Dec. 3, 2003

Bruce Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center 
(321) 867-2468

RELEASE: 98-03

MEDIA PHOTO OPPORTUNITY AS ORBITER ATLANTIS ROLLS TO VAB

News media are invited to view and photograph the Space Shuttle 
orbiter Atlantis as it is moved from the Orbiter Processing Facility 
(OPF) to the Vehicle Assemble Building (VAB). The move is scheduled 
to take place on Friday, Dec. 5 at about 9 a.m. EST.

The move from the OPF to the VAB is being conducted to allow work in 
the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work in 
the processing facility includes annual validation of the OPF cranes, 
work platforms, lifting mechanisms, and jack stands.

Atlantis will remain in the VAB for about 10 days then return to the 
OPF as work continues to prepare it for launch in September 2004 on 
the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.

Media interested in viewing the roll, should report to the press site 
no later than 8:30 a.m. Friday. 

	
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