New 2004 astronaut class to visit Goddard Space Flight Center

Dewayne Washington
September 14, 2004
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
(Phone: 301/286-0040)


RELEASE: 04-50

NEW 2004 ASTRONAUT CLASS TO VISIT
GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

Washington-Metropolitan area media representatives are invited to meet the
newest class of NASA astronaut candidates tomorrow, Wednesday, September 15,
2004, when the astronauts visit Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt,
MD. The members of the 2004 class were announced in early May and have
already relocated to Johnson Space Center in Houston to begin formal
astronaut training.

Among the 11 astronaut candidates is Richard Arnold, a Maryland native and
teacher, who was one of three individuals chosen for the new astronaut
category of Mission Specialist-Educator. Arnold was born in Cheverly,
raised in Bowie and earned degrees from both Frostburg State University and
the University of Maryland.

"These are the astronauts who will lead us through the next steps in the new
exploration vision," said NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe during the May
announcement. "The class is made up of pilots and engineers who will help us
develop the next generation vehicle, scientists who will do research to help
humans live and travel in space and three new educator astronauts to help
ensure that a new generation is ready for the challenges of explorations."

During their visit, the astronauts will receive briefings on current Goddard
program and project activities and will tour on-site research and
development facilities. A media opportunity for interviews is planned for 4
p.m. on Wednesday. News representatives who wish to participate in the
media opportunity should contact Dewayne Washington in the GSFC public
affairs office to arrange access to the center. Mr. Washington can be
reached in the GSFC newsroom at (301) 286-0040 or via e-mail at



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Jacques :-)

www.spacepatches.info