FYI.

And talk to Perry W3PK about Space Day on May 5. -N8PK

From: GSFC-Communications Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 11:07 AM To: GSFC-DL-ALL Subject: Space Shuttle Discovery to Land in Virginia

Space Shuttle Discovery to Land in Virginia In April, NASA's acclaimed Space Shuttle Discovery will take its final flight aboard a modified Boeing 747 en route to its new home at the National Air and Space Museum's Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. In celebration of Discovery's arrival, the Smithsonian Institute, in collaboration with NASA, plans to host a series of inspirational and educational events, exhibits, and activities from Tuesday, April 17 through Sunday, April 22 at the Udvar-Hazy Center.

The historic transfer of Discovery to the Smithsonian Institute is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, April 17. The Boeing 747 and its cargo will depart from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida the morning of April 17, weather permitting, flying over parts of the Washington, D.C. area before landing - at Washington-Dulles International Airport in Virginia. The exact path of Discovery on its way to Dulles will not be publicized, but as Discovery approaches, the National Air and Space Museum will update its Web site (http://discovery.si.edu) with Discovery's current location and will provide that information to local radio stations.

Smithsonian Activities at the Udvar-Hazy Center, April 17-22 Preparations to demate Discovery from the modified Boeing 747 will begin immediately upon its arrival at Dulles on Tuesday, April 17. There will be no public access to the shuttle on the day of its landing or on Wednesday, April 18, as it will undergo immediate preparations for its induction ceremony two days later at the Udvar-Hazy Center on Thursday, April 19.

On Thursday, April 19, the Udvar-Hazy Center will open to the public at 8:00 a.m. for the free "Welcome Discovery" event sponsored by Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The event will take place in an outside area of the Center. Visit the Museum's event Web site for details of the ceremony and subsequent activities. Also access the Web site for information on the additional activities that continue through Sunday, April 22.

After the week's activities, Discovery, NASA's longest-serving orbiter that has flown more missions than any other shuttle, will continue to be on permanent display at the Udvar-Hazy Center. Space Shuttle Enterprise, currently on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center, is scheduled to be transferred to the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum in New York City on Monday, April 23, weather permitting.

Additional Information The primary resource for Discovery arrival activity information is at the National Air and Space Museum's special Web site: http://discovery.si.edu.

For information on Space Shuttle Discovery, go to: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/orbitersdis.h....

For information on the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center, check out: http://www.nasm.si.edu/udvarhazy.