March 23, 2005

Allard Beutel/Erica Hupp
Headquarters, Washington
(Phone: 202/358-4769/1237)

Jessica Rye
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(Phone: 321/867-2468)



MEDIA ADVISORY: M05-046

NASA'S DISCOVERY PRIMED FOR TWO RETURN TO FLIGHT MILESTONES

NASA invites news media to the Kennedy Space Center, Fla., (KSC) to 
participate in two of the most important milestones for Return to 
Flight of the Space Shuttle fleet. 

On Monday, March 28, the Space Shuttle Discovery will be moved from 
the Orbiter Processing Facility to the Vehicle Assembly Building 
(VAB). In the VAB, it will be attached to its redesigned External 
Tank and twin Solid Rocket Boosters.

On Monday, April 4, Discovery begins its eight hour journey to launch 
pad 39B.

The launch window for Discovery's Return to Flight mission (STS-114) 
is May 15 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 and deliver supplies.

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:


- 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 TV coverage for 30 minutes, beginning at first motion)

- Press Conference with NASA Senior Managers:


- William Readdy, NASA's 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 should contact the KSC Press Site 
(321/867-2468) by 4 p.m. EST Friday, March 25 for access 
instructions. Media at KSC may ask questions at the International 
Space Station news conference at NASA's Johnson Space Center on April 
4.

Media without KSC credentials should submit their separate 
accreditation requests for each event online at:



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

Since the events are in operational facilities, all participants must 
be properly dressed in long pants and closed shoes with low heels. 
Sleeveless shirts are not allowed.

Dates and times of events are subject to change. Updates are available 
by calling: 321/867-2525. For information about NASA's Return to 
Flight efforts on the Web, visit: 



http://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight

For information about NASA and agency programs on the Web, visit:



http://www.nasa.gov/

	
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