Sept 21, 2010

Candrea Thomas Kennedy Space Center, Fla 321-867-2468 candrea k thomas@nasa gov

Michael Curie Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1100 michael curie@nasa gov

MEDIA ADVISORY: M10-133

NASA'S SHUTTLE DISCOVERY AT LAUNCH PAD, LIFTOFF PRACTICE SET

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla -- After safely reaching its launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery awaits the next major milestone for its upcoming and final mission to the International Space Station, STS-133

Reporters are invited to cover a launch dress rehearsal, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), scheduled at Kennedy from Oct 12 to 15 Six astronauts are set to launch aboard Discovery on Nov 1 for the final scheduled flight before the orbiter is retired

To attend TCDT, international journalists must apply by 5 p m EDT Oct 1 to allow time for processing U S media representatives must apply by Oct 7

Reporters requesting accreditation must apply online at:

https://media ksc nasa gov

Discovery arrived at the pad early Tuesday morning on top of a giant crawler-transporter The crawler-transporter left Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building at about 7:23 p m Monday and travelled less than 1 mph during the 3 4-mile journey The shuttle was secured on the launch pad at 1:49 a m Tuesday

The TCDT will provide Discovery's astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training

The following media events are associated with the test All times are Eastern

• Oct 12 - STS-133 crew arrival: The astronauts will arrive at approximately 5 p m at the Shuttle Landing Facility and make a statement The arrival will be broadcast live on NASA Television

• Oct 14 - STS-133 crew media availability: The crew will take media questions at Launch Pad 39A at 8:40 a m The session will be carried live on NASA TV

• Oct 15 - STS-133 crew walkout photo opportunity: The astronauts will depart from the Operations and Checkout Building at 7:45 a m in their launch entry suits in preparation for the countdown demonstration test at the launch pad The walkout will not be broadcast live, but will be part of the NASA TV Video File

Updates for all events are available at 321-867-2525

To attend crew arrival, reporters must pick up badges between 6 a m and 3 p m Tuesday, Oct 12, at the Kennedy Space Center Badging Office on State Road 405 For information about covering these events, including proper attire and meeting locations, credentialed media should visit:

http://www nasa gov/centers/kennedy/news/media html

The 11-day mission will be the 35th flight to the station and the 39th flight for Discovery The mission will deliver and install the Permanent Multipurpose Module, the Express Logistics Carrier 4 -- an external platform that holds large equipment -- and critical spare components for the space station Discovery also will deliver Robonaut 2, or R2, to become a permanent resident of the station as the first human-like robot in space

For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit:

http://www nasa gov/ntv

For more information about the STS-133 mission and crew, visit:

http://www nasa gov/shuttle

-end-

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