I have actually been well aware of the Kepler mission for almost two years now.
The Kepler mission's operations center will be the Laboratory for Atmosphere and Space Physics.
I work at the Laboratory for Atmosphere and Space Physics. I will be involved quite deeply with the launch and early operations of the mission, assuming it makes the estimated 2008 launch date.
To be honest I'm EXTREMELY excited for this mission. The very concept of it is fascinating, and I look forward to being involved with it.
Kepler's FOV