NASA Announces News Conference on Status of Next Shuttle Launch

APE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA managers have scheduled a news conference at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., no earlier than 3 p.m. EDT, Thursday, July 26, to discuss the status of the upcoming space shuttle mission. The news conference will begin after the conclusion of a Flight Readiness Review. The review is a two-day, thorough assessment of preparations for shuttle Endeavour’s mission, designated STS-118.

The July 25-26 review will address a number of key decisions about the flight, including selection of an official launch date for Endeavour’s voyage to the International Space Station. The current target launch date is Aug. 7 at 7:02 p.m.

Briefing participants are:
- Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier
- Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale
- Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach

The briefing will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s Web site. Media can ask questions from participating NASA locations. Reporters should call their preferred NASA center to confirm its participation.

For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/ntv