Astronaut Christopher Ferguson to Command Next Space Shuttle Mission

NASA has assigned Drexel alumnus Christopher Ferguson ’84 (MEM) to command space mission Endeavour STS-126, which is scheduled to launch in November. The flight will deliver equipment to the International Space Station to enable larger crews to reside aboard the complex. Endeavour will carry a reusable logistics module that will hold supplies and equipment, including additional crew quarters, a second treadmill, equipment for the regenerative life support system and spare hardware.

“We are proud of Chris in leading this mission for NASA. Chris is showing tremendous leadership as Commander of the STS-126 mission and he continues to be a role model for our students as well as an accomplished alumnus” says Dr. Selçuk Güçeri, Dean of Drexel University’s College of Engineering.
Mr. Ferguson is a native of Philadelphia and he has served as pilot of the shuttle Atlantis for STS-115. STS-126 will be the 27th shuttle mission to the International Space Station and the mission is expected to last for 15 days. Mr. Ferguson is one of three alumni astronauts from CoE, in addition to Dr. James Bagian ’73 (MEM) and Paul Richards ’87 (MEM).

Click here to see pictures of Chris Ferguson during his STS-126 mission.