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NEWS RELEASE
February 6, 2008
Lt. Gov. Owen conveys best wishes for space
shuttle launch with UW grad on crew
OLYMPIA - With word that
NASA has cleared the space shuttle Atlantis for liftoff at 11:45
a.m. Thursday, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen is extending his best wishes
for a safe and successful mission – especially since there is a
Washington state connection to the launch.
Northwest native Stanley
Love, who received his master’s and doctorate degrees in
astronomy from the University of Washington while residing in
the state for six years, will be among the seven-person crew
aboard the Atlantis.
Love, 42, is one of seven astronauts who will deliver the
European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the station,
significantly increasing the research capability in orbit. It
will be the first space flight for the mission specialist, who
is also scheduled to perform one spacewalk.
In
recognition of Washington’s role in the mission, Owen said the
Atlantis will carry a Washington state flag and receive special
recognition from NASA Administrator Michael Griffin.
Owen noted that Love is at least the 15th astronaut
with ties to Washington state to be selected for a NASA mission.
“With our state’s close connection to the aerospace industry,
which employs more than 100,000 people, it is indeed significant
that Washington continues to contribute both workers and
technology to the space program,” the lieutenant governor said.
Owen is chair of the Aerospace States Association’s subcommittee
on workforce. He recently gave the
keynote luncheon address at the NASA Future Forum at the
Museum of Flight in Seattle, which is headed by retired
Washington astronaut Bonnie Dunbar. The Jan. 25 forum was the
first of several taking place around the country to celebrate
NASA’s 50th year.
“Washington state companies have long been a part of the
technology that is used in space operations,” said Owen. “In
addition, Washington students have many opportunities from
elementary school through university to participate in studies
in both aviation and space.”
The Atlantis was originally
scheduled for launch in December.
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Office of the
Lt. Governor: Brian Dirks (360) 786-7707 or
dirks.brian@leg.wa.gov |
