March 14, 1999

Dear Colleague:

The purpose of this letter is to provide you with the latest updates and information concerning the upcoming AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialists Conference to be held at the Alyeska Prince Hotel in Girdwood, Alaska this summer. Due to the overwhelming response to the Call for Papers, the Conference has been extended to 3 1/2 days, Aug. 16-19, 1999.

Registration and fees Conference attendees must register and receive badges. Registration will begin at the Alyeska on Sunday, August 15 from about 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and will reopen each morning at 7:30 AM. The registration fees are as follows: AAS and AIAA members $190 Non-Members $250 Students $25 Please note that we cannot accept credit cards for any payment. Checks are the preferred form of payment.

Social activities The AAS will host a cocktail party on Sunday evening for early registrants. A second reception will be held on Monday evening, August 16. A special dinner is planned for Tuesday evening, August 17, at the Glacier Express. This is an informal mountaintop restaurant reached by a cable car. The cost for the evening is anticipated to be $20.00 for adults. This includes the cable car. The cost for children has yet to be set. ***** A preliminary estimate of attendance for this event is needed by July 25, so please email to Terry Alfriend, at the address below, the number of adults and children who may attend. This is not a commitment on your part nor is it a confirmed reservation. You must still make the reservation upon registration at the conference. *****

Travel reservations Because August is the height of the tourist season in Alaska you must make your reservations as early as possible. We have arranged a discount for flights on United Airlines. Please see the website http://www.space-flight.org for the Girdwood conference for information on this discount and discounts on other vacation activities that we have arranged.

Accommodations The Alyeska is holding a block of rooms for us for this conference. The rate is $147.00 plus tax for two people. This is an excellent rate. An additional person in the room is an extra $25.00 plus a one time fee of $25 for a roll away if necessary. This rate is available for three days before and after the conference. The Alyeska will hold these rooms until 30 days (July 16) before the conference date and then will release them to the general public. There is very little in the way of other accommodations in Girdwood, so it is important that you make your reservation early. The toll free number is: 1-800-880-3880, FAX: 907-754-2200, or use the enclosed form.

Airport to conference site transportation The Anchorage airport is located about 40 miles from Girdwood. There is ample taxi service available. We have made arrangements with Alaska Cabs to give a discount fare of $68 regardless of the number of people. You do not need to contact them ahead of time. We are also attempting to arrange a place for people to meet to car pool. Please check the website for future information regarding this. Rental cars are also available from the major chains but again this is still the height of the season so make your reservations early.

Further information Please see the website http://www.space-flight.org for the Girdwood conference for new information as it becomes available. The site will contain all new information and will be the main source of information from now on. You should check the site regularly.

Sincerely