The loss of the seven crew members onboard the Space Shuttle Columbia has affected the nation and the entire world, but for Tom Henricks the loss is personal. A former astronaut, Henricks, U.S.A.F. (Ret.), was a previous pilot and commander of the Space Shuttle Columbia.

Originally scheduled to address science experiments conducted in space as part of the third annual Brother Lucian Blersch Symposium at St. Edward's University on Friday, Feb. 7, Henricks will now turn his attention to the Columbia disaster and the future of the American space program. Henricks, who has been offering expert commentary on MSNBC since the space shuttle was lost on re-entry, has agreed to take questions from Austin-area media in a press conference immediately following his lecture. Austin-area media are invited to attend the lecture, but are asked to reserve questions until the press conference. For planning purposes, media are required to pre-register for this press conference.

Founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1885, St. Edward's University is an independent, Catholic, liberal arts university of more than 4,200 students in Austin, Texas.

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