Next Shuttle Crew Visits Columbia Debris Searchers In East Texas

News media are invited to meet with the NASA astronaut crew of the next Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station. Shuttle commander Eileen Collins and members of the STS-114 crew are visiting debris search operations on Thursday. Media may also participate in a ground search from the Nacogdoches, Texas Incident Command Post.

Media wishing to participate in the 2:30 p.m. CDT Nacogdoches opportunity must contact the Joint Information Center (JIC) at Lufkin no later than noon CDT Wednesday, April 9. Call the JIC at: 936/699-1019/1094. Send facsimile requests to: 936/631-3773.

Media will receive specific instructions on where to meet when participation confirmed. While in the field, media representatives must follow the safety directions of the Strike Team Leader and stay with escorts.

Media may also attend a community presentation sponsored by the City of Lufkin, Texas, and NASA. Media wishing to participate in the Lufkin opportunity should be in place by 6:30 p.m. CDT April 10 at the Lufkin Civic Center, 601 N. Second.