CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – News conferences, events and operating hours for the news center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center are set for the upcoming launch of space shuttle Atlantis. The STS-122 mission to the International Space Station is set to lift off at 4:31 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 6.

On Monday, Dec. 3, the seven Atlantis crew members are scheduled to arrive at Kennedy at 12:30 p.m. Badged media planning to cover the crew arrival must be at Kennedy’s news center by 10 a.m. for transportation to the Shuttle Landing Facility. Commander Steve Frick will make a brief statement to media. NASA Television will provide live coverage.

The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Monday at T-43 hours. The countdown includes 26 hours and 31 minutes of built-in hold time leading to a preferred launch time of 4:31 p.m. The launch window extends an additional five minutes.

Detailed lists of countdown milestones and news briefing times and participants, as well as hours of operation for Kennedy’s news center and media credentialing office are available at:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/news

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

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For the latest information about the STS-122 crew and mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle