Baltimore native and NASA astronaut Terry Virts will be honored at the Baltimore Orioles baseball game on July 6. Virts will throw out the ceremonial first pitch as the team hosts the Texas Rangers at Camden Yards. During the first inning, Virts will be available to sign autographs for fans at “Kids Corner.”

On Monday, July 7, Virts will make an appearance at the Maryland Science Center. Following a presentation to the kids at Camp MSC, the summer science camp, Virts will introduce the 2 p.m. Davis Planetarium show “Dark Matters.” He will be available for autographs at the SpaceLink gallery immediately following the film until 3 p.m.

Virts will be available for broadcast media interviews from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m July 7 and print media interviews at the ballpark and museum. To schedule an interview, contact Sean Wilson at 281-792-7516 or 713-202-7712.

Virts was born in Baltimore but considers Columbia, Md., his hometown. He graduated from Oakland Mills High School in Columbia. He received a Bachelor of Science in mathematics with a minor in French from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989 and a Master of Science in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle in 1997. In July 2000, Virts was selected by NASA for the 18th group of astronaut candidates as a pilot. Virts’ assignments have included lead astronaut for the T-38 program, crew support astronaut for space station Expedition 9 and spacecraft communicator (capcom) from Expedition 8 through 15, communicating with station crews from mission control in Houston. He is currently the lead ascent and entry capcom.

Virts is one of several astronauts returning to their home regions in support of NASA’s 2008 Hometown Heroes Campaign. The purpose is to spread knowledge about the importance of continuing space exploration.

This year NASA turns 50 years old. The agency is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the International Space Station. Seventeen crews have lived aboard the orbiting complex since 2000, including the current crew of three. Station residents have conducted important scientific experiments and gathered data to help assist future missions to the moon and Mars.

For more information about NASA visit: http://www.nasa.gov/home