SciSat-1 in orbit
The launch of the Canadian Space Agency's SciSat-1 (Scientific Satellite Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment) aboard an Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL vehicle was on time from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Aug. 12, at 10:09.33 p.m. EDT. The 330-pound SciSat-1 spacecraft (graphic at left) was placed into a 400-mile-high polar orbit at an inclination of 73.9 degrees following spacecraft separation which occurred 10 minutes, 38 seconds after deployment from the L-1011 aircraft.

ELV Update
The Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) was transported to the launch pad Aug. 10. The Flight Program Verification, an integrated test of the vehicle and the spacecraft, was scheduled for Aug. 12. The payload fairing was to be installed around SIRTF atop the Delta II rocket today, followed by servicing with cryogenic helium.

NASA Science News
The south polar ice cap of Mars is receding, revealing frosty mountains, rifts and curious dark spots. Got a telescope? You can see it yourself. Read the full story at http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2003/07aug_southpole.htm.

Sign up for graduate school
Florida Tech’s School of Extended Graduate Studies offers MS degrees in computer information systems, software engineering, space systems, and space systems management. Contact Carolyn Henninger at chenning@fit.edu. Florida Tech’s School of Management offers MBA degrees, MBA with concentration in acquisition and contract management and MBA with concentration in accounting track, plus an MS degree in engineering management. Contact Sharon Anderson at sanderso@fit.edu. Applications are currently being accepted for the fall semester, which begins the week of Aug. 25. Evening classes are held at KSC and Patrick Air Force Base. The office is located in the KSC Industrial Area, at B Avenue and 2nd Street, Bldg. TRM-032. For a fall schedule and information, call 453-2030.

Reminder
Father of Aerobics rescheduled for Aug. 21. Listen, learn and get motivated by Dr. Kenneth Cooper, who began the physical fitness movement in the early 70s and is known internationally as the Father of Aerobics. Attend for a chance to win door prizes! Dr. Cooper will talk on “Fitness and Obesity Rates” at the Training Auditorium Thursday, Aug. 21, from 11 a.m. to noon. The presentation will also be broadcast on Channel 60.

Smoking Cessation Program
SGS/CHS Medical offers smoking cessation classes for KSC/CCAFS personnel who wish to quit smoking. The classes are led by a physician, the employee assistance counselor and other health education professionals. The physician prescribes Zyban (oral medication – bupropion) which has been shown to be a very effective adjunct to the nicotine patch for those willing to quit. To make an appointment for this program, call 867-7398 or e-mail Patricia.Bell-1@ksc.nasa.gov .