STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Steamboat Springs astronaut Steve Swanson is preparing for another important mission, this time to visit troops overseas.
During the first part of December, Swanson will be joined by fellow astronaut Mike Hopkins in visiting troops at undisclosed bases in the Middle East.
“Having spent six months in space, I know the impact visitors can have on your attitude, outlook and health; having only received three new individuals while on station,” Swanson said in a news release. “I’m psyched to be able visit with so many folks’ sons and daughters during this tour.”
On Sept. 11, Swanson, a 1979 Steamboat Springs High School graduate, returned to Earth after a 169-day mission to space. Swanson was commander of the Expedition 40 mission aboard the international space station. It was Swanson’s third trip to space. From 250 miles above Earth, he orbited the planet 2,704 times and traveled more than 71 million miles at a speed of 17,500 mph.
Swanson has a son who is serving in the armed forces deployed in Korea.
