Astronauts Thank Engineers, Scientists

By LIZ AUSTIN PETERSON, Associated Press Writer, Space & Earth science / Space Exploration

Space shuttle Endeavour astronauts stand in front of a large U.S. flag after their return to Houston, Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007. The crew of NASA mission STS-118, from left, Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charles Hobaugh, Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Richard Mastracchio, Dave Williams (from the Canadian Space Agency), Barbara R. Morgan (teacher in space), and Alvin Drew, are shown in this photo taken during a gathering at Ellington Field. Wednesday. (AP Photo/The Houston Chronicle, Steve Ueckert)

(AP) -- Returning to Texas to a hero's welcome on Wednesday, Endeavour's crew thanked the engineers, managers and other NASA officials who helped them land safely despite a gouge on the space shuttle's belly.

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