CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA managers have scheduled a news conference at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla., no earlier than 3 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, Oct. 16, to discuss the status of the upcoming space shuttle mission. The news conference will begin after the conclusion of the Flight Readiness Review, or FRR, which is chaired by NASA's Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier.

A two-day preliminary review to assess preparations for shuttle Discovery's mission, designated STS-120, was held Oct. 9-10. Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale is chaired that meeting and will provide a summary to the Oct. 16 executive-level FRR. The Oct 16 review is expected to include the selection of an official launch date for Discovery's voyage to the International Space Station. The current targeted launch time is 11:38 a.m. on Oct. 23.

Briefing participants are:

- NASA Associate Administrator Chris Scolese
- Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier
- Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale
- Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach

The briefing will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency's Web site. Media may ask questions from participating NASA locations. Reporters should contact their preferred NASA center to confirm its participation.

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

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For STS-120 crew and mission information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle