SHUTTLE ATLANTIS TO LAUNCH JULY 12 ON MILESTONE FLIGHT TO DELIVER
STATION'S NEW DOORWAY TO SPACE


Space Shuttle Atlantis will launch July 12 to carry a new airlock to the
International Space Station. The mission will bring the orbiting outpost
an unprecedented degree of self-reliance, providing it with a new
doorway to space for maintenance and construction.

Atlantis is scheduled for liftoff at 4:04 a.m. CDT July 12 from NASA's
Kennedy Space Center, FL, at the beginning of an approximately
five-minute launch window. Atlantis' mission, designated STS-104, will
be the fourth shuttle flight this year and the 10th shuttle mission
dedicated to assembly of the International Space Station.

"This mission will be a milestone for both the station and shuttle as we
complete a major phase of the station's assembly," Space Shuttle Program
Manager Ron Dittemore said. "A year ago, I said we would fly the most
complex series of missions NASA has undertaken since landing on the moon
-- now we're nearing completion of the first phase. The team has truly
done an excellent job to get us here safely, successfully and on
schedule."

Atlantis' mission includes three spacewalks to install and outfit the
station's new Joint Airlock, including the first-ever outside spacewalk
to originate from the station. Atlantis' crew will be commanded by Air
Force Lt. Col. Steve Lindsey. Marine Corps Maj. Charlie Hobaugh will
serve as pilot.

The crew also includes astronauts Mike Gernhardt, Janet Kavandi and Jim
Reilly. Gernhardt and Reilly will perform the planned spacewalks, while
Kavandi operates the shuttle's robotic arm. The mission will be the
second shuttle to visit the station during the stay of the second
station crew -- Commander Yuri Usachev and Flight Engineers Jim Voss and
Susan Helms -- now in their fourth month aboard the complex.

Atlantis is scheduled to land at the Kennedy Space Center at 11:56 p.m.EDT
July 22.