Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush were briefed today on the spacewalking solar wing repair work that the joined crews of shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station aim to attempt Saturday.
Bush and his wife also got the low down on the delivery of the U.S. Harmony module, and they took time to call up to the astronauts during a tour of the shuttle and station Flight Control Rooms NASA's Mission Control Center.
"We're really happy to have you here with us. We're in the new Harmony module," station commander Peggy Whitson said after the 10 astronauts gathered in the newly arrived gateway to a still-to-be-launched European and Japanese science laboratories.
"It was a most impressive display as you all came in there and started tumbling along, somersaulting your way to this fine show off here," Bush said.
"Pam, we want to wish you well and all your team, and we are so very proud of what you all are doing," he added. "Barbara and I are just thrilled to be here. Did you read me?"
"We are absolutely thrilled and honored to be speaking to you, as is everybody in Mission Control I'm sure, and we just want to thank you for your support of the space program. This is the visable evidence of it, and yes it is a lot of fun to be in microgravity," Melroy replied.
"Good luck. Back to work now! Back to work all you guys! Don't be just sitting around having fun," Bush joked. "We're so proud of you all. Very, very proud. Good luck.'
The astronauts all did their best Superman and Superwoman impressions, flying out of the Harmony module and back to work.
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