[sarex] 35th ANNIVERSARY OF APOLLO MOON LANDING

[Arthur Z Rowe <n1orc@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Suibmitted by Arthur - N1ORC - Amsat A/C #31468

Martin Jensen
MSFC, Huntsville, Ala.
Phone: 256/544-0034)                                            July 20, 
2004

RELEASE: 04-191

*35th ANNIVERSARY OF APOLLO MOON LANDING SEES NASA PREPARING FOR BOLD 
NEW EXPLORATION MISSIONS*

The success of the Apollo 11 mission that landed NASA astronauts Neil 
Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin on the Moon July 20, 1969, was a 
defining moment that opened a new era in human history. Today, as NASA 
marks the 35^th anniversary of that first lunar landing, the Marshall 
Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., celebrates the role it played 
in the Apollo program. Under the leadership of its first director, Dr. 
Wernher von Braun, the Marshall Center developed the Saturn V rocket 
that carried our astronauts to the Moon.

In a post-flight press conference, Armstrong called the flight "a 
beginning of a new age." Even then, Astronaut Michael Collins - who 
orbited the Moon in command module/ Columbia/ while his colleagues made 
the historic Moon landing in their lunar module/ Eagle/ - talked about 
future journeys to Mars.

"The world experienced its greatest technology achievement when NASA 
astronaut Neil Armstrong first stepped on the surface of the Moon, 
taking a "giant leap" for humanity.  That event captured the imagination 
of the nation and inspired a new generation of space explorers," said 
Marshall Center Director David King.  "As we observe this anniversary 
NASA is embarking upon a new journey of discovery."

The Marshall Center is looking to the future, working to fulfill its 
role in implementing the Vision for Space Exploration which calls for a 
return to the Moon followed by human and robotic journeys of discovery 
to other destinations in the solar system.

The Marshall Center, with its expertise in space transportation systems, 
space propulsion, microgravity science, space systems and more, will 
play a significant role in fulfilling the Vision for Space Exploration. 
Goals include safely returning the Space Shuttle to flight; focusing the 
use of the Shuttle to complete assembly of the International Space 
Station; and retiring the Shuttle as soon as the Space Station is 
completed, around the end of the decade.

NASA's longer terms goals, which will unfold over future generations, 
include:

            ·       A sustained and affordable human and robotic program
            to explore the solar system and beyond.
            ·       Extending human presence across the solar system,
            starting with a human return to the Moon      before the
            year 2020, in preparation for human exploration of Mars and
            other destinations.

            ·       Developing innovative technologies, knowledge and
            infrastructures to explore and support        decisions
            about the destinations for human exploration.

            ·       Promoting international and commercial participation
            in exploration to further U.S. scientific,         security
            and economic interests.

-end-

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