WHAT: Space shuttle Discovery arrival and “Welcome Discovery” celebration
WHEN: Tuesday, April 17—approach and arrival (weather-dependent)
Press check-in at 8:30 a.m.
Thursday, April 19—ceremony to receive the shuttle
Satellite truck arrival 6 a.m.
Press check-in 7:30 a.m.
Cameras must be in place on the risers by 10 a.m.
WHERE: National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Parkway, Chantilly, Va.
Tuesday, April 17
The space shuttle Discovery is expected to fly low over Dulles International Airport at about 10 a.m. Media not already confirmed to attend should contact (202) 633-2370; space is limited. Confirmed media will get video and still photos from the airport at three locations: the low fly-by at 10 a.m., touchdown at about 10:40 a.m. and the final stop at 10:55 a.m., when the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft crew step out to be greeted by Smithsonian and NASA officials. There will be brief remarks at the final stop. (All times are approximate.)
Specific questions regarding the aircraft that carries Discovery should be directed to NASA’s Office of Communications at (202) 358-1600.
NASA Television will provide live pool coverage of the orbiter’s arrival.
Members of the media are also invited to the witness the fly-by from the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on its way to Dulles Airport from the Center’s parking lot. There will not be a view of the runway; however, there will be an opportunity to interview the public assembled there.
All media will receive an email with detailed driving and parking instructions (there will be no charge for media parking).
Thursday, April 19
Media must RSVP to the contacts listed above
Space Shuttle Discovery will be officially received by the Smithsonian and placed on permanent display, replacing the shuttle Enterprise in the Center.
6:15 a.m.—Satellite trucks take positions. Contact is Brian Mullen at (202) 633-2376.
7:30 a.m.–10 a.m.—Media arrive at the south entrance of the Udvar-Hazy Center (for check-in and press badges) and walk the length of the building to head outdoors for the event. Freelancers must provide proof of assignment to enter the press area. (Note: the distance from the riser to the stage is 60 feet; the backdrop will be both shuttles—the Discovery and Enterprise.)
11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.—Ceremony featuring document signing
- National Anthem sung by mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves
- Music by the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and Marine Corps Color Guard
- Participants will include 14 of Discovery’s 31 living commanders
Speakers:
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden
Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough
National Air and Space Museum Director J.R. “Jack” Dailey
Former Sen. John Glenn
Chair of Smithsonian Board of Regents France Córdova
12:15 p.m.—Photo opportunity on stage with program participants
12:30 p.m.—Brief interview opportunities with the principals inside the Udvar-Hazy Center
5:30 p.m.—Space shuttle Discovery moves into the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar
Confirmed media will receive an email with detailed driving and parking instructions.
The ceremony is open to the public, free of charge. There will be standing space for thousands of people. There is a $15 parking fee for the public.