18 Comments
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Wally Firkins's avatar

I don't know where I have been Tara but I don't think that I have heard this story of AL Worden and his solo experience during the Appolo 15 space mission. What an experience!

I know that I was not aware of Mr. Wordens scandle, firing and settlement of a lawsuit against the government. I am glad that he was inducted into the US Astronaut Hall of Fame. Thank you Tara.

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Mark E Johnson's avatar

I enjoy alone time frequently, but never to this extent! His time was filled with work, but there was also time for reflection and joy. Thanks, Tara, for this great insight!

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Angie Wagstaff's avatar

I just love this story. I was at Girl Scout camp when Armstrong took that “small step for man & giant leap for mankind”. The camp director called all the personnel & campers to watch on a 19” black & white TV. Afterward all of us campers stood up spontaneously, sang, God bless America. It was really moving, and what a great nation we are, and we are truly blessed by God.

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Johnny Baker Jr. MLA's avatar

Betsy Tara Ross I never thought about phases of Earth as seen from the moon, even though I've seen the photo in question. That's cool. Thanks!

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Jim's avatar

Thank you Tara. Amazing he saw the infinity of space and the never ending array of stars ✨what an awesome job he had.

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Bruce Barlond's avatar

What a trip that was!

Alone in space for three days waiting for your crew mates to return so that you and your crew mates could return home to earth!

Thank you Tara!

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Samuel Vanderburg's avatar

It had gotten almost “ho-hmm.” It was interesting to the kid I was about to enter my sophomore year of high school in a small town in Arkansas. But the pizzazz was not there. However, what was done was so cool! A lot of great work! Many thanks to Al Wordan and his crew of Apollo 15!

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MB's avatar

What a fascinating story. I’ve never heard of Al Worden, but I’ve now tagged his book at the library. Thank you!

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Patty's avatar

This happened way before I was born and I do not recall ever hearing about this early exploration. What an awesome story. I will look into reading more about this mission. Interesting Worden had to fight against the government to rebuild his reputation. Government can be a vicious foe, but as we know the Davids can prevail.

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Robert Ferd's avatar

Great account, very poignant.

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Mary Ann Harkrader's avatar

During the Apollo space program I did not give much thought to how it would feel to be the one astronaut left in the space craft while the others explored the moon. What a fantastic adventure and an awesome view of the universe awaited the lonely astronaut.

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Bob Hall's avatar

Even though Worden was used to flying alone,I would think that if it weren't for the amazing sights before Him,He would have felt very isolated and alone.Extremly brave Man.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🚀🚀

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Jack Miller's avatar

Apollo was an awesome time for me. I loved the whole space program.

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Linda Gill's avatar

I can not imagine being alone in that "great vastness of space," as he was while circling the moon. Actually, I can't imagine even lifting off into space to begin with.

Thank you for sharing these noteworthy events with us.

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James M Airesman's avatar

Thank you, Tara.

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Charles Baesler's avatar

Worden sure was a busy man re: Apollo 15. Sorry about the stamp episode but glad he was exonerated. Hope to see some of his photos.

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