NASA and United Launch Alliance (ULA) invite the news media to the arrival at Cape Canaveral of the Atlas V launch vehicle that will send NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft on its mission to Mars this fall.

The launch vehicle was manufactured in ULA’s factory in Decatur, Ala.  It was shipped to Florida by the Mariner, a unique barge built to safely transport large rocket stages. News media will have the opportunity to view the offloading of the Atlas V’s two stages at Port Canaveral and then tour the Mariner.

NASA and ULA officials available will be:

 

• Vernon Thorp, United Launch Alliance, NASA and Commercial Program Manager
• Omar Baez, Launch Director, NASA Launch Services Program
• Chuck Tatro, MAVEN Mission Manager, NASA Launch Services Program

MAVEN will launch aboard an Atlas V 401 with a 4-meter-diameter payload fairing. Liftoff is targeted for Nov. 18, 2013, from Space Launch Complex 41.

Media wishing to participate should be at the Space Florida parking lot of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station by 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 26 to be escorted to the event.  Since this will occur in an operational area, no skirts, shorts, or tank tops will be allowed. Closed-toe, flat shoes are required. International media will not be able to participate because the event will take place on the Air Force station.  

For more information about the MAVEN mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/maven

 

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