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Big orange astronaut to be honored at Vols home opener

(WBIR - UT Campus) After an extended stay in space, University of Tennessee grad and astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore is back on Rocky Top this weekend.
Astronaut and UT grad Butch Wilmore received the Accomplished alumni award after his stay on the International Space Station

(WBIR - UT Campus) After an extended stay in space, University of Tennessee grad and astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore is back on Rocky Top this weekend. 

Wilmore returned to earth in May after spending six months aboard the international space station. During that time he served as the commander of the space station, completed three spacewalks, and constructed the first tool 3D printed aboard the station. He also spoke with 10News anchor Beth Haynes during that six month mission.  

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MORE: Space station commander back home in Tennessee 

On Friday, he was awarded the UT Accomplished Alumni Award. 

Wilmore said he could not be more excited to see Neyland Stadium again, and go to a game.

"The chance to be here, be in this stadium, I mean 100,000 plus fans. What more could you want on a Saturday night?" Wilmore said. 

He'll also be recognized on the field at Saturday's Vols home opener. 

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