SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane native and NASA astronaut Anne McClain is set to embark on a daring space rescue mission later today.
McClain will be leading a crew aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft to rescue fellow astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since June. What was initially planned as a week-long mission for Wilmore and Williams has now stretched for months, prompting NASA to send a rescue team.
This will be McClain’s second spaceflight. During her first mission, she served as a flight engineer, spending 204 days aboard the ISS and completing two spacewalks.
Spokane takes great pride in McClain’s accomplishments. A graduate of Gonzaga Prep, she later attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point before becoming an astronaut. Her achievements have been widely celebrated by local schools, with students inspired by her journey and success.
At Yasuhara Middle School, students have been learning about McClain’s career and even wrote letters to send her off with well wishes.
“I’m happy for her, and I hope she has a fun time in space,” said student Kya.
“It’s even cooler that she’s a girl and she’s from here. It’s really inspiring,” said 6th grader Emma.
To commemorate the launch, Yasuhara Middle School is hosting a watch party, complete with trivia, educational activities, and rocket-pops.
After assisting Williams and Wilmore, McClain and her crew will remain on the ISS for a four-month mission.
Liftoff is scheduled for 4:48 p.m., and the launch can be watched live at NASA.gov.
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