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"Evening With The Astronauts" To Launch At Rocket Town
Astronauts to sign autographs for the public to benefit Association of Space Explorers
For nearly 20 years, the Association of Space Explorers (ASE) has hosted the world's astronauts and cosmonauts for an annual international technical conference. This year, the U.S. chapter of the ASE (ASE-USA) is hosting its first National Congress to coincide with NASA's astronaut reunion in Houston, Texas.
The general public is invited to take part in the ASE event at a special "Evening With The Astronauts" to be hosted Thursday, October 14, at Rocket Town, Houston's space superstore located just three miles from Johnson Space Center. Proceeds from the evening's reception and autograph session will benefit the ASE's educational and environmental awareness outreach programs.
In addition to the connection to ASE's Congress, the "Evening With The Astronauts" is also recognized by World Space Week as part of their on-going annual celebration.
Joining attendees at Rocket Town will be former NASA astronauts:
- Karol "Bo" Bobko - pilot of the first flight of shuttle Challenger and commander of the maiden flight of Space Shuttle Atlantis
- Dan Brandenstein - commander of the maiden flight of shuttle Endeavour
- Bob Crippen - first pilot of the Space Shuttle, on the maiden flight of Columbia
- Jake Garn - first U.S. Senator to fly on the Space Shuttle
- Owen Garriott - Skylab Space Station resident and Spacelab scientist
- Hank Hartsfield - commander of the first flight of Space Shuttle Discovery
- Rick Hauck - commander of the first shuttle flight after the Challenger accident
- Rick Hieb - one-third of the first three-man spacewalk to capture a satellite
- Jon McBride - pilot of Space Shuttle Challenger on mission STS-41G
- Rusty Schweickart - first pilot of a lunar module flown in space on Apollo 9
- Charlie Walker - the first industry-sponsored astronaut
Additional astronaut guests are expected and will be announced as confirmed.
The "Evening With The Astronauts" will begin at 7:30pm at Rocket Town with a very limited attendance reception with the space explorers. This one-hour gathering will offer attendees a rare opportunity to meet and chat with the astronauts in a relaxed atmosphere. Tickets for $85 per person are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis by contacting Rocket Town at (281) 554-6446.
Following the reception beginning at 8:30pm, the astronauts will be seated for a public autograph session. For a donation of $65, attendees will be invited to collect the autographs of each space explorer. High quality photographs suitable for signing and additional autograph tickets will be available for additional purchase. During the signing, astronauts will also pose for photographs with attendees.
Some of the astronauts listed above and others attending may participate in only one of the evening's events, to be announced. For details, click here.
About the Association of Space Explorers (ASE)
The Association of Space Explorers (ASE) is an international nonprofit professional and educational organization of over 300 individuals from 29 nations who have flown in space. Founded in 1985, ASE's mission is to provide a forum for professional dialogue among individuals who have flown in space, support space science and exploration for the benefit of all, promote education in science and engineering, foster greater environmental awareness, and encourage international cooperation in the human exploration of space.
About Rocket Town
A space souvenir and memorabilia superstore located just three miles west of NASA's Johnson Space Center, Rocket Town offers visitors a wide assortment of products and interactive attractions designed to provide the public -- and kids in particular -- hands-on space experiences. A partnership between Countdown Enterprises Inc. and collectSPACE.com, Rocket Town provides services for NASA, the astronauts and their families, the National Space Society, and Space Adventures, Ltd. Rocket Town is located at 528 W. Bay Area Blvd. in Webster, Texas.
About World Space Week
An international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition, World Space Week was declared as October 4-10 annually by the United Nations General Assembly. These dates commemorate two events: October 4, 1957 - Launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus opening the way for space exploration; and October 10, 1967 Ð The signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activites of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.
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