For release: 10-15-04
Release #: 04-248  

NASA's 2004 astronaut candidates to visit Marshall Center Oct. 22

NASA's 2004 astronaut candidates will visit the Marshall Center Friday, Oct. 22, to get an overview of its programs and facilities. They also will be available to the news media to talk about their flight training experience. Three Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronauts will be with the 11-member class.

What: After completing their first head-over-heels sample of weightlessness and flight training, NASA's astronaut candidates are ready to talk about their experience with the news media at the Marshall Center on Friday, Oct. 22. The newest astronaut class includes three educator astronauts, three military pilots, a Navy SEAL, an astrophysicist, two physicians and an engineer. Also training with the 11-member class are three Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronauts. Video of their flight training, including footage aboard NASA's "Weightless Wonder" aircraft, also will be available.

Who: 2004 NASA Astronaut Candidates and Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency astronauts

When: Friday, Oct. 22

•  2: 05–2:30 p.m. — Astronaut candidates will be available for news media interviews in the Payload Operations Center

Where: News media should check in at Bldg. 4200 at the lobby security desk

To attend: News media interested in covering the event should contact the Marshall Media Relations Department at (256) 544-0034. Media must report to Gate 1, Martin Road exit at South Memorial Parkway. Vehicles are subject to security search at the gate. News media will need two photo identifications and proof of car insurance. Visitor parking is available in front of Bldg. 4200 on the southwest side.

Full biographies of the U.S. astronaut candidates are available on the Web at:

http://www.nasa.gov/vision/space/preparingtravel/ascan2004.html

For more information:
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