Seated, L to R: Victor Proton, Paul Wahner, Tammi Barreras, Tim Garner. Standing, L to R: Kurt Van Speybroeck, Doris Hood, Brian Hoeth, Tim Oram, Mark Wiley, Richard Lafosse, Frank Brody. (Photo: SMG)
(June 26, 2008) -- The Spaceflight Meteorology Group (SMG) has been selected as the recipient of the National Weather Service Southern Region Aviation Award. SMG is being recognized for implementing new weather-focused Space Shuttle mission simulations.
These new "internal SMG simulations" allow forecasters to use real time weather data for analysis and forecast operations. This provides for more realistic training than standard Mission Control Center (MCC) simulations, which may require forecasters to fabricate landing site weather conditions to meet higher priority MCC simulation objectives.
During the Internal simulations, forecasters play the role of NASA Flight Directors and other flight control team members. SMG forecasters participate in up to 10 internal simulations each year.
NASA Flight Directors also support the new internal simulations. NASA Space Shuttle Flight Director Richard Jones stated, "These SMG weather simulations are exceptional training opportunities. They have improved my ability to understand weather and weather-based decisions, and practice with the weather team."
The SMG team proved its mettle once again May 31 by contributing to the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. Close monitoring of shifting weather patterns at abort landing sites in France and Spain ultimately resulted in a "GO" forecast.
The flight of Discovery was the 26th shuttle mission (STS-124) to the International Space Station and the second of three flights supplying components for the space station's newly installed Kibo Japanese Experiment Module. The SMG team for STS-124 consisted of meteorologists Rich Lafosse, Mark Wiley, Kurt Van Speybroeck, Doris Hood and Paul Wahner.
Space Shuttle Discovery (Photo: NASA)