Citadel grad headed to International Space Station (updated x3)

Update November 23:

Astronaut Randolph Bresnik welcomed his new daughter, Abigail Mae Bresnik, into the world on Sunday evening from the international space station.

This is the second time in NASA history that an astronaut was in orbit instead of the delivery room.

Hop over to The State for the story.

Update November 17:

The State has posted a photo gallery of yesterday's launch of the space shuttle Atlantis as well as in-depth bios for all six crew members. 

Hop over and take a peek.

Updated throughout.

Citadel graduate, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Randy Bresnik is one of a six person crew that launched into space this afternoon aboard the shuttle Atlantis.

Here's details on the launch and mission.

It's interesting for a multitude of reasons: Yes, Bresnik has a local connection but he's also bringing along the Citadel's spirit flag and his wife is expected to be giving birth while he's up.

ABC News 4 has more details on Bresnik's going into space.

You can check out Bresnik's bio over here.