Longueuil, Quebec, May 29, 2009 - Expedition 20/21 marks a new era for the International Space Station (ISS) as it transitions to a six-person crew. For the first time in its eleven-year history, all five international space agencies are represented onboard the station. Canada is proud to be a part of this international endeavour, as Canadian Robert Thirsk performs a six-month stay -the longest space mission Canada has ever undertaken.
CSA President Steve MacLean is thrilled that our country is playing an active role during this crucial phase of the ISS. "Canada will benefit greatly from the evolution to a full-crew capacity. More space science experiments and space technology operations will be conducted, some originating from Canadian scientists to be performed by the Canadian aboard. This is an important milestone of our Space Program, the kind of opportunity that will serve to inspire our next generation of Canadian scientists and explorers."
The United States, Russia, the European Union, Japan and Canada will all have at least one astronaut on the ISS during Expedition 20/21. They will all work together to perform science, technology, and other vital operations to serve the benefits of the international scientific community and ultimately, humankind.
Video, animations and pictures are available at this address: ftp://ftp.asc-csa.gc.ca/users/expedition20-21/pub/
For the latest information about Expedition 20/21, visit:
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For more information, contact:
Media Relations
Canadian Space Agency
450-926-4370
www.asc-csa.gc.ca
