NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

MEDIA ADVISORY : 28-05 Space Shuttle Discovery to Make Final Moves for Return To Flight News media are invited to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., during the next two weeks to participate in two of the most important milestones for Return to Flight of the Space Shuttle fleet.

Currently scheduled for Monday, March 28, orbiter Discovery, which is housed in its hangar, the Orbiter Processing Facility, will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), to be attached to its redesigned External Tank and twin Solid Rocket Boosters.

A week later on Monday, April 4, Discovery will begin its eight hour journey to the launch pad.

Launch of Discovery for its Return to Flight mission, designated STS-114, is targeted for May 15 with a launch window that extends to June 3. During its 12-day mission to the International Space Station, Discovery's seven person crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve Shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies to the Station.

DISCOVERY ROLLOVER - Monday, March 28
(For media arrival times call 321/867-2525 for updates)

• Discovery rolls from the Orbiter Processing Facility to the Vehicle Assembly Building
  
  
• Media tour of VAB and opportunity to speak to senior management including:
  • Bill Parsons, Space Shuttle Program manager
  • Wayne Hale, deputy Space Shuttle Program manager
  • Denny Kross, deputy Space Shuttle Program manager
  • Mike Wetmore, director of Shuttle Processing
  • Mike Leinbach, NASA launch director
  • Stephanie Stilson, Discovery vehicle manager

DISCOVERY ROLLOUT - Monday, April 4
(For media arrival times call 321/867-2525 for updates)

• Discovery moves to Launch Pad 39B
  (Live NASA Television coverage for 30 minutes, beginning at first motion)
  
  
• Press Conference with NASA Senior Managers
  • William Readdy, associate administrator for Space Operations
  • Bill Parsons, Space Shuttle Program manager
  • Mike Wetmore, director of Shuttle Processing
    
    
• Photo Opportunity of Discovery at launch pad

Permanently badged media interested in attending this event are requested to contact the KSC Press Site (321/867-2468) by close of business Friday, March 25.

Media at KSC will be allowed to ask questions at the International Space Station news conferences that at being held at NASA's Johnson Space Center on the afternoon of April 4.

Media without KSC credentials should submit their separate accreditation requests for each event via the new online accreditation Web site at:

https://media.ksc.nasa.gov/

Since the events are being held in operational facilities that deal in hazardous materials, all who enter the facilities must be properly dressed in long pants and closed shoes with low heels. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed.

Since dates and times of events are subject to change, updates are available by calling (321)867-2525.

For the latest information on NASA's Return to Flight efforts on the Internet, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight

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