thermal Interactive Mission Evaluation System (TIMES-89), 1989, Silver Snoopy Award, STS-40 Payload Bar Door Seal Anomaly, 1991, NASA Fellowship Program, 1992, NASA Group Achievement Award, Shuttle Plume Impingement Flight Experiment, 1995, Space Act Award, Thermal Interactive Mission Evaluation System, 1995, AR&SD Elite Team Award, Letter of Recognition from the Chief of the Automation, Robotics, and Simulation Division, for support given to operational evaluation of the FGB grapple fixture, Space Act Award, Thermal Synthesizer System, TSS, 1996, Letter of Recognition from the NASA Administrator, Daniel S. Goldin, for contributions in the development of the Quantitative Risk Assessment System (QRAS) model, 1997, NASA Group Achievement Award, Space Shuttle Risk Model Team, 1998, NASA Group Achievement Award, Space Station Phase 1 Program Team, 1998, NASA Group Achievement Award, Orbiter Upgrades Definition Team, 1998, Various Outstanding Performance Ratings, and Performance Awards, 1985-1997, Chairman, Thermal and Fluids Analysis Workshop (TFAWS), International Conference, NASA JSC, 1997 and the Silver Snoopy Award.
NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston
[edit] Debbie Martinez
Computer Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
"Expertise: Flight Simulation"
"Flight Systems and Software Branch" Software manager for the new Cockpit Motion Facility. Martinez's job consists of supporting La RC (Langley Research Center) researcher community with their particular flight research project studies utilizing the La RC simulation facilities. This involves understanding their problem domain, formulating possible solutions, allocating appropriate resources, and ensuring that the results satisfy their researcher's needs.
NASA Superior Awards:
1999-Outstanding performance and contributions to the FWP (Outstanding FWPC Representative),1999-Outstanding efforts in overseeing the final HSR simulation study at LaRC, 2001-Support of LaRC OEOP, 2001-2003-CMF DC6 Leadership. Plus numerous NASA Performance, NASA Team Excellence and NASA Group Awards. 1999-"Latina of the Year Award in Science and Technology" by "Latina" magazine.
NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia
[edit] Lissette Martinez
Electrical Engineer, Rocket Scientist
Martinez is the lead electrical engineer for the Space Experiment Module program at the Wallops Flight Facility which is part of NASA's Goddard Flight Facility.
She is responsible for providing electrical engineering support to Code 870 Space Experiment Module (SEM) program. She also is responsible for the testing of ground and flight hardware. Martinez works with students around the world, helping them with science experiments that will actually ride along on Space Shuttle missions and blast into space.
Martinez was part of the team that launched a rocket from White Sands, New Mexico to gather information on the Hale-Bopp Comet in 1999. She was featured in the November 2002 issue of Latina magazine.
NASA Wallops Flight Facility located in Virginia
[edit] Lourdes E. Miranda
Senior Program Analyst
Miranda co-manages the NASA Sponsored Research and Education Support Services Contract (SRESS). These services include support to the process for soliciting and selecting research investigations for NASA funding; logistical support to workshops and conferences for sponsored research and education; and maintenance of an interactive internet site and electronic database that allow for submission and storage of proposals and associated documentation.
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
2005-she was awarded the NASA Acquisition Improvement Award (AIA) the highest agency acquisition award; recognitions from EPA, CSC, government of Puerto Rico, the University of Puerto Rico, and from the Hispanic community in Washington, DC. she was also featured in "Tiempo Latino - Washington Post".
NASA Headquarters located in Washington, D.C.
[edit] Mayra N. Montrosa
Executive Officer for the NASA Chief Scientist
Montrosa is responsible for coordinating Science Policy at the Agency. She works with representatives from the NASA research organizations to ensure that the NASA Science Policy is implemented as intended. She is also in charge of developing the NASA implementation to the Federal Policy on Research Misconduct. She works to ensure communication within the Agency research programs and between NASA other Federal Agencies
NASA Headquarters located in Washington, D.C.
[edit] Dr. Marla E. Perez-Davis
Chemical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
"Chief Electrochemistry Branch"
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
2001-Women of Color Technology Award for Career Achievement, 2001-Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Award in Diversity.
Dr. Marla E. Perez-Davis holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering.
NASA Glenn Research Center in Ohio
[edit] Mercedes Reaves
Mechanical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
"Research Engineer"
Reaves is responsible for the design of a viable full-scale solar sail and the development and testing of a scale model solar sail. She is also responsible for planning experimental studies to validate analytical techniques and study solar sails dynamics.
NASA Langley Research Center in West Virginia
[edit] Dr. Miriam Rodon-Naveira
Biology-Aquatic Microbial Ecologist
"Senior Physical Sciences Technical Manager"
Dr. Rodon-Naveria is responsible for developing, coordinating and maintaining research and educational activities in support of NASA DFRC mission.
In 1995, she became the first woman minority Branch Chief within the National Exposure Research Laboratory. In 1998, she became the first Hispanic woman to hold the Deputy Directorship for the Environmental Sciences Division within the NERL.
Dr. Miriam Rodon-Naveria holds a PhD in Biology Aquatic Microbial Ecology.
NASA Dryden Flight Research Center located in California
[edit] Miguel Rodríguez
Mechanical Engineer
"Chief of the Integration Office of the Cape Canaveral Spaceport Management Office"
Rodriguez is responsible for overall integration of CCSMO functions including assuring the effective base operations, maintenance, sustaining engineering, support services for all NASA at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), 49th Space Wing at Cape Canaveral Air Base Station and Patrick Air Force Base which is provided through the Joint Base Operations and Support Contract.
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
Two NASA Exceptional Medals, KSC Leadership Award and the NASA Silver Snoopy Award.
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida
[edit] Otilia I. Rodriguez-Alvarez
Electrical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist "Solar B Mission Manager/Geospace Instrument Systems Manager"
Ms. Rodriguez-Alvarez began her career with NASA in 1986 at the Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, where she served as a test engineer with the Space Simulation Test Engineering Section. She then transferred to the Guidance, Navigation, and Control Branch, where she worked on solar array and antenna systems for the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and the X-Ray Timing Explorer (XTE). She later became the lead engineer for the Sensors and Actuators Team on the Microwave Anisotropy Probe (MAP).
After leaving the Engineering Directorate, she became the Instrument Manager for the Advance Baseline Imager for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Program. Currently she is the Solar B Mission Manager and the Geospace Instrument Systems Manager in the Sun Earth Connection Office.
Otilia received her B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus, and her M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the George Washington University, Washington, DC.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland
[edit] Dr. Pedro Rodriguez
Mechanical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
"Director of the test Laboratory in the Engineering Directorate at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center."
Dr. Rodriguez is responsible for the engineering services and facilities for in environmental structural and propulsion testing of NASA programs assigned to the Marshall Space Flight Center. Among his duties are research, development, qualification and acceptance testing of critical space and flight hardware, as well as the testing of relevant development hardware.
Dr. Rodriguez invented a portable, battery operated seat lift designed for people with degenerative knee arthritis to enable them to stand more easily.
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
NASA's Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Inventors Award, The Silver Snoopy Award, The Marshall Center Directors Commendation Award as the "Outstanding Hispanic Employee". The Puerto Rican Senate recognized Dr. Rodriguez with a resolution marking his engineering achievement.
Dr. Pedro Rodriguez holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
note:Dr. Rodriguez is the son of the late Puerto Rican salsa singer Pellin Rodriguez.
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama
[edit] Monserrate Roman
Micro-Biologist
"Chief Microbiologist"
Roman is the Chief Microbiologist for the Environmental Control and Life Support System project. She determines how microbes will behave under different situations and in different locations, such as the nooks and crannies of the Space Station.
She ensures safe water and air for the crew of the International Space Station.
NASA Marshall Flight Space Center in Alabama
[edit] Carlos A. Gómez Rosa
Electronics Engineer, Project Manager
Program Director of the EDOS Project
As director of NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Operations System Project, also known by its initials as "EDOS", Gómez Rosa's responsibilities include receiving, processing and distributing the data obtained from five satellites whose function is to study the Earth. Those satellites are "EO-1", "Terra", "Aqua", "ICESat" and "Aura".
EDOS has installations in Norway, Alaska, Wallops Island, Virginia and New Mexico that collect the telemetry from the different the spacecrafts. The data is transmitted and received at the Goddard Space Center where under the direction of Gomez Rosa, it is processed and sent to various data centers and scientific groups in the United States, Japan, England, and Holland.
Mr. Gomez-Rosa has a degree in Electrical Engineering (Magna Cum Laude) from the University Of Puerto Rico and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Carlos is now in his 18th year at NASA.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland
[edit] Desiree Santa
Administrator
"Congressional Liaison/Research Opportunity Administrator"
Management Analyst in the Office of Earth, performing analytical and evaluative work related to the management, organizational efficiency and productivity of program operations.
NASA Headquarters located in Washington, D.C.
[edit] Juan A. Román Velázquez
Mechanical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist
Space projects formulation Manager
Román Velázquez is in charge of a group of scientists and engineers who are the developers of the advanced concepts usded in the Space missions and whose technologies are to be used in telescopes and interferometry missions.
NASA Goddard Space Center in Maryland
[edit] Dr. Adolfo Figueroa Viñas
Astrophysicist
Dr. Figueroa Viñas is an Astrophysicist of the Physics Extraterrestrial Laboratory at the Goddard Space Center.
NASA Goddard Space Center in Maryland
[edit] NASA's Bonzzo Award
John Rivas from San Juan, Puerto Rico and creator of the comic strip "Bonzzo", designed some special "Bonzzo" strips commemorating NASA's achievements, including "Beyond the Moon", a calendar of the year 2000 honoring Hispanic heritage. NASA also instated the Bonzzo Award, a pint-size Bonzzo statue that will be given annually to the individual who makes the biggest contribution to NASA's Hispanic program.
