New date set for media to see unmanned aircraft used in NASA study on causes of lighting 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/