Reporters will get to cover the space shuttle Discovery’s move to the launch pad on August 3 and the mission crew’s dress rehearsal activities August 5 to August 7 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The first motion of Discovery from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A is scheduled for 12:01 a.m. EDT. The 3.4 mile journey is expected to take approximately six hours. Lots of coffee for the early call for reporters beginning with a 6 a.m. photo opportunity of the shuttle’s move and an interview availability with Discovery Flow Director Stephanie Stilson at 7 a.m. Reporters must arrive at Kennedy’s news center by 5:30 a.m. Monday for transportation to the viewing area. As well the live coverage of the move will be shown on NASA Television starting at 6 a.m. Video highlights of the move will air on NASA TV Video File.
Discovery’s astronauts and ground crews will participate in the practice countdown, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test. The test provides each shuttle crew with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Then on August 5 – STS-128 crew arrives at approximately 11:30 a.m. at the Shuttle Landing Facility and make a statement. The arrival will be broadcast live on NASA TV.
The STS-128 crew will take questions from reporters at Launch Pad 39A at 8:40 a.m. on August 6. The session will be carried live on NASA TV.
Then on August 7 the STS-128 crew provide a walkout photo opportunity as they depart from the Operations and Checkout Building at 8:15 a.m. in their flight entry suits in preparation for the countdown demonstration test at the launch pad. The walkout will not be broadcast live, but will air on NASA TV Video File.
