MER Opportunity launch
processing underway
A battery with a failed cell associated with a component of the Boeing Delta launch vehicle’s flight termination system was replaced. At press time, launch was scheduled to occur Monday night10:35:23 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A second opportunity was available at 11:18:15 p.m. EDT, if necessary.

ELV Update
A launch date of Aug. 12 for Scientific Satellite (SCISAT-1) Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment is under review. Launch site is Vandenberg Air Force Base. The spacecraft arrived at Vandenberg from the Canadian Space Agency’s David Florida Laboratories June 25. Instrument checkout and spacecraft functional testing is under way. The solar arrays will be attached to the vehicle on or about July 10.

The Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) observatory is in NASA’s class 10,000 laminar flow clean room at spacecraft Hangar AE awaiting its return to the launch pad in early August. Launch is currently scheduled for Aug. 23; the launch period extends to September 9.

KSC's BEST BBQ Reminder
The barbecue is July 11, from 3-6 p.m. at KARS II. Final day to purchase tickets ($5) is today – tickets will not be sold on day of event.

Ticket distributors are Wanda Petty, HQ/2321, 867-9165; Truemilla Johnson, HQ/2507, 867-2307; Terrasena Jones, HQ/2276, 867-3828; Bill Gary, O&C/1251, 867-3021; Debbie Houston, O&C/3018, 867-6923; Maxine Daniels, SSPF/ 3228X, 867-5976; Carol Davis, SSPF/ 3220D, 867-5942; Hortense Burt, Cape-EO/2126B, 853-4836; Mary Davis, Lgst. Bldg/3540 J2, 861-1351; April Guest, SSPF/3023N, 867-0514.

All KSC employees are invited! The purpose is to improve employee relations and to get to know the summer students and faculty.

Recently employees received
Silver Snoopy Awards
Presented by astronauts Robert Behnken and Barry Wilmore, awards went to Sheree G. Gillard and Catherine B. Alexander, both with NASA; James P. Hicks, with Lockheed Martin; and Betty J. Clark, with United Space Alliance. Receiving Silvery Snoopies from SGS were William Spiker, Walter F. Jackson and Colleen K. Prince, presented by astronauts Peggy Whitson and Paul Lockhart; Mark S. Principi, Donald C. Lanthorne and David W. Shinn, presented by astronaut Doug Hurley; Terry E. Jackson, Juanita Thrist and Daniel J. Tierney, presented by astronauts Mike Lopez-Alegria and Paul Lockhart; Alan Markham, Jeffry J. Miller, Susan L. Palmer and Kim Draves, presented by astronaut Alan Poindexter.

Expedition 6 Crew Members to Visit KSC
Ken Bowersox and Don Pettit of the Expedition 6 Crew are currently scheduled to be at KSC July 22. Their presentation to employees will be held in the KSC Training Auditorium from 1 - 2 p.m. Please plan on joining us for this event.

Did You Know? University Of Florida & FEEDS On-Line The Florida Engineering Education Delivery System (FEEDS) program at the University of Florida is available on-line via streaming video technology. The College of Engineering (COE) offers an extensive menu of graduate engineering credit courses through FEEDS; the courses may be used towards the completion of a graduate degree, certificate program, or for professional development. Alternative delivery modes include CD-ROM and videotape. Fall 2003 registration is now open through Aug. 22, and classes begin Monday, Aug. 25. For more information, visit the COE web site at http//www.eng.ufl.edu/home/oeep; or contact Ruth Goetz at 352-392-9670 or rgoet@eng.ufl.edu.

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