Space Shuttle Astronaut Carries NPS With Her

In addition to seven astronauts, Space Shuttle Atlantis, currently orbiting the earth on its Hubble telescope repair mission, is carrying the National Park System – to be exact, a banner with a map showing all 391 sites.

The offer to carry an item into space was made in an email to former NPS Director Mary Bomar by Mission Specialist and NPS fan Megan McArthur, who sent this note:

"As a young child, our family moved around the country for my dad's career as a naval officer. We would stop at parks when we could, and I do remember Yellowstone. But I think my interest was really awakened as a young teenager, visiting Yosemite National Park multiple times in high school with family and friends...That love of the outdoors has stayed with me, and I take every chance I get to visit a national or state park or other wilderness area."

The banner will be returned to the National Park Service after the shuttle and crew return to earth.

For more on McArthur, click on “More Information” below. The link will take you to the NASA site on the current mission. Click on “The Team,” then on Megan McArthur at left. A Flash Player is required.