1. Science Support Plans Brian Stone Office of Polar Programs

2. Major Research Support Activities South Pole Telescope Icecube AGASEA ANDRILL SHALDRILL WAIS Divide Core Workshops –Long-range aerogeophysics –McMurdo Sound LTER –IPY

3. LC-130 Outlook Trends –SPSM missions beginning to decrease –Increase in science flights to South Pole due to SPT and Icecube Deep field –WAIS Divide beginning 05-06 –Increase in remote field activity Overall mission availability in FY07 looks good

6. Cryogenics Major issues –Liquid helium supply capabilities –Location of new cryogenics facility –Future issues?

7. Increasing LHe Requirements

8. Liquid Helium Supply Capability Current projection does not meet projected demand for winter 2005. Concerns regarding sufficient backup in the event of major transport failure. Need to begin investing in long-term solutions.

9. Current State

10. One Pulse Tube + Extra 3K

11. Zero Boil Off Option

12. Helium Costs Rising From the USGS Mineral Commodities Summary, January 2004: –Cost increases averaging 10-12% in FY2003. –Demand projected to increase at 5% per year through 2004 and 2005

13. I wish I’d bought stock in Praxair…

14. Questions?