#Apollo 11 Command Module

[chefkevinashton]

I worked and lived in and around Washington DC from 1983-1994. I never dreamed when I decided to return to England that 28 years would pass before I returned, but time has a tendency of slipping away. 

[rabbitcruiser]

Apollo program: Apollo 11’s crew successfully makes the first manned landing on the Moon in the Sea of Tranquility. Americans Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the Moon (July 21 UTC) on July 20, 1969.

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

Apollo 11

24 July 1969, CV-12 USS Hornet prepares to recover Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia.

Apollo Guidance Computer

[monkeyssalad-blog]

Michael Collins practices in a simulator prior to Apollo 11 launch. by NASA on The Commons Via Flickr: With 18 days before launch, Apollo 11 Command Module (CM) pilot Michael Collins practices docking hatch removal from CM simulator at NASA Johnson Space Center. NASA Media Usage Guidelines Credit: NASA Image Number: S69-38317 Date Taken: June 28, 1969

[nasa]

One Giant Leap for Mankind

Millions of people around the globe will come together for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games later this month to witness a grand event—the culmination of years of training and preparation.

Fifty-five years ago this July, the world was watching as a different history-changing event was unfolding: the Apollo 11 mission was landing humans on the surface of another world for the first time. An estimated 650 million people watched on TV as Neil Armstrong reached the bottom of the ladder of the lunar module on July 20, 1969, and spoke the words, “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.”

While the quest to land astronauts on the Moon was born from the space race with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, this moment was an achievement for the whole of humanity. To mark the world-embracing nature of the Moon landing, several tokens of world peace were left on the Moon during the astronauts’ moonwalk.

“We came in peace for all mankind”

These words, as well as drawings of Earth’s western and eastern hemispheres, are etched on a metal plaque affixed to a leg of the Apollo 11 lunar lander. Because the base of the lander remained on the Moon after the astronauts returned, it is still there today as a permanent memorial of the historic landing.

Microscopic messages from kings, queens, and presidents

Another artifact left on the Moon by the Apollo 11 astronauts is a small silicon disc etched with goodwill messages from leaders of 74 countries around the world. Each message was reduced to be smaller than the head of a pin and micro-etched on a disc roughly 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Thailand’s message, translated into English, reads: "The Thai people rejoice in and support this historic achievement of Earth men, as a step towards Universal peace."

Curious to read what else was inscribed on the disk? Read the messages.

An ancient symbol

The olive branch, a symbol of peace and conciliation in ancient Greek mythology, also found its way to the Moon in July 1969. This small olive branch made of gold was left on the lunar surface during Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s 2.5-hour moonwalk. The olive branch also featured on the Apollo 11 mission patches sewed on the crew’s spacesuits. Designed in part by command module pilot Michael Collins, the insignia shows a bald eagle landing on the Moon holding an olive branch in its talons.

We go together

As NASA’s Artemis program prepares to again land astronauts on the Moon, including the first woman and the first person of color, this time we’re collaborating with commercial and international partners. Together we will make new scientific discoveries, establish the first long-term presence on the Moon, and inspire a new generation of explorers.

Is aerospace history your cup of tea? Be sure to check out more from NASA’s past at www.nasa.gov/history.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[lonestarflight]

"LUNAR LANDING - ART CONCEPT

Artist's concept depicting the firing of the Apollo 10 Lunar Module descent engine for 42 seconds to propel 'Snoopy' back into a higher lunar orbit for rendezvous and docking with the Command and Service Modules. Earlier, the LM descent engine will be fired for 27 seconds to take astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, Apollo 10 commander; and Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot, to within 10 miles of the moon's surface. Astronauts John W. Young, command module pilot, will remain in the Command Module, 'Charlie Brown,' in lunar orbit. Developed by TRW's Systems Group at Redondo Beach, California, under Grumman subcontract, the throttleable descent engine will be used to soft land the LM on the lunar surface during Apollo 11 and subsequent Apollo missions."

Date: May 12, 1969

NASA ID: S69-33765

[moonwatchuniverse]

1969, February 14… Apollo 9 press briefing At the Kennedy Space Center – Florida, Apollo 9 LMP Russell “Rusty” Schweickart briefed the press about the spacesuit for his upcoming spacewalk. For the very first time, Apollo 9 tested both the North American Aviation Command Module and the Grumman Lunar Module in Low Earth Orbit. Schweickart’s spacewalk would demonstrate an emergency transfer between both spacecraft. It was the last spacewalk before the Apollo 11 lunar-EVA in July 1969. Due to a construction delay at Grumman, the original Apollo 8 & 9 missions were swapped. By December 1968, Rusty Schweickart had completed vacuum testing the space suit portable life support chest- and backpack hardware in the altitude chamber of the Space Environment Simulation Laboratory at MSC Houston Texas. Note on the white Velcro strap the battered NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster 105.012 chronograph which was missing the lower push button. We know that some of the NASA-issued Speedmaster chronographs were solely used in astronaut training, n° 24 being the best-knwon example! (Photos: NASA)

[a-d-nox]

Can Alice, Marchare, Mockturtle, and Lewiscarrol be included in the next (4th?) "asteroids that aren't getting anymore attention than this" list?

asteroids that aren't getting more attention than this and aren't related to my typical mythological shenanigans but that i still love (part 4: alice and other wondrous asteroids)

if you have no interest in the history, look for bolded statements to avoid all the reading lol. an asterisk in the OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS section indicates that the other mentioned asteroid(s) can be found in this post!

paid reading options: astrology menu & cartomancy menu

enjoy my work? help me continue creating by tipping on ko-fi or paypal. your support keeps the magic alive!

alice (asteroid 291)

Alice is the main character of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. She is a young girl from a rich Victorian English family, who finds herself accidentally or perhaps on purpose in Wonderland. It is Alice's curiosity and wish to understand the world around her no matter how complex or confusing it is. Her manners remain true despite Wonderland's lackluster etiquette (or lack thereof); though it is her manners that Wonderland seems to target as it aims to teach her individuality and how to speak up for what she believes and wants most. Wonderland forces Alice to question everything she knows about the world and even herself. IN MY OPINION Alice in your chart can represent a) where you experience curiosity, b) where you experience a lot of self growth, c) where you tend to be very naive and are forced to mature, and/or d) where you are most resilient.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: lewiscarrol (6984)*!

bandersnatch (asteroid 9780)

The Bandersnatch is one of the most frightening creatures from Lewis Carroll’s works. It is described as an unpredictable and a fast-moving beast. The Bandersnatch is aggressive and difficult to escape from. IN MY OPINION Bandersnatch in your chart can represent a) what scares you, b) something that is bound to be unpredictable and slightly threatening to you, and/or c) what can be considered a predator in your realm of existence.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: lewiscarrol (6984)*!

collins (asteroid 6471)

Michael Collins was an American astronaut best known for his role in the Apollo 11 mission, the first spaceflight to land humans on the moon. As the command module pilot, Collins orbited the moon in the spacecraft while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon's surface. Though he didn't set foot on the moon, Collins played an important role in ensuring the mission’s success by maintaining the spacecraft, performing system checks, and being the lifeline for his crewmates’ safe return. He often reflected on the experience of being “the loneliest person in the universe” while orbiting the moon alone... IN MY OPINION Collins in your chart can represent a) where you might be part of a team yet you feel left out, b) having others rely on you to do your part, and/or c) where you feel completely alone/isolated.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: aldrin (6470) and armstrong (6469)!

deidre (asteroid 165574)

Dr. Deidre Ann Hunter is an astronomer renowned for her research on irregular galaxies; mainly focusing on their origins, evolution, and star-formation properties. IN MY OPINION Deidre in your chart can represent a) an interest in the formation of stars, b) having an understanding of evolution, and/or c) your scientific education. This asteroid was asked for by @danihodgs.

delphi (asteroid 73769)

Delphi was a major religious site in ancient Greece, dedicated to the god Apollo and known for housing the Oracle of Delphi. The oracle, where priestesses delivered prophecies believed to be inspired by Apollo, was highly influential in personal and political decisions. IN MY OPINION Delphi in your chart can represent a) your connection to religious meccas, b) where you feel closest to religion, and/or c) where you can influence others with your wisdom.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: apollo (1862)!

ekaterina (asteroid 6955)

Catherine the Great was a Russian empress who reigned from 1762 until her death. Originally from Germany, she married Emperor Peter III of Russia, but after he was overthrown, she became empress and expanded Russia’s borders significantly. Known for her intelligence, political savvy, and reforms, Catherine modernized Russian society, promoting the arts, education, and Western European ideas. She also strengthened Russia’s military and led successful wars that extended Russian territory. Catherine’s reign is often seen as a golden age of the Russian Empire (the golden age spans beyond Catherine as well; as many great Russian works like Tales of Belkin and War and Peace come of out of this era). IN MY OPINION Ekaterina in your chart can represent a) where you are progressive, b) where you can expand the views of others to dream and act upon those dreams, and/or c) where you are savvy/intelligent.

empedocles (asteroid 6152)

Empedocles was an ancient philosopher known for his contributions to early cosmology and the theory of the four elements. He proposed that all objects are made of four elements: earth, air, fire, and water, which combine and separate through the force. These elements and forces were central to his worldview and influenced many people. IN MY OPINION Empedocles in your chart can represent a) what you are made of, b) what drives you to create, and/or c) where you experience constant change.

fantasia (asteroid 1224)

Fantasy is a genre typically featuring magical or sometimes supernatural elements that are not rooted in universal reality. It often takes place in imaginary worlds or alternate realities where extraordinary events, creatures, and powers exist. Often adventure, quests, and heroism are present in this genre, as well as the exploration of the theme good versus evil... IN MY OPINION Fantasia in your chart can represent a) your enjoyment or dislike of the genre, b) what in your world is not rooted in reality, c) what type of fantasies enchant you, and/or d) where you are likely to experience the struggle between good and evil.

freud (asteroid 4342)

Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, which revolutionized therapeutic practices. His work greatly influenced psychology, psychiatry, literature, and culture as a whole. He had theories regarding the unconscious mind, the three divisions of the psyche, psychosexual development, the Oedipus Complex, dream analysis, and much much more. IN MY OPINION Freud in your chart can represent a) your connection with psychology, b) what part of your psyche lords over you, c) why and what brings you pleasure and strife, and/or d) what your dreams are trying to tell you (using horary astrology immediately after waking up).

frieden (asteroid 3642)

Frieden is the German word for peace. It refers to a state of harmony, the absence of war or conflict, and overall tranquility, both in the societal and personal sense. IN MY OPINION Frieden in your chart can represent a) where you have harmony, b) what can make feel most tranquil, and c) the chances that your life will be touched by war or conflict-free.

hesiodos (asteroid 8550)

Hesiod was an ancient Greek poet, and is often considered one of the earliest literary influences of our world today. His works provide insights into Greek mythology, cosmology, and daily life during that era. IN MY OPINION Hesiodos in your chart can represent a) what you speak about and write down, b) whether you believe in ancient Greek cosmology, and/or c) how you may blend you beliefs with everyday life.

homerus (asteroid 5700)

Homer is a legendary ancient Greek poet credited with having written two of the most important epic poems of Western literature, The Iliad and The Odyssey. His works are considered foundational to Greek culture. They helped to shape later literature, philosophy, and storytelling. IN MY OPINION Homerus in your chart can represent a) your love for classics / epic poetry, b) what you believe to be heroic, and/or c) what can inspire your writing.

jabberwock (asteroid 7470)

The Jabberwock is a mythical creature from Lewis Carroll’s poem "Jabberwocky", which is a part of the collection Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There. It is depicted as a dangerous, dragon-like monster that is ultimately slain by the poem’s young masculine hero (not Alice like those of you who saw that one movie might believe). IN MY OPINION Jabberwock in your chart can represent a) fears/obstacles you must overcome, b) something that is anxiety inducing, and/or c) what causes chaos and destruction in your life.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: lewiscarrol (6984)*!

jubjubbird (asteroid 9781)

The Jubjub Bird is a mysterious yet dangerous creature from Lewis Carroll’s literary universe, appearing in a couple of his works. While not as famous as the Jabberwock, it is equally unsettling. It's described as “frumious” (furious + fuming) in "Jabberwocky", suggesting it is both aggressive and temperamental. One character warns that when encountering a Jubjub Bird one requires extreme politeness and compliments, or else one risks being torn to shreds (sounds a bit familiar? I'm looking at you, Rowling, and Harry Potter's encounter with the hippogriff). It appears to be similar to a raven or a tropical bird (lol yes I do imagine Kevin from Up) with violent tendencies... IN MY OPINION Jubjubbird in your chart can represent a) where aggression can be found in your life, b) uncertain encounters, and/or c) where you might subconsciously be overly formal.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: lewiscarrol (6984)*!

kaali (asteroid 4227)

The Kaali Crater is a group of nine meteorite impact craters that are surrounded by ancient myths. Some scholars believe the crater was a sacred site for Sun worship. The Kaali lake that formed in one of the craters may have been seen as a representation of the Sun, and thus considered a revered celestial bodies. Finnish epics describe a fiery ball falling from the sky, breaking into pieces, and causing destruction, which closely resembles the Kaali impact event. Others speculate that the Norse Ragnarok myth may have been influenced by real meteorite events like Kaali. IN MY OPINION Kaali in your chart can represent a) what you consider sacred, b) how your reality is shaped by belief, and/or c) what you feel is worthy of worship. This asteroid was asked for by @blackmoonoracle.

lewiscarrol (asteroid 6984)

Lewis Carroll - who's name was actually Charles Lutwidge Dodgson - was an English writer, mathematician, and logician. He is best known for his iconic works in the genre of nonsense literature: Alice in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass, etc. These works help to redefine children literature - it doesn't have to just be imaginative, it could also be thought provoking. IN MY OPINION Lewiscarrol in your chart can represent a) how imaginative and intellectual you are, b) how whimsical your dissociations can get, and/or c) where you can inspire others to transform who they are.

marchare (asteroid 6736)

The March Hare is a character in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. He appears at the Mad Tea Party alongside the Mad Hatter and the Dormouse, where they engage in nonsensical conversation and absurd behavior. He himself is jittery and unpredictable, often speaking or acting in sudden outbursts. He frequently interrupts and dismisses Alice, which reflects Wonderland’s lack of conventional manners which Alice has. His often pointless conversations and refusal to follow logic are meant to be satire of Victorian society’s rigid thinking and meaningless social rituals. IN MY OPINION Marchare in your chart can represent a) where you tend to find people who match your energy, b) why you can be very jittery/unpredictable, c) where you tend to be very rigid in your thinking, and/or d) where you are possibly unnecessarily following meaningless societal norms.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: alice (291)*, lewiscarrol (6984)*, and madhatter (6735)!

mockturtle (asteroid 8889)

The Mock Turtle is another character in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. He is described as a depressive creature who constantly reminisces about his past and weeps for no understandable reason. I believe Carroll is mocking (excuse my pun) the Victorian tendency to be overly sentimental. His nonsensical school lessons and confusing recollection of them show that memories are often distorted or exaggerated over time (your memory is not a recorder). IN MY OPINION Mockturtle in your chart can represent a) where you tend to be reminiscent for no real reason at all, b) where your memory can fail you, and/or c) how your personal stories can be unreliable.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: lewiscarrol (6984)*!

neverland (asteroid 5405)

Neverland is the mythical island from Peter Pan. It is the home of Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, etc. Neverland is a place where children never grow up, time doesn't flow, and adventure never ends. IN MY OPINION Neverland in your chart can represent a) how and where you never grow old, b) where you have very little or no responsibilities, c) where you might feel stuck or stunted, and/or d) what dangers immaturity holds.

ophelia (asteroid 171)

Ophelia is a tragic character in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. She is the daughter of Polonius, sister of Laertes, and Hamlet’s love interest. Ophelia is known for her innocence, obedience, and her eventual descent into madness, making her one of literature’s most tragic characters. She gets caught between her love for Hamlet and her family’s warnings about him. Hamlet’s behavior and cruelty end up shattering her trust... She ends up loses her identity, torn between Hamlet’s rejection and her father’s need for control. When Polonius is killed by Hamlet, Ophelia ends up losing her grip on reality and singing songs about love and death. She then drowns in the river, in what is often interpreted as suicide or a tragic accident. IN MY OPINION Ophelia in your chart can represent a) where your purity gets corrupted, b) where your fate feels controlled by men, c) where there is a chance you will be overwhelmed by your grief, and/or d) where you could snap and lose yourself.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: shakespeare (2985)!

redqueen (asteroid 17518)

The Red Queen is a character from Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass (1871), and she is not the same as the Queen of Hearts, though they are often confused. Unlike the quick-to-anger Queen of Hearts, the Red Queen is calm, strict, and highly intelligent. She serves as a guide to Alice, by teaching her the rules of the chessboard of the Looking-Glass Land. IN MY OPINION Redqueen in your chart can represent a) where you have a lot of order and strategy, b) your dislike for chaos and over emotionality, and/or c) where you tend to think ahead.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: alice (291)* and lewiscarrol (6984)*!

tweedledee (asteroid 9387)

Tweedledee and Tweedledum are portrayed as nearly identical in appearance, speech, and behavior. Lewis Carroll does not give them distinct personalities, and they mostly function as a unit, finishing each other’s thoughts and acting in unison. However, there are some subtle differences that emerge over time. Tweedledee is sometimes portrayed as the slightly kinder or calmer of the two. Tweedledee is often ever so slightly more excitable. Tweedledee is a little more cautious than Tweedledum too. IN MY OPINION Tweedledee in your chart can represent a) where you might struggle for individuality, b) where your kindness is seen in comparison to others, and/or c) where being cautious pays with excitement.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: lewiscarrol (6984)* and tweedledum (17681)*!

tweedledum (asteroid 17681)

Tweedledee's twin, Tweedledum, is slightly more aggressive as he is the one who typically declares they must battle... Though they never actually fight because they get distracted. Tweedledum seems a little more stubborn or argumentative. This often makes Tweedledum more reckless and impulsive. IN MY OPINION Tweedledum in your chart can represent a) where you might struggle for individuality, b) where your aggression and argumentativeness overshadows other's, and/or c) where being impulsive presents you with new opportunities.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: lewiscarrol (6984)* and tweedledee (9387)*!

utopia (asteroid 1282)

A utopia is an ideal or seemingly perfect society where everything functions harmoniously - there is no suffering, injustice, or conflict. While utopia represents hope for a better world, it also highlights the impossibility of achieving true perfection (perfection also looks different to so many people). IN MY OPINION Utopia in your chart can represent a) where everything seems perfect in your life, b) where life gets better, and/or c) what utopia means to you.

whiterabbit (asteroid 17942)

The White Rabbit is a key character in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. He is the first wondrous character Alice encounters - his frantic appearance sets the entire story into motion. Alice, being curious, chases after him and slides down the rabbit hole - landing her in Wonderland. Though anxious, he follows orders, reflecting Victorian concerns about duty, class, and obedience. IN MY OPINION Whiterabbit in your chart can represent a) anxiety energy in your life, b) where you are constantly stressed about time, and/or c) where you catch the attention of many people (got to remember the white rabbit is also the Queen of Heart's herald). This asteroid was asked for by @faris-al-aryan.

OTHER RELATED ASTEROIDS: alice (291)* and lewiscarrol (6984)*!

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[livingforstars]

Standing on the Moon - February 2nd, 1997.

"Humans once walked on the Moon. Pictured above is the second person to stand on the lunar surface: Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin. During this Apollo 11 mission, Neil Armstrong (the first person to walk on the moon) and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon while Michael Collins circled in the command module above. The lunar team erected a plaque on the surface that reads: 'HERE MEN FROM THE PLANET EARTH FIRST SET FOOT UPON THE MOON JULY 1969 A.D. WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND.' The Apollo missions demonstrated that it is possible to land humans on the Moon and return them safely."

[thespacewirednews]

First Man on MOON !

Four days after launching from Cape Kennedy in Florida, Neil Armstrong took “one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind” on July 20, 1969, and became the first human to walk on the moon as part of the��Apollo 11 mission. Less than 20 minutes later, Buzz Aldrin, who piloted the lunar module, joined his commander. The two explored the moon on foot for three hours while conducting experiments and collecting samples. After rejoining fellow astronaut Michael Collins, who also made the voyage, Armstrong and Aldrin returned to Earth on July 24.

[thevaultoftheatomicspaceage]

24 July 1969, CV-12 USS Hornet prepares to recover Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia.

[chefkevinashton]

Return to Washington DC

[rabbitcruiser]

National Astronaut Day 

Blast off into an out-of-this-world celebration! Learn about space, astronauts, and explore the cosmos. It's time to reach for the stars!

Space travel brings with it a myriad of adventures and discoveries! And the astronauts who get to travel in space are a rare and special type of person. Take time on National Astronaut Day to celebrate these people who have had some of the most unique experiences possible for a human being by traveling beyond the earth and through space!

History of National Astronaut Day

The first American made his adventure into space travel on May 5, 1961, when Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. made his historic 15 minute suborbital space journey. Since that time, the astronauts and cosmonauts who have continued the expedition into the virtually unknown world of space have been heroes of exploration!

National Astronaut Day was founded to pay honor and respect to the American astronauts of NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). The purpose behind the day is to provide an opportunity for astronauts to share their stories and experiences for the rest of the world. The hope is that these types of stories will encourage and inspire young people to pursue an interest in the space sciences.

The first National Astronaut Day took place in 2017 and the day has been celebrated annually ever since to commemorate that first time of the United States human flight in space. The day was founded by the Uniphi Space Agency, which is a talent and marketing agency that has represented at least 20 different NASA astronauts.

National Astronaut Day Timeline

April, 1961 First astronaut enters space

Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin is the first human to enter into space. 

May, 1961 First American astronaut launches into space

Just a few weeks after the Russians entered space, Alan Shepard becomes the first American in space. 

July, 1969 First men on the moon

Astronauts Neil Armstrong and “Buzz” Aldrin become the first men on the moon. 

June, 1984 First American woman in space

Sally Ride becomes the first American woman in space, on the Space Shuttle Challenger.

November, 2000 Astronauts live on the space station

The first long-term astronaut residents land on the International Space Station.

How to Celebrate National Astronaut Day

National Astronaut Day is a great time to learn more about astronauts while showing respect and admiration for them. Celebrate the day by implementing some of these ideas:

Read Books About Astronauts

One super way to celebrate and enjoy National Astronaut Day would be to get more educated and learn more about who astronauts are and what they do. An excellent option would be to read a biography about an astronaut. Choose from one of these (or read them all!):

Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars by Col. Eileen M. Collins (2022). Read the story of this woman who was an aviation pioneer among her peers, as one of the most recognized and admired women in the world.

First Man, The Life of Neil A. Armstrong by James R. Hansen (2005). This biography tells the story of the first man who walked on the moon.

John Glenn, A Memoir by John Glenn (1999). This autobiography reveals interesting details that could only come from an insider not only to the space program but also for American politics.

Sally Ride: America’s First Woman in Space by Lynn Sherr (2014). This definitive biography reveals exclusive highlights from Sally Ride’s family and partner.

Learn Fun Facts About Astronauts

When you celebrate National Astronaut Day, it might be fun to collect some interesting facts that can be shared with friends and family members to raise awareness for the day.

For instance, did you know that astronauts actually have to wear a special kind of diaper? That’s right, these are called ‘maximum absorbency garments’ that need to be worn when they go on long space walks or wear heavy equipment that is difficult to take off and on.

Not only that, but when in space, the bones and muscles of astronauts can easily waste away, so it’s important that astronauts work hard to get enough exercise. Plus, because of microgravity, astronauts can actually get up to 3% taller after spending time in space. They’ll eventually return to their normal height after three to four months back on earth.

Finally, if an astronaut cries in space, their tears don’t roll down their cheeks. Instead, they simply collect on their faces to create large globules of tears. So sad!

Watch a Film About Astronauts

Get involved with the adventure of a lifetime by watching a documentary film showing all about space travel. Or, try watching a movie that was made to portray the unique stories of the various astronauts who have been part of the space program for the last five decades and more, such as one of these:

Apollo 13 (1995). This movie directed by Ron Howard has an all-star cast including Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon and Bill Paxton, is based on the true story of the Apollo 13 space mission to the moon that was aborted and almost ended in a fatal disaster.

First Man (2018). Based on the book of the same name by James R. Hansen, this movie follows the story of Neil A. Armstrong (played by Ryan Gosling) leading up to the Apollo 11 mission to the moon in 1969.

The Right Stuff (1983). This epic historical film drama is based on the non-fiction novel of the same name, which tells the details of the first 15 years of the US space program. Starring Ed Harris and Scott Glenn.

Lucy in the Sky (2019). Featuring Natalie Portman, this film is loosely based on the life of astronaut Lisa Nowak who was in space in 2006 and spent her time controlling the robotic arms of the International Space Station.

Throw a National Astronaut Day Party

Whether it’s a group of teachers hosting a National Astronaut Day party at school for their students or a gathering of friends who get together to celebrate and honor the day at home, this is a great time to host a party!

Invite guests to wear a space themed costume if they would enjoy dressing up. Serve snacks that are themed around the idea of rocket ships, stars, space, the moon and more. It would be fun to be entertained by playing various games that go along with the theme of astronauts, or watch a film or documentary to help with learning more about who astronauts are and what they do.

Finally, during the party, don’t forget to play a space themed list of music that will keep things moving. Choose songs like Space Oddity (aka Ground Control to Major Tom) by David Bowie; Rocket Man by Elton John; or Man on the Moon by R.E.M.

National Astronaut Day FAQs

How much do astronauts get paid?

An astronaut who works for an agency like NASA may make up to around $100,000 per year.

How many astronauts have died?

Over the past 50 years, 30 astronauts have died while attempting or training for space missions, but only 3 have actually died while in space. 

Do astronauts feel gravity in space?

Yes, astronauts in space still have mass that is impacted by the earth’s gravity, it is just less than when on earth.

Can astronauts see stars from space?

Yes! Astronauts can see the various stars of the Milky Way while in space. 

Are astronauts scientists?

Yes, astronauts typically work as scientists, possessing an education in one of the STEM fields as well as being qualified pilots.

Source

[theofficialastronomy101]

55 Years Ago: Apollo 12 Launches

The 363-feet tall Apollo 12 space vehicle launches from Pad A, Launch Complex 39 at NASA`s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:22 a.m. EST, Nov. 14, 1969. Aboard the Apollo 12 spacecraft were astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., commander; Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot; and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot. Apollo 12 was the United States` second lunar landing mission.

Put on your red/blue glasses and gaze across the western Ocean of Storms on the surface of the Moon. The 3D anaglyph features Apollo 12 astronaut Pete Conrad visiting the Surveyor 3 spacecraft in November of 1969. Surveyor 3 had landed at the site on the inside slope of a small crater about 2 1/2 years earlier in April of 1967. Visible on the horizon beyond the far crater wall, Apollo 12's Lunar Module Intrepid touched down less than 200 meters (650 feet) away, easy moonwalking distance from the robotic Surveyor spacecraft. This stereo image was carefully created from two separate pictures (AS12-48-7133, AS12-48-7134) captured on the lunar surface. They depict the scene from only slightly different viewpoints, approximating the separation between human eyes.

[chernobog13]

GETTING TO THE MOON

On the Apollo missions, the lunar module was in a compartment stage beneath the command module engines. Once the ship had reached a certain distance, that stage would separate and free the lunar module.

The command module would then dock with the lunar module. The spacecraft then continued on to lunar orbit in thesis configuration.

Upon arrival at the separation point, two astronauts would crawl through a pressurized tunnel from the command module into the lunar module. The third astronaut remained in the command module, orbiting above the moon.

The lunar module then separated and proceeded to its landing point. The lunar module (or LEM - Lunar Excursion Module, as it was referred to at this point) became home for the two astronauts during their brief stay on the moon.

-Apollo 11 stayed 21 hrs 36 mins

-Apollo 12 stayed 31.6 hrs

-Apollo 13 never landed

-Apollo 14 stayed 33 hrs

-Apollo 15 stayed 67 hrs

-Apollo 16 stayed 71 hrs

-Apollo 17 (the last men on the Moon) stayed just seconds shy of 75 hrs.

For departure the top half of the LEM, or ascent stage, would fire its rockets and ascend into lunar orbit to rendezvous with the command module. The descent stage was left behind on the lunar surface.

Once the ascent stage had docked with the command module the astronauts would transfer back. The ascent stage was then jettisoned, and all three astronauts rode the command module back to Earth to splashdown somewhere in the ocean.

Just a reminder of what REAL astronauts experienced back in the day. Meanwhile, in present times, everyone seems to be going ga-ga over a bunch of celebrities who central high and experienced a brief moment of zero-G.

[gemini-enthusiast]

The Apollo 11 command module Columbia, as seen at the National Air and Space Museum