08.18.05 Bruce Buckingham Kennedy Space Center, Fla. (Phone: 321/867-2468) MEDIA ADVISORY: 83-05 NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE ORBITER DISCOVERY SET TO RETURN TO KSC Following its successful 13-day STS-114 mission and a flawless landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California last week, NASA's Space Shuttle orbiter Discovery is scheduled to return to Kennedy Space Center as early as Saturday, Aug. 20. Discovery, mounted atop a modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is expected to depart Edwards Air Force Base early Friday, Aug. 19, and arrive at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility the following day. Actual departure and arrival times are yet to be determined. Also, refueling and overnight stops are to be determined. Final preparations for Discovery's departure and the actual flight plan are contingent upon weather conditions in California and the cross-country route. Stringent flight weather restrictions may cause unexpected changes to the flight path and delays in arrival. STS-114 media credentials will be honored for events surrounding the orbiter's return. U.S. media may drive directly to the KSC News Center. Foreign media must contact the Press Site to arrange for transportation from off base. TV stations wishing to cover the arrival live from the Shuttle Landing Facility must contact the KSC Press Site for proper authorizations. Once the arrival time at KSC is determined, media will be asked to be at the KSC Press Site two hours ahead of the announced arrival time for transport to the Shuttle Landing Facility. Media are reminded of the KSC operational area dress code: no skirts, no shorts, no sleeveless shirts and only closed flat shoes may be worn. Discovery Vehicle Manager Stephanie Stilson and the pilots of the SCA will be available for interviews at the Shuttle Landing Facility following landing. Live coverage of Discovery's return to KSC will be carried on NASA Television beginning about 15 minutes before touchdown. For the latest information on Discovery's return, call the KSC codaphone at 321/867-2525. -end- To subscribe to the list, send a message to: ksc-subscribe@newsletters.nasa.gov To remove your address from the list, send a message to: ksc-unsubscribe@newsletters.nasa.gov
