yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (01/25/91)
Mike Braukus
NASA Headquarters Jan. 24, 1991
202/453-1549
Randee Exler
Goddard Space Flight Center
301/286-6256
George Diller
Kennedy Space Center
407/867-2468
KSC Release No. 12-91
TIME CHANGE MADE IN GAMMA RAY OBSERVATORY SCIENCE BRIEFING AND
SPACECRAFT SHOWING SCHEDULED AT KSC ON JAN. 29
The Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO), which is scheduled to be
launched aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis in April, will be the
subject of a science briefing and a showing of the observatory to
be held at KSC on Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 10:30 a.m. EST. (Editors
please note that this is one half hour later than previously
announced.)
The Gamma Ray Observatory follows the Hubble Space Telescope
as the second in NASA's "Great Observatory" series of
astrophysics observatories. GRO's four scientific instruments
are designed to study gamma ray sources in the universe. GRO
will be the heaviest NASA low earth-orbiting satellite ever
deployed from the Space Shuttle, weighing nearly 35,000 pounds.
Participating in the briefing will be:
P. Thomas Breakfield, Director of Shuttle Payload Operations,
Kennedy Space Center
John R. Hraster, GRO Project Manager,
Goddard Space Flight Center
Dr. Donald A. Kniffen, GRO Project Scientist,
Goddard Space Flight Center
Also participating on the panel and present at the showing
of the Gamma Ray Observatory will be the members of the STS-37
flight crew. The astronauts flying aboard Atlantis for this
mission are Steven R. Nagel, Commander; Kenneth D. Cameron,
Pilot; and Mission Specialists Jay Apt, Linda M. Godwin, and
Jerry L. Ross.
The briefing will be carried on NASA Select, Satcom F2R,
Transponder 13. The V-2 circuits will also carry audio of the
briefing and may be dialed directly by calling Area Code
407/867-1220...1240...1260.
At the conclusion of the briefing to be held at the KSC News
Center, media will be provided transportation to the Payload
Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) for the GRO/astronaut photo
opportunity.
Electronic flash is permitted. However, all lighting
equipment must be self contained and battery powered. High
pressure sodium (orange) is the available light used in the
facility.
Appropriate clean room attire will be furnished. In order
to maintain payload cleanliness standards, leather or vinyl cases
are not permitted within the clean room. Special plastic bags
will be furnished to carry camera accessories. Flat, closed-toe
shoes are required to be worn; no sandles or high heels. No
flame producing devices or tobacco products may be taken into the
facility.
Media needing accreditation should contact the KSC News
Center at 407/867-2468 to arrange for badging. Foreign press
not possessing U.S. citizenship must arrange for their
accreditation no later than 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 28, to allow
24 hours for processing.