TDRS launches!
NASA's 10th Tracking and Data Relay Satellite lifted off from CCAFS last night at 9:42 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas IIA rocket. During the next eight days, orbit- raising maneuvers will boost the 7,039-pound satellite into a geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles above the Earth's equator.

Shuttle Update
Endeavour's landing on Dec. 4 was postponed due to low clouds in the KSC vicinity that would violate weather constraints at time of landing. Forecasters predict an increase chance of showers and clouds during today's landing attempts, with Friday's weather showing improvement. Endeavour has two potential opportunities to land today, with the first of two landing opportunities available at 2:54 p.m. EST (deorbit burn occurring at 1:49 p.m.). The second landing opportunity would be 4:30 p.m. EST. Two opportunities are also available at KSC on Friday. Columbia awaits its roll out to Pad 39A in preparation for its launch scheduled for Jan. 16 for the Spacehab microgravity research mission. The orbiter was mated to its twin Solid Rocket Boosters and External Tank on Nov. 20. Atlantis continues to be processed for its March launch to the International Space Station. Auxiliary Power Unit leak and functional tests, and Master Events Controller verification are in work. Other work scheduled is the gaseous nitrogen servicing on the Environmental Control and Life Support System.

KSC Direct! History Series Presents: KSC's First Center Director Dr. Kurt H. Debus
JoAnn Morgan, director of External Affairs and Business Development, Sigi Northcutt, daughter of Dr. Kurt Debus, and Carey McCleskey, Spaceport Technology manager, provide their insights into the life and legacy of rocket pioneer Dr. Debus who was instrumental in the development of the United States Manned Space Program. Dr. Kurt Debus came to the United States from Germany at the close of World War II, bringing years of rocket expertise to the early American missile program. Find out about the achievements that led to Debus' role as KSC's first Center Director To join the broadcast live, go to http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/kscdirect/event1.htm at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 9. If you have a question, submit it before the event through the KSC Direct! question board - it may be answered during the live broadcast!

Science Fair Judges Needed
Science Fair judges are needed for the following elementary school fairs: Palm Bay, Imperial Estates, Indialantic, Andersen, Roy Allen, Audubon, Saturn, Our Lady of Lourdes (Melbourne), Fairglen, Jupiter, and St. Marks If you are interested in judging any of these fairs, please e-mail: Patricia.gillis-1@ksc.nasa.gov for date and more information. Remember to get your Supervisor's approval first!