Shuttle Update
Discovery -- An engineering evaluation continues following the discovery late last year of a surface crack in a 2.25-inch diameter metal ball associated with a tie rod assembly inside a 17-inch liquid oxygen line. Further inspections of similar assemblies in Discovery's 17-inch and 12-inch lines have found no cracks. Inspections of Atlantis and Endeavour also have found no cracks. Atlantis continues to be processed for its March launch to the International Space Station. Preparations continue to install the Forward Reaction Control System. All three Space Shuttle Main Engines have been installed and leak checks are complete. Endeavour -- Deservicing and processing continues for the STS-115 mission to the International Space Station scheduled in May 2003. Throughout the holidays, work continued with waterproofing operations, structural inspections of the orbiter's leading edge and the Forward Reaction Control System. Removal of the FRCS was also completed. Checkout on the Orbiter Maneuvering System Pod is in work as is MEC/PIC verification. Preparations for fuel cell single cell voltage test are also in work. Columbia -- Launch Preparations are under way at Pad 39A for the Shuttle's Jan. 16 launch on the Spacehab microgravity research mission. Ordnance is scheduled later this week.

ELV Update
The launch of NASA's ICESat and CHIPSat spacecraft aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket is now scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 11, at 7:45 p.m. EST from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The possible launch attempt on Friday, Jan. 10 will not be made.

Volunteers Needed
NASA Education Programs and University Research Division announces the Sally Ride Science Club Festival is coming to UCF ( Orlando) on Feb. 2. A few good volunteers are needed to help staff this event. Volunteer tasks include distribution of pre-registered materials; on-site registration; helping workshop presenter; exhibitors'/presenters' check-in; lunch distribution; directing traffic & attendees; utility infield-ers; assistance with SR Club store (merchandise sales). Anyone interested in being a volunteer can e-mail patricia.j.gillis@nasa.gov with your name, e-mail address, and the task you're interested in. After your name is submitted, the Festival coordinator will contact you directly with maps, starting times, other contact information for the event, etc.

Cut Loads of Energy While Doing Laundry
It's easy to cut energy costs for laundry. About 80% - 85% of the energy used for washing clothes is used to heat the water. You can reduce this cost by using less water by washing full loads and using cooler water and cold-water detergents - switching the temperature setting from hot to warm cuts a load's energy use in half. You can reduce drying costs as well: clean the lint filter after every load to improve air circulation, and don't over-dry clothes. Use the cool-down cycle to allow clothes to finish drying with residual heat. Also, periodically inspect your dryer vent to ensure it's not blocked. If you are in the market for a new washer or dryer, look for the Energy Star and read EnergyGuide labels. For more tips on saving energy at home, visit the Web site http://www.energysavers.gov.