NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration

John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899
AC 321 867-2468
_________________________________	
For Release: June 28, 2001

George Diller 
Kennedy Space Center
321/867-2468

KSC Release No.  71-01

SHUTTLE ATLANTIS TO LAUNCH JULY 12 ON MILESTONE FLIGHT TO DELIVER
STATION'S NEW DOORWAY TO SPACE

The Space Shuttle Atlantis will launch July 12 to carry a new airlock to
the International Space Station, a mission that will bring the orbiting
outpost an unprecedented degree of self-reliance, providing it with a new
doorway to space for maintenance and construction.

Atlantis is scheduled for liftoff at 5:04 a.m. EDT July 12 from the
Kennedy Space Center, the beginning of an approximately five minute launch
window. Atlantis' mission, designated STS-104, will be the fourth shuttle
flight this year and the 10th shuttle mission dedicated to assembly of the
International Space Station.

"This mission will be a milestone for both the station and shuttle as we
complete a  major phase of the station's assembly," Space Shuttle Program
Manager Ron Dittemore said. "A year ago, I said we would fly the most
complex series of missions NASA has undertaken since landing on the moon
-- now we're nearing completion of the first phase. The team has truly
done an excellent job to get us here safely, successfully and on
schedule."

Atlantis' mission includes three space walks to install and outfit the
station's new Joint Airlock, including the first-ever outside space walk
to originate from the station.  Atlantis' crew will be commanded by Air
Force Lt. Col. Steve Lindsey. Marine Corps Maj. Charlie Hobaugh will serve
as pilot. The crew also includes astronauts Mike Gernhardt, Janet Kavandi
and Jim Reilly. Gernhardt and Reilly will perform the planned space walks.
The mission will be the second shuttle to visit the station during the
stay of the second station crew - Commander Yuri Usachev and Flight
Engineers Jim Voss and Susan Helms - now in their fourth month aboard the
complex

Atlantis is scheduled to land at the Kennedy Space Center at 12:56 a.m.
EDT July 23.
 
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