NASA Direct, NASA KSC’s web broadcast network, is featuring two prelaunch webcasts and mission launch day coverage of NASA’s Swift spacecraft. The launch is set for Wednesday, Nov. 17, 12:09 p.m. All coverage can be viewed through the NASA portal web site at www.nasa.gov/swift.

Web coverage of the Swift mission begins with a prelaunch webcast discussing Swift’s science elements Monday, Nov. 15, at2:30 p.m, EST. A second webcast discussing launch details is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 16, at4 p.m., EST. (the4 p.m.time is a change from the Note To Editors posted Nov. 8)  Each webcast includes informative interviews and question-and-answer sessions with NASA experts.

Live launch coverage begins one hour prior to12:09 p.m., EST, liftoff of Swift on Nov 17. NASA updates its Virtual Launch Control Center throughout launch countdown coverage.

Swift Science webcast set for Nov. 15,2:30 p.m.

Rex Engelhardt, mission integration manager for KSC’s Launch Services Program, hosts the program focusing on Swift’s science and technology.

Tim Gehringer, Swift deputy project manager describes the Swift spacecraft and how its trio of specialized instruments are suited to hunt for gamma-ray bursts.

John Nousek, mission director fromPennStateUniversity, provides an overview of the complex science and technology involved in the Swift mission.

Dr. Neil Gehrels, Swift’s principal investigator for NASA’sGoddardSpaceFlightCenter, answering questions concerning the Swift spacecraft chasing gamma-ray bursts.

Swift prelaunch webcast set for Nov. 16,4 p.m.

Tiffany Nail, KSC Launch Services Support Specialist, hosts the program focusing on the Delta II launch of the Swift spacecraft.

NASA launch manager Omar Baez discusses the Delta II program and Space Launch Complex 17A preparation for launch

Chuck Dovale, NASA launch director, informs the audience on launch preparation and answers questions submitted by space enthusiasts from around the world.

SWIFT WEB COVERAGE SCHEDULE (all times are EST and subject to change)

Program 1 – Monday, November 15 at2:30 p.m. EST

NASA Direct webcast: “SWIFT Science and Spacecraft Overview”
 http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/nasadirect/elv/Swift/event1.htm

Program 2 – Tuesday, November 16 at4 p.m. EST

NASA Direct webcast: “SWIFT Launch Overview”
http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/nasadirect/elv/Swift/event2.htm

NASA Direct Question Board:Program guests will answer questions submitted on the board, which can be viewed online.

Swift Science and Spacecraft: http://webcast.ksc.nasa.gov/vidapp/?event=46

Swift Launch Operations: http://webcast.ksc.nasa.gov/vidapp/?event=47

Launch Day (Wednesday, Nov. 17) beginning at approx.10:30 a.m. EST
Live countdown coverage from theVirtualLaunchControlCenter, located at http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/elvnew/swift/vlcc.htm. Coverage will feature real-time updates as milestones occur during the countdown, as well as streaming video clips of countdown events. All videos are provided in Real Video format.

For the latest information on this mission, go to NASA’s SWIFT Web site at http://www.nasa.gov/Swift.

For more information about the SWIFT Web events, contact Dennis Armstrong at 321/867-2468.