Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Jun 29, 2005 3:05:38 GMT -6
Moon Rock to be Awarded to Apollo-Soyuz Astronaut Thomas Stafford
NASA will award Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford with the Ambassador of Exploration Award at a ceremony attended by the astronaut's surviving Apollo- Soyuz Test Project Russian and American crewmates. The presentation will be hosted by the Stafford Air and Space Museum in Weatherford, Oklahoma on July 12.
The award, which will feature a segment of moon rock recovered during the Apollo 17 mission, will remain the property of NASA. It will be placed on public display at the Stafford museum, alongside the astronaut's Annapolis class ring and his Congressional Space Medal of Honor.
The Ambassador of Exploration Award was announced last July during the 35th anniversary celebration of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. It recognizes the sacrifices and dedication of the Apollo, Gemini and Mercury veterans.
Each astronaut or their surviving family will be presented with a lunar sample, part of the 842 pounds of moon rock and soil returned during the six moon landings from 1969 to 1972. CBS anchor Walter Cronkite is also an honoree.
--------------
I remember his last mission of the Apollo-Soyuz joint effort.
How cool...
