Mock and Roll! NASA's Shuttle Endeavour Moves to Launch Pad, Liftoff Dress Rehearsal Set

Journalists are invited to cover space shuttle Endeavour's move from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A on Jan. 6 and observe the STS-130 crew's mock launch countdown activities from Jan. 19 to Jan. 21 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The first motion of Endeavour on its rollout to the pad is scheduled for 4 a.m. EST. The 3.4-mile journey is expected to take approximately six hours. Activities include a 7 a.m. photo opportunity of the shuttle's move, followed by an 8:30 a.m. interview availability with Endeavour Flow Director Dana Hutcherson. Reporters must arrive at Kennedy's news center by 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday for transportation to the viewing area.

Live coverage of the move will be shown on NASA Television beginning at 6 a.m. Video highlights will air on the NASA TV Video File.

Foreign journalist media accreditation for rollout is closed. U.S. reporters without permanent Kennedy credentials must apply for accreditation by 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4.

Endeavour's astronauts and ground crews will participate in a launch dress rehearsal, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, starting Jan. 19. The test provides each shuttle crew with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Media events associated with the test and badge pick up information will be announced at a later date.

Journalists must apply for accreditation for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test by noon on Friday, Jan. 8.

Reporters requesting accreditation must apply online at:

https://media.ksc.nasa.gov

Badges for rollout must be picked up before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at the Kennedy Space Center Badging Office on State Road 405.

The six astronauts for Endeavour's STS-130 mission will deliver a third connecting module, the Tranquility node, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. Feb. 7.

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

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For more information about the STS-130 mission and crew, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle