SPACEPHOTOS

(06/25/1998) --- Sgt. Mark Hines, of Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Security, points out a view of a fire on the Forward Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR) video screen to Greg Dunn, of Florida's Division of Forestry, as KSC pilots fly NASA's Huey UH-1 helicopter over fires burning in Volusia County, Florida. The FLIR includes a beach-ball sized infrared camera that is mounted on the helicopter's right siderail and a real-time TV monitor and recorder installed inside. The helicopter has also been outfitted with a portable global positioning satellite (GPS) system to support the Division of Forestry as they fight the brush fires which have been plaguing the state as a result of extremely dry conditions and lightning storms. While the FLIR collects temperature data and images, the GPS system provides the exact coordinates of the fires being observed and transmits the data to the firefighters on the ground. KSC's security team routinely uses the FLIR equipment prior to Shuttle launch and landing activities to ensure that the area surrounding the launch pad and runway are clear of unauthorized personnel. KSC's Base Operations Contractor, EG&G Florida, operates the NASA-owned helicopter