The Space Shuttle Endeavour blasted into space early on March 11, 2008, carrying a MASE alumnus. Astronaut Robert L. Behnken (BSME '92) is part of the STS-123 crew on their way to the International Space Station.  They are tasked with assembling the first part of the Japanese Kibo module as well as adding an extra manipulator for the Canadian robotic arm.  With the American, Canadian, Japanese, Russian and European modules and assemblies, this is now a truly International Space Station.

But Dr. Behnken is not the only WU alumnus in this mission.  Barry Tobias (BSME '02, MSME '03) is the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) lead -- which means he's the one sitting at the console in mission control.  As this is the longest-ever Shuttle flight to the Space Station, Barry's team will have a busy time managing oxygen, water, heat and waste for the ten astronauts on the station during the 16+ days that the Shuttle is docked.