Hall of Fame To Welcome Three Astronauts

NASA will induct three new members into the Astronaut Hall of Fame during a ceremony on May 2, 2009 at 3:00PM EST. CNN reporter John Zarrella will host the event. More than 20 hall of fame astronauts are expected to attend, including Scott Carpenter, Walt Cunningham, Jim Lovell and Bob Crippen. The ceremony will take place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. NASA Television will provide live coverage.

Located six miles west of the main Visitor Complex, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame is dedicated to telling the stories of America’s astronauts. Identified by the mockup of a full-size orbiter outside, the Hall of Fame features the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut mementos such as Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin’s report card; film footage; and real space hardware, like early space traveler Wally Schirra’s Mercury capsule as well as historic spacecrafts, hands-on activities and astronaut training simulators.

Guests to the Astronaut Hall of Fame can enter the theater to watch "To Explore," a film that points out how mankind has sought adventure and enlightenment through exploration, and that the dangers and complexities of space flight are why we owe it to the first American astronauts to honor them by keeping their dream alive.

The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame was established by the Mercury Seven Foundation, now known as the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Its exhibits and many interactive features bring the astronauts’ stories to life.

Also, there is its main purpose, honoring the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the exploration of that last great frontier.

This year's inductees include former astronauts George "Pinky" Nelson, one of only four space shuttle astronauts to fly untethered in space using NASA's Manned Maneuvering Unit; William Shepherd, commander of the first crew to live aboard the International Space Station; and Jim Wetherbee, commander of the longest docked shuttle-Mir mission.

The Astronaut Hall of Fame opens daily 10 a.m. Closing time varies with extended hours during summer and holiday periods. It is closed on Christmas Day. Entry fess are currently: Adults, $17; children age 3 - 11, $13.

Image Credits: NASA
Full Size George "Pinky" Nelson
Full Size William Shepherd
Full Size Jim Wetherbee

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