*** Please note that AGI will be moving our headquarters next week, so we will be closed beginning Thursday, May 13 at 5:00 p.m. ET until Monday, May 17 at 8:00 a.m. ET. We apologize for any inconvenience in reaching us during that time. ***

AGI e-News delivers monthly updates about AGI's technology offerings and events right to your desktop! For more about our STK analysis and visualization software solutions, or next month’s STK Users’ Conference, explore www.agi.com. Thank you!

STK Users’ Conference speakers confirmed

CAPT William F. Readdy, USN (Retired), currently serves as NASA Associate Administrator, Office of Space Flight, and will be a distinguished speaker at AGI’s 2004 STK Users’ Conference. On Tuesday morning, June 8, the veteran astronaut will share his shuttle flight experiences and expert space program insights with conference attendees, and discuss the NASA’s return to flight initiative along with thoughts on future space exploration.

Another confirmed speaker is a former NASA engineer, but considers himself, first and foremost, a writer. Homer Hickam, author of #1 best-selling novel-memoir Rocket Boys, commonly recognized in its movie version October Sky, and will be speaking at the closing ceremony on Wednesday, June 9. After his talk, he will meet and greet attendees while autographing books and videos.

Remember, the aerospace technology event is only 31 days away! Visit www.stkuc.com daily for the latest updates on AGI’s stellar line-up of speakers and new detailed Event Guide pdf available for download. Register for this can’t miss FREE conference as soon as possible, since space is limited!

AGI on "Cloud 9" with new patent

The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office recently issued AGI its ninth official patent, U.S. Patent No. 6,708,116-004. Entitled "Method and Apparatus for Orbit Determination," it is based on an invention by AGI senior engineer Jim Wright and covers technology for estimating the orbits of spacecraft or other objects relative to primary celestial bodies, given applicable measurements. This technology is embedded within AGI’s STK/Orbit Determination (STK/OD) module, which provides orbit determination and orbit analysis support for entire life-cycles of satellite tracking systems.

Since 1999, AGI has been awarded nine U.S. patents based on employee innovations incorporated into AGI technologies. To learn more about all of AGI’s patents, visit www.agi.com/patents.

STK training blossoms this spring

Flex your mental muscles this spring with AGI’s training class offerings, which get aerospace, defense, and intelligence professionals in sync with the continuously expanding capabilities of the STK software suite. Our FREE "Intro to STK" training course is offered globally with upcoming one-day classes in Landover, MD; San Jose, CA; and McLean, VA. More experienced users can tone their skills with a single day or full week of advanced STK training in London, England (May 10-14) or Long Beach, CA (May 10-14). Visit www.agi.com/training for details and registration!

A special circuit training opportunity is being offered at AGI’s annual STK Users’ Conference this June in Chantilly, VA. Twenty-four different 90 minute training classes are scheduled throughout the conference, in addition to other learning opportunities such as sitting in on various user presentations, technical seminars, and guest speakers. Space is limited, so register today at www.stkuc.com!

Version 5.0 know-how

The STK 5.0 Welcome page provides a variety of training scenarios, step-by-step tutorials, and easy-to-follow "Tasks" with GUI interfaces that help users quickly realize STK’s broad and precise analytical and visualization capabilities.

Upgrade to this latest version, then use STK 5.0’s Welcome page to learn how to optimize STK’s situational awareness tools; integrate STK with other programs such as MATLAB or Excel; or run an in-depth navigation analysis for a GPS solution. With these tools at your fingertips, you will be able to easily utilize the STK 5.0 software suite to analyze your mission and visualize your success. Order your own free copy today at www.agi.com/stk50.

AGI educates the next generation

Whether creating 3-D animations with our STK software suite, tracking the ISS in the night sky, or taking field trips with AGI’s very own rocket scientists—elementary to college-age students are expanding space education through AGI-sponsored educational activities.

AGI's Educational Alliance Program—launched in June 1996—has grown to include more than 120 worldwide institutions using nearly $700 million in donated software to date. In addition, AGI hosts the Philadelphia chapter of The Federation of Galaxy Explorers (FOGE), a non-profit organization that aspires to educate, guide, and prepare the next generation of aerospace engineers. To celebrate Space Day today, May 6, AGI will welcome a local third-grade class to its headquarters for a half-day of fun and interactive activities, including a model rocket launch. We have also partnered with the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and the National Association of Rocketry to sponsor the May 22nd Team America Rocketry Challenge, the world’s largest model rocket contest for middle and high school students. Read more about AGI’s community involvement, educational partners, and corporate affiliations, on-line at www.agi.com/corporate.

Thank you for making STK the world's leading COTS aerospace analysis and visualization software. AGI welcomes your questions, comments, or suggestions via e-mail to info@stk.com.