posted March 20, 2008 02:03 PM               

T-Minus 4 Years and Counting... Until America's Launch

Americans in Orbit-50 Years Inc. Announces Astronaut Selection!

Americans in Orbit-50 Years was founded to commemorate the first U.S. manned orbital space flight and to establish a national education outreach program. For decades, American universities had access to space in order to conduct space science experiments and allow future engineers valuable hands-on experience. This access to space has dwindled over the last few years to virtually zero.

Americans in Orbit-50 Years, is proceeding with plans to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Friendship 7 mission with "America's Launch". We plan to launch two astronauts, and up to 10,000 lbs. of space science experiments in Feb. 2012. After the initial launch, we plan to launch on a regular basis so engineering students will continue to have the opportunity to work on space science experiments and small satellites.

In partnership with the National Space Science Education Program, the project will not be limited to universities. There will also be programs for high school and elementary students. Craig Russell, President of Americans in Orbit-50 Years, stated, "The importance of maintaining our leadership in space exploration is directly related to our leadership in the world, and the surest way to accomplish this is to inspire and engage the youth of America to become a part of mankind's greatest challenge, the exploration of the universe."

Two (2) astronauts have now been selected as the primary crew for the mission: Dr. Howard Chipman (Commander) and Veronique Koken (Second-in-Command). Dr. Chipman, an experienced pilot, has participated in cosmonaut training in Russia. Co-Pilot Koken's background includes aeronautics, physics, and education. She is currently flight training with Commander Chipman in the L-39 jet.

As an affiliate of the National Space Society (NSS), Mr. Russell and the crew of Americans in Orbit-50 Years, plan to present the project at the next NSS Conference in Washington D.C. on May 29-June 1. This will be a great opportunity for those wishing to meet the astronauts and Mr. Russell.

Final decisions have been made on the construction of the spacecraft. A U.S. aerospace company will be selected to build both the manned capsule and the Space Science Module (SSM). The latest proven technology will be incorporated into the design to enhance safety.

Americans in Orbit-50 Years, is now accepting donations to the organization in order to proceed with their plans. Individuals and groups who wish to help with the program are urged to come forward at this time. All donations are tax-deductible and, depending on the amount of the donation, some donors will receive commemorative items. We will invite some of the larger donors to participate directly in planned commemoration activities. All donation information is located on the organization's website.

posted March 23, 2008 12:20 PM               

As a historian I love to read about Project Mercury, but that's about it. I shudder at the thought of someone entrusting their life to a 50 year old escape tower.

Let's build on what we have learned from Friendship 7, not duplicate it. This is why Glenn flew three orbits, so we could build bigger spacecraft to do science in space.

There are thousands of young engineers out there that would love to sink there teeth into a project like this, let them go for it.

posted April 12, 2008 11:34 AM               

The RFP for the construction of the spacecraft (manned capsule and SSM) will be sent to U.S. aerospace companies in Nov. of this year.

posted October 16, 2008 09:59 PM               

AIO-50 astronauts, Chipman and Koken will give a presentation on their 2012 mission and the International Space Science Education Program. T.J. O'Malley, Launch Director of Friendship 7, will also speak.

posted December 06, 2008 04:01 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by bcrussell:
The RFP for the construction of the spacecraft (manned capsule and SSM) will be sent to U.S. aerospace companies in Nov. of this year.

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posted December 29, 2008 09:21 AM               

Russell said the last presidential election was a vivid illustration of the power of the Internet and grass-roots fundraising, and that's how this project may finally fly. They've taken to calling the project "America's launch" because smaller donations from many average Americans will make it go.

"If two million people in the country buy a Cosmic Card, that will build the capsule," Russell said.

The group is also contacting educational foundations, and will soon hire someone to write some grant proposals and a professional fundraiser. He said no one is currently getting any kind of salary at AIO-50, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency. Russell is president, Greg Allison is vice president, and Bob Gamble is secretary/treasurer.