FWD: Urgent - Help Needed for NASA/JPL "New Horizons" program

The following message traffic was flashed this morning requesting support for NASA's (via JPL) "New Horizons" (AKA Pluto-Kuiper-Express or "PKE" mission) from Ted Nichols II.

For those who don't know, Ted Nichols is a *high school kid* who's nearly single-handedly been leading the charge (with support from the Planetary Society) in trying to save this project that's been on death's congressional doorstep the past couple of years.

For more info, visit Ted's website at:

www.plutomission.com

Space and Astronomy advocates everywhere should all take a lesson in this young person's tenacity and dedication to effort. . .

A PERSONAL NOTE AND RECOMMENDATION: Instead of sending an e-mail (as he's asked), it's better to drop a dime (O.K., make that a few dimes and quarters) and place a personal call or send a fax directly to your congressional representative's offices (you should find them listed at the front of your local phone books under "Government Pages").

Even better: Hand write a letter, stick it in an envelope and blow 37 cents on a postage stamp. Despite the past anthrax scare/screenings -- a personal letter carries more "weight" than an e-mail (many are ignored if you don't get an automated reply)

Regards,
Jim Spellman
NATIONAL SPACE SOCIETY
Western Spaceport Chapter
E-mail: WSpaceport@...
Internet: www.hometown.aol.com/wspaceport/Welcome.html
www.nss.org

Save the Pluto-Kuiper Express!

www.plutomission.com

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2002 03:24:04 -0000

Hello All,

I need some help, and New Horizons needs some help. It's simple, just e-mail the key figures in the Senate and House regarding NASA's budget, your reps & senators, and request the below.

Basically, we need to e-mail congress enmasse this week to see New Horizons is rescued from the lack of funding in the CR (continuing resolution).

Here's what's going on:

NASA's New Horizons Pluto-Kuiper Belt mission was funded in FY02 by the House and Senate, and with strong public support and the top priority recommendation of the National Research Council's Decadal Survey for Planetary Sciences, it has been funded in the NASA appropriations bill for FY03 by both the House and Senate appropriations committees.

However, because the OMB did not fund this effort in its FY03 budget request, New Horizons is not receiving any funding under the Continuing Resolution at this time. As a result, the mission is in grave danger of missing its crucial Jupiter launch window in 2006.

Please have your Reps and the Key Congressional Figures direct NASA to fund New Horizons under the Continuing Resolution's clause that "continues activities under Fiscal Year 2002 terms and conditions."

Thanks for your help,

Ted A. Nichols II