NASA Invites Media to Photo Opportunity at Launch Pad March 16

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Journalists are invited to a photo opportunity at Launch Pad 39A at 8 a.m. EDT on March 16. Discovery’s payload for the STS-131 mission, secure in its transportation canister, is scheduled to roll out to the pad starting at 12:01 a.m. The rotating service structure, which protects the shuttle from inclement weather and provides access to parts of the shuttle while at the pad, will be retracted to support the lifting of the canister for transfer to its final processing area.

During the event, reporters will have the opportunity to speak with Kennedy’s STS-131 payload mission manager, Joe Delai, and Boeing payload flow manager, Mike Kinslow. Media planning to attend must arrive at Kennedy’s news center by 7:30 a.m. for transportation to the event. Participants must be dressed in full-length pants, flat shoes that entirely cover the feet, and shirts with sleeves. Wireless microphones and cell phones are not permitted at the launch pad.

Discovery will deliver the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo filled with a variety of spare parts and supplies to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for April 5.

Reporters without permanent Kennedy credentials should submit their requests online at: https://media.ksc.nasa.gov

U.S. reporters must apply for credentials by 4 p.m., Friday, March 12. Accreditation for international journalists is closed.

For information about the STS-131 mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

For information on the space station, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/station