HISTORIC SPACE SHUTTLE FLIGHT FOR IDAHO EDUCATOR

Boise , ID - After over 20 years of waiting for this opportunity, Idaho's "Teacher in Space," Barbara Morgan, is scheduled to take off in Space Shuttle Endeavor from Kennedy Space Center in Florida tomorrow.   Once Morgan, who is a NASA astronaut mission specialist, reaches the International Space Station, she will conduct a lesson from space via a downlink scheduled for Tuesday, August 14.   Senator Mike Crapo lent NASA an Idaho flag for the launch of Endeavor, to fly alongside other flags of states being honored.   The flag is normally displayed in Crapo's Washington, D.C. office.

"I've known Barbara for a number of years now, and it's thrilling to know that she will finally be able to see her dream of space flight come true," said Crapo.  "The students she was teaching when she was initially selected to the program have graduated from high school and college.   Now, a new generation of Idaho students will benefit from her remarkable experience and success when they participate in this once-in-a-lifetime teaching session conducted from the International Space Station next week.   I join other Idahoans, her family and friends in prayers for a safe launch, flight and return home.  It was an honor for me to be able to provide an Idaho flag to NASA for the launch to honor her extraordinary accomplishments and the great state that we both proudly represent." 

Space Shuttle Endeavor is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, August 8 around 6:30 p.m., EDT.  Eighteen Idaho 4 - 8 grade students from all over the state were selected by the Idaho Science Teachers Association to participate in a downlink from the International Space Station scheduled for Tuesday, August 14.   The students will have an opportunity to ask Morgan and the other astronauts questions.