The campaign was officially started on October 1st of 2000, after many months of planning. The campaign was started by then 18-year old Ted Nichols II of Etters, PA, a high school student. The original mission of the campaign was to revive the deferred Pluto-Kuiper Express (JPL's Version). Ted Nichols II is 19 now, and a college freshman; he is pursuing a degree in Planetary Geology. He is also an avid amateur astronomer, and member of the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg.

On October 3rd after negotiations with the Planetary Society, the campaign officially received their support. We were also mentioned at the website www.nasawatch.com.

On October 4th the campaign also received the support of the Astronomical League, read their letter below.

On October 5th Spaceviews.com published an online article regarding the campaign. The article can be found here: http://www.spaceviews.com/2000/10/05b.html

On October 14th an article was published in the LOS ANGELES Times regarding the campaign. The article can be found here: http://www.latimes.com/news/science/science/20001014/t000098014.html

On October 17th ABCNEWS published an online article via the Associated Press. The article can be found here: ABCNEWS Pluto Article

On October 19th Spacedaily.com published an online article regarding the campaign. The article can be found here: http://www.spacedaily.com/news/pluto-00f1.html

On October 21st the Campaign was explained in THE PATRIOT NEWS. THE PATRIOT NEWS covers the Harrisburg, PA Area. The article was on the front page of the STATE & LOCAL Section..

By end of 2000, things were going well for the campagin, Ted Nichols II, was invited to NASA Headquarters in Washington DC, and visited in Late November.

In December, the campaign had been mentioned in the Italian Magazine L'Astronomia, and US Magazine Astronomy and Sky and Telescope.

NASA delivered a nice Christmas persent in 2000, saying they had reprioritzed the mission, and were accepting proposals for a new mission under 500 million (with a possible 2004 launch). NASA will announce in Summer of 2001 which proposal is selected, and in February of 2001 they will hold a workshop on the mission. The campaign continues, and in general support a mission with similar (to PKE) science goals, and a launch as quickly as possible.

The campaign has switched focus to supporting a misison to Pluo and the Kuiper Belt, and encouraging NASA to select one of the proposal they receive for a mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt.

The Astronomical Leagues Letter of Support:

The Astronomical League Executive Committee, acting on behalf of the League Council and the League's 18,000 members, has voted unanimously -- and most enthusiastically -- to support the Save the Pluto-Kuiper Express Campaign..

There is little question that immediate study of the outer solar system is needed as so many significant mysteries remain unsolved there -- the origin and nature of the Pluto-Charon system and of Trans-Neptunian Objects, and the relation of both to the Kuiper Belt. As a life-long Pluto hunter, I was dismayed at the news of the postponement of the PKE mission. Each of the League's officers has voiced similar disappointment. The League believes this mission should have NASA's highest priority among future unmanned missions.

Please accept this letter as confirmation that the Astronomical League, representing amateur and professional astronomers in over 240 societies and organizations, urges the earliest possible launch of the Pluto-Kuiper Express mission and wholeheartedly supports the Save the Pluto-Kuiper Express Campaign. The League commends you and others associated with the Campaign on your work to reestablish the priority which this very important mission deserves.

Charles E. Allen, III

President, Astronomical League

-Campaign Supporter

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