Author and retired astronaut to lecture at MSU

Author and retired astronaut Don Thomas will present a lecture on Wednesday, July 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Morehead State University Space Science Center.

Following the talk, Thomas will host a book signing in the Space Science Center lobby from 7 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Thomas is taking part in Go For Launch!, a four-day program that uses space exploration as a platform to launch student engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM), while encouraging development of teamwork, communication and leadership skills.

The program presented by Higher Orbits is in partnership with MSU’s Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics, Space Tango and the Exomedicine Institute.

Selected by NASA in January 1990, Thomas became an astronaut in July 1991. He has served in the Safety, Operations Development and Payloads branches of the Astronaut Office. He was CAPCOM (spacecraft communicator) for shuttle missions STS-47, 52 and 53. From July 1999 to June 2000, he was director of operations for NASA at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia.

A veteran of four space flights, STS-65, STS-70, STS-83 and STS-94, he has logged over 1,040 hours in space as a mission specialist. To learn more visit ohioastronaut.com.

Following the lecture, Dr. Dirk Grupe, assistant professor of astrophysics and space science, will host a star party at Eagle Lake from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Additional information is available from the Space Science Center at 606-783-2381,  eass@moreheadstate.edu or www.moreheadstate.edu/ssc.