Mission Update
The launch of Space Shuttle Columbia was postponed Wednesday due to the projected 38 degree temperature at the launch pad on Thursday– the margin of acceptable limit combined with predicted wind speed and relative humidity. Waiting an additional 24 hours protects the option for possible back-to-back launch opportunities under more favorable conditions. The launch window on Friday is 6:22 – 7:24 a.m. EST.

Volunteers Still Wanted
 NASA and the Kennedy Space Center are hosting the 4th Annual Regional FIRST Robotics Competition March 7-9 at the KSC Visitor Complex. Volunteers of technical and nontechnical backgrounds are needed, especially for March 7. All USA employees, please contact Linda Bradley directly at 867-3709 or e-mail Linda.j.Bradley@usago.ksc.nasa.gov. All others may call Pat Christian at 867-2144 or e-mail patricia.christian-1@ksc.nasa.gov.

2002 Research and Technology Report
Kennedy Space Center’s Research and Technology Annual Report, with its wide distribution, provides NASA, academia and industry with a broad overview of KSC’s accomplishments in technology development. Articles should be prepared for all advanced technology funded projects, and articles are also encouraged for projects funded by other sources such as Shuttle, Payloads, Space Station, etc. The report will follow the same basic format as the 2000/2001 report. Articles should be mailed to Barbara LeDuke, DNX-8, by March 15. View prior year reports at: http://technology.ksc.nasa.gov/WWWaccess/R&T_reports.html

The following workshops will be live on Channel 23 from noon to 4 p.m. as shown:

• March 12 -- Introduction and EO 13123 Update; Life-Cycle Costing--Basic; Buying Energy Efficient Products
• March 19 -- Operations and Maintenance Management; Water Resource Management
• March 26 -- Energy Savings Performance Contracting; Utility Project Financing

Did You Know?
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), in partnership with NASA, is planning a beach cleanup between Canaveral National Seashore and CCAFS on March 14, from 1 - 3:30 p.m., in advance of sea turtle nesting season, March through September. The cleanup is open to all permanently badged KSC employees who wish to volunteer. Teams of volunteers will work with FWS staff, who will provide trash bags, water and removal of the collected debris. Volunteers will meet at the tour bus stop east of LC-39A, at the intersection with the Beach Road, at 12:30 p.m. March 14. Bus transportation will be provided between this staging site and the beach. NASA civil servants are permitted to use administrative leave for this activity. However, all volunteers must obtain their supervisor’s permission in order to participate. Participation by employees of KSC contractors shall be in accordance with the individual Company’s policies. If interested, please call the FWS at 861-0667 by March 8 to sign up. H