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.