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Houston threw a warm welcome home party for the astronauts from shuttle Disocver today. The shuttle crew received cheers and applause at Ellington Field.
Hundreds of people were assembled in NASA’s Hangar at Ellington Field as the seven Discovery crew members took the stage. NASA employees and area residents waved U.S. flags, snapped dozens of pictures and cheered wildly for the astronauts.
Discovery Commander Eileen Collins was visibly moved by the welcome from Houstonians. She told the crowd she was overwhelmed by their support.
The astronauts arrived in Houston last night and spent time with their families before making the public appearance this afternoon. They’ll have some down time in Houston before getting back into their normal work routines.