Ottawa, February 25, 2002 – Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister
responsible for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), announced today that
Canadian astronaut Steve MacLean will join a distinguished international
group and fly aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in April 2003.

The crew for the STS-115 mission, to which astronaut MacLean is assigned,
will complete another assembly phase of the International Space Station
(ISS). During four spacewalks, Steve MacLean and three other astronauts will
add trusses to the Station and deploy solar array panels.

“Today, Canada continues its innovation and leadership in space sciences and
I congratulate Steve MacLean for being Canada’s representative on this
future space mission,” said Minister Allan Rock. “The International Space
Station is a beacon for excellence and a unique laboratory where astronauts
and scientists from all over the world cooperate for the good of humanity.”

“It is a privilege and an honour to take part in such a complex mission. I
am particularly pleased with the opportunity to go outside the station on
two spacewalks.” Maclean noted that this possibility did not exist when he
made his first space flight in 1992. “In addition, being the first Canadian
to operate Canadarm2 and its Mobile Base will certainly be an emotional
moment for me.”

“The CSA is playing a significant role in the scientific and economic
development of our country through its team of astronauts, including Steve
MacLean, and is a source of inspiration and motivation for our youth,” said
Marc Garneau, President of the CSA. “Through various meetings and
presentations in schools following their participation in strategic
missions, young Canadians are inspired and shown that with perseverance it
is possible to reach one’s objectives, to fulfill one’s dreams.”

With a Doctorate in Physics from York University, Steve MacLean performed
his first spaceflight aboard the Shuttle Columbia in 1992. During that
flight, as Canadian Payload Specialist, he carried out a series of Canadian
experiments. Since then, he has been Chief Science Advisor for the
International Space Station and Director General of the Canadian Astronaut
Program. After his training as a NASA mission specialist ended in 1998, he
was appointed to technical tasks at NASA. In May 2002, he will serve as Lead
CapCom on the STS-111 mission, and then will devote himself exclusively to
his training for the STS-115 mission.

Minister Rock recently released Canada’s Innovation Strategy. Innovation is
about turning ideas and knowledge into new products, new services, and new
ways of doing things. It’s about changing and improving the way Canadians
live, work and learn. It’s about creating opportunity for our children. CSA
Astronaut Steve MacLean continues to pursue excellence through space science
and research for the benefit of humanity. Steve MacLean is one of our
innovation champions, an inspiration and role model for youth.

More information on Canada’s Innovation Strategy may be found at:
http://www.innovationstrategy.gc.ca

About the Canadian Space Agency

Established in 1989 with its headquarters situated in Saint-Hubert, Quebec,
the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space
Program. Through its Space Knowledge, Applications and Industry Development
business line, the CSA delivers services involving: Earth and the
Environment: Space Science; Human Presence in Space; Satellite
Communications; Generic Space Technologies; Space Qualification Services;
and Comptrollership and Awareness. The CSA is at the forefront of the
development and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians
and humanity.

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For more information:
Monique Billette
Media Relations Officer
Canadian Space Agency
(450) 926-4370
(514) 914-5453 (cel.)
Monique.Billette@space.gc.ca

Selena Beattie
Press Secretary
Office of Allan Rock
Minister of Industry
(613) 995-9001