NASA Invites Media to Preview Test of New Launch Abort System

HOUSTON -- NASA has set a launch date and a media preview day for its
next flight test, called Pad Abort 1. The flight test is part of an
ongoing mission to develop safer vehicles for human spaceflight
applications. The test is scheduled for May 6, with a media preview
day April 23. Registration deadlines for reporters planning to attend
are as early as April 9.

Pad Abort 1 will be the first fully integrated test of the launch
abort system being developed for the Orion crew vehicle. The
information gathered through the test will be used to design and
develop future systems that provide a safe escape for crews in the
event of an emergency.

Representatives from NASA and Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor
for Orion, will provide an overview of the test and answer questions
at a media preview on April 23. Reporters will be able to see the
vehicle on the launch pad. The media day will take place at launch
complex 32E at the U.S. Army's White Sands Missile Range near Las
Cruces, N.M.

Journalists who intend to participate in the media day must register
with the White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Office by calling
575-678-1134. Foreign media representatives must register by April 9;
U.S. media representatives must register by April 16.

The flight test May 6 will be broadcast on NASA Television and the
agency's Web site. Media representatives planning to attend the
flight test also must contact the White Sands Public Affairs Office.
The deadline for foreign nationals to register is April 21. For U.S.
journalists, the deadline is April 28. The launch viewing area is
approximately four miles from the launch pad.

For NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming video information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For more information about the Pad Abort 1 flight test, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/orion

Source: NASA