FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2016
CONTACT
Yasmine Evans (Edwards)--202-225-8699
Ranking Members Edwards and Johnson Congratulate NASA Astronaut after Successful Year in Space
Washington, DC – Yesterday at 11:26pm EST, NASA Astronaut, Commander Scott Kelly successfully returned to Earth from his 340-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He completed the journey with crewmates Mikhail Kornienko and Sergey Volkov of the Russian space agency, Roscosmos. Kelly now holds the U.S. record from cumulative time spent in space at 520 days over six space flights. He is scheduled to travel to Houston’s Ellington Field on March 2nd to reunite with his family and friends.
Space Subcommittee Ranking Member Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) said:
“For nearly one year, Scott Kelly has been leading scientific research as Commander of the International Space Station. On December 2, 2015, I got a glimpse of the conditions he and his crewmates have been experiencing when we connected in real-time through a downlink. It was a thrill to be able to speak with our astronauts who are living, working, and conducting research on the ISS--the importance of which cannot be overstated. I congratulate Commander Kelly, NASA, and all those involved for completing this historic mission, and I am excited hear from him in person what has been achieved over this year long flight.”
Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said:
“I am delighted to welcome Astronaut Scott Kelly back to Earth from his impressive journey in space. Not only was it an extraordinary experience to be engaged with his flight through his photos and videos, but the scientific research gathered from his prolonged journey is sure to be invaluable. I look forward to seeing how Commander Kelly’s mission will lead scientists to new approaches for long term space travel and shed light on how to approach a manned journey to Mars.
Please visit our website: http://democrats.science.house.gov
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