NASA Updates Plans for Space Shuttle External Tank Arrival
The first redesigned Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) is making good progress en route to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Fla. The barge carrying the ET is expected to arrive at the Turn Basin at KSC about 1 p.m. EST, today.
Other ET media events are scheduled for Thursday and Friday. The ET will launch the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-114) on its Return to Flight mission.
Media can view the covered barge at the Turn Basin through 4:30 p.m. EST, today. Updated schedule (subject to revision):
Jan. 6 (all times EST):
8 a.m.: Media must arrive NLT at KSC News Center
9 a.m.: Photo Opportunity: Tank rolls off barge to Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)
11 a.m.: Live News Conference
- Deputy Associate Administrator for International Space Station & Space Shuttle Programs Michael Kostelnik
- Space Shuttle Program Manager Bill Parsons
- External Tank Project Manager Sandy Coleman
- Director of Shuttle Processing Mike Wetmore
12:30 p.m.: Workshop: External Tank Processing at KSC
2 p.m.: Photo Opportunity: ET in transfer aisle of VAB
Jan. 7:
7 a.m.: Media must arrive NLT to travel to the VAB
8:30 a.m.: Tour of VAB to see new Orbiter Boom Sensor System
12:00 p.m.: Media arrive NLT at News Center to travel to Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF)
1:15 p.m.: Return to Flight crew, STS-114, available for photos and questions at SLF
for the event is limited. Media who wish to attend must contact the KSC Press Site (321/867-2468). Media who do not possess KSC credentials should submit their request via the new online accreditation Web site:
Media may also fax (321/867-2692) or e-mail: kandy.t.warren@nasa.gov.
Include on organization letterhead: Full legal name, Title, Organization, Address, Telephone number, Date of birth, Place of birth, Social security number, Country of citizenship.
Since the tour includes operational facilities that deal in hazardous materials, all participants must be properly dressed in long pants and closed shoes with low heels. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed.
For the latest information on NASA’s Return to Flight efforts on the Internet, visit:
