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NASA          
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration

John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321-867-2468
_____________________________________________________________________
George H. Diller
April 11, 2003

Kennedy Space Center                   
321/867-2468


KSC Release No.  30-03

NOTE TO EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS:
PEGASUS/GALEX PRESS OPPORTUNITY TO BE HELD AT KSC ON MONDAY, APRIL 14

NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) to be launched in late April
will be featured in a news media opportunity on Monday, April 14.
GALEX will be seen mated to the Orbital Sciences Pegasus rocket
during the activities to encapsulate the satellite into the vehicle
fairing. 

GALEX is an Earth-orbiting observatory designed to map the history of
star formation, some nearly 80% as old as the universe, 13-14 billion
years. During the course of its two-year investigation, GALEX will
conduct the first ultra-violet surveys of the entire extragalactic
sky, including the first wide-area spectroscopic surveys.  This vast
data archive will form a lasting legacy.  Rich in objects from
galaxies to quasars to white dwarf stars, it will serve as a resource
for the entire astronomical community. 

The GALEX project is managed for NASA by the Jet Propulsion
Laboratory, and the spacecraft is built by the Orbital Sciences Space
Systems Group. 

For this event, standard clean room protocol will be observed.  Those
planning to attend are requested to wear long pants. Shorts or tank
tops are not permitted. Closed-toe shoes are also required. Clean
room attire (bunny suits) will be furnished.  Quality control
personnel may request cleaning of photographic equipment with alcohol
wipes that will be provided.  No suede, leather or vinyl attire or
accessories are permitted.  Please do not wear perfume, cologne or
makeup. No graphite pencils, food, tobacco, lighters, matches, or
pocket knives will be permitted inside the clean room.  Because of
the solid propellant of the Pegasus launch vehicle, no cellular
telephones, pagers, wireless microphones, or two-way radios can be
allowed inside the MPPF.

Electronic flash photography is permitted.  The lighting in the
facility with the Pegasus rocket is high pressure sodium (orange).
Within the clean enclosure that surrounds the spacecraft on the nose
of the Pegasus, the lighting is standard florescent.

Spokespeople from Orbital Sciences and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
will be available to discuss the GALEX spacecraft and Pegasus launch
vehicle, answer questions and be available for interviews.   There is
a possibility that a tour of the L-1011 at Cape Canaveral Air Force
Station may be offered after the GALEX press opportunity for those
who wish.

On Monday, April 14, badged media will depart at 8:15 a.m. from Gate
3 on SR 405 south of Titusville, just east of U.S. 1. 

GALEX is scheduled for launch aboard the Pegasus rocket no earlier
than April 26 at 8 a.m. EDT.  Pegasus deployment will occur over the
Atlantic Ocean approximately 100 miles east of Cape Canaveral from
the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft.

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