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.
