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Souvenirs

When Space Shuttle Columbia blasted off for STS-78, a 17-day Life and Microgravity Spacelab mission, among the items stowed on board were some personal mementos for Dr. Thirsk's close relatives. As in previous missions, Canada has been allotted room on the shuttle to stow official memorabilia. The official government flight kit which accompanied Canada's fifth astronaut on his adventure in space also included Bob Thirsk's official flight patches, and Canadian flags.

Flags, stickers, and patches from several Canadian organizations such as Park Canada, CBC Quirks and Quarks, the Snowbirds aerobatics team, Foster Parents Plan of Canada, just to name a few, were also part of this flight.

Thirsk's flight kit also included patches and crests from former schools and universities as well as the Team Canada hockey jersey. Dr. Thirsk also carried the 1970 Stanley Cup championship ring of his childhood role model, Bobby Orr.

As a former resident of the Canadian West Coast, Dr. Thirsk brought aboard British-Columbia smoked salmon for each crewmember. A real treat compared to the dried food they ate for 17 days.

On a more personal note, Dr. Thirsk also brought his favorite music to listen while admiring the Earth from above. His collection held CDs from: Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, Quartetto Gelato, Oscar Peterson Trio, Oscar Peterson, Diana Krall, Aretha Franklin, Jacques Loussier, Swingle Singers, Bruce Springteen and Tony Bennett.