News media are invited to attend the rollout of Space Shuttle Discovery to Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Fla., Friday, May 19. First motion of Discovery out of the Vehicle Assembly Building is targeted for 2 a.m. EDT with arrival at the pad around 8 a.m.

NASA TV will provide live coverage beginning at 6 a.m. EDT as Discovery approaches the launch pad. Video highlights of the rollout will air on NASA TV’s Video File segments.

The Kennedy Space Center Press Site will open for media activities at 5 a.m. EDT. Permanently badged media interested in attending this event should contact the Press Site at: (321) 867-2468 by 4 p.m. EDT Thursday, May 18. Media without Kennedy credentials must submit separate requests for each event via the online accreditation Web site at:

https://media.ksc.nasa.gov/

Since dates and times of this event are subject to change, updates are available by calling: (321) 867-2525.

Discovery was attached to its propulsion elements, an external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters, in the Vehicle Assembly Building on May 13. Following those operations, final integration, preparations and closeouts began in preparation for flight.

The rollout is an important step before Discovery’s next mission, STS-121, to the International Space Station. Discovery’s launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19.

During the 12-day mission, Discovery’s crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the station.

NASA’s Video File airs on the Media Channel (Program 103) at 6-8 and 9-11 a.m.; 12-2 and 4-7 p.m.; and 10 p.m.-midnight. All times are Eastern.

NASA TV’s Public, Education and Media channels are available on an MPEG-2 digital C-band signal accessed via satellite AMC-6; 72 degrees west longitude, transponder 17C, 4040 MHz, vertical polarization. In Alaska and Hawaii, they’re on AMC-7; 137 degrees west longitude, transponder 18C, at 4060 MHz, horizontal polarization. For digital downlink and links to streaming video, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For information about the STS-121 mission and its crew, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery To Move To Launch Pad