The media is invited to tour the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and to see the Space Shuttle Atlantis, as it is prepared for Return to Flight. The tour is Friday, Sept. 26.
Reporters will see work in progress on Atlantis, including the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the Shuttle’s wing leading edge; wiring inspections; and checks of the Shuttle’s engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System. NASA Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston will be available to discuss the work and answer questions.
The tour is divided into three sessions. The first departs the KSC Press Site at 9 a.m. EDT and is reserved for TV reporters and videographers. The next two sessions, designed for print reporters and still photographers, leave the press site at approximately 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Space is limited. Access will be granted on a first-requested basis and limited to two persons per organization.
Media who want to attend this event must contact the KSC Press Site (321/867-2468) by close of business Wednesday. The sessions will not be carried on NASA Television.
Media without KSC credentials should submit their requests via fax (321/867-2692) and include the following information:
- Full legal name
- Title
- Organization
- Address
- Telephone number
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Social security number
- Country of citizenship
Since the OPF is an operational facility that deals in hazardous materials, all who enter must be properly dressed in long pants and closed-toe shoes with low heels. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed.
