NASA's Atlantis Moves to Launch Pad May 31 for Final Shuttle Launch

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May 20, 2011, 03:18 ET

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., May 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Space shuttle Atlantis will begin moving to its launch pad at 8 p.m. EDT on May 31, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The six-hour rollout from Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building is a major milestone as Atlantis is prepared for the final shuttle launch targeted for July 8.

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Journalists are invited to cover the shuttle's 3.4-mile journey atop a giant crawler-transporter. Activities include an 8 p.m. photo opportunity, followed by a 9 p.m. interview availability with Atlantis Flow Director Angie Brewer. Media representatives must arrive at Kennedy's news center by 7:30 p.m. for the rollout photo opportunity.

On June 1, NASA also will provide a sunrise photo opportunity at the launch pad following Atlantis' arrival. Reporters must arrive at the news center for transportation to the viewing area by 6 a.m.

STS-134 mission badges are valid for rollout events. To attend rollout and the sunrise pad photo opportunity, U.S. media representatives without credentials must apply by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 26. International media representatives must apply by Sunday, May 22. To request accreditation, apply online at:

https://media.ksc.nasa.gov

Credentials for rollout may be picked up starting at 6 a.m. May 31 at the Kennedy Space Center Badging Office on State Road 405.

During the STS-135 flight to the International Space Station, Atlantis' four astronauts will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module filled with supplies and spare parts to sustain station operations once the shuttles are retired.

NASA Television will provide live coverage of the shuttle's rollout. Highlights of the move will air on NASA TV's Video File. For downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For more information about the STS-135 mission and crew, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html

SOURCE NASA