The next generation of explorers is here. NASA will announce a new class of astronaut candidates, including three educator astronauts, May 6.

The announcement is part of the Space Day celebration at the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. The program begins at 9:30 a.m. EDT and will be broadcast live on NASA Television.

Speakers include NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, Director of the National Air and Space Museum Gen. John Dailey, former Senator John Glenn, current and former astronauts.

The Space Day theme is "Blazing Galactic Trails," and that is just what this astronaut class will do. It is made up of pilots, engineers, researchers, and educators who will focus their careers on fulfilling the Vision for Space Exploration. During their NASA careers, members of the 2004 astronaut class may help develop the Crew Exploration Vehicle, study the effects of microgravity on the human body, and possibly help plan the first lunar missions. The class begins training this summer at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Media interested in attending Space Day should contact Kathleen Hanser (202/633-2375) or Peter Golkin (202/633-2374) of the National Air and Space Museum. Media can also RSVP to the event via email at:

media@nasm.si.edu.

NASA TV will also feed video of the astronaut class beginning at noon EDT May 6. The Video File will include sound bites and b-roll of the class members. Biographies and still photos of the astronaut candidates will be available at:

http://www.nasa.gov

NASA TV is available on AMC-9, transponder 9C, C-Band, located at 85 degrees west longitude. The frequency is 3880.0 MHz. Polarization is vertical, and audio is monaural at 6.80 MHz. For information about NASA TV on the Internet, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For information about astronauts, how they are selected, and how they train, visit:

http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/people/astronauts.html

Information about the Educator Astronaut Program is available on the Internet at:

http://education.nasa.gov/divisions/eleandsec/overview/F_pathfinder_edu_astronaut.Html

Space Day 2004 is the culmination of a yearlong education initiative for middle school students. For information about Space Day 2004 on the Internet, visit:

http://www.spaceday.org

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