NASA
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321-867-2468
____________________________________________________________________________
________________________
George H. Diller
April 11, 2003
Kennedy Space Center
321/867-2468
KSC Release No. 30-03
NOTE TO EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS:
PEGASUS/GALEX PRESS OPPORTUNITY TO BE HELD AT KSC ON MONDAY, APRIL 14
NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) to be launched in late April will
be featured in a news media opportunity on Monday, April 14. GALEX will be
seen mated to the Orbital Sciences Pegasus rocket during the activities to
encapsulate the satellite into the vehicle fairing.
GALEX is an Earth-orbiting observatory designed to map the history of star
formation, some nearly 80% as old as the universe, 13-14 billion years.
During the course of its two-year investigation, GALEX will conduct the
first ultra-violet surveys of the entire extragalactic sky, including the
first wide-area spectroscopic surveys. This vast data archive will form a
lasting legacy. Rich in objects from galaxies to quasars to white dwarf
stars, it will serve as a resource for the entire astronomical community.
The GALEX project is managed for NASA by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and
the spacecraft is built by the Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group.
For this event, standard clean room protocol will be observed. Those
planning to attend are requested to wear long pants. Shorts or tank tops are
not permitted. Closed-toe shoes are also required. Clean room attire (bunny
suits) will be furnished. Quality control personnel may request cleaning of
photographic equipment with alcohol wipes that will be provided. No suede,
leather or vinyl attire or accessories are permitted. Please do not wear
perfume, cologne or makeup. No graphite pencils, food, tobacco, lighters,
matches, or pocket knives will be permitted inside the clean room. Because
of the solid propellant of the Pegasus launch vehicle, no cellular
telephones, pagers, wireless microphones, or two-way radios can be allowed
inside the MPPF.
Electronic flash photography is permitted. The lighting in the facility
with the Pegasus rocket is high pressure sodium (orange). Within the clean
enclosure that surrounds the spacecraft on the nose of the Pegasus, the
lighting is standard florescent.
Spokespeople from Orbital Sciences and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory will be
available to discuss the GALEX spacecraft and Pegasus launch vehicle, answer
questions and be available for interviews. There is a possibility that a
tour of the L-1011 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station may be offered after
the GALEX press opportunity for those who wish.
On Monday, April 14, badged media will depart at 8:15 a.m. from Gate
3 on SR 405 south of Titusville, just east of U.S. 1.
GALEX is scheduled for launch aboard the Pegasus rocket no earlier than
April 26 at 8 a.m. EDT. Pegasus deployment will occur over the Atlantic
Ocean approximately 100 miles east of Cape Canaveral from the Orbital
Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft.
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