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Media Advisory                            

Contact: Tom Uribes

Jan. 15, 2003                        

(559) 278-5366/ 250-8459

'Dogs In Space: Astronaut Takes Fresno State Into Space! Fresno, Jan. 9 - When the shuttle Columbia launches into space this Thursday (Jan. 16), its Bulldog alumni commander will take a souvenir item from Fresno State into space with him. Full Story

Video (Husband Accepts Alumni Award)

Launch Video

Space Shuttle Columbia Launch With Alum Rick Husband To Be Broadcast In University Coffeehouse Early Thursday Morning

The countdown has begun for the NASA Shuttle Columbia's Spacehab microgravity research mission that will launch into space Thursday (Jan. 16) under the command of Col. Rick Husband, an alumnus of Fresno State.

The campus community and the public is invited to view the launch early Thursday on the NASA Channel that will be beamed into the University Coffeehouse. Doors open an hour earlier than usual, at 6 a.m., for pre-flight coverage. The launch is at 7:39 a.m. PDT.

Husband, a 1990 graduate of Fresno State, credits his Fresno State education with helping him become an astronaut. He earned a master's in mechanical engineering through the College of Engineering and Computer Science's extension program at Edwards Air Force Base, where he also completed his test pilot training.  Both are required for astronauts.

At some point during the mission,  Husband plans to wear a red Bulldog sweatshirt with Fresno State in large letters emblazoned across the chest.  The sweatshirt was sent to Col. Husband by University Relations on behalf of President John D. Welty. The shirt and other items were donated by Kennel, which has a display of that style of sweatshirt available in red and blue.

Col. Husband was named the Engineering College's Outstanding Alumnus in November. See a video that he sent to the university at www.FresnoStateNews.com. More info on Husband is also available at the site.

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