Shuttle Update
Due to the inspections and subsequent engineering investigation of the Main Propulsion System (MPS) liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen flow liner on all four Space Shuttle orbiters, mission managers have changed all launch dates to under review. (The soonest any Shuttle could be ready for launch is currently estimated to be Sept. 26, 2002.) Meanwhile, a full engineering review is being conducted by NASA to determine the cause of the cracks found on the orbiter's flow liners and to develop an appropriate remedy. Various engineering teams across the country continue to analyze data to determine the appropriate course of action that will lead to the resumption of safe launches. A decision is expected by the end of the week to select the best repair options. A decision is expected by the end of the month to proceed with the repairs or to fly as is. The orbiters are currently being processed for their future flights up to the point of engine installation.

KSC Systems Management Office
(SMO) Web Site Now Available
The KSC Systems Management Office has announced the initial release of its web site: http://kscsmo.ksc.nasa.gov/index.htm . This site is intended to provide tools, links and other valuable information for project managers and teams.

One of the chief goals of the site is to help Programs and Projects succeed, and it is structured to provide useful information in an easy-to-find format. Planned future releases include additions such as Project Management Plan and Configuration Man-agement Tools.

Comments are welcome as to how the site can be improved so as to better serve customers. Please e-mail the SMO web site curator at Tracey.Fredrickson-1@ksc.nasa.gov or click on the "Contact Us" button on the SMO web page to send comments.

SR 3 Bridge Refurbishment Scheduled To Begin The End of July
The Florida Department of Transportation is in the process of refurbishing the twin mechanical bridges that carry SR 3 over the Barge Canal in Merritt Island. Originally scheduled to begin in late May, closure of the northbound bridge is now scheduled for the end of July and will last 5-6 weeks. During this time, the southbound bridge will support both north- and southbound travelers. For traffic flow pattern information, please visit the web site at www.christabridge.com .

NASA Science
Last weekend Earth entered the outskirts of a cloud of comet debris. It marked the beginning of the annual Perseid meteor shower, which peaks on Aug. 12 and 13. Photo at left shows an image from 2001. The warmth of the northern summer makes the Perseids one of the year's most inviting sky shows. To read more about it, go to http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2002/19jul_perseids.htm

Did You Know. . .
The number of people who have flown on Shuttle as of July 2002 is 279, including payload specialists and international crew members.