LINDA GODWIN READIES FOR SECOND SPACE FLIGHT

Astronaut Linda Godwin says she's looking forward to her second shuttle flight because "I am going to see so much more of the world."

In a telephone interview from the Johnson Space Center, the Oak Ridge native spoke about her upcoming flight aboard the shuttle Endeavour.

The flight is scheduled to be launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:07 a.m. CDT April 7.

Godwin's parents, Maxine and James Godwin of Oak Ridge, are planning to be on hand to watch the shuttle launch.

In April 1991, Godwin made her first voyage aboard space shuttle Atlantis.

The space shuttle's orbit was centered at about 28 degrees north and south latitude. The upcoming flight will be centered at 57 degrees north and south latitude.

Three years ago, the flight path gave Godwin and her fellow astronauts a view of primarily South America, Africa and Australia.

This time there will be more of the Earth to see, she said. "We will see basically all of the U.S.," she said. The astronauts will also get a good look at Canada, Europe and Russia.

"I am very excited about the Earth-oriented part of the mission and the fact we are going to be seeing so much more of it," said Godwin, who will serve as the mission's payload commander.

The mission, which involves studying the Earth's environment with the use of the Space Radar Laboratory, is scheduled for nine days.

But Godwin's hoping for a longer voyage. "I really think we have a very good shot of going 10 days."

Godwin said the six-member crew will be busy, working around the clock in two, 12-hour shifts.

Having one space voyage under her belt is a help, Godwin said. But she said there's still a sense of anticipation about any launch.

"To be honest, I think everybody thinks a little bit about the risk," she said. Crew members also wonder about whether they will "do a good job" on their mission.

Godwin said she's been preparing for this mission for about two and a half years.

By launch day, she said, she and the other astronauts will be itching to blast off. "After you have been strapped in a couple of hours, you are ready to launch."

Godwin is an alumna of Southeast Missouri State University.