NASA’s Shuttle Atlantis Set for Return to Kennedy Space Center

EDWARDS, Calif. - A week after landing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis is about to make its cross-country journey back to Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Mounted on a modified Boeing 747 shuttle carrier aircraft, Atlantis is expected to be flown back to Florida this weekend. Due to the fluid nature of preparing Atlantis for this ferry flight and changing weather conditions, the exact date and time of departure are still to be determined. However, the latest information about the flight will be available by telephone at 321-867-2525. Current flight information also will be posted on the space shuttle’s main Web site at:
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

NASA Television will provide live coverage of Atlantis’ departure and arrival. For NASA TV downlink, the schedule of ferry flight coverage and streaming video information, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

Strict flight weather restrictions may cause unexpected changes to the flight path and arrival time of the shuttle in Florida. All media should be at the Kennedy News Center two hours ahead of the announced arrival time for transport to the Shuttle Landing Facility.

STS-117 media credentials will be honored. U.S. media may drive directly to the news center, while foreign media must call the press site at 321-867-2468 to arrange for transportation from off base. TV stations wishing to cover the arrival live from the Shuttle Landing Facility must have proper authorizations. Journalists must adhere to a dress code for the landing site: no skirts, no shorts, no sleeveless shirts, and only closed, flat shoes.

Shuttle Atlantis and its seven astronauts landed in California on June 22 after completing a 14-day mission, designated STS-117, to the International Space Station. For more information about Atlantis’ flight or crew, visit the shuttle’s main Web site.