NASA assigns STS-126 crew members

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has assigned the crew for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission, set to launch next September.

NASA said the shuttle will deliver equipment to the International Space Station that will enable larger crews to reside aboard the orbiting complex.

Veteran space flier, Navy Capt. Christopher Ferguson, will command STS-126, with Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Boe serving as pilot. The mission specialists will be Navy Cmdr. Stephen Bowen, NASA astronaut Joan Higginbotham, Army Lt. Col. Robert Kimbrough and Navy Capt. Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper.

Boe, Bowen and Kimbrough will be making their first spaceflight.

NASA said Endeavour will carry a reusable logistics module that will hold supplies and equipment, including additional crew quarters, a second treadmill, equipment for the regenerative life support system and spare hardware.