Successful Mission and Landing for Astronaut Steve MacLean

Longueuil, Quebec, September 21, 2006 – After a 12-day mission, Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Steve MacLean's space flight ended today in a perfect landing of Space Shuttle Atlantis at 6:21 a.m. EDT at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

"This has been an incredible adventure!" affirmed Steve MacLean, shortly after landing. "Our crew successfully resumed the assembly of the International Space Station and I am proud to have represented Canada in this endeavour. Canadian technology played a key role during this mission, and this flight showcased once again the valuable expertise of Canadians."

Steve MacLean took part in the success of mission STS-115 by operating Canadarm2 almost every day, becoming the first Canadian to operate the International Space Station's robotic arm in space. He also used the Space Vision System, developed by Neptec of Ottawa, Ontario, to help install a pair of solar panels on the station. With the addition of these panels, there is now more electricity to run all the station's systems, including life support, daily operations and scientific equipment.

During this mission, Steve MacLean performed his first spacewalk, becoming the second Canadian to step out into the vacuum of space. In preparation for a safe return, MacLean operated the Shuttle's Canadarm with its Canadian-made boom extension and laser camera as part of the inspection of the surface and tiles of the spacecraft.

Canadian Flight Controllers based at the Johnson Space Center in Houston and at the Canadian Space Agency headquarters in Longueuil, Quebec, provided critical support throughout the mission. They worked jointly with their American counterparts to ensure that the two robotic arms functioned smoothly through many delicate operations.

Canada will soon see another of its astronauts in space. Astronaut Dave Williams is preparing to embark on mission STS-118, currently slated to launch in June 2007, and he will perform three spacewalks during this assembly mission.

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.

CSA's Mission STS-115 Web site: www.space.gc.ca/STS-115

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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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