NATION : Bush Congratulates Astronauts

President Bush hailed the “superb job” of Columbia’s astronauts today as they headed for Friday’s homecoming after taking control of their ship when a bad navigation signal from the ground sent it into a slow spin.

In a radio-phone call from the White House, the President called their rescue of a huge science satellite “a very exciting grab,” and he invited the five crew members to meet with him at the White House after the mission.

Commander Dan Brandenstein said the retrieval of the satellite was a highlight among several important accomplishments of the space journey.

“Well done. We’re proud of you,” Bush said.

The President, who had Vice President Dan Quayle sitting at his side during the chat, also mentioned the erratic spin imparted to Columbia by the faulty signal when he said, “I’m calling to congratulate you and the crew--after all those somersaults--for doing this superb job up there.”