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University Communications

UR astronaut-alumnus Leland Melvin scheduled for January liftoff aboard space shuttle Atlantis

December 14, 2007

Leland Melvin, a 1986 graduate of the University of Richmond, is a member of the seven-member space shuttle Atlantis crew scheduled for liftoff in early January from Cape Canaveral, Fla.

The 43-year-old Melvin, a Lynchburg, Va.-native who earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry while playing college football for the Spiders, will serve as mission specialist-1 and primary operator of Atlantis' robotic arm.

Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory, along with a replacement crew member, to the International Space Station. The launch will be the 121st launch of a shuttle, Atlantis' 29th flight and Melvin's first trip into space.

Melvin will carry several items of university memorabilia into space, which he intends to donate to the campus upon his return. He plans to visit Richmond's campus following his return from space to speak about his experiences during the space mission.