T-Minus 4 Years and Counting ... Until - America's Launch Americans in
Orbit-50 Years Inc., Announces Astronaut Selection!
MADISON, Ala., March 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080117/AIO50LOGO )
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 at
http://www.aio50.org.
About Americans in Orbit-50 Years, Inc.
Americans in Orbit-50 Years is headquartered in Madison, Alabama, just outside
Huntsville, Alabama. (home of Marshall Space Flight Center, U.S. Space and
Rocket Center, and Space Camp) The mission is to develop and manage a program
to commemorate the 50 year anniversary of NASA's Friendship 7 mission, create
excitement, public awareness of space exploration, and promote the National
Space Science Education Program (NSSEP). For more information, visit their
website at http://www.aio50.org.
SOURCE Americans in Orbit-50 Years Inc.
Craig Russell, President, Americans in Orbit-50 Years, Inc., +1-256-319-0023,
bcrussell@aio50.org
