Media representatives are invited to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) for the launch of Russian Soyuz vehicle with Canadian astronaut Robert (Bob) Thirsk aboard. The launch is set for May 27th, 2009 at 6:34 a.m. EDT.
Thirsk will then become the first Canadian to launch aboard a Russian Soyuz vehicle and to participate in an Expedition mission to the International Space Station (ISS). During his six-month mission, he will conduct Canadian science and technology experiments, act as a robotic specialist and will be responsible for the Japanese segment (Kibo).
Journalists who cannot be on site at CSA will be able to watch the event live on our Web site at www.asc-csa.gc.ca
What: Launch of Russian Soyuz vehicle for Expedition 20/21
When: Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 at 6:15 a.m.
Who: Pierre Jean, Director, Manager for the Canadian Space Station Program
Mathieu Caron, Mission controller
Bjarni Tryggvason, former CSA astronaut will be available for interviews at 6:45 am
Schedule:
6:15 a.m. Event starts
Video message by Robert Thirsk
Video message from Chris Hadfield
Phone call from Chris Hadfield from Baïkonur
6:34 a.m. Launch of Russian Soyuz vehicle (live from Baïkonur, Kazakhstan)
6:45 a.m. Interviews
Where:
Canadian Space Agency
6767 Route de l’Aéroport
Longueuil, Quebec
To schedule interviews with CSA spokespersons, please contact CSA Media Relations at (450) 926-4370.
For more details on the mission, visit the Canadian Space Agency’s website at www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/missions/expedition20-21/default.asp
