Expedition Astronaut Mike Fossum Returns To South Texas

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Mar 23, 2012, 04:01 ET

HOUSTON, March 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recently back from his command of the International Space Station, NASA astronaut Mike Fossum will make several public appearances in the South Texas area March 24-26.

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Fossum, who grew up in McAllen, Texas, is a veteran of three spaceflights. In his most recent mission, he served as commander of Expedition 29. He and his crewmates returned to Earth in a Soyuz spacecraft on Nov. 21. During the five-month mission, the crew members spent the majority of their time aboard the International Space Station performing science experiments and routine maintenance.

Fossum will share his experiences, video and photos with friends, family and public during his visit to South Texas. All events are open to the media.

On March 24, Fossum will speak at the Amazing Skies program at the Pharr Event Center, 3000 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr, Texas, at 2 p.m. CDT. Amazing Skies is a space-focused science initiative featuring hands-on activities. The event is open to the public.

On March 26, Fossum will meet with students at Mike E. Fossum Middle School, 7800 North Ware Road in McAllen. A multimedia presentation about his recent stay on the orbiting laboratory begins at 8 a.m.

The Rotary Club will host Fossum's presentation at the McAllen Country Club, 615 Wichita Ave. The luncheon begins at noon.

At 2 p.m., Fossum will share his spaceflight experiences with students at St. John's Episcopal School, 2500 North 10th Street. There will be a multimedia presentation and brief question and answer session.

Fossum spent 194 days in space and performed seven spacewalks. He ranks seventh on the all-time list for cumulative spacewalking time. He was raised in McAllen and graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station. He received master's degrees from the Air Force Institute of Technology in Ohio and the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

For more about the International Space Station, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/station

SOURCE NASA