Thomas Daschle: “I want to announce a very exciting event taking place this evening in my hometown of Aberdeen. Tonight, in conjunction…”

“I want to announce a very exciting event taking place this evening in my hometown of Aberdeen. Tonight, in conjunction with the 2003 Women in Space Conference, Northern State University will host NASA astronaut, Dr. Karen Nyberg. Originally from neighboring Minnesota, Dr. Nyberg received her undergraduate degree at the University of North Dakota and her doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas. After finishing her education she worked for NASA, where she was granted a patent for work done on a robot assembly. Dr. Nyberg also worked extensively on improving the internal thermal control system of the space suits used by the astronauts. In July of 2000, she was selected in to the astronaut program, and she is awaiting an assignment on a future space flight as a mission specialist. The tragic loss of the Columbia space shuttle on February 1 demonstrated to all Americans the dangers inherent to space exploration. However, the exciting opportunities space exploration presents require us to push forward, take risks and broaden our horizons by emulating the courage and fortitude demonstrated by the crew of the Columbia. As the President stated in his address to the nation, "Mankind is led into the darkness beyond our world by the inspiration of discovery and the longing to understand. Our journey into space will go on." Thank you, Dr. Nyberg, for taking the time to visit Aberdeen and share your experiences and knowledge.”