What: The Payload Operations Center at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center will mark its 10th anniversary as a science command post for the International Space Station March 8. For 10 years, the Marshall team has supported more than 6,000 hours of science experiments conducted by 41 space station crew members, and coordinated more than 1,100 experiments aboard the orbiting outpost. To observe this historic accomplishment, experts will discuss the years of work that have made the Payload Operations Center a vital partner in this world-class, one-of-a-kind orbiting laboratory. The celebration ceremony will include a plaque hanging in the Payload Operations Center to mark the event.

Who:

– Robert Lightfoot, director, Marshall Space Flight Center
– Rodney Jones, manager, International Space Station Payloads Office, Johnson Space Center
– Julie Robinson, International Space Station Program Scientist, Johnson Space Center
– Jay Onken, manager, Marshall Center Mission Operations Laboratory
– Lybrease Woodard, manager, Marshall Center Payload Operations Directors’ Office

When: March 8 – 10-11:30 a.m. CST (To ensure adequate security processing and badging time, members of the media are encouraged to arrive at the Gate 9 Visitor’s Center no later than 9 a.m.)

Where: Payload Operations Center, Building 4663, Martin Road

To attend: News media interested in covering the event should contact the Marshall Public and Employee Communications Office at 256-544-0034 no later than noon Monday, March 7. Media must report to the Redstone Visitor Center at Gate 9, Interstate 565 interchange at Rideout Road/Research Park Boulevard. Vehicles are subject to a security search at the gate. News media will need two photo identifications and proof of car insurance