Bob Donaldson, Post-Gazette

Astronaut Stephen Frick, seen in this 2002 file photo, will command the space shuttle Atlantis next month.

Click photo for larger version

An astronaut from suburban Pittsburgh will command the space shuttle Atlantis during a mission to the International Space Station next month.

Stephen Frick's mission is set for a Dec. 6 launch.

Navy Cmdr. Frick is part of a crew of seven who will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the station.

A 1982 graduate of Richland High, now Pine-Richland High, Cmdr. Frick graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1986. As a Navy pilot, he logged 3,200 flight hours in 35 different aircraft, including 370 aircraft carrier landings.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.