List of Puerto Ricans in the United States Space Program
Encyclopedia
Puerto Ricans in the United States Space Program |
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 Joseph M. Acaba |
This is a list of notable Puerto Rican
Puerto Rican people
A Puerto Rican is a person who was born in Puerto Rico.Puerto Ricans born and raised in the continental United States are also sometimes referred to as Puerto Ricans, although they were not born in Puerto Rico...
scientists involved in the United States Space Program, also known as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
) and their contributions to said program. This list is not limited to Puerto Ricans born in Puerto Rico, it also includes people of Puerto Rican descent born elsewhere. According to an article written by Margarita Santori Lopez for the official newspaper of the University of Puerto Rico
University of Puerto Rico
The University of Puerto Rico is the state university system of Puerto Rico. The system consists of 11 campuses and has approximately 64,511 students and 5,300 faculty members...
's Mayagüez Campus, "Prensa RUM", as of 2003, of the 114 Hispanics working at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Goddard Space Flight Center
The Goddard Space Flight Center is a major NASA space research laboratory established on May 1, 1959 as NASA's first space flight center. GSFC employs approximately 10,000 civil servants and contractors, and is located approximately northeast of Washington, D.C. in Greenbelt, Maryland, USA. GSFC,...
in Maryland, 70 were Puerto Ricans or of Puerto Rican descent.
Puerto Ricans, both men and women, have reached top positions in NASA, serving in sensitive leadership positions. On May 6, 2004, Joseph M. Acaba
Joseph M. Acaba
Joseph Michael "Joe" Acaba is an educator, hydrogeologist, and NASA astronaut. In May 2004 he became the first person of Puerto Rican heritage to be named as a NASA astronaut candidate, when he was selected as a member of NASA Astronaut Training Group 19...
became the first person of Puerto Rican heritage to be named as a NASA astronaut candidate, when he was selected as a member of NASA Astronaut Training Group 19. Dr. Nitza Margarita Cintron
Nitza Margarita Cintron
Dr. Nitza Margarita Cintron is a scientist who is currently the Chief of Space Medicine and Health Care Systems Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center.-Early years:...
was named Chief of NASA's Johnson Space Center Space Medicine and Health Care Systems Office in 2004. Dr. Felix Soto Toro
Felix Soto Toro
Dr. Félix Soto Toro , is an astronaut applicant and an Electrical Designs Engineer in NASA, who developed the Advanced Payload Transfer Measurement System .-Early years:...
is the scientist who developed an electronic 3D measuring system (APTMS) for the Space Shuttle
Space Shuttle
The Space Shuttle was a manned orbital rocket and spacecraft system operated by NASA on 135 missions from 1981 to 2011. The system combined rocket launch, orbital spacecraft, and re-entry spaceplane with modular add-ons...
. He also joined fellow Puerto Ricans Dr. Enectalí Figueroa and Henry Bursian Berríos as an astronaut applicant. The following are short profiles of these men and women.
: Top - Joseph M. Acaba, Roberto Alemán, Adán Rodríguez-Arroyo, Renán Borelli, Anthony M. Busquets, MiguelAlvarez Chico, Dr. Nitza Margarita Cintron, Gilberto Colón, Dr. Juan R. Cruz, Lydia Del Rio, Dr. Rey N. Diaz, Dr. Alfonso Eaton, Dr. Enectalí Figueroa, Dr. Orlando Figueroa, Guillermo A. Gonzalez, Olga D. Gonzalez-Sanabria, Gloria Hernandez, Annie Delgado-Holton, Lucas G. Horta, Grisselle LaFontaine, Javier Lecha, Dr. Carlos A. Liceaga, P.E, Dr. Carlos Ortiz Longo, Debbie Martinez, Lissette Martinez, Lourdes E. Miranda, Mayra N. Montrosa, Dr. Marla E. Perez-Davis, Shayla Rivera, Dr. Miriam Rodon-Naveira, Miguel Rodríguez, Otilia I. Rodriguez-Alvarez, Dr. Pedro Rodriguez, Dr. Miguel Roman, Monserrate Roman, Carlos A. Gómez Rosa, Desiree Santa, Juan A. Román Velázquez, Dr. Felix Soto Toro, Dr. Adolfo Figueroa-Viñas, NASA's Bonzzo Award.
Joseph M. AcabaJoseph M. AcabaJoseph Michael "Joe" Acaba is an educator, hydrogeologist, and NASA astronaut. In May 2004 he became the first person of Puerto Rican heritage to be named as a NASA astronaut candidate, when he was selected as a member of NASA Astronaut Training Group 19...
AstronautAstronaut
An astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft....
.
In May 2004 Acaba became the first person of Puerto Rican
Puerto Ricans in the United States
Stateside Puerto Ricans are American citizens of Puerto Rican origin, including those who migrated from Puerto Rico to the United States and those who were born outside of Puerto Rico in the United States...
heritage to be named as a NASA astronaut candidate, when he was selected as a member of NASA Astronaut Training Group 19. He completed his training on February 10, 2006 and was assigned to STS-119
STS-119
-Crew notes:This mission was originally scheduled to bring the Expedition 9 crew to the ISS. This crew would have consisted of:-Mission parameters:* Mass:* Orbiter liftoff: * Orbiter landing: * Perigee: * Apogee:...
, which flew from March 15 to March 28, 2009 to deliver the final set of solar arrays to the International Space Station
International Space Station
The International Space Station is a habitable, artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. The ISS follows the Salyut, Almaz, Cosmos, Skylab, and Mir space stations, as the 11th space station launched, not including the Genesis I and II prototypes...
.
Roberto Alemán
Electronics Engineer, Aero-Space TechnologistEnvironmental Instruments Director at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. Alemán directs everything that is related to the environmental instruments which the United States provides to the European Space Agency
European Space Agency
The European Space Agency , established in 1975, is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to the exploration of space, currently with 18 member states...
in order to operate the MetOp
MetOp
MetOp is a series of polar orbiting meteorological satellites operated by the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites. The satellites are all part af the EUMETSAT Polar System. It is intended to replace the soon to be retired TIROS network...
, a European satellite that provides environmental information to both Europe and the United States.
Adán Rodríguez-Arroyo
Electronics Engineer, Aero-Space TechnologistStationed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, 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.
Renán Borelli
Mechanical Engineer, Aero-Space TechnologistSWIFT satellite instrumentation Manager at NASA Goddard Space Center in Maryland. The Swift
Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Mission
The Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Mission consists of a robotic spacecraft called Swift, which was launched into orbit on 20 November 2004, 17:16:00 UTC on a Delta II 7320-10C expendable launch vehicle. Swift is managed by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and was developed by an international...
is a multi-wavelength space-based observatory dedicated to the study of gamma-ray burst (GRB) science.
Anthony M. Busquets
Electronics Engineer, Aero-Space TechnologistStationed at NASA Langley Research Center
Langley Research Center
Langley Research Center is the oldest of NASA's field centers, located in Hampton, Virginia, United States. It directly borders Poquoson, Virginia and Langley Air Force Base...
in Hampton, Virginia
Hampton, Virginia
Hampton is an independent city that is not part of any county in Southeast Virginia. Its population is 137,436. As one of the seven major cities that compose the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, it is on the southeastern end of the Virginia Peninsula. Located on the Hampton Roads Beltway, it hosts...
, 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.
Miguel Alvarez Chico
Computer Engineer, Aero-Space TechnologistSystem Hardware Design Engineer for the Aft-Deck Simulator and the Cockpit Motion Facilitya at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. He is also the Assistant Systems Engineer, General Aviation Simulator (reactivation) - support of the AWIN research study (1998–2002).
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
1997, 2000-Achievement Award.
Dr. Nitza Margarita CintronNitza Margarita CintronDr. Nitza Margarita Cintron is a scientist who is currently the Chief of Space Medicine and Health Care Systems Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center.-Early years:...
In 1979, Cintron was the originator of the Biochemistry Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center. Cintron also served from (1979–85) as the project scientist for the Space Lab 2
Spacelab
Spacelab was a reusable laboratory used on certain spaceflights flown by the Space Shuttle. The laboratory consisted of multiple components, including a pressurized module, an unpressurized carrier and other related hardware housed in the Shuttle's cargo bay...
mission which was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger
Space Shuttle Challenger
Space Shuttle Challenger was NASA's second Space Shuttle orbiter to be put into service, Columbia having been the first. The shuttle was built by Rockwell International's Space Transportation Systems Division in Downey, California...
in 1985. Among the positions held by Cintron in NASA are "Chief of the Biomedical Operations and Research Branch in the Medical Science Division" and "Director for managing the Life Sciences Research Laboratories" in support of medical operations. In 2004 she was named "Chief of NASA's (JSC) Space Medicine and Health Care Systems Office", position which she currently holds.
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
"JSC Director's Commendation and Innovation Award", the centers highest award for a civil servant, the "NASA Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement", the highest science honor given by the agency. On October 7, 2004, she was inducted into the Hispanic Engineer's National Achievement Awards Conference (HENAAC) Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame, located in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
, was established in 1998 and recognizes the contributions of Hispanic
Hispanic
Hispanic is a term that originally denoted a relationship to Hispania, which is to say the Iberian Peninsula: Andorra, Gibraltar, Portugal and Spain. During the Modern Era, Hispanic sometimes takes on a more limited meaning, particularly in the United States, where the term means a person of ...
s in the fields of science, engineer
Engineer
An engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...
ing and technology
Technology
Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
. In 2006, she was recognized as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the United States by Hispanic magazine.
Gilberto Colón
Chemical Engineer, Aero-Space TechnologistAssociate 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
Dr. Juan R. CruzJuan R. CruzDr. Juan R. Cruz, Ph.D., is a Puerto Rican scientist who played an instrumental role in the design and development of the Mars Exploration Rover parachute.-Early years:...
Aerospace Engineer, Aero Space Technologist"Mars
Mars
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun in the Solar System. The planet is named after the Roman god of war, Mars. It is often described as the "Red Planet", as the iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance...
Exploration Rover (MER) Parachute" at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.
Dr. Cruz is a senior aerospace engineer in the Exploration Systems Engineering Branch at the NASA Langley Research Center. His responsibilities are focused on research and development of entry, descent, and landing (EDL) systems for robotic and human exploration missions. He was a member of the highly successful Mars Exploration Rover (MER) project that placed two rovers on the surface of Mars in 2004. His contributions to the MER project were centered on the design and qualification of the supersonic parachute.
Dr. Cruz is also a member of the Phoenix (Mars 2007), Mars Science Laboratory (Mars 2009), and Crew Exploration Vehicle EDL teams. He has undertaken research on advanced missions to Mars, including robotic airplanes, as well as having been a technical reviewer for the Genesis, Huygens, and Stardust missions. Prior to his involvement with exploration programs he conducted research on high-altitude unmanned aircraft.
Dr. Cruz holds a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech, and an S.B. from MIT, both in aerospace engineering. During his years at MIT he was involved with the Monarch and Daedalus human powered airplane teams.
Lydia Del Rio
Analyst"Research and Program Management and Center Full Cost Program Analyst" at NASA Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center
The John F. Kennedy Space Center is the NASA installation that has been the launch site for every United States human space flight since 1968. Although such flights are currently on hiatus, KSC continues to manage and operate unmanned rocket launch facilities for America's civilian space program...
in Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
.
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.
Dr. Rey N. Diaz
Engineering ManagementStationed at NASA Kennedy Space Flight Center in Florida, Dr. Rey N. Diaz is the Chief of the Business Systems Division at the Kennedy Space Center. Dr. Diaz holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and a master's degree in Engineering Management both from the University of Central Florida. Prior to joining NASA in 1983, Dr. Diaz earned his B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus.
For over 40 missions, Dr. Diaz was instrumental in the integration and testing of space flight systems and instruments carried on board Space Shuttle missions. In 1991, Dr. Diaz received the Silver Snoopy Award - one of the highest and most prestigious honors bestowed by the NASA's Astronaut Office and flown aboard a Space Shuttle mission.
An expert on management systems, Dr. Diaz led the successful implementation of the Business Management System associated with all NASA employees for the Kennedy Space Center.
Dr. Alfonso Eaton
Mechanical Engineer, Aero-Space TechnologistAssistant Director of the Engineering Division of the Goddard Space Flight Center.
"In 1966, Eaton became the first Puerto Rican and graduate of the Mayagüez 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.
Dr. Enectalí Figueroa-FelicianoEnectalí Figueroa-FelicianoDr. Enectalí Figueroa-Feliciano a.k.a. "Tali", Ph.D., is an astrophysicist and researcher with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center who pioneered the development position-sensitive detectors. He is an expert and researcher on dark matter....
An astrophysicist at Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, 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 is an astrophysicist who pioneered the development position-sensitive detectors and is an expert and researcher on dark matter
Dark matter
In astronomy and cosmology, dark matter is matter that neither emits nor scatters light or other electromagnetic radiation, and so cannot be directly detected via optical or radio astronomy...
. Figueroa is a researcher with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
and a professor of physics MIT.
Dr. Figueroa is also an Assistant Professor of Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT has five schools and one college, containing a total of 32 academic departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technological education and research.Founded in 1861 in...
{MIT] and the author of various papers including "Position-sensitive low-temperature detectors". astrophysicist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
Dr. Orlando FigueroaOrlando FigueroaOrlando Figueroa , previously the NASA Mars Czar Director for Mars Exploration and the Director for the Solar System Division in the Office of Space Science at NASA Headquarters and the Deputy Center Director for Science and Technology of the Goddard Space Flight Center...
Former "Director of Solar System Exploration Division and Mars Exploration" and "Director, Applied Engineering & Technology" (as the "Director of Engineering" he managed the full scope of engineering activities at Goddard) at Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.
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. In August 2005, Mr. Figueroa was appointed to the position of Director for System Safety and Mission Assurance at the Goddard Space Flight Center. In October 2005, Figueroa was named Director of Applied Engineering and Technology at Goddard, as such he is responsible for 1,300 employees and provides guidance on engineering and system technology.
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.
Guillermo A. Gonzalez
Electronical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist"In Space Propulsion-Solar Sails Program Manager"
Specialty: Electropyrotechnics Firing circuit & Nickel Cadmium Battery Systems at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.
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.
Olga D. Gonzalez-SanabriaOlga D. González-SanabriaOlga D. González-Sanabria is a Puerto Rican scientist and inventor. She is the highest ranking Hispanic at NASA Glenn Research Center, and a member of the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame...
"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
Glenn Research Center
NASA John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field is a NASA center, located within the cities of Brook Park, Cleveland and Fairview Park, Ohio between Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and the Cleveland Metroparks's Rocky River Reservation, and has other subsidiary facilities in Ohio...
in Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
Amri Hernandez-PelleranoAmri Hernandez-PelleranoAmri Hernández-Pellerano is a Puerto Rican electronics engineer and scientist who 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 various spacecraft at NASA's...
Electronics Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist"Power Systems Electronics Designer" at Goddard Space Flight Center
Goddard Space Flight Center
The Goddard Space Flight Center is a major NASA space research laboratory established on May 1, 1959 as NASA's first space flight center. GSFC employs approximately 10,000 civil servants and contractors, and is located approximately northeast of Washington, D.C. in Greenbelt, Maryland, USA. GSFC,...
in Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
.
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.
Gloria Hernandez
Technical Manager, Aero-Space Technologist"Supersonic Aerodynamics" at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
1998-NASA Performance Award and The National Association Top Women of the Sciences Award, 6 LaRC Superior Accomplishment Awards.
Annie Delgado-Holton
Project Control Specialist
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.
She 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.
Lucas G. Horta
Aerospace Engineer, Aero-Space TechnologistNASA 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
Grisselle LaFontaine
"Information Technology (IT) Specialist" at Glenn Research Center in Ohio.
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.
Javier Lecha
Electronics Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist"Group Leader in the area of Electromechanical systems" at Goddard Space Center in Maryland.
María C. Lecha
Electronics Engineer, Aero-Space TechnologistLecha 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 at Goddard Space Center in Maryland
Dr. Carlos A. Liceaga, P.E.
Electrical and Computer Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist"Explorer Acquisition Manager" at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.
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.
Dr.Carlos Ortiz LongoCarlos Ortiz LongoCarlos Ortiz Longo used to be the Constellation Program Division System Manager for the Structural Engineering Division at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. He is responsible for integrating Constellation Program items related to structures, mechanics, materials, and thermal...
"Manager of the Crew Health Care System and Exercise Countermeasures" at Johnson Space Center, Houston.
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
International Space Station
The International Space Station is a habitable, artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. The ISS follows the Salyut, Almaz, Cosmos, Skylab, and Mir space stations, as the 11th space station launched, not including the Genesis I and II prototypes...
(ISS) stay fit; he began his career at NASA around 20 years ago, working on the Space Shuttle
Space Shuttle
The Space Shuttle was a manned orbital rocket and spacecraft system operated by NASA on 135 missions from 1981 to 2011. The system combined rocket launch, orbital spacecraft, and re-entry spaceplane with modular add-ons...
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
Silver Snoopy award
The Silver Snoopy award is a special honor awarded to NASA employees and contractors for outstanding achievements related to human flight safety or mission success...
, 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, Arkansas&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
Silver Snoopy award
The Silver Snoopy award is a special honor awarded to NASA employees and contractors for outstanding achievements related to human flight safety or mission success...
.
Debbie Martinez
"Expertise: Flight Simulation" at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia
"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.
Lissette MartinezLissette MartinezLissette Martinez , is the lead electrical engineer for the Space Experiment Module program at the Wallops Flight Facility which is part of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.-Early years:...
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
Comet Hale-Bopp
Comet Hale–Bopp was perhaps the most widely observed comet of the 20th century, and one of the brightest seen for many decades...
in 1999. She was featured in the November 2002 issue of Latina magazine.
Lourdes E. Miranda
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, D.C.. she was also featured in "Tiempo Latino - Washington Post".
NASA Headquarters located in Washington, D.C.
Mayra N. Montrosa
Executive Officer for the NASA Chief ScientistMontrosa is responsible for coordinating Science Policy at the Agency at Headquarters located in Washington, D.C. 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.
Dr. Marla E. Perez-Davis
Chemical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist"Chief Electrochemistry Branch" at Glenn Research Center in Ohio.
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.
Mercedes ReavesMercedes ReavesMercedes Reaves is a Puerto Rican research engineer and scientist. She is responsible for the design of a viable full-scale solar sail and the development and testing of a scale model solar sail at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia.-Early years:...
Mechanical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist"Research Engineer" at Langley Research Center in West Virginia
West Virginia
West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east...
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.
Shayla Rivera
Aerospace EngineerRivera worked at NASA on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. She left NASA, after working there for 8 years, on account that she wasn't allowed to place a St. Christopher medallion on the Space Shuttle dash board. Rivera discovered that she had a hidden talent as a comedian and used her experiences to create the hit one-woman show "Rocket Science and Salsa," In 2004, Rivera received the “Mario Moreno Cantinflas Award” presented by the city of Los Angeles in recognition of entertainers who "represent the Latino Community with the same humor as the great Cantinflas did" and for her involvement in the community.
Dr. Miriam Rodon-NaveiraMiriam Rodon-NaveiraDr. Miriam Rodón-Naveira, Ph. D., is a Puerto Rican scientist. She was the first Hispanic woman to hold the Deputy Directorship for the Environmental Sciences Division within the National Exposure Research Laboratory. She is now responsible for developing, coordinating and maintaining research and...
"Senior Physical Sciences Technical Manager" at Dryden Flight Research Center
Dryden Flight Research Center
The Dryden Flight Research Center , located inside Edwards Air Force Base, is an aeronautical research center operated by NASA. On March 26, 1976 it was named in honor of the late Hugh L. Dryden, a prominent aeronautical engineer who at the time of his death in 1965 was NASA's deputy administrator...
located in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
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.
Miguel Rodríguez
"Chief of the Integration Office of the Cape Canaveral Spaceport Management Office"
Rodríguez 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.
Otilia I. Rodriguez-Alvarez
Electrical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist"Solar B Mission Manager/Geospace Instrument Systems Manager" at Goddard Space Flight Center
Goddard Space Flight Center
The Goddard Space Flight Center is a major NASA space research laboratory established on May 1, 1959 as NASA's first space flight center. GSFC employs approximately 10,000 civil servants and contractors, and is located approximately northeast of Washington, D.C. in Greenbelt, Maryland, USA. GSFC,...
in Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
Ms. Rodriguez-Alvarez began her career with NASA in 1986 at the Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
Greenbelt, Maryland
Greenbelt is a city in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. Contained within today's City of Greenbelt is the historic planned community now known locally as "Old Greenbelt" and designated as the Greenbelt Historic District...
, 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, Mayagüez Campus, and her M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Dr. Pedro RodriguezPedro Rodriguez (NASA)Dr. Pedro Rodriguez, Ph.D., , is the Director of a test laboratory at NASA and inventor of a portable, battery-operated lift seat for people suffering from knee arthritis.-Early years:...
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"Director of the test Laboratory in the Engineering Directorate at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center" at Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama.
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 Rodríguez
Pellin Rodríguez
Pellín Rodríguez , was a Salsa singer. Rodríguez was a member of the musical group El Gran Combo and toured with them all over Europe and Latin America, gaining fame and popularity as a singer. In addition to his singing capabilities, Rodríguez had great comedic abilities and participated on...
.
Dr. Miguel RomanMiguel Roman-Links:*. Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences Research - Terrestrial Information Systems Branch , NASA. Retrieved 2011-01-07....
Earth System ScientistDr. Miguel O. Roman is a research physical scientist who in 2009 joined NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
as a civil servant in the Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences Laboratory at Goddard Space Flight Center
Goddard Space Flight Center
The Goddard Space Flight Center is a major NASA space research laboratory established on May 1, 1959 as NASA's first space flight center. GSFC employs approximately 10,000 civil servants and contractors, and is located approximately northeast of Washington, D.C. in Greenbelt, Maryland, USA. GSFC,...
. He is part of a multi-agency team of Earth and climate scientists in charge of developing and evaluating algorithms for the VIIRS instrument onboard the NPP and JPSS
NPOESS
The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System was to be the United States' next-generation satellite system that would monitor the Earth's weather, atmosphere, oceans, land and near-space environment. NPOESS satellites were to host proven technologies and operational...
satellites. NPP and JPSS
NPOESS
The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System was to be the United States' next-generation satellite system that would monitor the Earth's weather, atmosphere, oceans, land and near-space environment. NPOESS satellites were to host proven technologies and operational...
will provide continuation of U.S. capability required to observe, protect, and manage our Planet’s resources to promote environmental stewardship; to monitor biophysical
Environment (biophysical)
The biophysical environment is the combined modeling of the physical environment and the biological life forms within the environment, and includes all variables, parameters as well as conditions and modes inside the Earth's biosphere. The biophysical environment can be divided into two categories:...
processes on the surface of the Earth; and to monitor surface temperatures of land
Temperature
Temperature is a physical property of matter that quantitatively expresses the common notions of hot and cold. Objects of low temperature are cold, while various degrees of higher temperatures are referred to as warm or hot...
and ocean
Sea surface temperature
Sea surface temperature is the water temperature close to the oceans surface. The exact meaning of surface varies according to the measurement method used, but it is between and below the sea surface. Air masses in the Earth's atmosphere are highly modified by sea surface temperatures within a...
, chlorophyll fluorescence
Chlorophyll fluorescence
Chlorophyll fluorescence is light that has been re-emitted after being absorbed by chlorophyll molecules of plant leaves. By measuring the intensity and nature of this fluorescence, plant ecophysiology can be investigated....
, and cloud cover
Cloud cover
Cloud cover refers to the fraction of the sky obscured by clouds when observed from a particular location...
and aerosols in the atmosphere
Earth's atmosphere
The atmosphere of Earth is a layer of gases surrounding the planet Earth that is retained by Earth's gravity. The atmosphere protects life on Earth by absorbing ultraviolet solar radiation, warming the surface through heat retention , and reducing temperature extremes between day and night...
.
Dr. Roman is also the Land Scientist for NASA’s Cloud Absorption Radiometer; the most frequently used airborne instrument built in-house at NASA Goddard. His research is centrally concerned with the development and application of remote sensing in multi-angle and airborne imaging systems (e.g., MODIS
MODIS
The Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer is a payload scientific instrument launched into Earth orbit by NASA in 1999 on board the Terra Satellite, and in 2002 on board the Aqua satellite...
and MISR
MISR
The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer is a scientific instrument on the Terra satellite launched by NASA on December 18, 1999. This device is designed to measure the intensity of solar radiation reflected by the Earth system in various directions and spectral bands; it became operational in...
) to measure and monitor terrestrial essential climate variables for climate change assessment, mitigation, and adaptation.
Monserrate RomanMonserrate RomanMonserrate Roman, is a Puerto Rican scientist in NASA who helped NASA build part of the International Space Station. She is the Chief Microbiologist for the Environmental Control and Life Support System project who determines how microbes will behave under different situations and in different...
Micro-Biologist at Marshall Flight Space Center in Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
.
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.
Carlos A. Gómez Rosa
2005-2007; Program Director of the EDOS Project; 2007–2009; Mission Operations Manager of the GOES-O Project; 2009–present; Deputy Systems Engineer of the GOES-R Ground System Project at Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland
Awarded: "2007 Engineering Excellence Award: NASA-GSFC Information Systems Division" for outstanding leadership and exemplary systems engineering support to the EOS 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
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
, Wallops Island, Virginia and New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
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 21st year at NASA.
Desiree Santa
Administrator"Congressional Liaison/Research Opportunity Administrator" at Headquarters located in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
Management Analyst in the Office of Earth, performing analytical and evaluative work related to the management, organizational efficiency and productivity of program operations.
Juan A. Román Velázquez
Mechanical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist"Space projects formulation Manager" at Goddard Space Center in Maryland.
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
Interferometry
Interferometry refers to a family of techniques in which electromagnetic waves are superimposed in order to extract information about the waves. An instrument used to interfere waves is called an interferometer. Interferometry is an important investigative technique in the fields of astronomy,...
missions.
Dr. Felix Soto ToroFelix Soto ToroDr. Félix Soto Toro , is an astronaut applicant and an Electrical Designs Engineer in NASA, who developed the Advanced Payload Transfer Measurement System .-Early years:...
Soto reviews, designs, builds, tests and implements engineering designs used in the Space Shuttle
Space Shuttle
The Space Shuttle was a manned orbital rocket and spacecraft system operated by NASA on 135 missions from 1981 to 2011. The system combined rocket launch, orbital spacecraft, and re-entry spaceplane with modular add-ons...
and Payload Operations Development Laboratories. The main project he developed was the Advanced Payload Transfer Measurement System (ASPTMS)(Electronic 3D measuring system), which consists of a simplified, robust, centrally operated and portable system that automatically measures the spherical coordinates offset between the trunnion and their supports during transfer operations.
NASA Awards and Recognitions:
Soto Toro was presented with the 2003 "El Premio Coqui" by La Casa de Puerto Rico in Florida, for his outstanding contributions in the field of science. On November 9, of that same year, Soto Toro along with another Puerto Rican Astronaut applicant, Henry Bursian Berríos and Ninfa Segarra
Ninfa Segarra
Ninfa Segarra is the last President of the New York City Board of Education. She served as President of the Board from 2000 to 2002 when the Board was abolished by the State of New York and power of the city schools of transferred to Mayor Michael Bloomberg....
, who was the first Hispanic Deputy Mayor of New York City, were named the Grand Marshalls of the Puerto Rican Day Parade held in Palm Bay, Florida.
Dr. Adolfo Figueroa-ViñasAdolfo Figueroa-ViñasAdolfo Figueroa-Viñas, Ph.D. is the first Puerto Rican astrophysicist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and is an expert in solar and space plasma physics at the Heliophysics Science Division...
AstrophysicistDr. Figueroa-Viñas is an Astrophysicist of the Physics Extraterrestrial Laboratory at the Goddard Space Center.
Figueroa-Viñas is the first Puerto Rican astrophysicist at NASA working in solar plasma physics. As a senior research scientist he is involved in many NASA missions such as Wind, SOHO, Cluster and MMS projects in which he is the author and co-author of numerous scientific papers in his field.
Dr. Figueroa-Viñas has served as Guest Co-Investigator of the International Sun Earth Explorer (ISEE-1) mission and the Voyagers program. He is currently a Co-Investigator in the WIND/SWE experiment of the International Solar Terrestrial Program (ISTP) and the Space Physics Theory Program grant entitled The Role of Turbulence in Heliospheric Plasmas. Dr. Figueroa-Viñas has participated in the organizing committee of "La Conferencia Espacial de las Américas" held in Costa Rica, Chile and Uruguay. He is the recipient of the NASA Special Service Award.
NASA's Bonzzo Award
John RivasJohn Rivas
-Early years:Rivas, born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, describes "Bonzzo" as a young likable adult facing life with a child's mentality. Rivas designed some special "Bonzzo" strips commemorating NASA's achievements, including "Beyond the Moon", a calendar of the year 2000 honoring Hispanic...
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
Hispanic
Hispanic is a term that originally denoted a relationship to Hispania, which is to say the Iberian Peninsula: Andorra, Gibraltar, Portugal and Spain. During the Modern Era, Hispanic sometimes takes on a more limited meaning, particularly in the United States, where the term means a person of ...
. 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.
See also
- List of notable Puerto Rican Educators and Scientists
- List of Puerto Rican scientists and inventors