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Neil Armstrong’s Death at 82
I am very saddened to learn of the passing of Neil Armstrong today. Neil and I trained together as technical partners but were also good friends who will always be connected through our participation in the mission of Apollo 11. Whenever I look at the moon it reminds me of the moment over four decades ago when I realized that even though we were farther away from earth than two humans had ever been, we were not alone. Virtually the entire world took that memorable journey with us. I know I am joined by millions of others in mourning the passing of a true American hero and the best pilot…
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Buzz Aldrin Made History in 1969 with Walk on Moon
Buzz Aldrin along with Neil Armstrong on this day in history, July 20, back in 1969, accomplished the amazing journey to the moon. Here are some interesting facts about his life. Aldrin’s mother’s maiden name was Moon. The first plane he ever flew in belonged to Standard Oil and was completely covered with a painting of an eagle. The name of the craft that Aldrin and Armstrong used to break away from the Apollo 11 rocket and land on the moon was Eagle. The eagle is also featured on a patch on Aldrin’s spacesuit. As a child, Aldrin enjoyed underwater diving and collecting rocks. As an adult, Aldrin trained for his…
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The Oldest Surviving US Shuttle
Discovery on Thursday(April 20, 2012) became the first spaceship of the retired US shuttle fleet to enter its permanent home as a museum artifact, marking a solemn end to the 30-year manned spaceflight program. The oldest surviving US shuttle, Discovery flew 39 missions to space beginning in 1984 and its transition from space-flying giant to tourist attraction drew mixed emotions from NASA veterans and space fans alike. Discovery ended its last mission to space in March 2011, and the return to Earth of Atlantis in July 2011 marked the end of the US shuttle program, leaving Russia as the only nation capable of sending astronauts to space. “The space shuttle…
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Apollo 13 Astronauts Return Safely on April 17, 1970
1970: Critical explosion cripples Apollo 13 An explosion on board Apollo 13 has caused one of the most critical situations in American space history and put the lives of the three astronauts on board in severe jeopardy. The explosion happened in the fuel cells of the spacecraft’s service module approximately 56 hours after lift-off. This resulted in the loss of Apollo 13’s main power supply which means oxygen and water reserves are now critically low. The safety of the three astronauts, Captain James Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise, is uncertain although Nasa is hoping emergency contingency plans will ensure their safe return. Certain death The cause of the explosion…
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John Glenn on the 50th Anniversary of His Historic Flight
Earthlings count down to 50th anniversary of the first American flight to orbit the Earth © 2012 NOLA.com. All rights reserved. Published: Saturday, February 18, 2012, 10:00 AM By The Associated Press The Associated Press John Glenn fever has taken hold in the U.S. once again. Three days before the 50th anniversary of his historic flight, the first American to orbit the Earth addressed employees at Kennedy Space Center. The NASA auditorium was packed Friday with hundreds of workers hoping to see the space legend. NASA, via The Associated Press Astronaut John Glenn was photographed Feb. 20, 1962, during his space flight in the Friendship 7 Mercury spacecraft, weightless and…