Mission Update
Space Shuttle Columbia rolled out to Launch Pad 39A yesterday. There it will undergo launch preparations for STS-107, the SPACEHAB/ FREESTAR microgravity research mission. The launch, scheduled for Jan. 16, 2003, will be Columbia's 28th. The crew of seven comprises Commander Rick Husband, Pilot Willie McCool, Payload Commander Michae Anderson, Mis-sion Specialists Kalpana Chawla, David Brown and Lau-rel Clark, and Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon of Israel.

"Salute to Brevard Residents" FREE Weekend at Visitor Complex
To show its appreciation for the support of Brevard County residents, the KSC Visitor Complex presents the third annual "Salute to Brevard Residents" Free Weekend Friday through Sunday, Dec. 13-15. This year's celebration coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission, the last Apollo flight to the moon. Apollo 17 Commander Eugene Cernan and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt will make public appearances the afternoon of Friday, Dec. 13. Throughout the three-day celebration, Brevard County residents can enjoy free admission to the Visitor Com-plex, including the KSC Tour and all exhibits and attrac-tions, by showing proof of residency (driver's license or utility bill). The Visitor Complex will collect canned goods and non-perishable food items to benefit the Bre-vard County Sharing Centers. While not mandatory for admission, the suggested donation is one food item or canned good per guest.

Reminder
All KSC employees are invited to attend the annual KSC Holiday Coffee. The coffee is being held today, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Debus Conference Facility, KSC Visitor Complex (enter through main entrance by Ticket Plaza). Continuous Shuttle Bus Service will be provided every 30 minutes beginning at 8:15 a.m. from the LC-39 Area (LCC, OSB, & Logistics Facility) and 8:30 a.m. from the Industrial Area (SSPF, O&C, & HQ). Last bus will leave from the Visitor Complex at 11:30 a.m. For those employees driving their own vehicles, park in Parking Area 5 at the Visitor Complex.

NASA TV Coverage of ISS
Extravehicular Operations
A preview of extravehicular operations and the activities of the new residents aboard the ISS will be the topic of a Mission Status Briefing at 2 p.m. Dec. 10, broadcast live on NASA TV .from the Johnson Space Center. Briefing participants will include Melissa Gard, Expedition Six increment manager; Norm Knight, ISS flight director; Darryl Schuck, Expedition Six EVA officer. Also on NASA TV will be a 6-1/2 hour spacewalk Thursday, Dec. 12, by Expedition Six Commander Ken Bowersox and Flight Engineer Nikolai Budarin to install the newly delivered P1 truss segment. The spacewalk is expected to begin at approximately 9:30 a.m. EST.