Media are invited to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) for the launch of NASA’s Atlantis Space Shuttle set for August 27, 2006 at 4:30 p.m. with Canadian astronaut Steve MacLean onboard. Mission STS-115 marks the renewal of assembly missions for completion of the International Space Station. Astronaut MacLean will take part in his second space flight during which he will become the very first Canadian to operate the Canadarm2 in space. He will also be performing a spacewalk during this mission to the Space Station.

CSA Astronaut Dave Williams, member of the crew STS-118 currently set for launch in June 2007, will be on-site to underline this event with CSA employees and their families.

What: Launch of Atlantis Space Shuttle for STS-115 mission

When: Sunday, August 27, 2006

Who: Dave Williams, Canadian Space Agency Astronaut

Schedule:

2:30 p.m. Autograph session for kids with Dave Williams
3:45 p.m. Event starts. Review of Mission STS-115 with Dave Williams
4:10 p.m. Presentation of a video-message by Steve MacLean
4:15 p.m. Question period for employees and their families
4:40 p.m. One-on-one interviews

Journalists are invited to contact CSA Media Relations by phone or e-mail to indicate their interest in attending the launch event or to identify special requirements. Media briefings will also be organized at various dates throughout the mission.

To listen to the comments provided by Dave Williams, media are invited to call at 1 (888) 265-0903, passcode: 738498.

Information

For more information on the STS-115 mission or to schedule interviews with CSA spokespersons, please contact CSA Media Relations at (450) 926-4370. For details on the mission, visit the Canadian Space Agency’s website at www.space.gc.ca/sts-115.

For more information:

Media Relations, CSA
Tel.: (450) 926-4370
www.space.gc.ca