Launch is successful: Canadian Astronaut Steve MacLean heads to the International Space Station

Longueuil, Quebec, September 9, 2006 – "This is an exciting time for Canada," said the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency, after Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Steve MacLean launched successfully onboard Space Shuttle Atlantis today at 11:15 a.m. EDT from the Kennedy Space Center.

Joining Steve MacLean are Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Chris Ferguson, and fellow Mission Specialists Joe Tanner, Dan Burbank, and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper. The crew of mission STS-115 will resume assembly of the International Space Station, which had halted after the grounding of NASA's Shuttle fleet in 2003. They will deliver and install new truss segments and solar arrays on this mission, doubling the power capacity of the International Space Station.

"Our contribution to this international endeavour is a symbol of pride for Canada and hallmark of our country's expertise in advanced space robotics. Leading-edge Canadian technology helps not only to build the International Space Station but also to make the Space Shuttle safer for astronauts," said Mr. Bernier.

Although this is his second space flight, mission STS-115 is the first visit to the station for Steve MacLean and his first opportunity to perform a spacewalk. The Canadian astronaut will operate the Shuttle's Canadian-made robotic arm and extension boom to help inspect the surface and tiles of the spacecraft for signs of damage that may have occurred during launch. MacLean will also become the first Canadian to operate the Station's Canadarm2 and the Mobile Base System in space as his crewmate hands over the new set of solar arrays to him using the Shuttle's Canadarm. Once again, the two Canadian robotic arms will work hand-in-hand in space.

Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to dock with the Space Station this September 11, 2006.

About the Canadian Space Agency

Established in 1989, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) coordinates all civil, space-related policies and programs on behalf of the Government of Canada. CSA directs its resources and activities through four key thrusts: Earth Observation, Space Science and Exploration, Satellite Communications, and Space Awareness and Learning. By leveraging international cooperation, the CSA generates world-class scientific research and industrial development for the benefit of humanity.

For the latest information about Mission STS-115, visit:

Canadian Space Agency: www.space.gc.ca

NASA: www.nasa.gov/shuttle

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For further information:

Julie Simard
Media Relations and Information Services
Canadian Space Agency
Telephone: (450) 926-4370
E-mail:

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