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Most NASA space missions launch out of Florida, but the man who first helped get the National Aeronautics and Space Administration off the ground took off from Cleveland.
 T. Keith Glennan was president of the Case Institute of Technology from 1947 to 1966. Deftly riding the wave of post-World War II advances in science and industry, Glennan transformed Case from a respected regional school to a truly national research institution. During his tenure, 12 new campus buildings were erected; the number of faculty increased by 60 percent; the engineering and science disciplines were overhauled; and, after many thwarted attempts, Case and Western Reserve finally united.
While this dossier is impressive enough, Glennan may be better remembered for what he accomplished on his sabbaticals from the presidency. First, he served as a member of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission from 1950 to 1952. Then, from 1958 to 1961, Glennan served as the first administrator of the newly formed National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
NASA was officially formed October 1, 1958, with the signing of the 1958 Space Act. This new organization was responsible for both aeronautics and astronautics, replacing the 43-year-old National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA). Glennan's new administration included the whole of NACA, as well as related projects from other government organizations.
Glennan's reign was an intense period of building and expansion. Only one week after NASA was formed, he gave the go ahead to Project Mercury, America's first manned spaceflight program. When Glennan returned to Case in January 1961, NASA and its Mercury astronauts were less than a year from their first successful orbital flight.
T. Keith Glennan's relationship with NASA was historic, but it wasn't unique. At what is now known as Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field and other NASA facilities, Case students, faculty and alumni have been working closely with the administration since its founding - in one case, even before. Simon Ostrach, Wilbert J. Austin Distinguished Professor of Engineering Emeritus, first joined NACA, NASA's precursor, in 1944. Over the next 60 years, Ostrach had a profound impact on both Case and NASA. He has received numerous honors for both teaching and research and, in 1998, was named one of NASA's 12 Superstars of Modern Aeronautics.
Ostrach retired just this year, but his legacy lives on at both Case and NASA. The most concrete example is the National Center for Microgravity Research, which Ostrach directed since its founding in 1997.
Recently renamed the National Center for Space Exploration Research (NCSER), the center is now under the direction of J. Iwan D. Alexander, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Case. The mission of the NCSER is to perform critical path research in fluids and combustion to support NASA's space program and related national initiatives, increase awareness of microgravity research and enhance its scientific, technological, educational and economic impacts and to support the development of enabling technologies for space exploration.
Alexander is excited about the future of the center as well as the relationship between the university and NASA.
"As NASA returns the shuttle to flight and works toward completing the International Space Station, it is also preparing for its greatest venture yet: the human exploration of the moon, Mars and the nearer asteroids," Alexander says. "Establishing a long-term human presence beyond low-earth orbit places stringent demands on spacecraft systems that supply power and propulsion and provide human life support. The challenges facing NASA are dominated by energy, air quality, water, astronaut health and food. As it strives to meet these challenges, NASA's human space exploration program will invigorate engineering research and development in this country."
In addition to its impact on research, Joseph M. Prahl, professor and chair of mechanical and aerospace engineering, believes Case's role in NASA's reemphasis on human exploration will enhance the university's already strong educational programs in these disciplines.
"There is tremendous potential to develop new approaches to engineering education as younger scientists and engineers become engaged in the quest to extend the boundaries of human presence in space through research programs at universities and at NASA centers," Prahl says.
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