CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA managers have scheduled a news conference at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla., no earlier than 2 p.m. EST, Friday, Feb. 29, to discuss the status of the upcoming space shuttle mission. The news conference will begin after the conclusion of the Flight Readiness Review, a two-day meeting to assess preparations for shuttle Endeavour’s mission, designated STS-123.

The Feb. 28-29 review will include the selection of an official launch date for Endeavour’s voyage to the International Space Station. The target launch date is March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT. The briefing participants are:

– Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier

– Space Shuttle Program Manager John Shannon

– Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach

The briefing will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency’s Web site. Media may ask questions from participating NASA locations. Reporters should contact their preferred NASA center to confirm its participation.

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

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For STS-123 crew and mission information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle