1) FUSE Splinter Meeting at the 209th AAS Meeting in Seattle
2) FUSE Operations Status
3) FUSE Deputy Project Scientist Appointed
4) Cycle 8 Proposal Review



1) FUSE Splinter Meeting at the 209th AAS Meeting in Seattle 


		"POTENTIAL FUSE OPERATIONS BEYOND FY '08"

Time: January 8, 2007, 12:30 - 2:00 PM 
Location:  Mtg. rm. 607 


	The FUSE satellite has made a remarkable recovery from the attitude 
control problems in late 2004.  However, under the current NASA operations 
plan FUSE mission operations are slated to end in September 2008.  

	The scientific instrument remains healthy and provides a unique 
capability for far-UV spectroscopy that will not be duplicated in the 
foreseeable future.  Approaching NASA about using this asset for additional 
Far Ultraviolet observations will require: 

   1) identification of a mission model that radically reduces costs and 
   2) suggestions for compelling scientific investigations from the community.

	Stimulated by the revitalization of the satellite, the FUSE Operations 
Team has begun development of a new mission concept for FUSE that could 
continue the availability of this unique resource into FY '09 and beyond.  Key 
elements of this mission concept include:

   a) continued automation and streamlining of operations to reduce costs and
   b) an emphasis on a small number of unique, high-priority science programs.

	We are seeking community input on this operations concept.  What are 
the primary science drivers that will expand the legacy of FUSE in a 
significant manner?  What kinds of operations and at what level are required 
to support the science?  The results of these discussions will drive decisions 
about further automation and the development of the concept in the upcoming 
months, as we bring the concept to NASA for consideration. 

	This is your chance to have a major impact on the creation of a new 
FUSE mission.  Please take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to attend 
this important splinter session and give us your advice and feedback. 

                      BE THERE!!
                      
                      
George Sonneborn, FUSE Project Scientist 
Warren Moos, Principal Investigator 
William P. Blair, Deputy Principal Investigator



2)  FUSE Operations Status

	The FUSE satellite has now been back in science operations mode for 
slightly over one year, after recovering from the latest reaction wheel 
problem. FUSE Operations have continued to improve throughout the fall as 
additional tweaks to the flight software and ground system have been tested 
and implemented.  The operations team is now achieving between 800 ksec and 
1 Msec of new science data each month, a performance level many thought we 
would never see again with FUSE.  The operations team is excitedly awaiting 
the Cycle 8 results and a new batch of science targets to carry us through the 
next 18 months of operations.

As a reminder, you can always check on FUSE status on our Web page:

   http://fuse.pha.jhu.edu/facts/misstat.html



3) FUSE Deputy Project Scientist Appointed

	Dr. Michael E. Van Steenberg (NASA/GSFC) has been appointed as the 
Deputy Project Scientist for the FUSE mission.  He will be supporting George 
Sonneborn with FUSE GI program administration, including proposals, observing 
programs, budgets, and grants.  Michael's contact information is as follows:
michael.e.vansteenberg@nasa.gov and 301-286-7876. 



4) Cycle 8 Proposal Review

	NASA received 108 proposals for Cycle 8 observing time in September 
2006.  Peer review panels evaluated the proposals in November.  NASA expects 
to announce the results of the Cycle 8 proposal review by early January 2007.



            Finally, the FUSE Project would like to wish you all 
            
                  Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
                 
                 
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The Observer's Electronic Newsletter is published by the FUSE project and is 
aimed at the FUSE user community.

Editor: B-G Andersson, FUSE Guest Investigator Officer.

The FUSE Project is managed by Johns Hopkins University's Center for 
Astrophysical Sciences in Baltimore, MD, for NASA's Goddard Space Flight 
Center.  The FUSE Principal Investigator is Dr. Warren Moos, the FUSE Program 
Manager at JHU is Mr. Randy Ewing, and the NASA Project Scientist for FUSE 
is Dr. George Sonneborn.

Further information about the FUSE Guest Investigator Program can  be
obtained from:  Dr. George Sonneborn; sonneborn@stars.gsfc.nasa.gov
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