Artist's concept of Orbital ATK's Cygnus spacecraft in orbit. Credits: Orbital ATK

NASA has opened media accreditation for the fourth commercial resupply services launch of an Orbital ATK Cygnus spacecraft filled with cargo for the International Space Station. The launch is currently targeted for Thursday, Dec. 3 during a 30-minute window that opens at approximately 6 p.m. EST.

The Cygnus will lift off aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), Florida. The mission will be the first flight of the enhanced variant of Orbital ATK’s Cygnus advanced maneuvering spacecraft, capable of delivering more than 7,700 pounds of essential crew supplies, equipment and scientific experiments to the station.

Science payloads include a new life science facility that will support studies on cell cultures, bacteria, and other micro-organisms; a microsatellite deployer and the first microsatellite to be deployed from the space station; experiments that will study the behavior of gases and liquids and clarify the thermo-physical properties of molten steel; and evaluations of flame-resistant textiles.

Media prelaunch and launch activities will take place at CCAFS and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. International media without U.S. citizenship must apply for accreditation by Nov. 2 for access to both Kennedy and CCAFS or by Nov. 11 for access only at Kennedy. The deadline for U.S. media to apply for credentials to both Kennedy and CCAFS is Nov. 16, and Nov. 23 for access only to Kennedy.

All media accreditation requests should be submitted online at:

https://media.ksc.nasa.gov

International media also are required to upload a scanned copy of their visa and passport or their green card with their accreditation request.

All media representatives must present two forms of unexpired legal, government identification to access Kennedy. One form must include a photo, such as a passport or driver’s license. Questions about accreditation should be directed to Jennifer Horner at jennifer.p.horner@nasa.gov or 321-867-6598. For other questions or additional information, contact the Kennedy news room at 321-867-2468.

For more information about the Orbital ATK resupply mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/orbital

For more information about the International Space Station, its crew and research, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

-end-

Stephanie Schierholz
Headquarters, Washington    
202-358-1100
stephanie.schierholz@nasa.gov

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
george.h.diller@nasa.gov

Sean Elizabeth Wilson
Orbital ATK, Inc., Dulles, Va.
832-415-1254
sean.wilson@orbitalatk.com

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