David E. Steitz
Headquarters, Washington           August 7, 2002
(Phone: 202/358-1730)

Steve Roy
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
(Phone: 256/544-0034)

NOTE TO EDITORS: N02-55

NEW DATE SET FOR MEDIA TO SEE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
USED IN NASA STUDY ON CAUSES OF LIGHTNING IN STORMS

     A new date has been set for the news media to view the 
behind-the-scenes activities of a NASA field study that seeks 
to understand the causes of electrical storms' fury. 
Scientists working at Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., are 
using a tool no atmospheric scientist has used before to 
study lightning -- a remotely piloted aerial vehicle. Media 
can register to see the aircraft and interview the study's 
researchers on Aug. 22. The previously scheduled media day, 
Aug. 8, has been moved to Aug. 22 due to Naval Station 
requirements.

This lightning research is part of the Altus Cumulus 
Electrification Study, a collaboration among NASA's Marshall 
Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.; the University of 
Alabama at Huntsville; NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in 
Greenbelt, Md.; Pennsylvania State University in University 
Park; and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., San 
Diego.

Press will be allowed access to the storm researchers and the 
unpiloted aircraft during the tour. News media 
representatives interested in covering the event must contact 
Steve Roy of the Marshall Media Relations Department at 
256/544-0034 no later than 5 p.m. EDT Aug. 19, with the name 
of their organization and Social Security number, as well as 
contact phone numbers. This information must be provided for 
all persons wishing to enter the facility to cover the tour. 
U.S. citizenship is required.

For security reasons, pre-registration by Aug. 19 is required 
to attend this event.

Media who have been pre-approved to attend will be escorted 
from the main gate at Naval Air Station Key West, located off 
U.S. Highway 1 in Boca Chica Key, on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 9 
a.m. EDT. NASA will provide transportation to and from the 
hanger. News media who do not pre-register by 5 p.m. EDT on 
Aug. 19 will not be allowed onto the facility.

Extensive background material on the mission can be found on 
the Internet at: 
http://aces.msfc.nasa.gov/

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