Media Invited to View Last Planned Space Shuttle Main Engine Test

NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center invites journalists to view the last planned space shuttle main engine test scheduled for 2 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, July 29.

The 520-second test ends a 34-year era of space shuttle main engine testing at the facility. Stennis engineers conducted their first space shuttle main engine test in 1975. The first shuttle mission was launched in 1981. Since then, 126 missions have flown, all with main engines tested by Stennis. Seven flights remain before the space shuttle fleet is retired.

The primary work at Stennis has been space shuttle main engine testing, but the center also is helping NASA prepare for the next era of human spaceflight. Between 2007 and 2008, Stennis conducted component testing as part of early development of the J-2X engine for NASA's Constellation Program. The J-2X will be tested at simulated altitudes up to 100,000 feet on the 300-foot A-3 test stand currently under construction at the center.

Journalists wishing to view the final space shuttle main engine test should contact Chris McGee, the news chief at Stennis, at 228-688-3249 by noon on Tuesday, July 28. Reporters must arrive at Stennis by 1 p.m. on the day of the event to be credentialed and escorted to the site.

Footage of the test will air on NASA Television's Video File.

NASA TV streaming video, scheduling and downlink information
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

Information about NASA's Stennis Space Center
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis

Information about the Space Shuttle Program
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

Information about NASA and agency programs
http://www.nasa.gov