Former NASA astronaut Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford, USAF (Ret.) will receive a commemorative moon rock as part of NASA’s Ambassador of Exploration program. NASA will present the lunar sample to Stafford at 2 p.m. EDT, Tuesday at the Thomas P. Stafford Air & Space Museum in Weatherford, Okla.
The program honors the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts who made lunar landings from 1969 to 1972. The awards remain the property of NASA; however, each lunar sample will be on long-term loan to the museum or learning institution of the recipient’s choice. His sample will be on long-term loan to the Stafford museum in Weatherford.
Stafford was part of the Apollo 10 crew that launched May 18, 1969. The mission tested the lunar landing module, while orbiting the moon. it was the final test flight before the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing. Stafford also piloted NASA’s Gemini VI mission in 1965 and commanded the Gemini IX mission in 1966.
For Stafford museum and event information, call: 580/772-5871; or visit their Web site at:
www.staffordairandspacemuseum.com
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