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8/21/2006

 

 

S.D. Astronaut to Blast into the Pavilion

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – On Fri., Sept. 22 and Sat., Sept. 23, 2006 the Washington Pavilion and the Argus Leader will host Sioux Falls native and NASA Astronaut Col. Michael E. Fossum. Col. Fossum will host a pair of presentations for Sioux Falls and area school students on Friday at 10 and 1 p.m. On Saturday two sessions featuring Col. Fossum will be offered to the general public at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Attendance is free of charge.

Col. Fossum’s visit also coincides with the grand opening of the Kirby Science Discovery Center’s newest gallery, Imagination Studio. Col. Fossum will be on hand for a sneak preview for Pavilion members on Friday evening.

Fossum was part of the recent mission of space shuttle Discovery. Discovery's mission was a return-to-flight test mission and assembly flight to the International Space Station. The historic mission was NASA’s first Independence Day launch and came after several weather delays. Fossum and fellow crew member, Piers Sellers, performed three extravehicular activities totaling 21 hours outside of the shuttle. Discovery’s mission was accomplished in 306 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds.

“I’m thrilled that Col. Fossum is able to come home to Sioux Falls and share his experiences as an astronaut on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station for area school children and the general public at the Washington Pavilion,” says Chris Rossing, Director of the Kirby Science Discovery Center. “It’s yet another example of how people from South Dakota have really made a difference in the world.”

Col. Fossum will present a multimedia program featuring the NASA space program, as well as highlight various aspects of his participation in Discovery’s recent mission and conduct a question and answer session. All ages are welcome. Saturday’s free events are general admission but still require a ticket. Tickets will become available Fri., Aug. 25, 2006 for Pavilion members beginning at 10 a.m. and to the general public at 12 noon. There is a limit of 6 tickets per person and may be reserved via the phone or in person. Tickets will not be mailed out or available via the Pavilion’s website. The box office phone number is (605) 367-6000 and 1 877-WASHPAV.

 

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