NASA Opens Media Accreditation, Announces Events for Shuttle Atlantis’ Final Move

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Media accreditation is open for activities surrounding space shuttle Atlantis’ move to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida for permanent public display. Atlantis is scheduled to depart the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at approximately 7 a.m. EDT on Nov. 2.

The shuttle will embark on a 10-mile journey from the VAB to the visitor complex, stopping along the route for a NASA ceremony at about 9:45 a.m. Following the ceremony, Atlantis will travel to Space Florida’s Exploration Park for a viewing opportunity for visitor complex guests before departing for its new home.

Members of the media are invited to cover the ceremony and photograph Atlantis at designated locations throughout the move to Exploration Park. After departing Exploration Park, additional photo locations will be available for media coverage.

Ceremony participants include:

— NASA Administrator Charles Bolden
— NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana
— Current and former astronauts of Atlantis’ final mission, STS-135
— Chief Operating Officer, Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Bill Moore

MEDIA ACCREDITATION

For international journalists, the deadline to apply for credentials is noon, Oct. 22. For U.S. journalists, the application deadline is close of business, Oct. 30.

All media accreditation requests must be submitted online at: https://media.ksc.nasa.gov

For a schedule of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex media events and to apply for accreditation for coverage of activities at Exploration Park and the visitor complex, news media should contact Andrea Farmer at afarmer@dncinc.com or Catherine Segar at csegar@dncinc.com.

Kennedy Press Site Office Hours for Atlantis Move Activities
Times may be adjusted closer to the event.

Wednesday, Oct. 31: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 1: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 2: 5 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Kennedy Press Accreditation Office Hours
The Press Accreditation Office is located on State Road 3, south of the security gate.

Wednesday, Oct. 31: Noon – 4 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 1: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 2: 4:30 – 5:30 a.m.

Engineers have been preparing Atlantis for public display as part of NASA’s transition and retirement processing of the space shuttle fleet. A grand opening of Atlantis’ new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is planned for July 2013.

NASA TV’s Video File will broadcast highlights of Atlantis’ move. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For more information on the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, visit: http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com

For more information about preparations for Atlantis’ public display, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/transition