Custer Observatory Program "Space Shuttle: End of an Era"

Paul Stengel's program on the "Space Shuttle: End of an Era" was one of the best programs I've seen at Custer Observatory. Paul is a "32-year veteran high school science teacher and taught for 22 years at Shoreham-Wading River High School.  Throughout his career, Paul has presented science programs with physics and aerospace themes to students, teachers, professional organizations and civic groups.  Paul’s efforts in the classroom have been recognized with awards such as “Science Teacher of the Year,” an "Excellence in Science Teaching Award" by the Science Teachers Association of New York State. In addition, Paul was a NYS Finalist in NASA’s Teacher in Space Project.  Since his retirement 12 years ago, Paul has maintained his commitment to science education as Curriculum Consultant for NOVA’s “Einstein’s Big Idea”, Solar System Ambassador for NASA/JPL, Chandra X-Ray Satellite Teacher Resource Agent, and more recently, as a participant in Chautauqua Program Short Courses in Astronomy, Energy Sustainability and Climate Change. At present, he teaches a summer program in physics and aerospace to minority high school students at Brookhaven National Laboratory. He is also an active member of the Southampton Town Kiwanis Club since 1980 where he has served as President on three occasions."

Steve Bellavia introduced his colleague from Brookhaven National Lab to the audience at Custer. Paul Stengel's detailed explanation and demonstration on a model Space Shuttle of everything that happens just minutes and seconds before a Space Shuttle Launch was very informative and the closest explanation you can hear without being there. Hearing his description of what happens before a Launch would have made watching the Space Shuttle take off more meaningful.

Paul demonstrates the heat-shielding properties of a Space Shuttle Tile

 Paul described the Space Shuttle as "the most complex flying machine ever made, the Space Shuttle has reached its 30th birthday and the end of its mission. It was designed in the 60’s, built in the 70’s, launched in the 80’s, the Shuttle legacy includes remarkable achievements – and glaring failures. He explained how it got into space? What it was like to be in orbit? How does it get back home? Were Challenger and Columbia tragedies avoidable? How will the cancellation of the Constellation program impact the future of NASA and the  US manned space program?"  In this lecture, Paul answered all these questions and more. It was a program not to be missed! 

 

Photos from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida showing the relative size of some of NASA's rockets and engines. The Rocket Garden has grown significantly since these photos were taken.