The launch of the next space shuttle mission, designated STS-115, is targeted for late August. The possible launch window for the Space Shuttle Atlantis from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Fla., is August 28 to September 7.
All U.S. and international media must apply for credentials. For accreditation, media must work for legitimate, verifiable news-gathering organizations. Media may need to submit accreditation requests at multiple NASA facilities. (All times Eastern)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
Media applying for credentials at Kennedy may submit requests via the Web at:
Media must use work, not personal, e-mail addresses when applying. Once accreditation is approved, media will receive confirmation via e-mail. Accredited media will have access to launch dress rehearsal activities, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, and to launch events. For TCDT activities: Foreign media must apply for credentials by 4 p.m., Monday, July 24. Other media must submit applications by 4 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 2. For launch week events: Foreign media must apply by 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 11. All other media must apply by 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 18.
Media with special logistic requests, such as space for trailers, electrical connections or work stations in the newsroom, must contact Laurel Lichtenberger at: laurel.a.lichtenberger@nasa.gov
Work stations are provided on a first-come basis. To set up temporary telephone, fax, ISDN or network lines, media must make arrangements with Bell South at: 800-213-4988. Media must have an assigned seat in the Kennedy newsroom prior to setting up lines. Media must have a public affairs escort to any Kennedy area except the Launch Complex 39 cafeteria.
Kennedy credentials will be honored during the STS-115 mission at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston, and NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Media should still contact Dryden public affairs for access to Edwards.
JOHNSON SPACE CENTER
Media may either present Kennedy STS-115 mission credentials or obtain Johnson’s by calling the center’s newsroom at: 281-483-5111. Media planning to cover the mission only from Johnson should only apply at the center.
Johnson Deadlines: 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 4 for non-U.S. media, regardless of citizenship; 5 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 16, for U.S. media who are U.S. citizens.
Media covering the mission from Johnson using Kennedy credentials must contact the newsroom by Aug. 16 to arrange workspace, phone lines and other logistics. Johnson is responsible for credentialing media if the shuttle lands at White Sands Space Harbor, N.M. If a landing is imminent at White Sands, credentials will be arranged.
DRYDEN FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER
The shuttle could land on short notice at Dryden. Media should consider accrediting Los Angeles-based personnel who could travel quickly to Dryden.
Dryden Deadlines: Submit requests to Dryden Public Affairs by 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 1 for non-U.S. media, regardless of citizenship; by 6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 31, for U.S. media who are U.S. citizens.
U.S. citizens representing domestic media must furnish: full name, date of birth, place of birth, media organization, the last six digits of social security number and driver’s license number, including issuing state.
In addition to above, foreign media representatives, regardless of citizenship, must furnish: citizenship, visa or passport number, expiration date, and alien registration number if resident alien.
Fax requests for Dryden accreditation on company letterhead to: 661-276-3566. E-mail requests to pao@dfrc.nasa.gov are acceptable for media who have been to Dryden within the past year. Requests must include a phone number and business e-mail address for follow-up contact.
No substitutions of non-credentialed media are allowed at any NASA facility. If the STS-115 launch is delayed beyond Aug. 28, the deadline for domestic media will be extended on a day-for-day basis.
NASA PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACTS:
Kennedy: Bruce Buckingham, 321-867-2468; Johnson: James Hartsfield, 281-483-5111; Dryden: Leslie Williams, 661-276-3893. For information about the STS-115 mission or crew, visit:
