With Space Shuttle Discovery poised on the launch pad for the next assembly mission to the International Space Station, NASA managers plan to hold a news conference at approximately 3 p.m. EST, Wednesday, Nov. 29 to discuss the status of the upcoming mission. The news conference will be at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla., and begin after the conclusion of the traditional Flight Readiness Review.

The news conference follows a two-day assessment of preparations for Discovery's mission, designated STS-116. The Nov. 28-29 meeting may produce a number of key decisions about the assembly flight, including selection of an official launch date. The current target date for Discovery's launch is no earlier than 9:36 p.m. EST on Dec. 7.

Briefing participants:

-- Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations
-- Wayne Hale, Space Shuttle Program manager
-- Mike Leinbach, NASA launch director

The start of the news conference will depend on the ending time of the review. It will air live on NASA TV. Questions will be taken from media at participating NASA locations. Media must contact NASA centers by noon on Nov. 29 for access information. Media wanting to participate in the news conference at Kennedy who do not have current Kennedy credentials must submit a request by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27 at:

https://media.ksc.nasa.gov

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

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For STS-116 crew and mission information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle