CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center will be opened to journalists to allow viewing of a site damaged during the May 31 launch of space shuttle Discovery. Reporters will have the opportunity to ask questions about ongoing repair work. The media tour will take place Monday, June 16, at 10 a.m. EDT.
The damage occurred to an area of the pad known as the flame trench. Based on analysis to date, repairs are expected to be completed in time for the next shuttle launch. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for Oct. 8.
During Monday’s event, Ed Mango, deputy director of the shuttle program’s launch vehicle processing, and Perry Becker, who is leading the launch pad engineering investigation team, will be available for interviews.
Reporters planning to attend should arrive at Kennedy’s news center by 9 a.m. All participants must dress in full-length pants, flat shoes that entirely cover the feet and shirts with sleeves. Journalists without permanent Kennedy credentials should submit their request online by noon, Friday, June 13, at:
Video B-roll of the pad damage will air on NASA Television’s Video File segment starting Monday afternoon. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit:
