The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe regarding the damage left behind at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the wake of Hurricane Frances.
“The Kennedy Space Center suffered significant damage as Hurricane Frances swept across Florida. However, our primary concern is for the safety and well being of the entire NASA family along the Space Coast. The storm forced thousands of people to seek shelter away from their homes, and we want to make sure our colleagues and their families get the help they need in the coming days and weeks to rebuild their lives.
“We’re very fortunate that no one was injured in the storm, and I want to thank center director Jim Kennedy and his dedicated staff for taking the necessary precautions to ensure the Kennedy Space Center was made as safe as possible in the face of a terrible hurricane.
” We’re assessing how our resources across the entire agency can best be used to offer support to the Kennedy Space Center, as emergency crews begin the tedious and difficult work of clearing debris and restoring power and other services to the facilities on site. We’re also tracking hurricane Ivan very closely as it approaches the Caribbean.
“I urge the entire NASA family to keep everyone at the Kennedy Space Center in their prayers in the coming days. While there is considerable federal and state assistance on the way, the entire NASA family can get involved by contributing to the NASA Family Assistance Fund or the Red Cross.
“As people begin to return to their homes and careers, I recognize we have a monumental task ahead of us. But I know NASA is up to the challenge. We have a documented history of overcoming adversity and pulling together as a people to put America’s space program back on track.”
Information about Frances and NASA;
http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/lookingatearth/frances.html
Information about the NASA Family Assistance Fund;
http://www.feea.org/nasa.shtml