[ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 24-Jun-2002
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Contact: Helen Worth
helen.worth@jhuapl.edu
240-228-5113
Johns Hopkins University

Watch launch of the CONTOUR Spacecraft 'Live' from mission control at APL

Media will be given a unique opportunity to observe the mission operations team during launch of NASA's Comet Nucleus Tour (CONTOUR) spacecraft on July 1. Watch as control room operators monitor and communicate with the spacecraft, and talk with mission representatives during prelaunch, launch and post launch activities in the Mission Operations Center at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md.

During its mission, the spacecraft will race past at least two comets (Encke in 2003 and Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 in 2006), providing the closest look ever at a comet's nucleus. Launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., is scheduled for Monday, July 1 at 2:56 a.m. (EDT). Reporters are invited to join the Mission Ops team starting at 1 a.m. (Yes, a.m. is correct.)

Space is limited and registration is required. Media slots are available first-come, first-served. Reporters interested in attending the event should contact Dee Reese at (240) 228-5618 or dee.reese@jhuapl.edu by June 27, 2002.

The $159 million CONTOUR is the sixth mission in NASA's Discovery Program of lower cost, scientifically focused exploration projects. The Applied Physics Laboratory manages the mission, built the spacecraft and will operate CONTOUR during flight. Dr. Joseph Veverka, of Cornell University, is CONTOUR's principal investigator, leading a science team of co-investigators from universities, industry and government agencies in the U.S. and Europe.

For more information, visit the CONTOUR Web site at http://www.contour2002.org

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The Applied Physics Laboratory, a division of The Johns Hopkins University, is located on Johns Hopkins Road, one half-mile west of Route 29 in Howard County.
For directions and maps, visit http://www.jhuapl.edu (click on "Contact/Maps" for a link to the APL 'Visitors Guide).


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