NASA managers have scheduled a news conference at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for no earlier than 6 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Oct. 30, to discuss the status of the next space shuttle launch. The news conference will begin after the conclusion of the Flight Readiness Review, a meeting to assess preparations for shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station.

The review is expected to include the selection of an official launch date. Endeavour currently is targeted to launch at 7:55 p.m. on Nov. 14.

The briefing participants are:

- Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier
- Space Shuttle Program Manager John Shannon
- Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach

NASA Television and the agency's Web site will broadcast the briefing live. 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-126 crew and mission information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle