"Like all Americans, the UAW takes pride in the successful launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery, and the return to space of John Glenn," said UAW President Stephen P. Yokich.

"The UAW is especially proud that this remarkable space craft was originally assembled, and has been reconditioned by members of the UAW, who also built the rocket engines powering this craft and who constructed the external fuel tank that helped launch this craft into space," stated UAW Vice President Ron Gettelfinger, who directs the union's Aerospace Department.

"As the world marvels at the achievements of the American space program, typified by the Space Shuttle Discovery, what finer example could there be of the quality, craftsmanship and commitment that unionized workers bring to their jobs," Yokich added.

"I congratulate the members of UAW Locals 887 and 1921 for their outstanding contributions to this historic space mission," Gettelfinger said.

The Space Shuttle Discovery was built by members of UAW Local 887 who work for Boeing North American in Palmdale, California. All four space shuttles currently in use were built by members of Local 887 who also reconditioned and updated the Discovery prior to today's historic mission.

Discovery's three main rocket engines were assembled by Local 887 members who work at Boeing North American's Rocketdyne Division in Canoga Park, California. The external fuel tank, which contains fuel used during the launch into space and is then jettisoned, was constructed by UAW members at Local 1921 who work for Lockheed Martin's Mischoud Assembly Division in New Orleans, Louisiana.