Named in honor of David F. (“Kelly”) Welch, AURA Corporate Staff Executive from 1978 to 1983. He upgraded AURA administrative and operational procedures and brought modern technology into the corporate office. He also played a major role in the preparation of the successful proposal to NASA for AURA to establish and operate the Space Telescope Science Institute. Following (2404) Antarctica, this planet also acknowledges Welch’s earlier career in the U.S. Navy, which culminated in his service as commander of the Naval Support Force for the scientific bases in Antarctica during 1969–1971. (M 9079) Name proposed by F. K. Edmondson. _ _.