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NASA News 
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration

John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321-867-2468
_____________________________________________________________________
For Release: March 26, 2003

George H. Diller

Kennedy Space Center      
321/867-2468               

KSC Release No.  25-03

NOTE TO EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS:
PRESS OPPORTUNITY FOR SPACE INFRARED TELESCOPE FACILITY TO BE HELD AT
KSC ON FRIDAY, MARCH 28

NASA's Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF), to be launched on
a Boeing Delta II launch vehicle on April 18, will be the subject of
a news media opportunity at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on Friday,
March 28 at 8:30 a.m.  Media representatives will be taken inside the
clean room at NASA Spacecraft Hangar AE to see and photograph the
SIRTF observatory. 

SIRTF marks the finale of NASA's Great Observatories program that
includes the Hubble Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory
and the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory.  It will seek the oldest,
coldest and most dust-obscured objects in the universe.  The
observatory's ability to sleuth around for low-temperature objects
will also aid in the search for planetary systems in the make, some
of which may breed Earth-like planets harboring life.

For this event, full clean room protocol must be observed.  Those
planning to attend are requested to wear long pants and closed-toe
shoes.  Clean room attire (bunny suits) will be furnished.  Quality
control personnel will request cleaning of photographic equipment
with alcohol wipes that will be provided.  No suede, leather or vinyl
camera cases are permitted within the clean room.  Special bags will
be provided for camera accessories.  Please do not wear perfume,
cologne or makeup.  No graphite pencils, food, tobacco, chewing gum,
lighters, matches, or pocketknives will be permitted inside the clean
room.  Electronic flash photography is permitted.  The lighting in
the facility is mercury vapor.  Spokespersons from the SIRTF project
will be available to answer questions and for interviews. 

Those needing accreditation should contact the NASA News Center at
321/867-2468 by the close of business Thursday, March 27.  On Friday,
media will depart by bus at 8:30 a.m. from the Gate 3 Pass &
Identification Building located south of Titusville on SR 405 just
east of U.S. 1.  No transportation will be provided from the KSC
Press Site.  Media who need badging for KSC access should arrive at
least 30 minutes or more before departure time.

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