June 27th, 2008 - VOL. 1 Issue 5

In This Issue

Message from the Director

When it comes to specialized expertise, NASA is an embarrassment of riches. Our mission enables us to attract and develop leading practitioners in a wide variety of disciplines ranging from robotics to space medicine. So how does one become an expert?
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Features

Five Questions for Associate Administrator Scott Pace

ASK the Academy posed five questions to Scott Pace, outgoing Associate Administrator of Program Assessment and Evaluation.
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NASA CoLab: Creating a Space for Participatory Exploration

How can NASA remain on the cutting edge in an open source world? NASA CoLab has set out to address that challenge in a way that decidedly reflects the Gen-Y perspective of its founders.
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From the Archive: Robert Frosch on Systems Engineering

Nearly 40 years ago, Dr. Robert A. Frosch delivered a speech on the practice of systems engineering that remains relevant to this day.
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Systems Failure Case Study: Two Rods Don't Make It Right

On July 17, 1981, nearly one year after its completion, the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri filled its lobby with guests participating in and watching the evening “tea dance.” Shortly into the dance, two concrete walkways suspended above the lobby collapsed onto the atrium floor below, killing 114 people. This tragic accident is the subject of a systems failure case study by the NASA Office of Safety and Mission Assurance.
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Government Brief: GAO Reviews DoD Space Requirements Management

The Department of Defense (DoD) needs a plan to reconcile its budget for developing tactical space capabilities with diverse urgent needs and ongoing research demands, according to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
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Multimedia: Gary Klein on Team Knowledge

Team learning requires awareness of the need for improvement, says research psychologist Dr. Gary Klein in a video interview with knowledge management expert Patrick Lambe.
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Leadership Corner

Shana Dale on Leadership Development at NASA

In a recent blog post, NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale offered an overview of agency leadership development programs that serve a broad range of NASA employees.
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This Month in NASA History

Gemini IV

On June 3, 1965, Gemini IV began a four-day mission that included the first extra-vehicular activity (EVA) performed by an American astronaut.
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In the Current Issue of ASK

+ Applying the Secrets of Hubble’s Success to Constellation
by Frank J. Cepollina

+ Juno: Making the Most of More Time
by Rick Grammier

+ Harvesting Project Knowledge
by Nancy M. Dixon and Katrina Pugh