posted 03-08-2008 10:03 PM            

NOTE - this meeting is already full. Details about watching it live or afterwards are given at the bottom of this post.

Space: The Evolving Frontier

Neil A. Armstrong
Moderator
Chairman Emeritus, EDO Corporation

David J . Desmarais
Space Scientist and Astrobiologist
NASA/Ames Research Center
Exploring Mars for Evidence of Habitable Environments and Life

Donald R. Pettit
NASA Astronaut, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
Science of Opportunity on the International Space Station

Jonathan Lunine
Professor of Planetary Science and Physics
University of Arizona
Titan: A Once and Future Earth

Geoffrey W. Marcy
Professor of Astronomy, University of California at Berkeley
New Worlds, Yellowstone, and Life in the Universe

posted 05-05-2008 01:53 PM               

As my interest grew, I would imagine the possibilities: a complete set of autographs of every flown Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, ASTP and Skylab astronaut; a set of artifacts from each flown, Apollo mission signed by at least one member of the crew; artifacts that were taken to the lunar surface and signed by the men that took them there; moondust.

I learned that you could actually meet, talk to and have dinner with these men. I have done it and believe me, if the opportunity presents itself for you to spend any time with these men, by all means, do whatever it takes to take advantage of the opportunity. For they are not only honest to goodness historic figures, they are a real delight to talk to, and they won’t be around forever.

Imagine meeting Neil Armstrong. Try as I might, I just couldn’t see it happening. But this is where it all comes together with imagination, patience and perseverance – things the early space program had taught me.

As a result of a single post on collectSPACE back in March, I had the unique opportunity to attend the American Philosophical Society’s symposium on April 26, 2008. Neil Armstrong was the moderator for the event. And to give you an idea of the type of gathering this was, my hostess told me that there were no less then 15 Nobel Laureates in attendance.

When I first read the above post, as one might expect, the ONLY reason for ME to go to this symposium was to meet Neil Armstrong. And meet him I did. It was a wonderful experience.

To those that have reported disappointing encounters with Mr. Armstrong, I can only feel for you. I found Mr. Armstrong a genuinely warm and friendly person and very entertaining as the moderator. He didn’t shy away from people and yes, he did smile and politely decline several requests to sign copies of First Man. But as personable and pleasant as anyone I’ve ever met.

Add to the pleasure of shaking hands with Neil Armstrong, there was the symposium.

There were the four speakers memtioned in the above post. If you have the opportunity to hear any of these gentlemen lecture, by all means, do so. They were all terrific; interesting, informative and entertaining.

If I had to pick a favorite, it would be Don Pettit.

posted 05-06-2008 07:35 PM               

Through the various shows my daughter and I have attended, I've met quite a few of the early pioneers.

They are all terrfic gentlemen.Any of the men I have met could be a great ambassador. And when I first met them I was tongue tied. But there was just something about meeting Neil Armstrong that was different.

posted 05-13-2008 08:11 PM            

I'm glad that you were able to attend the panel and had a good time. I've been extremely impressed with the folks I've met who worked on TIMATION.

posted 05-14-2008 07:19 AM               

First, I can't tell you how glad I am that you made the post when you did. Otherwise, this terrific opportunity would have slipped by unnoticed. It really was something and I absolutely enjoyed the event.

If you don't mind my asking are you:

1. Rodger Easton's son?
   
2. And, are you the actor?