Launch Update
Managers yesterday confirmed the launch of Space Shuttle Columbia for today at 10:39 a.m. EST. The launch window extends for 2 hours and 30 minutes. This announcement comes following a final review of Shuttle processing activities and a satisfactory engineering analysis of the Ball Strut Tie Rod Assembly (BSTRA). STS-107 is a scheduled 16-day mission with a planned KSC landing at about 8:53 a.m. EST on Saturday, Feb. 1. This mission is the first Shuttle mission of 2003. Mission STS-107 is the 28th flight of the orbiter Columbia and the 113th flight overall in NASA's Space Shuttle program.

KSC To Honor African American History Month
The KSC Black Employee Strategy Team (BEST) will host the KSC 2003 African-American History Month celebrations in February. BEST would like to emphasize that all KSC employees are invited to participate as we honor the culture and contributions African-Americans have made to the space program, our nation and the world.

• Feb. 5, Soul Food Fest "Potluck" -- KARS II, food served 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tickets $5.
  
• Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28 BEST Fridays -- Wear BEST or KSC Logo shirts for rotating visits to KSC Cafeterias: Feb. 7-HQ, Feb. 14-O&C, Feb. 21- SSPF, Feb. 28- MFF
  
• Feb. 15, BEST Black Tie Gala -- Cock-tails/Keynote Speaker/Live Band/Door Prizes at the Radisson Hotel at the Port, 6 p.m. Tickets $30.
  
• Feb. 20, "Roots" Family History Workshop -- Learn how to find your ancestors and store the data. Training Auditorium, 1 - 2 p.m.
  
• Feb. 23, Church Fellowship/ St. James A.M.E Church/11a.m Service.

For more information or tickets for indicated events, contact Michelle Amos at 867-6681 or e-mail to Michelle.E.Amos@nasa.gov.

Remembering the Man, Remembering the Dream
On August 28, 1963, Americans marched in record numbers for Equality. More than 200,000 civil rights marchers -- black and white -- gathered at the Lincoln Memorial to hear strong encouraging words from their leader, Dr. Martin Luther King. What they heard was a speech of heartfelt passion and poetic eloquence that echoes still in our memories. You can hear Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech in the O&C/Mission Briefing Room, Jan. 17 & Jan. 20, showing both days at 12-12:30 p.m. and 12:30-1 p.m.

Education Opportunity
Webster University is now accepting applications for the Master of Science in Computer Science program that will be held on-site at KSC, with a proposed start date of March 17, 2003. Candidates for this program must have a bachelor's degree in computer science or documentation showing related experience or course work. Applications are also being accepted for the Master of Arts in Computer Resources and Information Management program that will also be held on-site at KSC, also with a proposed start date of March 17. Classes are one evening per week and are on nine-week accelerated terms. Other programs are available at the Merritt Island, Palm Bay and Patrick AFB campuses. For more information, call 449-4500 or visit www.webster.edu/spacecoast.

Make a Note
The Spaceport HEW Working Group is sponsoring The Spaceport Health and Wellness Initiative Feb. 4-6. Learn about weight loss, exercise, nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Events will include handouts, prizes and lectures. Look for dates and topics in future KSC Countdowns.