FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2010
Beth Higdon 321-455-7013
Beth@AstronautScholarship.org
Apollo 13 Crew Reunites for 40th Anniversary Event
Kennedy Space Center, FL — Apollo 13... you've seen Hollywood's version on the big screen, now hear the story straight from the astronauts during an exclusive insider's event at launch headquarters, Kennedy Space Center, FL. On April 9, Apollo 13 astronauts Fred Haise, James Lovell and famed NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz will join an elite line-up of astronauts and space icons to commemorate this legendary voyage's 40th Anniversary during a special celebration hosted by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF). Event-goers will re-live the adventure of NASA's most "successful failure" mission with a behind-the-scenes journey through the venue where only the crew and few others have been.
The event promises guests a drive-by of the actual launch pad where the Apollo 13 crew took flight, a look into a mock Firing Room for a private briefing by Kranz, and a fun-flared dinner under a restored, massive Saturn V rocket — the same vehicle used on this mission — alongside the crew, Kranz and key mission contributors. The evening will conclude with a panel discussion, as the team shares their stories of what it took to safely return the ill-fated mission to Earth.
"Everyone has read the Apollo 13 book or seen the film, but very few people have had the opportunity to see where it all started," said Linn LeBlanc Executive Director of Astronaut Scholarship Foundation for which the event will benefit. "This event offers guests a rare glimpse of the mission through the eyes of the men who lived it, and in the place where it all began."
Tickets to the event are $250 each; VIP Tickets are $500 (limited number available), which includes an exclusive Apollo 13 crew photo-op and more.
Tickets may be secured at www.AstronautScholarship.org/Apollo13 or by calling 321-455-7014 and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket price, over fair-market value, should be considered a tax-deductible donation. Sponsorships are also available.
Event proceeds benefit the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization established by the Mercury Astronauts. Its goal is to aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in science and technology by providing scholarships for exceptional college students pursuing degrees in these fields. ASF funds nineteen $10,000 scholarships annually and has awarded over $2.8 million to students nationwide. For more information, call 321-455-7015 or log on to www.AstronautScholarship.org.
Editor's note: Astronaut interviews available upon request