posted 06-11-2003 09:20 AM            

Eldora Valentine
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281) 244-1871/ (281) 244-2726

Report #J03-59

ASTRONAUTS TO HONOR COLUMBIA CREW AT BANK ONE BALL PARK

NASA astronaut John L. Phillips, Ph.D., will be coming to Bank One Ball Park
to honor the Space Shuttle Columbia crew. Dr. Phillips will throw out the
first pitch in honor of his fellow astronauts on Monday, June 23, at the
Arizona Diamondbacks' 6:35 p.m. game against the Houston Astros.

Dr. Phillips is one of several astronauts participating in this nationwide
tour being coordinated with the Houston Astros' 2003 season. The astronauts
are honoring the STS-107 crew and continuing their mission of telling the
world about the importance of space research, development and exploration.

The Astros are paying homage to NASA and the Space Shuttle Columbia crew
this season by wearing the Columbia STS-107 mission patch on the team's
uniform. In the spirit of carrying out the Astros' season opener dedication
as well as the mission of the STS-107 crew, NASA astronauts are visiting
several cities the Astros are playing in this season.

Dr. Phillips grew up in Scottsdale, Ariz. He graduated from Scottsdale High
School. He received a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and Russian
from the U.S. Naval Academy. He also has a master of science in aeronautical
systems from the University of West Florida and a master's and a doctorate
in geophysics and space physics from the University of California, Los
Angeles.

NASA selected Dr. Phillips in 1996. He has held various jobs in the
astronaut office including systems engineering and CAPCOM (spacecraft
communicator) for the International Space Station. In 2001 he flew aboard
STS-100 and spent 12 days in space. During the mission, the crew delivered
and installed the Canadarm2 robotic arm. They also delivered experiments and
supplies. Dr. Phillips was the ascent/entry flight engineer and was the
intravehicular activity coordinator during two spacewalks. He is currently
assigned as flight engineer on ISS Expedition 10 scheduled for launch in
2004.

Dr. Phillips will be available to the media for in studio or phone
interviews the morning and afternoon of Monday, June 23. In addition, he'll
also give scheduled interviews at Bank One Ball Park before the game in the
third base dugout from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. To arrange an interview, contact
Eldora Valentine at (281) 244-1871.

---------

Jacques :-)