VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – International journalists planning to attend the launch of NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California should apply now for accreditation.

Because of Air Force requirements, international news media must apply for accreditation more than 30 days in advance of the launch. For the OCO mission, the deadline is Friday, Jan. 23, to allow time for processing the requests.

International news media should contact:

Stefan Bocchino, 30th Space Wing Public Affairs Office
Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Phone: 805-606-3595
Fax: 805-606-8303
E-mail: stefan.bocchino@vandenberg.af.mil

The reporter’s full legal name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and media affiliation are required. Legal photo identification is needed while at Vandenberg.

The launch of OCO aboard an Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket is scheduled for 1:53 a.m. PST on Feb. 23. For more information about the mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/oco