Posts: 3914
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002

posted 01-23-2026 10:04 AM            

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As recently as 2019, five Apollo astronauts (including two moonwalkers) attended Spacefest X in Tucson. I couldn't help noticing on the cS "Sightings" page that there are currently none of the surviving 10 astronauts from the "golden era" up to the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project listed in 2026.

Obviously, some may appear at events which have not yet been arranged, but it does seem to be a sign of the times. None of us is getting any younger!

Posts: 55832
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 01-23-2026 10:19 AM               

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Charlie Duke had been on the calendar for two events this week (the second one was yesterday), but yes, there are fewer appearances by pre-space shuttle-era astronauts.

That said, of those astronauts still with us, David Scott, Harrison Schmitt, Joe Kerwin and Vance Brand seldom appeared on the calendar, going back 20 to 25 years. Rusty Schweickart still turns up for Asteroid Day events. Duke and Fred Haise are still periodically scheduled.

Buzz Aldrin and Ed Gibson have retracted in recent years from making public appearances.

Posts: 3914
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002

posted 01-23-2026 12:36 PM            

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It's good to know that Charlie Duke is still active.

Although I drew the line at 1975, I did notice that Bob Crippen appears on "Sightings" for 2026. We could have a fascinating debate about whether certain individuals can be considered "legends of the shuttle era" but I'm sure there would be unanimity about Bob Crippen. Flying on STS-1 was one of the gutsiest things any astronaut ever did.

Posts: 1516
From: Perth, Western Australia
Registered: Apr 2015