NASA'S KENNEDY SPACE CENTER HOLDS UNIQUE MEDIA EVENT, TCDT

For the first time since July 2001, two space shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, media are invited to capture a unique opportunity with both shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour on their respective pads with the rotating service structures rolled back from the vehicles. The structures provide protection from the element and access to the shuttles.

A photo opportunity will be available from 8 to 9:30 a.m. EDT, allowing media to take imagery from several locations near Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A and Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B.

A live static shot of the two shuttles will be available on NASA Television from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Video b-roll of the shuttles, including aerial shots, will be available on the NASA TV Video File.

For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit:

Still images, including aerial shots, will be posted online in Kennedy's media gallery at:

http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/index.cfm

New media accreditation is closed for this event. Reporters with Kennedy credentials planning to attend should arrive at Kennedy's news center by 7 a.m. All participants must dress in full-length pants, flat shoes that entirely cover the feet and shirts with sleeves.

The next major milestone for Atlantis' upcoming STS-125 mission will begin when the crew arrives at Kennedy on Sunday, Sept. 21. A full launch dress rehearsal, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, is scheduled to take place from Sept. 22 to 24.

The seven astronauts and ground crews will participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training for the fifth and final shuttle flight to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.

The following media events are associated with the test. All times are Eastern.

- Sept. 21 -- STS-125 crew arrival: The astronauts are expected arrive between 5:45 and 7 p.m. at the Shuttle Landing Facility and will make a brief statement. The arrival will be broadcast live on NASA TV.

- Sept. 23 -- STS-125 crew availability: The crew will take news media questions at Launch Pad 39A at 9:40 a.m. The event will be carried live on NASA TV.

- Sept. 24 -- STS-125 crew walkout photo opportunity: The astronauts will depart from the Operations and Checkout Building at 7:45 a.m. wearing their launch and entry suits in preparation for the countdown demonstration test at the launch pad. The walkout will not be
broadcast live, but will be included in the NASA TV Video File.

Dates and times of events are subject to change. Schedule updates are available at 321-867-2525.

For information about covering these events, including proper attire and meeting locations, credentialed media should visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/media.html

Media accreditation for TCDT is closed.

Video b-roll of the TCDT activities will be available on the NASA TV Video File.

For information about the STS-125 mission and crew, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle