From NASA

Bobby Satcher is fitted with a parachute harness during water survival training at Pensacola Naval Air Station.

RICHMOND (AP) – A Hampton native is part of the crew assigned to the space shuttle Discovery's planned mission for October 2009.

Robert Satcher and Lynchburg native Leland Melvin were chosen for the assignment.

The crew will deliver parts to the International Space Station, including two spare gyroscopes, and the mission will feature four spacewalks.

Satcher will be making his first space flight. He also will serve as a mission specialist.

He was chosen by NASA after his astronaut candidate interview in November 2004.

This will be Melvin's second space flight. He was a mission specialist on the shuttle Atlantis in February.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)