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 on
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

Source: NASA