Pennsylvania House Speaker Dennis O’Brien is looking forward to tonight’s scheduled launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, commanded by Philadelphia native Christopher Ferguson.
Ferguson was named commander of the STS-126 mission to the International Space Station last year. It will be his second trip into orbit aboard the shuttle.
Last month, the House of Representatives adopted an O’Brien resolution (H.R. 912) honoring Ferguson for his achievements in the U.S. space program.
Ferguson, 47, is a graduate of Archbishop Ryan High School in northeast Philadelphia. He earned a mechanical engineering degree from Drexel University and served as a Navy fighter pilot and test pilot for more than 10 years before joining the space program in 1998.
“All Pennsylvanians should feel pride in Captain Ferguson’s accomplishments. He is not only a participant, but a leader, in America’s space program,” O’Brien said.
Endeavour will carry a reusable logistics module that will hold supplies and equipment essential to increasing the number of crew on the International Space Station, including additional crew quarters, a regenerative life support system, and exercise equipment. It is one of the heaviest modules ever carried by a shuttle.
If weather conditions and launch systems permit, liftoff for the 15-day mission is scheduled for 7:55 p.m. today.
Office of Speaker Dennis M. O’Brien
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
139 Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg
CONTACT: Bill Patton
717-787-4610