CLEVELAND – Two ceremonies at NASA’s Glenn Research Center that highlight its history and future are planned for the morning of January 23. The first will commemorate the center’s 1941 groundbreaking. The second will highlight the completion of modifications to Glenn’s S-3 Viking aircraft.
Groundbreaking Commemoration – 9:30 a.m. – Edward E. Sharp Employee Center
Glenn was established in 1941 by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. It was one of three such centers nationwide. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new lab were held at the site in Cleveland on January 23, 1941.
The ceremony will observe that historical day and commemorate and display the Act of Congress plaque and the original pick and shovel used at the groundbreaking.
S-3 Viking Aircraft Rollout – 11 a.m. – Hangar
Acquired from the U.S. Navy in 2004, the S-3 underwent extensive modifications needed to transform it from a military aircraft into a state-of-the-art research facility.
The S-3 ceremony will include an overview of the importance of the S-3 to NASA’s research missions. After the ceremony in Glenn’s Hangar, media will have an opportunity to view the aircraft up close and interview the pilots and researchers who will conduct research on the S-3.
Media Representatives interested in covering either or both of the events should contact Katherine Martin at 216-433-2406 or Sally Harrington at 216-433-2037 by noon on January 22.
A photograph of the original groundbreaking can be seen at:
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/news/pressrel/2008/08-004addm.html
For information on NASA’s Aviation Safety Program, visit:
http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/programs_avsafe.htm
For information on Glenn’s Icing Research Project, visit:
