Charlie Duke many years later said “We are dealing with machines and machines break. We not going to say oh I am not going through all that or I may die. If you don’t go, there is another guy ready to take your spot”. Those guys were my heroes growing up. It made a lot of teenagers such as myself at that time to take careers in science and engineering and that program was instrumental in the development of the technologies that we are enjoying today. Unfortunately, our country and its leadership today seem not to have the wisdom and understanding of their predecessors.
The space exploration was one of the most significant and exciting periods of my life. These astronauts were brave beyond imagination. The story of Ken Mattingly’s wedding ring is awesome. Tara, you always add little details to accounts well known overall. I was sad to see the space program end. However it did give private entrepreneurs the opportunity to expand their own programs (ie Elon Musk).
It's amazing how inventive these astronauts were! Always searching for solutions to problems not encountered before and fixing them a quarter million miles from home.
Thank you Tara. Oh how I miss the space program of the 60s and the 70s. It was a time of national pride and we followed these flights in detail, as a nation. The cold War and the space race were important to show superiority.
I don't remember the wedding ring story but what a chance in a gazillion. Every one of the astronauts of particularly the Gemini and Appolo flights were heroes. I can't imagine the intestinal fortitude it took to strap yourself to the top of a rocket. American heroes all.
I followed anything NASA when I was a kid. All moon landings starting when I was 5y/o. All shuttle expeditions. Great stuff! I got my first good telescope when I was in my 20s. I was hooked! Amateur astronomer for sure. I wish would follow this type of history more often. They don't get it in school, that's for sure. Great article by this person. I just subscribed. I urge others to do so as well. I'm sharing this for sure.
As a kid (14) living in Florida I watched this launch across the intercostal water way, it was amazing the ground shook and slid us kids down the hood of the car! I will never forget that blastoff! Powerful!!!
Charlie Duke many years later said “We are dealing with machines and machines break. We not going to say oh I am not going through all that or I may die. If you don’t go, there is another guy ready to take your spot”. Those guys were my heroes growing up. It made a lot of teenagers such as myself at that time to take careers in science and engineering and that program was instrumental in the development of the technologies that we are enjoying today. Unfortunately, our country and its leadership today seem not to have the wisdom and understanding of their predecessors.
I tend to agree Ali.
Great comment!
The space exploration was one of the most significant and exciting periods of my life. These astronauts were brave beyond imagination. The story of Ken Mattingly’s wedding ring is awesome. Tara, you always add little details to accounts well known overall. I was sad to see the space program end. However it did give private entrepreneurs the opportunity to expand their own programs (ie Elon Musk).
With 3 dudes in a tin can ¼ million miles from Earth, losing his wedding ring could be explained and forgiven.
I so appreciate everyone of these!
And this was indeed so overshadowed that I had forgotten about it.
TY 🇺🇸
It's amazing how inventive these astronauts were! Always searching for solutions to problems not encountered before and fixing them a quarter million miles from home.
Thank you Tara. Oh how I miss the space program of the 60s and the 70s. It was a time of national pride and we followed these flights in detail, as a nation. The cold War and the space race were important to show superiority.
I don't remember the wedding ring story but what a chance in a gazillion. Every one of the astronauts of particularly the Gemini and Appolo flights were heroes. I can't imagine the intestinal fortitude it took to strap yourself to the top of a rocket. American heroes all.
Thank you Tara.
🇺🇲 Thank you, TR.
A reminder of those days before we lost our courage and curiosity.
The days when we still
had heroes journeying to space.
I followed anything NASA when I was a kid. All moon landings starting when I was 5y/o. All shuttle expeditions. Great stuff! I got my first good telescope when I was in my 20s. I was hooked! Amateur astronomer for sure. I wish would follow this type of history more often. They don't get it in school, that's for sure. Great article by this person. I just subscribed. I urge others to do so as well. I'm sharing this for sure.
Thank you, Tara.
As a kid (14) living in Florida I watched this launch across the intercostal water way, it was amazing the ground shook and slid us kids down the hood of the car! I will never forget that blastoff! Powerful!!!
Those were exciting times for Americans, and I miss the great national pride we shared.
Brilliant. Thank you.
These were great men and women doing Astounding things in space! We love the remembrance of those days. Thank you Tara for all you do. ❤️