posted 07-01-2002 06:58 PM               

From The Last Frontier.........

posted 07-01-2002 07:19 PM               

an evening with the Apollo and Skylab astronauts . . .

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share an evening with astronauts of the Apollo and Skylab programs is planned for the 14 September in conjunction with the 2002 National Championship Air Races and Air Show.

The evening starts off with a private reception with the astronauts, and then moves on to dinner, followed by a special after-dinner program.

So far, fifteen astronauts have confirmed their attendance. Further details and information about the evening program will be provided here as soon as available.

Although you are welcome to bring your camera, this will not be an opportunity to acquire autographs. Out of respect for our astronaut guests, this "no-autographs" policy will be strictly enforced. We will also take steps to ensure the security of the astronauts and the guests at this event.

For more information, see: http://collectspace.com/ubb/Forum23/HTML/000257.html

posted 02-07-2006 08:17 PM               

I was lucky enough to be there. It was the first time I had ever meet any of the astronauts. Far and away the best Astronaut experience that I have had. Even got my photo taken with Neil Armstrong!

Reading Andrew Smith's book gave me back the "space cadet glow" that I felt that night.

All the Best

posted 02-07-2006 09:17 PM               

Its been some time since I read Moondust so my recollection isn't as clear, but Smith either explicitly or implictly refers to the difficulty one has when trying to track down the surviving moonwalkers. I suppose in some way the whole book is a testament to such a notion, as if anyone could meet all these men then one person's narrative account of his encounters wouldn't be as special.

So, I had wondered if Smith was aware of collectSPACE at the time of his journey and specifically, our Sightings calendar. Little or no mention is made how he learned where the astronauts were appearing. Given that at least three of his encounters are collecting-related -- Autographica, a Star Trek convention and Novaspace Galleries -- I wondered how close he had come to making his search easier by finding our calendar.

posted 02-08-2006 07:43 AM               

Obviously I can't speak for Andrew Smith, but the timing of my own interest in meeting the Apollo astronauts coincided with his almost to the month. I searched the internet for information on the subject and that's what initially led me to cS.

Of the public events that Smith attended in his quest I was at two of them, and only missed a third due to work commitments. It could be coincidence...but I doubt it

Should just add how much I enjoyed that day myself - handshakes with both Apollo 11 moonwalkers, Bill Anders introducing himself to me (!), a few laughs with Rusty Schweickart, then dinner with Robert, Burns and a bunch of other friendly people.

Best bit - a dad and his son came in during the early part of the drinks reception, only about 50 or 60 people in the room at that point, all milling about in informal little knots. The boy was pop eyed trying to spot any astronauts, and asked his dad where the astronauts who went to the moon were. It was a great kick to be able to say "Excuse me, but that guy right behind you - that's Buzz Aldrin from Apollo 11." Both Dad and son got saucer eyes. " And he's talking to Gene Cernan from Apollo 17".

How did that Armstrong photo come out by the way Burns? The one you took for me was great - thanks!!!!

Cheers,
Matt

posted 02-08-2006 03:43 PM               

Nice to hear from you - The photo you took or me with the "First Man" was one for the ages.

All the Best