ANNUAL REPORT 2011-2012
Independent Research. Applied Innovation.
Founded in 1969, USRA is an independent
research corporation with competencies that span
space, Earth, and life sciences, along with related
disciplines. These competencies are closely
aligned with the nation’s science & technology,
homeland security, and national security agencies.
As a non-profit corporation, USRA’s scientific
and technical staff collaborates with over 400
academic and professional research organizations
annually. A member consortium of 105 major
research universities oversees USRA to ensure
that it meets its public purpose as a non-profit
in a way that provides equal, unbiased access
to opportunities for all researchers. This depth
of reach into the research community provides
a unique platform for advancing science and
technology.
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN & CEO
While space and Earth science is our major focus
today, USRA is adapting to the changing landscape in
opportunities for scientific and technological research
- even in areas that have historically been performed
almost entirely by the commercial sector.
INDEPENDENT RESEARCH. APPLIED INNOVATION.
Fiscal year 2010 was a period of exciting accomplishments for
USRA and expansion into new areas. The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), a 2.4 meter telescope carried
aloft by a 747 jetliner, undertook its maiden flight as an operational observatory. SOFIA is a joint project of NASA and the German
Aerospace Center (DLR). USRA and the German SOFIA Institute
(DSI) manage SOFIA’s science and mission operations. It will soon
become fully operational as NASA’s premier infrared submillimeter
observatory.
During this last year, USRA had close to 1,000 research collaborations with universities and other organizations, and over 700 paid
internships for students. Our international activities increased to
nearly 300 partnerships.
USRA also achieved significant success in its development of
public policy positions important to the university community. In
particular, we have made great strides in our work to reverse the
decline in small, university class missions that enable the participation of graduate and undergraduate students.
We began two new major activities. USRA was selected by NASA to
undertake a new program at the Goddard Space Flight Center for
studies and investigations in the Earth sciences; and the National
Science Foundation selected a team that included USRA for the
future management of the National Astronomy and Ionosphere
Center in Puerto Rico, also known as Arecibo Observatory. In both
of these activities, USRA is engaging the university community,
through joint faculty positions and increased student involvement,
both graduate and undergraduate. USRA is also bringing substantial HBCU participation at Goddard and the participation of
universities within Puerto Rico at Arecibo Observatory.
UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
While space and Earth science is our major focus today, USRA is
adapting to the changing landscape in opportunities for scientific
and technological research - even in areas that have historically been performed almost entirely by the commercial sector.
This year, USRA established a network of 28 university research
centers to support development and deployment of the Federal
Aviation Administration’s Next Generation Air Traffic Control.
Looking to the future, we see USRA and the university community
being tapped in entirely new ways by the Department of Defense
and other Federal agencies needing to bring innovation and new
thinking to advanced technology development that can support
their mission needs. USRA will continue to broaden its ability to
assemble and lead multi-university teams that can focus on the
specific needs of Federal agencies and develop and deliver novel,
lower-cost solutions. As universities are the backbone of U.S. R&D
and provide the highest potential for translational research, USRA
will play a crucial role in promoting universities as vital resources
to Federal agencies, especially in a time of declining Federal
expenditures.
Jan A. Van Prooyen
Chair, Board of Trustees
Frederick A. Tarantino
President and CEO
3
The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared
Astronomy, or SOFIA, began competed
guest investigator flights in May 2011.
Four instruments (two imagers and two
spectrometers) will be available for guest
investigator use this year.
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2011-2012
ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS
FLIGHT HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT
USRA scientists are experts in the design, development, and
deployment of flight hardware for space science missions for NASA
and the Department of Defense. USRA scientists have played
important roles in the development of flight instruments for orbital
missions like the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and the
Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory. They have also assisted in
the development of advanced instrumentation, such as the X-ray
polarimeter to be flown on NASA’s upcoming GEMS spacecraft,
high-energy direct imaging systems for high-resolution Gamma-ray
observations, and advanced navigation systems for deep-space
missions. USRA scientists also have experience with orbital and
suborbital observing platforms, ranging from the design and
construction of advanced, lightweight foil mirrors for X-ray satellites, to balloon-borne observatories, to the high-altitude platforms
and instruments flying aboard the Stratospheric Observatory for
Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). Finally, USRA astronomers will lead
a collaboration to develop next generation instrumentation for
radio astronomy to be used in many of the world’s largest radio
observatories.
SCIENCE SUPPORT
Known for outstanding scientific analyses, USRA scientists lend
their expertise to astronomy missions that span the electromagnetic spectrum. USRA scientists serve the science community by
supporting data access and analysis and have played key roles in
developing science support capabilities for many important missions, such as the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, the Swift
mission, the Chandra X-ray observatory, Arecibo Observatory, and
others.
Infrared Astronomy. Flying up to 45,000 feet, SOFIA’s suite of
seven first-generation instruments will enable astronomers to look
at galaxies and the Milky Way’s galactic center; the motions of
stars around supermassive black holes; the Milky Way’s interstellar medium, organic molecules in space; how interstellar material is recycled; and details of the formation of stars and planets.
Infrared image of the heart
of the Orion star-formation
complex taken from the
Stratospheric Observatory
for Infrared Astronomy
(SOFIA) using the FORCAST mid-infrared camera.
UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
SOFIA’s 20-year operational lifetime will enable long term temporal
studies and follow-up of work initiated by SOFIA itself and by other
observatories.
Radio Astronomy. Because radio waves can penetrate through
dust clouds, USRA radio astronomers are able to study regions
that cannot be seen in visible light. USRA scientists are currently
studying the amount and distribution of extragalactic neutral hydrogen gas along with studies of compact objects and pulsars and
the electromagnetic and gravitational radiation they emit.
High Energy Astrophysics. Central to modern astrophysics,
high energy bands (including the extreme-UV, X-ray and gammaray) allow USRA scientists to study the physics of black holes, neutron stars, supernovae, interacting binaries, soft gamma repeaters
and anomalous X-ray pulsars, transient accreting pulsars, and
gamma-ray bursts, their afterglows, and host environments.
DATA MANAGEMENT
Data volumes in government and private archives are growing exponentially as data collection techniques become more advanced.
These enormous volumes of data, unimaginable only a few years
ago, require sophisticated technologies for storage, verification,
searching, and access. Interconnectivity between geographically
separated archives, as well as cloud storage capabilities and
virtual environments, are increasingly important.
USRA scientists are experts in data standards and maintenance,
interconnectivity, private cloud storage, data browsing and
retrieval, and other state-of-the art data management and mining capabilities. Additionally, USRA has significant expertise in
implementation of HSPD-12-compliant Information Technology,
particularly the NASA Information Technology Security Certification
and Authorization processes. USRA has extensive experience in
data management for NASA’s High Energy Astrophysics Science
Archive Research Center, the Science Archive of the Stratospheric
Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, and, as of 2011, the National
Science Foundation’s Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.
Gravity and Extreme Magnetism
Small Explorer (GEMS) is an
upcoming NASA space-based
observatory whose purpose is to
help determine the geometry of
black holes and neutron stars.
Shown: Representation of the
space-time distortions in the
vicinity of a black hole.
5
USRA is involved in development
of NASA’s C-Band, Dual Polarized,
Multi-Frequency, Compact Antenna
Design. The goal is to improve the
Hurricane Imaging Radiometer
(HIRad), and focus on developing
a dual polarized four frequency
antenna.
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2011-2012
EARTH SCIENCE
Working with its customer counterparts and academia, USRA carries out observational, experimental, and theoretical research in
support of strategic Earth science missions.
INSTRUMENTATION
USRA scientists have end-to-end instrument system capabilities
that range from designing, manufacturing, and testing, to deploying systems for Earth science research. USRA scientists are
developing and deploying both active (e.g., microwave, lidar) and
passive (e.g., infrared, spectroradiometer) instruments to observe
Earth’s physical properties and processes from ground, aircraft,
and satellite-based systems. Currently USRA Earth scientists are
working with NASA Goddard and industry leaders to assist in requirements design and development, and testing of instruments
and spacecraft for major climate and Earth science missions such
as the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI).
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
One of the most pressing scientific concerns today is to understand the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere and whether
human activity might alter this composition in a way that affects
the habitability of the planet. USRA researchers seek to discover
how climate change due to increasing greenhouse gases will
impact the spatial extent and recovery of the ozone layer and
the Antarctic ozone hole: how do anthropogenic activities impact
atmospheric pollution on regional and global scales; what is the
impact of long-range transport of pollutants on local air quality;
and how will climate change impact local air quality and how will
changes in atmospheric composition influence climate change.
WEATHER & SHORT-TERM CLIMATE
Data assimilation is a critical capability for making progress in
both weather forecasting and short-term climate research, both for
specifying the optimal initial state for forecasting and to establish
an accurate and consistent data record for climate simulations
Enhanced sea-surface
temperature data captured by
NASA’s Short-term Prediction
Research and Transition, or SPoRT,
project, to be provided to weather
offices to improve forecasts.
UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
and diagnostic studies. USRA researchers are working hand in
hand with NASA Goddard’s Global Modeling and Assimilation
Office (GMAO), which is leading NASA’s efforts to develop a better
and more efficient data assimilation system by moving to a 4D-Var
approach and improving the GEOS-5 model. These systems look
forward to the future as they can be used to develop new sensors
and technology through observing system simulation experiments.
CARBON CYCLE & ECOSYSTEMS
Carbon cycle and ecosystem research consists of terrestrial
carbon cycle measurements and modeling, marine phytoplankton
measurement and monitoring, atmospheric CO2 transport models
with links to terrestrial and oceanic sources and sinks, and atmospheric circulation models with links to surface properties. USRA’s
research seeks to focus on the major objectives related to the
carbon cycle and ecosystems which include: gaining a better understanding of the carbon cycle, improving remotely sensed data
collection to meet critical needs, enhancing ecosystem modeling,
and further developing innovative research techniques.
CLIMATE SYSTEM MODELING & ANALYSIS
USRA works with world-renowned experts from government and
academia in providing climate data, such as variations in sea ice,
sea level, aerosols, vegetation, and ozone, among others. Climate
change research includes Earth system modeling, data analysis,
and data assimilation techniques.
Through the use of surface, airborne, and space-based observations, USRA Earth scientists provide decision support on issues
that impact the environment and public health. USRA researchers are significant contributors to NASA’s Short-term Prediction
Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center which seeks to accelerate
the infusion of NASA Earth Science observations, data assimilation, and modeling research into National Weather Service forecast operations and decision-making.
USRA Earth scientists analyze
large volumes of airborne icepenetrating radar and laser data
from NASA’s Operation Ice Bridge
to study the physical processes
that occur in the Greenland and
Antarctic ice sheets.
7
USRA scientist explores Vredefort
Crater outcrop in South Africa.
The outcrop is an impact melt
rock from the eroded floor of the
largest known crater on Earth: The
Vredefort impact structure in South
Africa.
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2011-2012
LUNAR & PLANETARY
USRA has maintained a strong, continuous connection to lunar
and planetary science since its formation during the Apollo era.
EXPERIMENTAL PETROLOGY
Understanding the origins of rocks and other materials of the
solar systems is enabled by analog experiments, subjecting those
materials to appropriate physical and chemical conditions in the
laboratory. USRA lunar scientists and their colleagues at NASA
Johnson Space Center maintain and use a world-class facility for
experimental studies of rock materials – subjecting them to pressures, temperatures, and chemical conditions appropriate to the
surfaces and deep interiors of planets, satellites, and asteroids.
PLANETARY OBSERVATIONS
Through ongoing investigations at the Arecibo Observatory in
Puerto Rico, USRA scientists are observing and studying echoes
from asteroids between Mars and Jupiter, Jupiter’s Galilean
satellites, and Saturn’s rings and satellites. Additionally, scientists
are using the radar instrument for imaging and refining the orbits
of Earth-approaching asteroids and comet nuclei, and for detailed
geologic investigations of Mercury, Venus, Mars, and the Moon.
TOPOGRAPHY VISUALIZATIONS
The topography (or landscape) of planetary surfaces is crucial for
understanding their origins and evolutions, along with the benefits
and challenges they would raise in exploration. USRA lunar
and planetary scientists maintain strong expertise in producing
topographic data (digital elevation models) and constructing
visualizations of that data (static and dynamic ‘fly-overs’) focused
on specific needs for research and exploration.
FINITE-ELEMENT MODELING
Physical processes in the Earth and other planetary bodies are
commonly impossible to measure directly and require high-end
Data from the Mini-RF on the
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
produced this mosaic of an
area near the north pole of the
Moon. Small craters with a
high circular polarization ratio
(CPR) (yellow) inside rim but
low CPR (purple/blue) outside
may be filled with water ice.
UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
computer modeling constrained by observations. USRA maintains
the machine capability and expertise for such modeling (finiteelement) of processes in the interiors of planets, satellites, and
asteroids. Additionally, USRA scientists have significant capabilities in interpretation of Mars mission data and modeling of Mars
surface and interior processes.
LUNAR GEOLOGY
The Moon, being the planetary body nearest the Earth, is a natural
target for scientific exploration. USRA lunar scientists maintain
a diverse expertise in lunar geology, including specific expertise
in lunar history, impact cratering, remote sensing and volatiles,
and resources. Such expertise has been frequently tasked with
providing input into NASA planning activities for future robotic and
human exploration.
MEETINGS & CONFERENCES
Conferences and workshops provide the opportunity for scientists
from around the world to interact, present their work, seek new
collaborations, and find students and postdoctoral fellows to aid
in their research activities. USRA’s Lunar and Planetary Institute
serves NASA and the international science community by providing
scientific leadership and logistical support for meetings of all
sizes, including the annual Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, the largest and most prestigious planetary science meeting
on the planet.
RESOURCES
Since the Apollo era, USRA’s Lunar and Planetary Institute has
provided access to the unique samples and facilities at NASA
Johnson Space Center, and has acted as a repository for images
and documents from throughout the history of the space program.
As information technology has evolved, many of these hard copy
resources have been migrated to the extensive web collections of
the Institute.
USRA lunar scientist
walking with the Space
Exploration Rover. During
this mission, observations
were made to upgrade
operational protocols to
make future planetary
surface operations more
productive and safe.
9
Aquanaut performing lander
ladder evaluations during the NASA
Extreme Environment Mission
Operations (NEEMO) undersea
analog mission.
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2011-2012
LIFE SCIENCE
PHYSIOLOGY & FLIGHT ANALOGS
DISEASE MODELING & TISSUE ANALOGS
Life in space presents astronauts with deconditioning effects
caused by the absence of Earth’s gravity, such as loss of bone
density; reduced circulating blood volume; decreased muscle
strength, endurance, vision impairment, and sensory-motor function (i.e. balance); and reductions in aerobic capacity. Through
the use of ground-based analogs, USRA scientists are able to test
countermeasures, such as nutrition, pharmacotherapeutics, and
exercise, in an efficient and cost-effective manner prior to using
techniques in space.
The Disease Modeling and Tissue Analogues Laboratory generates
and maintains cell-based three-dimensional tissue analog models
utilizing normal human cells. These models are then utilized in the
Bioastronautics countermeasure development and validation for
human space exploration. Research projects have included the
analysis of the pathogenesis of varicella-zoster and cytomegalovirus in models of decreased gravity.
NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
Faced with evidence of vitamin deficiencies dating back to the
days of Columbus’ expedition, USRA scientists are working to
determine nutrition requirements to maintain astronaut health for
extended-duration spaceflight and are developing nutritional countermeasures to prevent or minimize the negative effects of longduration spaceflight on the human body. Collaborative projects
include two ongoing flight research studies and several groundbased projects with universities across the U.S. and around the
world. These NIH-funded projects include how nutritional status is
related to elderly self-neglect and Antarctic studies of vitamin D.
Adaptive changes in the central nervous system during spaceflight
are reflected by the oculomotor and perceptual disturbances
experienced in-flight, as well as by perceptual and motor coordination problems experienced post-flight. Research is focused on
developing field tests of sensorimotor function and rehabilitative
countermeasures that can be self-administered during exploration missions. This technology development is also funded by the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) and DoD for assessment of balance disorders in other clinical and military populations, e.g., from
mild traumatic brain injury.
SPACE RADIATION
Outside of the Earth’s protective atmosphere, astronauts may
be exposed to high energy charged particles of galactic cosmic
rays and solar particle events (SPE), as well as secondary protons
and neutrons. Current research focuses on the increased risk of
cancers; changes in motor function and behavior or neurological
disorders; other degenerative tissue defects, such as cataracts,
circulatory diseases, and digestive diseases; and acute radiation
risks, such as prodromal risks, significant skin injury, or death
from a major solar event or combination solar/galactic cosmic ray
event that jeopardizes crew and mission survival.
Scientists have developed
telemedicine approaches
to help astronauts a long
way away with sickness,
fractures, and even surgery.
One of the experiments
(left) involved successfully
sending medical data from
Mt. Everest to Canada.
UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
PHARMACOLOGY
Astronauts are not immune to common ailments, such as motion
sickness, headache, sleep disturbances, backache, and nasal
congestion during spaceflight. USRA scientists in pharmacology
are conducting research to improve crew health and well-being by
identifying safe and effective pharmaceutical preparations, therapeutic procedures, and countermeasure strategies. Current efforts
include testing of new medication combinations to treat motion
sickness and investigation of radiation effects on the enzymes
that metabolize administered drugs.
Crews will be tested in a
simulated Mars outpost
using an electric rover
after they return from the
ISS to help understand
how a long transit flight in
microgravity affects their
performance of operational activities.
11
USRA scientists use facilities like
the 5-second drop tower at the
Zero Gravity Facility located at
Glenn Research Center to conduct
microgravity experiments prior to
implementation aboard the International Space Station.
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2011-2012
ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
MICROGRAVITY
Known for their expertise in fluid mechanics, cryogenic fluid
management, combustion, spacecraft fire safety, phase change
processes, capillary flows and phenomena, heat transfer, and thermodynamics, USRA physicists and engineers apply this knowledge
to the microgravity environment. While this research is central to
spaceflight, USRA scientists use these microgravity experiments as
a testbed to improve materials and processes back on Earth.
Using state-of-the-art software and modeling techniques, USRA
scientists can model the overall performance of space power
systems and nuclear reactors. Through multi-physics thermodynamic modeling, heat transfer, mechanical stress, expansion, and
fluid dynamics can be studied simultaneously. USRA scientists
also provide the same level of expertise when applying theoretical
and numerical modeling to fire safety phenomena, such as flame
spread, flammability boundaries of materials, and extinguishment
effectiveness.
ENERGY STORAGE & NUCLEAR PROPULSION
ENGINEERING & ADVANCED COMPUTING
Beyond low earth orbit, spaceflight exploration and future planetary bases will require the need for safe, reliable energy storage and propulsion systems. USRA physicists and engineers are
exploring nuclear technologies, such as fast nuclear reactors and
radioisotopes coupled to thermal capacitors, as methods to produce rocket thrust and store electrical power. These innovations
offer significant benefits not only to spacecraft and rovers, but
also to tools, computers, and anything requiring power and energy
storage.
USRA scientists bring the history of their award-winning accomplishments in areas such as artificial intelligence and software
engineering into a new era of technological efficiency. USRA scientists have a worldwide reputation in advanced techniques for highend cloud computing infrastructure, with extensive capability in
use of cloud computing in the domain of scientific and engineering
applications. Current work in this area is in support of the federal
government’s shift to a “Cloud First” information technology policy
aimed at reducing costs and improving performance.
MATERIALS SCIENCE
AUTONOMY & DECISION SUPPORT
Space exploration requires both the development of new advanced technologies for power and propulsion generation, and the
fabrication of materials that can withstand extreme operating temperatures while adhering to strict weight limitations. From nanosensors to radioisotope materials, USRA scientists and engineers
are leveraging their collective chemistry and physics expertise to
address the challenges of long-duration air and space travel.
USRA scientists are leading the way in the development of
advanced automation capabilities. Research efforts in this area
seek to develop computer software and algorithms to enable
progressively more independent decision-making to be made
by spacecraft and robots, instead of always relying on human
ground controllers for guidance. Over time, this will lead to robots,
spacecraft, and remote crews that can accomplish more with less
communication with ground control, reducing mission costs and
increasing scientific return.
DATA ANALYSIS & THEORETICAL MODELING
USRA scientists offer advanced statistical methodologies, numerical modeling techniques, and computational data analysis,
facilitating exploration and innovation across a range of scientific
disciplines.
Artist’s concept of the Mars
Hopper. USRA scientists have
designed a Mars Hopper, an
instrumented platform that
can acquire detailed data at
hundreds of locations during its
lifetime.
UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
Visualization of orbital debris
within 2,000 km of the Earth’s
surface. USRA scientists have
collaboratively developed an algorithm that improves the accuracy in predicting debris-debris
and debris-satellite collisions.
13
NASA Ames’ Virtual Airport Tower
provides the platform to conduct
in-depth human factors studies with
quantifiable results using actual air
traffic controllers, airline dispatchers and airport managers.
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2011-2012
HOMELAND & NATIONAL SECURITY
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION NEXTGEN
USRA provides research, laboratory, and test facility access to
support the NextGen Implementation for making air transportation
safer and more reliable, improving the capacity of the National
Airspace (NAS) and reducing aviation’s impact on the environment. Because of the need to expand satellite-based surveillance,
improve airport runway access, increase safety and efficiency on
the ground, and enhance airspace safety and operations for the
United States NAS, USRA is teamed on two contracts to provide
scientific and technical support, as well as university and other
agency facilities to support more efficient and effective air traffic
operations for the future.
HIGH ALTITUDE PLATFORMS
A special area of expertise within USRA that is applicable to both
the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department
of Defense (DoD) is high altitude platform instrumentation.
These platforms include both balloon borne and aircraft based
observing capabilities, looking into space and at the Earth. For
example, through the design, development, and management
of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA),
USRA has demonstrated extensive capability in aircraft based
sensor development, deployment and operation. Among these are
significant accomplishments in infrared, visible and radio frequency spectrums. Potential customers for this expertise include
the Naval Research Laboratory, DHS and DoD border monitoring
organizations, the Air Force Research Laboratory and Space and
Missile Defense Command.
RADIATION DETECTION & MEASUREMENT
USRA scientists bring astronomical detection techniques down to
earth in service of public safety. By serving as technical advisors
to the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and by supporting DNDO in
USRA and San Diego State University are currently researching the
use of stereoscopic imagery for
more effective airport planning.
Shown: Satellite image of the
Dallas/Fort Worth International
Airport.
UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
enacting Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) programs,
USRA scientists have developed test plans and execution scenarios and provided technical advice during test execution. USRA
scientists also serve as technical leads for Intelligent Personal
Radiation Locator (IPRL) and the Stand-Off Radiation Detection
System (SORDS) ATD programs.
SOFTWARE INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION &
VALIDATION (IV&V)
Software is an increasingly critical component in aerospace
systems, and automated software testing technologies that use
formal methods are emerging as a new approach for verifying and
validating software for high levels of reliability, safety, and security.
This capability can advance the development, procurement, and
acquisition cycle of FAA, DoD, and DHS technologies that require
software IV&V. This provides significant benefit to the government
and industry in efficiency effectiveness, and cost savings. USRA
scientists have a worldwide reputation in the advanced techniques
for software verification and validation, including the use of formal
methods with support for traditional and non-traditional software
(e.g., neural network flight control software).
SCIENCE & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
USRA’s in-house multidisciplinary scientific and technical
expertise, augmented by USRA’s unprecedented reach-back into
both university and research and development communities,
serves as a conduit for merging research with real-world applications. This synergy allows for rapid identification and response
to customer requirements, which is important for advancing the
development and implementation of FAA and DoD technologies.
USRA is currently supporting task orders in the areas of modeling
and simulations, human factors, space weather impacts, software
verification, validation and reliance, and unmanned air system
(UAS) operations.
Instrumentation onboard highaltitude balloons enable USRA
scientists to measure particles
and photons from astrophysical
sources. Shown: The CREAM
(Cosmic Ray Energetics and
Mass) instrument preparing to
be launched from Antarctica.
15
University of Montreal
Analysis of x-ray and
optical studies of the
colliding wind binary
WR 140 during its
periastron passage in
2008/2009
Colby College
NIH studies using transgenic
mice models
▪ Massachusetts Institute of
Technology
▪ Draper Laboratory Boston
NSBRI study on lunar landings
▪ Leeds University
▪ Royal Observatory,
Edinburgh
Analysis of X-ray optical
studies of the colliding
wind binary WR 140
during its periastron
passage in 2008/2009
Vrije Universiteit Brussels
Trace Element Geochemistry of Impactites from the
El’gygytgyn Crater, Siberia
University of Stuttgart
German SOFIA
Institute (DSI)
University of Bremen
FOAM (Foam Optics
and Mechanics) flight
experiment is to study
the characteristics of
wet foams in the
absence of gravity
▪ Surrey Satellites
▪ University of Surrey
PhoneSat: Using radio,
processing power,
sensors and cameras in
smartphones for small
satellites
Yale University
Petrophysics and
Paleomagnetism
of Kara Impact
Structure
University of Southampton
▪ Studies of X-ray emission
from Be/X-ray Binaries
in the Small Magellanic
Cloud
▪ Earth Occulation
Observation of Hard
X-ray and Gamma-ray
sources using the
Gamma-ray Burst
Monitor
Battelle Memorial Institute
Air Quality Application
▪ University of Maryland Baltimore County
▪ Penn State University
▪ University of Texas Austin
GRB 090417B and its Host
Galaxy: A Step Toward an
Understanding of Optically
Dark Gamma-ray Bursts
▪ Universite Paris - Sud
▪ Universite Paris - Est
FOAM (Foam Optics and
Mechanics) flight
experiment is to study the
characteristics of wet
foams in the absence of
gravity
Université de Caen
ESA/NASA study on
vestibular autonomic
interaction
International Space
University
▪ ESA/NSBRI studies on
manual control
▪ PhoneSat: Using radio,
processing power,
sensors and camera
in smartphones for
small satellites
University of Texas
Medical Branch
NIH studies using
transgenic mice
models
CATHALAC
South-south project
implementation
Johns Hopkins University
Solar storm observed from
the Sun to Venus using
STEREO, Venus Express, and
MESSENGER spacecraft
IAG University de São Paulo
Analysis of X-ray and optical
studies of the colliding wind
binary Eta Car during its
periastron passage in
2008/2009
US Army Aeromedical
Research Laboratory
DoD study on TBI
neurological assessment
16
University of Oslo
Arctic Mars Analogue
Svalbard Expedition
(AMASE)
National University of Ireland
NASA/NIH studies on vestibularautonomic, stochastic resonance
▪ Stanford University
Small Satellite rapid
prototyping, Space Traffic
Management
▪ Santa Clara University
Small Satellite rapid
prototyping
▪ University of California Santa Cruz
Space Traffic
Management/Debris
Universidad Nacional
Autónoma
Co-investigator on the
Neutron Star Interior
Composition Explorer
Mission on Opportunity
proposal
Universitat Magdeburg
Observation and
Analysis of Smectic
Islands in Space
(OASIS)
University of Leicester
GRB Lightcurve analysis
using Swift data
Mt. Sinai Medical School
NASA study on manual
control
▪ University of Maryland
▪ Harvard University
Integral Gamma-ray
Observations of Accreting
Pulsars in the Small
Magelanic Clouds
Argentine Institute for
Radioastronomy
Astronomy Signal Processing
and SETI - related to NSF
Grant for “Low Cost, Rapid
Development Instrumentation
for Radio Telescopes”
Unive
Binary
mode
surfac
points
for mo
the di
as a fu
sity an
Students for the Exploration
and Development of Space
(SEDS)
African geospatial industry
forum
▪ Universidade Federal
do Rio de Janeiro
▪ Universidade
Estadual de
Campinas
Distributing SOFIA
mission and E&PO
brochures plus IR
astronomy and
Electromagnetic
radiation educational
materials to various
events
Universid
Integral G
Observat
Pulsars i
Magelan
ESA - Madr
Analysis of X
studies of th
binary WR 1
periastron p
2008/2009
ANNUAL REPORT | 2011-2012
German Aerospace Center
International DOSIS
Distribution inside the ISS
Project (DOSIS-1 &
DOSIS-2) to provide
radiation measurements at
different shielding
configurations onboard the
European Columbus
Module on ISS (2009-2010)
UNIVERSITY INVOLVEMENT
University of Oulu
Geophysical Modeling of Kara
Impact Structure
USRA collaborates with researchers around the globe.
The set below is a small selection of USRA engagements
illustrating the extensive internationalization of space,
and space research shaping today’s environment.
Humboldt University
of Berlin
Rim uplift and crater
shape in Meteor
Crater
University of Amsterdam
▪ Binary Colloidal Alloy Test
▪ Earth Occulation
Observation of Hard X-ray
and Gamma-ray sources
using the gamma-ray Burst
Monitor
Charite Medical School
ESA/NASA post-flight study on
otolith function
Institute for Biomedical Problems
Balance control after space and
dry immersion
University of Vienna
DOSECC Workshop on
Continental Drilling
Program
Research Center of Spacecraft
Radiation Safety
Radiation effects to hematopoietic
systems
Instanbul Technical
University
Environmental
Impact of traffic
flow options
Hokkai-Gakuen
Analysis of X-ray and
optical studies of the
colliding wind binary
Eta Car during its
periastron passage
in 2008/2009
AGCommons
Agriculturlal
geospatial platform
Meraka Institute
CSIR
World Health
Organization
WHO Vulnerability
and Risk Analysis
& Mapping
platform (VRAM)
ersity of Montpellier
y Colloidal Alloy Test el critical fluids and
ce crystals and fill in
s in the phase diagram
odel critical fluids and
isorder-order transition
unction of polydispernd seeding
dad de Alicante
Gamma-ray
tions of Accreting
in the Small
ntic Clouds
rid
X-ray and optical
he colliding wind
140 during its
passage in
9
ISAS
Analysis of X-ray and
optical studies of the
colliding wind binary
WR 140 during its
periastron passage
in 2008/2009
University of Tokyo
A systematic study of Rare
Earth Element
abundances and its
patterns in Eucrites
Ecolage
Computer
programmer/tool
development
▪ Osservatorio
Astronomica di
Brera
▪ Osservatorio
Astronomica di
Trieste
Analysis of X-ray and
optical studies of the
colliding wind binary Eta
Car during its periastron
passage in 2008/2009
University of Tokushima
Bisphosphate as a
countermeasure to space
flight induced bone loss
Tata Institute of
Fundamental Research
Astronomy Signal
Processing and SETI related to NSF Grant for
“Low Cost, Rapid
Development Instrumentation for Radio Telescopes”
Laboratoire de Planetologie
de Grenoble, Universite
Joseph Fourier
CONSERT Radar instrument
onboard ESA’s 2014
ROSETTA Mission: Radar
characterization of the
surface and internal
structure of Comet
67P/ChuryumovGerasimenko
UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
IIST
Indian Institute of Space
Science and Technology
Student Exchange Program
Academy of Sciences
Astronomy Signal
Processing SETI-related
to NSF Grant for “Low
Cost, Rapid Development
Instrumentation for Radio
Telescopes”
University of Sydney
▪ NASA Study on
manual control
▪ NIH Study on
multi-sensory
interaction
Institute for Astronomy
Astronomy Signal Processing and
SETI - related to NSF Grant for
“Low Cost, Rapid Development
Instrumentation for Radio
Telescopes”
17
NASA Intern and USRP Alumni from
Salish Kootenai College worked
on further developments of the humanoid robot “Robonaut 2” at the
Johnson Space Center just before it
launched on STS 133.
18
ANNUAL REPORT | 2011-2012
UNIVERSITY INVOLVEMENT
Since its inception as a non2010 University Research
profit entity in 1969, USRA has
Engagement
identified and adopted its core
purpose to be an organization
that involves “universities in
serving the development of
knowledge associated with
311
239
space and its application to
385
serve the public good”. In
2010, USRA and its Institutes
183
engaged over 400 universi166
72
ties and industrial research
departments worldwide in over
Member
Non-Member Other Research
Universities
Universities
Organizations
900 research activities. It is
Number of Engagements
this level of involvement, depth
Number of Organizations
of reach into the academic
community, and independent
research advisement that USRA brings to its customers and industry partners.
ACCESS TO UNPARALLELED TALENT
Through its close relationship with university and research and
development communities, USRA has unparalleled access to
advanced scientific expertise, as well as to up-and-coming scientific and technical talent. Additionally, USRA is designated by the
U.S. Department of State (DoS) to administer an Exchange Visitor
Program to provide research and development opportunities for
qualified foreign Research Scholars and Short-Term Scholars in order to promote the general interest of international education and
culture exchange. This extensive international network of scientific
expertise provides a unique advantage for USRA to rapidly identify
and respond to customer requirements.
CLOSELY ALIGNED TO FUNDED RESEARCH
Through participation in partnerships developed with academia,
A Career Exploration
Program (CEP) student
intern flies as a
passenger aboard the
Guppy Aircraft.
UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
industry, and other entities, USRA identifies funded research
opportunities and provides university faculty members access to
these opportunities in order to meet the needs of NASA and other
U.S. government agencies. Further, by leveraging the power of
its web-based Research Opportunities Program, USRA connects
one-to-one with university science and research departments to
communicate research needs within the space science community. These research opportunities may be within the USRA Institute
itself or may be new and emerging areas that USRA is aware of
because of its close interactions with industry and federal centers.
ENHANCING THE RESEARCH TO OPERATIONS CYCLE
USRA hosts a variety of informational events that are open to all
audiences. As part of its commitment to engage, excite, and educate the academic community and the public at large about space
science discoveries, USRA catalogues and disseminates scientific
work in peer-reviewed journals and other publications, hosts national and international conferences and workshops at USRA-managed meeting and conference facilities located at or near NASA
centers, and coordinates travel support for USRA researchers.
INDEPENDENT ADVISEMENT
USRA Science Councils, which are composed of senior university
researchers who are renowned experts in their fields, are involved
in the latest advancements occurring on campus and provide
insights that add value to the work of USRA and its customers.
Members are scientists appointed to three-year terms by USRA’s
Board of Trustees on the basis of their expertise and their standing within the academic community. Science Councils serve as
touchstones for the scientific merit of USRA’s programs and projects (determining whether they are conducted with appropriate academic rigor), contribute to their respective bodies of knowledge,
serve their scientific communities, and meet the needs of USRA’s
government and private-sector customers. Science Councils meet
once or twice each year.
As a co-sponsor of the
Lunar and Planetary Science
Conference, USRA brings
together a broad spectrum
of the lunar and planetary
science community from
government, academia, and
private industry.
19
Undergraduate Student Research
Program (USRP) intern (left), majoring in Environmental Science at
the University of Florida, at Langley
Research Center.
20
ANNUAL REPORT | 2011-2012
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Education programs under USRA management continue to have
a measurable impact on science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) workforce development. We believe the success of these programs reflects the passion USRA employees have
for their work and the leadership responsibility they feel to inspire
and prepare the next generation of space scientists. In fact, many
student scientists from USRA programs have gone on to assume
leadership roles in research and customer organizations.
INTERNSHIPS
In 2010, USRA supported over 700
high school, undergraduate, and
graduate interns at government
centers. Students received internships with durations ranging from
several weeks to semester long
experiences. Nearly every USRA
Institute and Program is actively
engaged in providing internships.
Internships by
Education Level
High School: 7.4%
Grad &
Post-Doc:
17.8%
Undergrad: 74.8%
Hands-On Experience. USRA
firmly believes that by providing
challenging immersion experiences,
students will be encouraged to
pursue STEM-related degrees and career paths. Closely aligned
with customer research areas, USRA internship disciplines run the
gamut from lunar and planetary science and high energy astrophysics, to nuclear engineering and software development. Handson intern activities include: experimental studies, theoretical modeling, and data analysis; Constellation data management systems
and small satellite mission design; designing, building, and testing
components for Robonaut; design of a Europa Hopper; design of a
very low-mass, high-power nuclear reactor for electric propulsion;
and flight time aboard NASA’s Guppy and Zero-G Aircraft.
Diversity. USRA, through its member universities, reaches across
diverse cultural and geographical groups to provide active support
USRA nuclear engineer
and Summer Fellows in
front of a Spark Plasma
Sintering furnace located
at the Center for Advanced
Energy Studies at the
Idaho National Lab.
UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
for the recruitment of students into STEM programs. Similarly,
USRA reaches deep into underserved communities. In 2010, of
the 60 Houston area high school participants in the NASA Career
Exploration Program (CEP), 27% of these students were first
generation high school graduates, and 86% were from underserved or underrepresented groups. Additionally, USRA, through its
NASA Lunar Science Institute node in Houston, manages a Texas
Higher Education Consortium of 13 universities, most of which are
minority serving. Through annual meetings and web-based tools,
planetary science materials and curricula are made available to
support new and ongoing classroom engagement of undergraduate students.
Growth. Through excellent management and innovative recruiting
efforts, USRA-managed education programs are far from stagnant.
In fact, the NASA Education Associates Program (EAP) has doubled
to twice the size of the original proposal during its first two years.
Additionally, during USRA’s third year of managing the Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP), NASA recognized USRA
with a Group Achievement Award for Management Excellence.
VISITING SCIENTISTS
USRA actively searches for professionals interested in spending
time in residence at programs offering relevant research experiences. Scientists with established records of research productivity
are generally offered positions for periods of 1-24 months. The
opportunities for post-doctoral and visiting scientists allow for
direct daily interaction, thereby developing the individual’s breadth
of research experiences and providing USRA with insight for innovation. Also, USRA’s locations often offer a physical proximity
to customer organizations, enhancing the interactions for the scientists and programs served. USRA’s most active visiting scientist
programs can be found in the atmospheric science and astrophysics at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and Marshall Space
Flight Center (MSFC) and in planetary sciences at USRA’s Lunar
and Planetary Institute (LPI).
USRA was instrumental in
establishing a 3-year collaborative effort between
the Dubai based Arab Youth
Venture Foundation’s Innovative Fellowships program
and NASA’s Education
Associates Program (EAP).
21
The USRA Issues and Program
Committee met with key congressional staff in 2010 and early
2011 to present real-life stories
on how export control regulations
are adversely impacting university
research and education, including affecting future U.S. workforce
development.
22
ANNUAL REPORT | 2011-2012
SPACE POLICY
USRA provides a voice on public policy issues that are important
to the university community. In 2010, USRA achieved significant
success in in two areas critical to advancing today’s space and
Earth science research and building a highly skilled workforce for
tomorrow.
USRA’s Issues and Program Committee (IPC), comprised of
representatives drawn from USRA member universities, formulates
national and international policy positions. The IPC meets with
members of Congress and their staffs, provides testimony, as
requested, and organizes the program for the USRA Annual
Meeting of member institutions.
SMALL UNIVERSITY-CLASS MISSIONS
The IPC is currently focused on reversing the decline in small,
university-class missions that use suborbital rockets, balloons,
and airborne platforms. IPC members visited congressional staff
in March of 2010 to advocate for specific legislation implementing
the recommendations of the National Research Council (NRC)
study, Revitalizing NASA’s Suborbital Program: Advancing Science,
Driving Innovation, and Developing Workforce. The IPC previously
advocated for the NRC study, and the call for the study was
included the NASA Authorization of 2008.
As a result of IPC efforts, the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 cited
the general finding of the study that “suborbital science missions
ISSUES AND PROGRAM COMMITTEE
2010 - 2012
Thomas Zurbuchen, University of Michigan
Mary Musgrave, University of Connecticut
Ed Groth, Princeton University
David Axon, Rochester Institute of Technology
Ken Gertz, University of Maryland
Carolyn Morgan, Hampton University
Krishan Ahuja, Georgia Institute of Technology
Christopher Damaren, University of Toronto
Steve Ackerman, University of Wisconsin
Truell Hyde, Baylor University
Dan Baker, University of Colorado
Patrick Patterson, Utah State University
S. Virgil Sharpton, University of Alaska
UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
were absolutely critical to building an aerospace workforce
capable of meeting the needs of current and future human and
robotic space exploration.” The Act directed NASA to “establish
a Suborbital Research Program within the Science Mission
Directorate that shall include the use of sounding rockets, aircraft,
high altitude balloons, suborbital reusable launch vehicles, and
commercial launch vehicles to advance science and train the next
generation of scientists and engineers in systems engineering
and systems integration which are vital to maintaining critical
skills in the aerospace workforce.” The Act also directed NASA
to designate an official “responsible for the development of
short- and long term strategic plans for maintaining, renewing
and extending suborbital facilities and capabilities.” The Act was
signed into law by the President on October 11, 2010.
The IPC is now focusing on expanding the opportunities for
university involvement in other missions, including Explorer-class
missions.
EXPORT CONTROL REFORM
Also of great importance, the IPC is focusing on reforming U.S.
export control law to reduce its harmful impact on university
space-related research and education. IPC members met with key
congressional staff in 2010 and early 2011 to present real-life
stories on how export control regulations are adversely impacting
university research and education, including affecting future
U.S. workforce development. The IPC advocated for legislation to
restore to the Executive Branch the authority to remove satellites
and related components from the U.S. Munitions List. This
reform would allow sensible consideration of what space-related
technology must be controlled, and it would restore to our
universities the ability to teach students about space technology,
and to conduct research in space, in a way that would enable the
U.S. to remain a leader in the future.
At the request of the IPC, USRA and the George Washington Space
Policy Institute jointly organized a symposium on U.S. Export
Controls and Space Science in Washington in March of 2011.
The symposium was held in conjunction with the annual meeting
of USRA member universities. The symposium brought together
presenters from the National Security Council, the university
community, the Department of State, NASA, and congressional
offices.
Offices within the Executive Branch and the Congress are now
aware of the unintended consequences of export control law
on university research and education. The IPC is focusing on
coordinating with other organizations to bring about a coalition to
support vitally needed legislative reform.
23
As one of 500 participating sites,
USRA’s Lunar and Planetary Institute hosts an annual International
Observe the Moon Night event
as part of its Family Space Day
Program.
24
ANNUAL REPORT | 2011-2012
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
USRA continues to develop a global influence through scholarships, funding for students, and other benevolent efforts. Furthermore, by recognizing that education and outreach opportunities
exist not only in but beyond the classroom, USRA supports a broad
range of activities targeted at a wide, diverse audience, both
inside and outside of the STEM pool.
ENGAGING STUDENTS
Encouraging students to get involved in science at a young age is
a priority for USRA and its employees. As testament to that, each
year USRA manages and sponsors a host of student competitions
that span the breadth of scientific disciplines.
Recently, USRA managed DIME (Dropping in a Microgravity Environment) and WING (What If No Gravity), allowing high school and
middle school student teams to design and build a science experiment that is then conducted in NASA Glenn’s drop tower facility.
Similarly, USRA lunar scientists remotely guide teams of students
across the nation who undertake authentic lunar research projects. The teams compete for a trip to the NASA Lunar Science
Forum at Ames Research Center, where the winning team, accompanied by its teacher, presents its science results to the lunar
science community. And finally, USRA also sponsored a “Science
+ Art Classroom Competition” through its popular Earth Science
Picture of the Day website. The contest challenged 9th-12th grade
classrooms to submit images for publication and a chance to win
one of five HD video cameras.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Traveling exhibits, bringing current science and exploration to rural
and underserved communities, are making the rounds at libraries,
science centers, and planetariums across the nation. The exhibits
support public events at these venues, including reading programs, night-sky viewing, and children’s programs.
Recently, a permanent Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared
Astronomy (SOFIA) exhibit was dedicated at the Hiller Aeronautical
Young visitor sees herself
through the lens of an
infrared camera while
visiting the SOFIA exhibit
at the International
Balloon Fiesta.
UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
Museum in San Carlos, California. The SOFIA exhibit is an element
of the full-scale Boeing 747 section on display at the museum.
At the 2009 White House Star Party, USRA facilitated a walkable
scale model of the solar system. Middle school students and their
teachers from the Washington, D.C. area participated in night-sky
viewing and hands-on activities on the solar system which were
hosted by the President and First Lady.
Through collaborative efforts between scientists, educators, and
artists, USRA produces monthly Moon-themed webcasts through
its interactive MyMoon web portal. Past webcasts have featured
well-known social media personalities, such as Dr. Phil Plait. The
site also hosts lunar-based exhibits, blogs featuring the Moon in
science, art, literature, and the news, contests, and polls.
Further leveraging web and social media outlets, USRA scientists
hosted and participated in NASA Tweetups, presented informative
“how-to” presentations on the topic of podcasting, and have produced a wealth of resources targeted to diverse online audiences.
SUPPORTING EDUCATORS
USRA champions the support of educators as the foundation for
building successful scientists and ensuring the future of research
and development in the United States. Each year USRA programs
prepare hundreds of teachers to engage and educate their students in science and engineering disciplines.
USRA education specialists and lunar and earth scientists, alongside their academic and industry counterparts, have a long history
of developing and managing professional development workshops
and forums aimed to engage educators (both academic and government employees) throughout all stages of their careers.
Beginning in 2011, educators will take flight and partner with scientists to observe and participate in first-hand astronomy research
aboard the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy.
Using the training and flight experience gained aboard SOFIA, participants are then equipped to take their experience back to their
classrooms and communities.
CEP college student intern
(hanging upside-down) is
one of the lucky few who
have flown on NASA’s Zero-G
Aircraft.
25
USRA is part of a team that brings
over 100 years of combined science
operations and management expertise to the Arecibo Observatory.
26
Photo courtesy of the NAIC - Arecibo Observatory, a facility of the NSF
ANNUAL REPORT | 2011-2012
OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT
Integral to the success of any program are the individuals chosen
to lead the way. Highly motivated and qualified managers are more
often than not the reason for a program’s successful execution.
To support them, USRA program and business managers are
provided with the tools necessary to effectively manage day-to-day
operations. USRA’s business tools enhance its managers’ ability
for planning, staffing, budgeting, accounting, and reporting.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Project Tracking and Reporting. USRA’s organizational
structure and processes are optimized for providing efficient and
effective management needed in research environments that
must also meet operational demands and deliverables. USRA provides monthly reports on financial status and scientific activities
to its government customers, providing more accurate and timely
data to support reviews and decision-making. USRA strives to use
the most innovative tools that will enhance reporting efficiencies,
in order reduce the level of effort and staff time devoted to this
activity.
FINANCIAL CONTROLS
Total Revenue (in millions)
USRA has a sophisticated
management information
89
system for the administra75
tion of its contracts, grants,
66
and cooperative agreements,
60
ensuring that financial decisions are based on accurate
and timely data. This system
2011 2012
clearly has demonstrated the
ability to meet the government’s stringent financial reporting requirements.
*
*projected
Accounting. USRA uses the Costpoint© Government Contractor
Software series by Deltek Systems, Inc. Costpoint is an integrated
accounting system designed for government contracting, which
combines project and organizational accounting features with
powerful capabilities in traditional accounting modules, such as
payroll, timekeeping, billing, purchasing, fixed assets, accounts
payable, general ledger, and financial and contractual reporting,
including monthly and quarterly financial management reports.
Time and Expense. USRA uses Deltek Electronic Timesheet
and Expense™ (T&E) application. T&E enables USRA to track,
manage, and account for daily time expenditures, by employee
and task. T&E is used by USRA to record labor hours for each
program down to specific task activities. T&E helps control costs
through improved accuracy and reduced labor expenses and provides labor activity and historical data.
UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
External Audits. USRA retains the SC&H Group as its corporate
auditor. Each fiscal year, USRA’s financial records are audited
by SC&H for the purpose of rendering an opinion on its financial
statements. Their audit also meets guidelines of OMB Circular
A-133.
DCAA Approved Rates. The Defense Contractor Audit Agency
(DCAA) is the Federal Agency performing incurred cost audits and
audits of USRA’s indirect cost submission, forward pricing rates,
and review of USRA’s A-133 audit report.
CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
Task Order Management. USRA has demonstrated a strong
ability to effectively manage significantly sized IDIQ Task Order
contracts. USRA’s successful management of these contracts
requires the coordination of multiple, disparate, and even multinational entities and the execution of hundreds of tasks. USRA’s
Task Order management spans the entire project life cycle and
includes effective management of and incentives for subcontractor performance.
Management of Subcontractors. USRA ensures excellent
performance of its subcontractors through the management of
work scope assignments, work share allocation based on successful performance, and application of award fees. USRA measures
the performance of its subcontractors by evaluating their ability
to adhere to the agreed upon schedule, contain costs, and be responsive in a team environment.
University Subcontractors.
USRA is skilled at working with
universities as subcontractors
– a task that requires a set of
skills and procedures different
from those used in managing
industry subcontractors. USRA’s
cadre of high level scientists
and experienced scientific
managers give USRA a distinct
advantage and benefit to serving its customers in this area.
Employee Education Level
PROCUREMENT
USRA has an approved purchasing system certified by the Defense
Contract Management Agency (DCMA), initially approved in May
1999. USRA also successfully completed a contractor purchasing
system review (CPSR) risk assessment in July 2002. This certification was performed in accordance with the DoD CPSR guidelines.
27
ADMINISTRATIVE Headquarters
10211 Wincopin Circle, Suite 500
Columbia, MD 21044
410-730-2656 • 410-730-3496 (fax)
6767 Old Madison Pike, Suite 450
Huntsville, AL 35806
256-971-0240 • 256-971-0241 (fax)
615 National Avenue, Suite 220
Mountain View, CA 94043
650-966-5020 • 650-996-5021 (fax)
425 3rd Street SW, Suite 940
Washington, DC 20024
410-730-2656
ASTRONOMY & The Center for Research and Exploration
Space Science and Technology
ASTROPHYSICS in
10211 Wincopin Circle, Suite 500
Columbia, MD 21044
410-730-2656 • 410-730-3496 (fax)
Michael Corcoran
Huntsville Astronomy
National Space Science and Technology
Center
320 Sparkman Drive
Huntsville, AL 35805
256-961-7656 • 256-961-7751 (fax)
Mark Finger
Stratospheric Observatory for
Infrared Astronomy
NASA Ames Research Center
Mail Stop 211-3
Moffett Field, CA 94035
Erick Young
USRA Headquarters located in
Columbia, Maryland.
28
ANNUAL REPORT | 2011-2012
OFFICE & RESEARCH LOCATIONS
EARTH SCIENCE Earth Systems Science Program
National Space Science and Technology
Center
320 Sparkman Drive
Huntsville, AL 35805
256-961-7734 • 256-961-7751 (fax)
Donald Perkey
Goddard Earth Sciences Technology
and Research Studies
and Investigations
10211 Wincopin Circle, Suite 500
Columbia, MD 21044
410-730-2656 • 410-730-3496 (fax)
William Corso
ENGINEERING Center for Space Nuclear Research
PO Box 1625, MS 3855
& TECHNOLOGY Idaho Falls, ID 83415
208-526-6103 • 866-719-6704 (fax)
Steven Howe
National Center for Space
Exploration Research
NASA Glenn Research Center
Mail Stop 110-3
Cleveland, OH 44135
216-433-2796 • 216-433-3793 (fax)
Stephen Simons
Research Institute for
Advanced Computer Science
615 National Avenue, Suite 220
Mountain View, CA 94043
650-966-5020 • 650-966-5021 (fax)
David Bell
USRA administrative
offices located near the
NASA Ames Research
Center in Mountain View,
California.
UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
LIFE SCIENCE Division of Space Life Sciences
3600 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
281-244-2000 • 281-244-2006 (fax)
Neal Pellis
LUNAR & Arecibo Observatory
PR 00612
PLANETARY Arecibo,
Zaven Arzoumanian
Lunar and Planetary Institute
3600 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
281-486-2180 • 281-486-2173 (fax)
Stephen Mackwell
WORKFORCE Education Associates Program
NASA Ames Research Center
DEVELOPMENT Mail Stop 226-8
Moffett Field, CA 94035
Coral Clark
Education Programs Office
3600 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
281-486-2180 • 281-486-2173 (fax)
Barbara Hammond
Undergraduate Student
Research Program
3600 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
281-486-2180 • 281-486-2173 (fax)
Anthony Zippay
USRA’s Lunar and Planetary
Institute, a state-of-the-art
research facility, located
near the NASA Johnson
Space Center in Houston,
Texas.
29
MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE
MEMBER UNIVERSITIES
A consortium of 105 Ph.D. granting universities oversees USRA to ensure that it meets its public purpose
as a non-profit. A primary role of these universities is to elect the USRA Board of Directors (Trustees). This
broadly-based membership ensures accountability and oversight of USRA as it serves its tax-exempt purpose and
assures equal access to USRA facilities and programs by researchers and students from all institutions, both
member and nonmember.
Alabama A&M University
University of Alabama in Huntsville
University of Alaska Fairbanks
University of Arizona
Arizona State University
University of Arkansas
Auburn University
Baylor University
Boston College
Boston University
Brandeis University
University of British Columbia
Brown University
University at Buffalo, State University
of New York
University of California, Berkeley
California Institute of Technology
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, San Diego
University of California,
Santa Barbara
Case Western Reserve University
University of Central Florida
University of Chicago
Chinese University of Hong Kong
College of William and Mary
University of Cologne
University of Colorado at Boulder
Colorado School of Mines
University of Connecticut
Cornell University
University of Delaware
University of Denver
University of Florida
Florida State University
George Mason University
30 George Washington University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Hampton University
Harvard University
University of Hawai’i at Manoa
University of Houston
Howard University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Indiana University
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
Johns Hopkins University
University of Kansas
Lehigh University
University of Leicester
Louisiana State University
University of Maryland
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Michigan
Michigan Technological University
University of Minnesota
Mississippi State University
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
University of New Hampshire
New Jersey Institute of Technology
University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
New York University
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina State University
Northwestern University
Ohio University
Ohio State University
University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
Old Dominion University
Pennsylvania State University
University of Pittsburgh
Princeton University
Purdue University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rice University
University of Rochester
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rockefeller University
University of Sheffield
University of Southern California
Stanford University
Stony Brook University,
State University of New York
University of Stuttgart
University of Sydney
Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
Tel-Aviv University
University of Tennessee
Texas A&M University
Texas Tech University
University of Texas Arlington
University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas at Dallas
University of Texas Medical Branch
University of Toronto
Tufts University
Utah State University
Vanderbilt University
University of Virginia
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
State University
University of Washington
Washington University in St. Louis
University of Wisconsin—Madison
Yale University
ANNUAL REPORT | 2011-2012
BOARD OF Jan A. Van Prooyen
Los Alamos National Laboratory (ret.)
TRUSTEES Chair, Board of Trustees
John D. Fix
University of Alabama, Huntsville
Vice-Chair, Board of Trustees
Chair, Compensation Committee
James Crocker, Lockheed Martin Corporation
Michael Drake, University of Arizona
David Frost, Frost & Associates, Inc.
Wesley Harris
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Chair, Governance, Nominations, and
Membership Committee
M.K. Jeppesen
Utah State University
Chair, Audit & Finance Committee
Steven Kahn
Stanford University
Chair, Homeland & National Security Committee
Scott Pace, George Washington University
Judith Pipher, University of Rochester
Hans-Peter Röser, University of Stuttgart
Eric J. Sheppard, Hampton University
Gary Swenson, University of Illinois
Thomas Zurbuchen
University of Michigan
Chair, Council of Institutions
MANAGEMENT Fred Tarantino
Chief Executive Officer and President
Donald Kniffen
Vice President for Science
Karin Hilser
Chief Financial Officer
Alan Marchant
Chief Information Officer
Kevin Schmadel
Vice President, Government Relations
Hussein Jirdeh
Director, University Relations
Vince DeFrancisci
Director, Program Development
Phil Macklin
Director, Homeland & National Security
UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
31
For more information contact:
Universities Space Research Association
10211 Wincopin Circle, Suite 500
Columbia, MD 21044
410-730-2656
www.usra.edu [email protected]