On May 4, 2001 at 12:35 PM, STS-4 Commander Erin Dean called out the four most-loved words at the Russell Space Center signifying yet another successful mission for a Russell Space Team. "Wheel stop. Rollout complete!"

Oddly enough, the greatest challenge and threat this year came not during the mission itself, but a less than two weeks before liftoff. Over the weekend, the Russell Space Center was burglarized and we lost over $5,000 worth of our equipment including all of our radios, a camcorder, a laptop computer, and many smaller items. By all appearances the mission was in serious jeopardy and there was talk by those outside of the program of having to scrub the mission for a later date.

However, the team would hear none of it and rather than looking at the situation as a setback, they simply regarded it as another test of their determination and moved ahead without missing a step! As they always do. our community came through for us like real champs donating equipment, money, and time to replace what was lost. In the end, we were simply stronger and better before.

Our Public Affairs Liasion, Mrs. Valentine, did an outstanding job of mustering support from our community during the months of preparation. As a result, we had what appeared to be record crowds on hand with many visiting dignitaries. Mrs. Wine's efforts kept us all well-fed and loaded with chicken wings, biscuits, pizza, and of course the traditional steak-and-eggs for breakfast! Thanks to Mrs. Boyd and the good folks at Pugmire again for purchasing the official shirt of the Russell Space Team.

Windex 409, a unique satellite designed to "clean up" space by using lasers to slow down and deorbit space debris, was successfully deployed into orbit.

The mission was pretty much glitch-free with only a few minor bugs raising their heads during the 27-hour mission. All were handled routinely and calmly so that the mission could continue its normal course.

The weather at Kennedy Space Center was perfect for a beautiful landing as Erin D. and Melissa P. brought the Star Sailor 1 down for a perfect landing. The celebration lasted for a long time and as the crew emerged from the compartment, General Redden made it a point to address and congratulate the entire team. And then finally we were celebrated by the entire student body and what a proud moment for us all!

Congratulations and Godspeed STS-4. I am undeniably proud of the strength that you showed before and during the mission. Welcome to the history books of the Russell Space Center. You deseve to be there!