CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The launch of NASA’s Kepler telescope, the first mission capable of finding Earth-size and smaller planets around other stars, is scheduled for March 5 at 10:48 p.m. EST, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

Because of U.S. Air Force requirements, international journalists must apply for accreditation more than 30 days in advance of the launch. For the Kepler mission, the deadline is Feb. 5. Reporters may apply for Kepler accreditation online at:

https://media.ksc.nasa.gov

U.S. journalists living within the United States who need accreditation have until Feb. 27 to apply. Reporters should confirm they have been accredited before they travel.

For more information about Kepler accreditation, contact Laurel Lichtenberger at 321-867-4036.

For more information about the Kepler mission on the Web, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/kepler