posted 12-12-2002 11:26 PM               

Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Dave Williams
Set for Launch in November 2003

Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), today announced that Canadian Astronaut Dr. Dave Williams will take part, as crewmember, in an historic flight to the International Space Station scheduled for launch in November 2003.

The crew of mission STS-118 (13A.1), to which Astronaut Williams is assigned, will work to bring the International Space Station closer to completion, adding a truss segment and solar panels.

2003 will be a great year for Canada, first, Steve Maclean on STS-115 and then Williams on STS-118. Can't wait until we break into the ISS crew rotation.

My apologies for flag-waving, but this got me excited.

Best,

posted 12-12-2002 11:50 PM               

Let's wave-flag indeed! Why, just bring a flag for me up there!

posted 12-13-2002 03:31 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Rodina:

What's the deal with non-Russian and non-American astronauts serving on ISS Expeditions? They going to get some long-term time up there? Will they get the command, at any point?

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Rodina,

Non-US long term crews get up as soon as their respective labs are up, i.e. Columbus for the European Space Agency. ESAnaut Thomas Reiter is already training for an expedition crew assignment.

Unaware of the commander role, though ....