The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame will honor four space shuttle astronauts this spring as it marks 25 years since its founding.
Spacewalker John Grunsfeld and Rhea Seddon, who was one of NASA's first female astronauts, will be enshrined alongside space shuttle commanders Steven Lindsey and Kent Rominger during a May 30 ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The four astronauts, who are the 14th class of shuttle veterans to be added to the Hall, will bring the total number of members to 91.
"This year marks the historic 25th anniversary of the Hall, which was conceived in 1989 by the Mercury astronauts," Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex officials stated on Thursday (Feb. 12). "These four astronaut heroes will join the ranks of well-known explorers, including Alan Shepard, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin."
alextompkins Member
Posts: 17 From: Orlando, FL USA Registered: Apr 2015
posted 04-28-2015 09:32 PM
I have been using this site for a while now, and wanted to say thanks to everyone for creating such an awesome community of enthusiasts! It has been super helpful.
I just moved to Orlando recently and was wondering if anyone had any insight regarding signings at the Astronaut Hall of Fame induction. I would love to go regardless, but does anyone happen to know if autographs are a part of the event? I'm speaking more about the ceremony that is open to the public at Kennedy Space Center, not the actual gala at the Saturn V center.
BMckay Member
Posts: 3218 From: MA, USA Registered: Sep 2002
posted 04-28-2015 09:33 PM
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will have a few autograph sessions set up during that Saturday and sometimes on Sunday.
taylor.vans Member
Posts: 38 From: Seattle, Washington Registered: Apr 2015
posted 05-11-2015 11:41 PM
I have been debating on making a last minute decision to attend this years Hall of Fame Gala down at the Cape and was wondering if anyone has prior experience or tips?
My main questions were, how "in touch" are you with the astronauts? Do you get to mingle and take photos with them for free — is it possible to get autographs?
I have really wanted to go to an event like this for some time and besides their annual show/space fest, I really cannot find other events.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Editor's note: Threads merged.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42986 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-11-2015 11:55 PM
There are no autographs allowed at the gala.
You will be seated at a table with an astronaut, so at the minimum you'll have a chance to chat with him or her and likely pose for a photo together. There are generally opportunities to see and talk with some of the other astronauts, too.
If you attend the event without the expectation (or requirement) of meeting astronauts and just allow whatever opportunities there are to present themselves, then I think you'll enjoy the evening.
xlsteve Member
Posts: 391 From: Holbrook MA, USA Registered: Jul 2008
posted 05-12-2015 07:35 AM
quote:Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: If you attend the event without the expectation (or requirement) of meeting astronauts and just allow whatever opportunities there are to present themselves, then I think you'll enjoy the evening.
Well said. I try to attend all ASF events with that attitude, and I find that I have the best time. I suppose the same can be said for having that attitude about life in general...
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42986 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-22-2015 05:32 PM
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has announced the signing events during the Astronaut Hall of Fame weekend:
Saturday, May 30; Space Shuttle Atlantis 10:30-11:30 am: Dick Covey and Frank Culbertson 11:30-12:30 pm: Al Worden and Bob Crippen
Sunday, May 31 in The Space Shop Book signing ("Go For Orbit") with Rhea Seddon
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1310 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 05-26-2015 10:37 AM
I noticed that while browsing through Dr. Seddon's official website, her book "Go for Orbit" will be published by her own company, Your Space Press in 'June 2015,' so I imagine she will bring her own copies fresh off the presses to sell and sign at this event.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42986 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-26-2015 04:32 PM
For those who can't make it to Florida this weekend:
NASA Television will provide live coverage of the 2015 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 2 p.m. EDT (18005 GMT) on Saturday, May 30. The ceremony will take place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction in Florida.
Update: Here is the archived video of NASA Television's broadcast:
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42986 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
Hundreds of people came out to NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Saturday (May 30) to watch four space shuttle veterans be inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame — and help celebrate the 34th wedding anniversary of the first astronaut couple.
"Well, this has never happened before," remarked Robert "Hoot" Gibson, a former shuttle commander, 2003 Hall of Fame inductee and, since 1981, the husband of astronaut Rhea Seddon. "This is the first time a spouse has had the wonderful opportunity that I have today to present my wife for induction into the Astronaut Hall of Fame."
Hart Sastrowardoyo Member
Posts: 3445 From: Toms River, NJ Registered: Aug 2000
posted 06-01-2015 09:16 AM
Heard Glenn was to have introduced Lindsey but couldn't make it. True or not, and if so, how is Glenn?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42986 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-01-2015 09:29 AM
Michael Coats began his remarks by saying that John Glenn wanted to be there for Lindsey but he was busy training for his Orion mission.
(As he has discussed publicly, Glenn had a recent stroke that has left him with very poor vision, limiting his activities.)
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1255 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 06-03-2015 09:00 AM
The event was very enjoyable. The gala started with cocktails at the Atlantis Center. Standing beneath the shuttle having a drink talking with many of the astronauts was a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
The dinner was at the Saturn V center was great, because I got to meet several of the astronaut scholars who sat around me. They have become a close knit group, since they understand that being selected is a great honor for them.
This was my first "group" of inductees, so it was a special time for me. I would highly recommend it as a way to meet both the astronauts and the scholars.