FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2005
Contact: Linn LeBlanc
321-455-7011
John Travolta to Host Apollo Soyuz Test Project 30th Anniversary Gala
Celebration to benefit Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
Kennedy Space Center, FL — Award winning actor and aviator John Travolta will host the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project 30th Anniversary Gala on July 15 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to benefit the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) began July 15, 1975 with the launch of cosmonauts Alexei Leonov, the first human to walk in space, and Valery Kubasov, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Seven hours later, astronauts Gen. Tom Stafford, a veteran of three previous space flights, Vance Brand and Deke Slayton, an original Mercury astronaut, lifted off from Kennedy Space Center. In just two short days, the crews met up in space, docked their vehicles and so began two days of combined operations. Today, Russian and American crews occupy the International Space Station in no small part due to the trailblazing path set by the ASTP crew. Travolta, a seasoned pilot himself, will join Stafford, Brand, Leonov and Kubasov (Slayton passed away in 1993) for this historic celebration. In addition, several other Hall of Fame astronauts will be on hand for the festivities.
"John's aviation experience makes him the perfect fit for this evening," said Gen. Stafford. "We are proud to be back at the Kennedy Space Center and are always thrilled to embrace a fellow aviator."
Travolta is an avid pilot and proud owner of a Boeing 707. He has logged more than 5,000 flight hours and is certified on eight types of aircraft, including the Boeing 747-400 Jumbo Jet. He currently serves as Ambassador at Large for the Australian-based international airline Qantas. Travolta has become friends with many of the astronauts over the years through his aviation experience and love for the space program. He participated in the opening of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Annex in December 2003.
Travolta's on screen career is just as diverse as his flying. He has been honored twice with Academy Award nominations, the latest for his riveting portrayal of a philosophical hit-man in "Pulp Fiction." He also received BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for this highly acclaimed role and was named Best Actor by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, among other distinguished awards. He has starred in some of the most monumental films of our generation, including the blockbuster "Saturday Night Fever", "Grease", "Urban Cowboy", "Carrie", "Blowout", "Look Who's Talking", "Michael", "Phenomenon", "Broken Arrow", "Face/Off", "The General's Daughter", and "Ladder 49" to name a few.
Corporate tables are now available to the ASTP event and will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those interested should call 321-455-7011.
About the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
Established by the original Mercury astronauts in 1984, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping the United States retain its world leadership in science and technology by providing scholarships to college students who exhibit motivation, imagination, and exceptional performance in the fields of science and engineering. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to 195 deserving students.