NASA STS-121 Mission Status Report #18 – 4 p.m. CDT, Thursday, July 13, 2006

Astronauts on board Space Shuttle Discovery today got a much deserved day off after having completed three successful space walks and thousands of pounds of supply and equipment transfers earlier in the flight.

The only events scheduled today were interviews for both the International Space Station and the Shuttle crews.

Mission Specialist Mike Fossum received a call from Texas Governor Rick Perry at 11:58 a.m. today. Perry, who like Fossum is a graduate of Texas A&M University, told the astronaut how proud he was to have the first Aggie in space. “Aggies are all up in great arms to have the first Aggie in space”, said Perry. “You are making some history, Michael.”

At 12:44 p.m. Mike Fossum and Stephanie Nowak participated in live interviews with MSNBC and Fox News Live.

Expedition 13 crewmember Jeff Williams confirmed steps and final procedures for Friday’s closeout of the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module which will be relocated from the ISS to Discovery’s cargo bay Friday.

The Shuttle crew also will begin a late mission check out of the shuttle’s heat shield tomorrow, taking a final look at the port wing to make sure no orbital debris struck the wing since it was inspected early in the flight.

The next STS-121 mission status report will be issued Friday morning, or earlier if events warrant.