FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 14, 2008

NSS Congratulates Historic Father-Son Space Pairs

On October 14, Richard Garriott and Expedition 18 crewmembers Mike Fincke and Yuri Lonchakov docked their Soyuz vehicle at the International Space Station.  This mission marks several important space-history milestones: First, Richard Garriott has become the first American second-generation space traveler, following his father Owen Garriott's illustrious astronaut career.

At the ISS, Richard has met up with cosmonaut Sergei Volkov, the son of cosmonaut Alexander Volkov, representing the first Russian father-son space duo.  Richard and Sergei will descend to Earth together, representing the first time two second-generation space travelers have re-entered the atmosphere.  Coming just weeks after the 50th anniversary of NASA, these important milestones underscore how a generational shift is occurring in space. The members of NSS look forward to the day when people from around the world will have the opportunity to travel to space with their family members, and congratulate Richard and Sergei on their historic accomplishments.

To follow Richard Garriott's mission, visit www.richardinspace.com

To follow ISS Expedition 18, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station