Shuttle Update
Endeavour returned to KSC on Saturday, June 29, atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, from Edwards Air Force Base. Processing of Endeavour will now begin for the launch of mission STS-113 targeted for October 2002.



Columbia's main engines are being removed to investigate the presence, if any, of cracks in the fuel lines similar to those found in Atlantis and Discovery. The photo below shows one of the engines removed (left). Launch of Columbia is under review based on the outcome of the investigation.

ELV Update
The launch of the Comet Nuclear Tour (CONTOUR) spacecraft is currently scheduled no earlier than Wednesday, July 3, at 2:47:41 a.m. EDT, aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. The launch was originally scheduled for July 1 but during installation of the launch vehicle fairing around the spacecraft last week, possible particulate contamination was observed on the top solar array panel. As a precautionary measure, this particulate was to be analyzed to determine its composition and what further action, if any, was necessary.

NASA Science
Summer is a good time to spot giant moons near the horizon. It's the season for the mysterious moon illusion. Read the full story at http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2002/24jun_moonillusion.htm?list550276.

Thursday is July 4! Did You Know...
The United States Flag is the third oldest of the National Standards of the world; older than the Union Jack of Britain or the Tricolor of France. The flag was first authorized by Congress June 14, 1777, (now observed as Flag Day throughout America). The flag was first flown from Fort Stanwix, on the site of the present Rome, N.Y., on Aug. 3, 1777. It was first under fire for three days later in the Battle of Oriskany, Aug. 6, 1777. It was first decreed that there should be a star and a stripe for each state, making 13 of both, for the states at the time had just been erected from the original 13 colonies. The colors of the Flag may be explained: The red is for valor, zeal and fervency; the white for hope, purity, cleanliness of life, and rectitude of conduct; the blue, the color of heaven, for reverence to God, loyalty, sincerity, justice and truth.