Topic: 7/24: ASF's Apollo 15 40th anniv. celebration
astrobar1 Member
Posts: 112 From: Mishawaka, IN, USA Registered: Apr 2005
posted 04-14-2011 07:30 PM
Hmm, the July Apollo 15 40th anniversary event has disappeared from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's (ASF) Events page. I hope this is a temporary 'glitch.'
ASF has put on truly outstanding events for Apollos 12, 13, and 14 (i.e. I even met Neil Armstrong!!). I hope this is a temporary 'oops.'
MCroft04 Member
Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
posted 04-14-2011 09:04 PM
You beat me to the punch. Perhaps they're in the process of updating details for the event? Or perhaps it will be tied into the Nov ASF show? On pins and needles awaiting an answer.
shanesrq New Member
Posts: From: Registered:
posted 04-21-2011 02:46 PM
Just got word from ASF that Dave Scott has made another commitment for the Apollo 15 Anniversary and there will be no event at the ASF. Seems odd since Al Worden is such a big supporter of the ASF but he is following Dave Scott as well.
MCroft04 Member
Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
posted 04-21-2011 08:40 PM
Disappointing. Do you know what the event is?
Fezman92 Member
Posts: 1031 From: New Jersey, USA Registered: Mar 2010
posted 04-21-2011 08:43 PM
I agree that is a shame, are there plans to reschedule it?
shanesrq New Member
Posts: From: Registered:
posted 04-22-2011 09:53 AM
I have no idea. I've poked around quite a bit online and have not turned up anything. Disappointing too since I passed up the Apollo 14 anniversary thinking I would attend the Apollo 15. The Command Mod. Endeavor is on display at Wright-Patterson AFB. Just speculating but maybe since they had an all USAF crew the anniversary will be there?
MikeSpace unregistered
posted 04-23-2011 11:01 AM
If it's whether or not Dave Scott can attend [I have no idea] I'd still go to a Apollo 15 40th anniversary event if Mr. Worden was the only crewman there.
One of the most approachable, human, frank, and funny astronuats of all I've met. He even called me by my name at last ASF event, the fact he called me 'Mark' instead of 'Mike'? Close enough, he remembered me.
MCroft04 Member
Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
posted 04-24-2011 07:38 AM
Don't feel bad about Al getting your name wrong. I overheard someone in the bar at the Nov 2010 ASF show introduce him as Al Shepard!
Charlie16 Member
Posts: 494 From: Italy Registered: Dec 2010
posted 04-27-2011 03:56 PM
Also I was hoping there was Apollo 15 reunion (I think in July...) Anyway I'll see you in November! Salutes to my friend Mike (Mark).
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42986 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-07-2011 09:54 AM
Good news! There will be an Apollo 15 40th anniversary celebration hosted by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation on July 23 24, 2011 at the Kennedy Space Center (specific location TBD). More details to come...
MCroft04 Member
Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
posted 05-15-2011 09:00 PM
The event is back on the ASF website, but without details. Will both Dave and Al be attending?
MCroft04 Member
Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
posted 05-19-2011 09:27 PM
Now the event is scheduled for July 24, a Sunday. Still anxiously awaiting details.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42986 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-21-2011 11:10 AM
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation announcement
40th Anniversary Celebration of Apollo 15 With Dave Scott, Al Worden & Remembering Jim Irwin
Commemorate the triumph of Apollo 15's lunar mission by becoming one of an elite few to participate in an exclusive celebration of the mission's 40th Anniversary, on July 24, 2011, where it all began - Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida.
This once-in-a-lifetime event is limited to only 70 tickets which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Presented by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, Apollo 15 Commander Dave Scott and Command Module Pilot Al Worden alongside fellow Apollo astronauts Neil Armstrong, Alan Bean, Vance Brand (Apollo 15 Backup Command Module Pilot), Gene Cernan, Walt Cunningham, Charlie Duke, Richard Gordon (Apollo 15 Backup Commander), James Lovell, Harrison "Jack" Schmitt (Apollo 15 Backup Lunar Module Pilot), Rusty Schweickart, Apollo 15 Flight Director Gerry Griffin and more astronauts to be announced soon will star in this extravagant affair.
As one of only 70 ticket holders, you'll rub elbows with these legends during a champagne social at the hotel, before raising your glass to the men of the evening and remembering their crewmate, the late Jim Irwin with his family who will also be in attendance. Next, you'll be cleared to board KSC private transport for direct, round-trip travel from the hotel to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's award-winning Apollo Saturn V Center (ASVC) for an intimate soiree.
Upon entering the ASVC you will be greeted by one of only three mammoth Saturn V rockets which remain in the world. Before you browse the treasure trove of Apollo artifacts, including Worden's moon rock, in this state-of-the-art museum, you will stand side by side with Scott and Worden for a professional photo with the colossal Saturn V engine bells as your backdrop!
Throughout the evening, you'll be surrounded by relics of the Apollo program as you're wined and dined during an elegant reception followed by a sumptuous four-course meal, presented at intimate tables where you'll be seated with an Astronaut. Dinner will conclude with a lavish dessert spread, full of tempting sweets and specialty coffees mingled between the museum exhibits. The grand conclusion of the evening occurs when you join the Apollo Astronauts as they gather in the Apollo Treasures Gallery to reminisce about this mission during a candid discussion.
This incredible occasion may only be for one night, but you'll hold onto your memories forever with an 8 x 10" print of your photo op, a photo CD of the evening and a DVD of the Apollo Astronaut discussion program. Once your ticket is confirmed, you will receive details regarding the host hotel and how to secure your accommodations.
Tickets are available for $1,000 each.
For a more exclusive package, consider adding on an Apollo 15 Backstage Pass for an additional $500 to receive: early event check-in, private round-trip event transportation with the Astronauts, early photo op access, ASVC Astronaut Reception early access and a private Astronaut breakfast the following morning. Backstage Passes are limited to just 20, and will be sold on a first-come, first served basis.
Cost of ticket package, over fair market value, should be considered a charitable donation to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
Fezman92 Member
Posts: 1031 From: New Jersey, USA Registered: Mar 2010
posted 05-21-2011 11:58 AM
Would love to go, but won't be able to afford the ticket price. It's just under the cost of a semester at the community college I go to. To all who do go, have fun.
MCroft04 Member
Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
posted 05-21-2011 05:58 PM
Any idea when tickets will become available? I don't see any details on the ASF website yet.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42986 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-21-2011 06:05 PM
Tickets are available now. See here. (The Backstage Pass option has sold out.)
MCroft04 Member
Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
posted 05-21-2011 07:16 PM
Thanks Robert!
Leon Ford Member
Posts: 309 From: Shreveport, LA, United States Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-22-2011 05:51 PM
Looking forward to the Apollo 15 event in July. Thanks to the ASF for holding this event. Hope there is a good turn-out for the 15 anniversary. Still upset I missed the Apollo 14 anniversary...
Charlie16 Member
Posts: 494 From: Italy Registered: Dec 2010
posted 05-27-2011 12:56 PM
I will be attending too. I writing for to know if anyone will be attending and maybe there we know personally. Luigi Pizzimenti
MCroft04 Member
Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
posted 05-27-2011 08:15 PM
I'll be there so perhaps we can meet each other. Unfortunately I was too late for the backstage pass. Nicole says they will tell us the seating arrangement when we get there. This promises to be a great event, but I have to admit that I don't look forward to going back to Fl in July!
machbusterman Member
Posts: 1778 From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland Registered: May 2004
posted 05-28-2011 02:51 AM
quote:Originally posted by MCroft04: but I have to admit that I don't look forward to going back to Fl in July!
I'm guessing you're talking about the humidity?
hlbjr Member
Posts: 475 From: Delray Beach Florida USA Registered: Mar 2006
posted 05-28-2011 09:10 AM
quote:Originally posted by MCroft04: This promises to be a great event, but I have to admit that I don't look forward to going back to Fl in July!
Florida Summer days are beautiful. The skies are usually clear of haze and while it is hot and humid, the days are long and beautiful. Best part is that if it rains, just wait a half hour and it's gone! I've actually spent some of my best days out on the Cape during Summer when the days are longest. I recall three separate trips out to the old launch pads with friends who had authorization to take me out there where we stayed until very late afternoon exploring. Give me Summer days in Florida over the short and often cold winter days.
stsmithva Member
Posts: 1933 From: Fairfax, VA, USA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 05-28-2011 09:15 AM
All tickets (regular and backstage pass) are already sold out!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42986 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-23-2011 08:49 PM
For those unable to attend, NASA TV will be broadcasting the celebration live beginning at 8:35 p.m. EDT.
8:35 - 9:15 p.m. - Live from the Apollo Saturn V Center - the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Apollo 15 with Dave Scott and Al Worden & Remembering Jim Irwin - KSC
According to the NASA TV schedule, the program will then reair at 10 p.m that night and then again at 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Monday.
crash Member
Posts: 318 From: West Sussex, England Registered: Jan 2011
posted 07-24-2011 02:10 PM
I truly hope that everyone going to this event, this evening, has a great time. The list of astronaut attendees cannot be beaten, I think.
Have fun!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42986 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-25-2011 08:35 AM
For those who missed it, here is the full presentation and panel discussion:
albatron Member
Posts: 2732 From: Stuart, Florida Registered: Jun 2000
posted 07-25-2011 09:15 AM
quote:Originally posted by shanesrq: The Command Mod. Endeavor is on display at Wright-Patterson AFB. Just speculating but maybe since they had an all USAF crew the anniversary will be there?
This is an interesting point. I was there recently and there are signs about the anniversary DATE, but no plans about a celebration there.
Odd I thought as this was an all Air Force crew.
So I asked two docents, got surly "that's not my area" responses so I let it drop.
hlbjr Member
Posts: 475 From: Delray Beach Florida USA Registered: Mar 2006
posted 07-25-2011 10:43 AM
As you can see from the video, Neil was a hoot. We thoroughly enjoyed his talk as we did everyone's. It was a great night and I'm grateful I made it.
MarylandSpace Member
Posts: 1336 From: Registered: Aug 2002
posted 07-25-2011 10:49 AM
It was a great history lesson to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
4allmankind Member
Posts: 1043 From: Dallas Registered: Jan 2004
posted 07-25-2011 10:58 AM
I enjoyed watching the event from home, though I certainly wished I was there! Thank you Robert for informing us that the presentation could be viewed live online.
I found it interesting that the speech Armstrong gave was very CMP/Worden focused. The Apollo CMP's need to get more attention and appreciation than they currently receive. As Gordon pointed out, 12 moonwalkers is an exclusive club, BUT there are only 6 lunar-landing flight CMP's!
Fezman92 Member
Posts: 1031 From: New Jersey, USA Registered: Mar 2010
posted 07-25-2011 02:55 PM
quote:Originally posted by 4allmankind: The Apollo CMP's need to get more attention and appreciation than they currently receive.
I agree 100% with that statement. I think Armstrong was so focused on Col. Worden as a subtle reminder of his (Col. Worden's) autobiography that is coming out in four days...
MCroft04 Member
Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
posted 07-26-2011 01:18 AM
I was lucky to ride the elevator to our rooms with Gerry Griffin and his wife after the event. Gerry was beaming with pride. He said it was fun to re-connect with old friends and reminiscence, but it was the passion and knowledge of the ticket holders that made it extra special. And yes it was a wonderful evening!
MikeSpace unregistered
posted 07-26-2011 06:02 PM
As others have said, a great night.
I was also impressed with Neil's praise for the CSM pilots.
Talking with Harrison Schmitt, as a science teacher, was just surreal.
Gerry Griffin and Joe Allen were fantastic.
manilajim Member
Posts: 256 From: Bergenfield, NJ USA Registered: May 2000
posted 07-26-2011 09:18 PM
Robert - Thanks for posting the video for the many of us unable to attend.
Kite Member
Posts: 831 From: Northampton UK Registered: Nov 2009
posted 07-27-2011 03:51 PM
I also thank Robert for posting this video. Would loved to have been there. It was wonderful to see the camaraderie of the whole team after all this time. It really doesn't seem possible it has been forty years. What makes me feel very proud is that I have been able to meet so many of them in recent years this side of the Atlantic when all those years ago I would never have thought it possible. What an era it was.
bwhite1976 Member
Posts: 281 From: Belleville, IL Registered: Jun 2011
posted 07-28-2011 11:28 AM
Looks like it was a great event. I think Scott was being modest when he said that Irwin took care of the LM and Worden took care of the CM and all he had to do was prepare for the geology aspect of the mission. I am sure all three of those guys was on top of every aspect of that mission to some degree. What a team!
Charlie16 Member
Posts: 494 From: Italy Registered: Dec 2010
posted 07-28-2011 12:19 PM
It's was amazing! You can see some pictures.