Contact:

Dewayne Washington
Goddard Space Flight Center,
Greenbelt, MD
(Phone: 301/286-0040)

September 14, 2004 - RELEASE: 04-050

NEW 2004 ASTRONAUT CLASS TO VISIT GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

Washington-Metropolitan area media representatives are invited to meet the newest class of NASA astronaut candidates tomorrow, Wednesday, September 15, 2004, when the astronauts visit Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. The members of the 2004 class were announced in early May and have already relocated to Johnson Space Center in Houston to begin formal astronaut training.

Among the 11 astronaut candidates is Richard Arnold, a Maryland native and teacher, who was one of three individuals chosen for the new astronaut category of Mission Specialist-Educator. Arnold was born in Cheverly, raised in Bowie and earned degrees from both Frostburg State University and the University of Maryland.

"These are the astronauts who will lead us through the next steps in the new exploration vision," said NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe during the May announcement. "The class is made up of pilots and engineers who will help us develop the next generation vehicle, scientists who will do research to help humans live and travel in space and three new educator astronauts to help ensure that a new generation is ready for the challenges of explorations."

During their visit, the astronauts will receive briefings on current Goddard program and project activities and will tour on-site research and development facilities. A media opportunity for interviews is planned for 4 p.m. on Wednesday. News representatives who wish to participate in the media opportunity should contact Dewayne Washington in the GSFC public affairs office to arrange access to the center. Mr. Washington can be reached in the GSFC newsroom at (301) 286-0040 or via e-mail at Dewayne.A.Washington@nasa.gov