The FINANCIAL -- Media accreditation for NASA's second Commercial Orbital Transportation Services demonstration flight is open.

Liftoff of a Space Exploration Technologies Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., is targeted for Feb. 7, 2012.

During the flight, the Dragon spacecraft will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems in advance of a rendezvous with the International Space Station. The primary objectives for the flight include a fly-by of the space station at a distance of approximately two miles to validate the operation of sensors and a flight system necessary for a safe rendezvous and approach. The spacecraft also will demonstrate the capability to abort the rendezvous.

International news media representatives without U.S. citizenship must apply for credentials to cover the prelaunch and launch activities by Jan. 5. The early accreditation deadline is needed because the U.S. Air Force requires 30 days to process international media credentials. For U.S. news media, the deadline to apply is Jan. 30.

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