MER launch delayed
Upon inspecting the first stage of the Delta launch vehicle after the January 28 launch attempt of the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity, engineers found that the lower band of cork insulation that was removed and replaced has limited areas that have debonded from the surface of the vehicle. Sections of this band, approximately 10 percent of the circumference, is being reinstalled. The band of cork insulation around the vehicle is approximately 2 feet wide and 1/4-inch thick. Based on the amount of time this work will require, launch has been rescheduled for no earlier than Saturday, July 5.

Reminder
The Employee Walkthrough of the Columbia Reconstruction Hangar will occur the week of July 7-12. The week will be divided so that on Monday – Wednesday, badged employees only will be able to walk through the Hangar, and on Thursday – Saturday, badged employees may bring their immediate families (up to 4 guests, must be age 12 or older) to view the Hangar. Due to the high volume of traffic expected each day, transportation will be by bus ONLY. The bus schedule follows:

For Badged Employees Only

• Monday, July 7, 1:30 – 6:30 p.m. LC-39 Area ONLY (1 bus stop in front of the OSB at the old Saturn V tour stop)
• Tuesday, July 8, 1:30 – 6:30 p.m. LC-39 and Industrial Area (1 bus stop at old Saturn V, 1 bus stop in front of HQ Bldg and 1 bus stop in front of the SSPF)
• Wednesday, July 9, 1:30 – 6:30 p.m. Industrial Area ONLY (1 bus stop in front of HQ and 1 bus stop in front of SSPF)

To accommodate 3rd shift employees, buses will run
Thursday, July 10, from 9:30 – 11:30 p.m. from the LC-39 area only.

Buses will run continuously from their designated stops to the Hangar and back to the SAME stop only. All badged employees (not requiring escort) may board the buses at any location. Please try to board buses in your normal work area to avoid overcrowding. (More on Thursday about transportation for family walkthroughs.)

Appreciation Dinner For Roy Bridges
The National Space Club Florida Committee is hosting an appreciation dinner for Roy Bridges Friday, July 11, at the Debus Conference Center, KSC Visitor Complex. To pre-register, please contact Sandy Andre at 867-1571 or 917-9192, or e-mail sandre@cfl.rr.com or www.nationalspaceclubflorida.org by Friday, July 4. Individuals $40/person, corporate tables (Seats 8) $500. Cancellations must be received 48 hours prior to event. Payment may be made at the door.

Massage Therapy at KSC
Discounts and packages are available!
Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at KSC,
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Are you spending too much time on the computer? Do you have neck, shoulder or lower back pain? Do you need to relieve some stress and relax? Call Valerie Jaramillo, licensed massage therapist, at 321-543-1047 to schedule your appointment. Hurry, appointments fill up quickly! $1/minute and less.

Did You Know? Since many employees carry cell phones at work, you can help the JBOSC Fire and Security Team respond quickly to vehicle mishaps that occur on Spaceport property. Read about it in the latest issue of Safety on the Line, titled July 2003/07, which can be found at http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/sotl/index.htm .

KSC Countdown is published Tuesdays & Thursdays. Deadlines: 10 a.m. Mondays & Wednesdays. Send information, comments or questions to: E-mail -- Anita.Barrett-1@ksc.nasa.gov Telephone -- 321-867-2815