NASA's Shuttle Atlantis Moves to Launch Pad, Liftoff Practice Set

NASA's Shuttle Atlantis Moves to Launch Pad, Liftoff Practice Set CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Journalists are invited to cover the STS-132 space shuttle crew's Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, a practice countdown and related training, April 20-23 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Reporters also may cover space shuttle Atlantis' move from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A on Monday, April 19.

Atop a giant crawler-transporter, Atlantis' first motion on its rollout to the pad is scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. EDT. The 3.4-mile journey is expected to take approximately six hours. Reporters with permanent Kennedy credentials, STS-131 mission credentials and those credentialed specifically for Atlantis’ rollout and TCDT for the STS-132 mission to the International Space Station are invited to cover the move. An interview opportunity will be held at 8:30 p.m. with Atlantis Flow Director Angie Brewer.

Media accreditation for these events now is closed.

Badges for the events may be picked up on April 19 before 4 p.m., at the Kennedy Space Center Badging Office on State Road 405. On April 19, international reporters must arrive at the Kennedy Pass and ID Building on State Road 3 before 7 p.m. for transportation to the press site for Atlantis' rollout.

Beginning April 20, Atlantis’ astronauts and ground crews will participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test related training. TCDT provides each shuttle crew with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training.

For information about events, including proper attire and meeting locations, credentialed media should visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/media.html


Updates for events are available at 321-867-2525.

The six astronauts for Atlantis’ STS-132 mission will deliver the Russian-built Mini Research Module, also known as Rassvet module, (dawn in Russian), to the International Space Station. The flight also will deliver critical spare parts and cargo. Three spacewalks are planned during the 12-day mission, the final scheduled flight of space shuttle Atlantis. Launch is targeted for May 14 at 2:19 p.m. Following STS-132, two more shuttle flights remain scheduled.

Video highlights of the move will air on the NASA TV Video File. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit:



http://www.nasa.gov/ntv


For more information about the STS-132 mission and crew, visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts132


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