JSC Will Return to Stage 3 on Thursday, Jan. 7
JSC will return to Stage 3 of the NASA Response Framework effective Jan. 7, 2021. Read the note from JSC Center Director Mark Geyer below.
JSC Team,
Happy New Year! I hope all of you safely enjoyed some time away from your work routines during the winter holiday break. I’m truly excited for all that we will accomplish in 2021, as we build on more than 20 continuous years of human presence in low-Earth orbit.
The health and safety of the JSC family is our top priority. We have seen a rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the local area and have assessed this data against our center criteria for on-site work. Based on our assessment, JSC will return to Stage 3 of the NASA Framework for Return to On-Site Work effective Thursday January 7, 2021. Supervisors and contractor management will contact employees directly affected by our transition to return to Stage 3. Our White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) will remain at Stage 3.
NASA will continue to support the workplace flexibilities that are available to you now (work schedule flexibilities and maximization of telework options to the greatest extent possible). Please discuss your individual needs with your supervisor and if you are sick, please stay home. The JSC COVID-19 website provides guidance and polices that will remain in effect.
The International Space Station’s seven Expedition 64 crew members enjoyed some much-deserved time off on the first day of 2021. The crew is back at work performing science experiments and preparing for the departure of the Cygnus cargo craft on Jan. 6. The ISS crew will soon begin the preparations for 4 EVAs that will install upgrades to various ISS systems.
On the Artemis front, NASA and Boeing engineers successfully completed propellant loading during the wet dress rehearsal Sunday, Dec. 20. The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket’s tanks were loaded with more than 700,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Core stage systems were monitored during the test as propellant flowed from six barges into the core stage at Stennis Space Center. First looks at the data indicate the stage performed well during the propellant loading and replenish process. The test ended a few minutes short of the planned countdown duration, the team is evaluating data to pinpoint the exact cause of the early shutdown. Then they will decide if they are ready to move forward with the final test, a hot fire when all four engines will be fired simultaneously.
This new year promises many great achievements for JSC, as we approach ISS, Commercial Crew, Orion and Gateway program milestones. It is important to remember the responsibility that each of us has to protect our human spaceflight mission and ensure the safety of our crews. This month JSC will host a variety of virtual events that look to our future while recognizing the lessons to be learned from our past:
Tuesday, Jan. 12 – JSC Town Hall
Thursday, Jan. 14 – Back in the Saddle with Jim Lovell and Fred Haise
Monday, Jan. 25 – Challenger after 35 Years: A panel discussion with Diane Vaughan author of “The Challenger Launch Decision”
Thursday, Jan. 28 – 2021 Day of Remembrance/ Challenger 35th Anniversary
I encourage all of you to tune in virtually. Please check the RoundUp to learn more details on each event.
Finally, I’m thankful for each and every one of you. 2020 was a testament to the amazing teams we have here in Houston and New Mexico. I’m certain we will continue to accomplish great things and inspire the world in 2021. Please continue to lift each other up this new year.
MG