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08/03/2006 4:37 PM ET
Astros to hold NASA Night on Aug. 14
Six crew members of STS-121 Space Shuttle Discovery to throw out ceremonial first pitches; Team to wear commemorative caps to honor NASA
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HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros announced today that the team will host the six NASA astronauts that recently returned from space aboard the Shuttle Discovery at the annual NASA Night at Minute Maid Park on Monday, August 14, before the Astros 7:05 p.m. game against the Chicago Cubs.
In special pre-game ceremonies, STS-121 Space Shuttle Commander Steve Lindsey, Pilot Mark Kelly, and Mission Specialists Mike Fossum, Lisa Nowak, Stephanie Wilson, and Piers Sellers will throw out ceremonial first pitches. The national anthem will be sung by NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell.
During the night's game, the Astros players and coaches will be wearing special commemorative caps to honor the Space Shuttle Crew STS-121 and all of the men and women of NASA. The cap will feature the STS-121 mission patch and an Astros star on the side. The first 10,000 fans at NASA night will receive a replica of these commemorative STS-121 Astros caps, courtesy of United Space Alliance. All fans present at the game will have the opportunity to view exciting NASA booths and exhibits located throughout the main concourse. These displays will highlight the work of NASA, including several past missions.
Space Shuttle Discovery launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on July 4, 2006. The STS-121 mission continued and built upon the tests and safety improvements that began on the Return to Flight mission, STS-114. The crew of Space Shuttle Discovery tested new equipment and safety procedures during the STS-121 mission to the International Space Station. It also performed maintenance on the space station and delivered more supplies and equipment.
The Astros and NASA have shared a close relationship since the Colt .45s changed their name to Astros in 1965 and moved to the Astrodome. NASA and the Astros have participated together in community events and host NASA Nights each year. Past nights included first pitches by Astronaut Dan Bursch as a tribute to the International Space Station in 2002; Astronaut David Leestma in a pre-game celebration of space exploration and NASA Explorer Schools in 2004; and a tribute to the crew of Return to Flight mission, STS-114, in 2005.
Throughout the 2003 season, the Astros paid tribute to the Columbia crew by wearing the STS-107 patch on their jerseys. Several current astronauts were recognized in their hometowns and threw out the first pitch in remembrance of the Columbia crew. Astronauts threw out the first pitch at Astros games in New York, Boston, Phoenix, Chicago, St. Louis and Pittsburgh.
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