Space Forum / Shuttle / September 2003

Melissa Motichek
Headquarters, Washington               September 23, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1272)

Bruce Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(Phone: 321/867-2468)

NOTE TO EDITORS: 03-094

MEDIA INVITED TO SEE SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS PREPARATIONS

    The media is invited to tour the Orbiter Processing
Facility (OPF) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and to
see the Space Shuttle Atlantis, as it is prepared for Return
to Flight. The tour is Friday, Sept. 26.

Reporters will see work in progress on Atlantis, including
the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on
the Shuttle's wing leading edge; wiring inspections; and
checks of the Shuttle's engines in the Orbital Maneuvering
System. NASA Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston will be
available to discuss the work and answer questions.

The tour is divided into three sessions. The first departs
the KSC Press Site at 9 a.m. EDT and is reserved for TV
reporters and videographers. The next two sessions, designed
for print reporters and still photographers, leave the press
site at approximately 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Space is limited.
Access will be granted on a first-requested basis and
limited to two persons per organization.

Media who want to attend this event must contact the KSC
Press Site (321/867-2468) by close of business Wednesday.
The sessions will not be carried on NASA Television.

Media without KSC credentials should submit their requests
via fax (321/867-2692) and include the following
information:
?    Full legal name
?    Title
?    Organization
?    Address
?    Telephone number
?    Date of birth
?    Place of birth
?    Social security number
?    Country of citizenship

Since the OPF is an operational facility that deals in
hazardous materials, all who enter must be properly dressed
in long pants and closed-toe shoes with low heels.
Sleeveless shirts are not allowed.

For the latest information on NASA's Return to Flight
efforts on the Internet, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

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