I have been mired in getting things prepared for the Swift launch the last few days since we now have a “firm” launch date. Well … about as firm as it gets anyway. Unless something really unfortunate happens it should go up on November 17, 2004. We have a launch window for the day from 12:09-1:09 PM (EST). If we miss that, then we try again on the 18th. The latest delays had nothing to do with any problems with Swift, but due to the fact we were waiting for our launch pad. A GPS satellite kept getting scrubbed and pushing us further out. It is finally up so now we can launch.

I am going down on the 15th (unfortunately without Laurie and C) so I can man our Swift exhibit booth, which I am setting up at the Kennedy Space Center’s Visitors Complex. The visitors complex will open the day before the launch so we can give out materials to the public. Then on the 17th, if all goes well, Swift will be launched. I plan on taking video of it if I can so I will post that when I return.