posted 12-09-2004 12:58 PM               

Wouldn’t it be great if a day were set aside where all these historic figures could gather together at a long table in front of a room filled with eager guests? Each astronaut could take his turn one by one telling us of his experiences, of tales we had never heard, of jibes at each other, of words of memory and of honor for those who are no longer with us. Just a relaxed time of sharing. And a few questions from the audience.

I know that I would treasure such an event. I believe the main reason we all attend these shows is to meet these men. If we are lucky we get to hear a sentence or two as we ask for an autograph or perhaps overhear a conversation in the hall. The highlight of these events has always been to me the dinner where if we’re lucky, we sit with an astronaut who will share some stories with us between bites of his dinner.

It would seem to me that the astronauts would enjoy this as well. Wouldn’t they? Perhaps some astronauts who don’t want to sign would consider coming for just such a day?

I know I’d pay extra for a Platinum Ticket to get into an event like this. I believe show attendance would also increase as I know some are not planning on attending this year’s show, as they’ve got all the autographs they need.

Maybe, oh please consider this, after this special talk, all the astronauts could gather for a group photo in which each guest could hurriedly join in one at a time, and that these photos could be processed and signed by all the astronauts for a single price. They would all know that these photos would never be sold on ebay.

I’m sure a video could be made of such a gathering as well, and that there would be a demand for these tapes far beyond just the folks in attendance.

So, how about it?

Noah

posted 12-09-2004 03:14 PM               

However, I would love to see and would happily pay for a platinum package to hear an astronaut speak to a group of space fanatics, take questions, tell stories, relate their favorite events and other behind the scenes events. Give each astronaut who wants to attend, 1 hour to speak and answer questions. If the astronauts would prefer, the questions could be submitted on cards the days before the event to be edited before their speech, to cut down on wasted time.

Who wouldn't want to attend an event like that?

posted 12-09-2004 03:28 PM            

Taken just before the dinner event, when everyone is all dressed up nice, a multi-level platform, with all of the dinner guests quickly arranged followed by the astros themselves standing front and center on the floor.

A black fiber-optic curtain as a backdrop (star field) and you are good to go!

A pro photographer can shoot a dozen images of the whole group in less than a minute, then we can all walk over to the dinner hall....anticipating the photographic panoramic end result.

What a picture that would be.

Unfortunately, it's not that easy!

Logistically, getting everyone, and I mean everyone together for that moment can be quite overwhelming. I know.

Steve had more than enough things to focus on before, during and after the event.

However....something to consider for sure as his events continue to expand.

They can only get better.

Rizz

posted 12-09-2004 03:53 PM               

Cheers,
Matt

posted 12-09-2004 06:48 PM               

The original post is a nice idea but alone or in pairs. You must also remember that many people who attend such shows are not interested in the talks and want to get people to sign and having everyone in one room is neither efficent for them or the organisers or not reflecting that some do not get on with each other.

It is a real memeory for many poeple and adds to the knowledge of the real trials many went through to fly in space.