Apollo 11: Where are they now?

gaetano marano — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:30:03 GMT

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I've lost the Endeavour's launch, since distracted by a brief documentary on the italian television about the Apollo 11
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well, after its end, my best suggestion for NASA and US politics isn't about "how" come back to the Moon (which vehicle, which rocket, which mission architecture, etc.) but to "NEVER" come back to the Moon!
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don't burn money for the ESAS plan... don't build the Orion and Ares... simply, don't do it again!
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fly again on the Moon with the hi-tech Altair "limousine" (instead of a LEM) will be like "discover" the America landing at the JFK Airport with a 747 (instead of reach the american coast with the Columbus' caravels) or fly from NY to Paris with an Airbus (instead of the Spirit of Saint Louis)
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absolutely NOTHING will NEVER match the adventure, the emotions, the challenges, the courage, the risks of the Apollo program and, especially, of the Apollo 11 !
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the Apollo, the LEM, the Saturn V, etc. all built with '60s technology, the Apollo mission control center with the engineers doing their calculations with slide rules, the images from the Moon seen on a b/w TV, the newspapers talking about the adventure of the century, pioneers of NASA and space exploration like Wernher Von Braun, Rocco Petrone, Gene Kranz and astronauts like the Apollo 11 crew... all that, NEVER will be the same... :(
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go again on the Moon in 2020 will be like a remake of the "2001: A space Odyssey" movie... surely, the remake will have better and incredible special effects compared with the '68 original... but (believe me) no new movie can match it!
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so, my suggestion is: don't come back to the Moon... leave the Apollo where they are (in our mind, in the story and in the Moon's seas) don't do it again! ...and, if we want a new and better adventure, start now to plan a manned trip to Mars rather than (just) "try" to emulate the Apollo's myth!
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Apollo 11: Where are they now?

NP, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:42:49 GMT

We're very lucky that these unique people are still around to tell the tale of our species' greatest adventure to date. May they celebrate the 100th anniversary of Apollo 11!

Yes, we need to return to the Moon...to stay. Yes, we need to go to Mars...and stay. We need to expand outward, now and forever.

That's what life does, that's how it survives over geological time. If we had stayed in a comfortable spot in Africa, some lost Paradise, we would have become extinct a long, long time ago.

So, hail these heroes (whether they like to be called that or not!), and let's have the courage & the wisdom to ensure our future by following in their first footsteps beyond this tiny blue & white cradle. It is time.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

suresh thami nepal,kathmandu — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 06:26:27 GMT

how the life will be possible on the mars?what r the good conditions are placed there?

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Frank Glover, Rochester, NY — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:50:59 GMT

Gaetano, you speak as if we're finished with the Moon.

We're not.

Turning it into a cosmic museum (that no one can visit) will not answer the questions we still have about the Moon, open new ones or find possible commercial opprotunites there. No one expects to re-create that same excitement as the first missions and that isn't the point.

Should we just abandon Mars after the first few landings there as well? (which was not the *original* intention with the Moon, either)

I thought the idea was to get away from the 'flags and footprints' mentality of; "Okay, we got here, no ongoing exploration, no permanent presence, no transportation infrastructure building, we're done."

And even 2001 was not the last movie *about* the Moon (though it *did* have a sequel)...

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Jim Turner, Mahwah, NJ — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:52:38 GMT

Happy Anniversary, Apollo 11! What a magnificent adventure & achievement!

Go NASA! Go ISS! Go Constellation program! Thank you, Space Shuttle!

Back to the Moon, and on to Mars!!

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Stephen Heater — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:13:13 GMT

Truely heroes of a generation. What an accomplishment.The wright brothers of space exploration.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Eric, Salinas, CA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:54:35 GMT

Great tribute article Alan! I am so glad we still have the original crew of Apollo 11 around as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of them landing on the moon. The NASA channel has been doing some great looks back at the old Apollo space program and the moon landings. They showed Alan Bean becoming a painter and he's been doing some awesome paintings with an Apollo theme. This 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing is so sweet as we get to look back at better pictures than we saw originally as it was happening.

It was great to see Endeavour finally lift off to it's mission to the International Space Station. I like that Buzz Aldrin is psuhing for us to get some international partners to go back to the moon and on to Mars. We don't need another space race we need space cooperation now.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Sandee B, New Jersey — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:54:53 GMT

Just 3 guys doing the job they were paid to do. Mike, you went to the MOON!

Granted, it's not Dancing With the Stars, but . . .

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

gaetano marano — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:21:07 GMT

@Frank
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I didn't suggest to abandon the Moon, it can be explored with robotic vehicle
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it's not easy to live and work on the Moon (no atmosphere, high radiations, 15 day light/dark, too low gravity) while Mars is a Planet and someday it could become a "2nd Earth"
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Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Conrad Wright Jr — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:46:19 GMT

I am deeply saddened with where America and the world is not going with its Space program, Space is the next logical step for us as a species to go, there are so many amazing discoveries and opportunities out there for us to seize and build on.
Unfortunately money and priorities as well as a lack of any competition (as the US tring to one up or go above a foreign power) have pushed any form of human exploration of the planets and moons in our solar system to the back burner.

Space exploration is extremely important to the future of our species, its continued survival and growth. With today’s technology it is indeed a shame that we squander the potential opportunities that are possible so we can focus on petty animalistic actions (war, greed, discrimination, hate, conflicts based on religion, insert other childish actions here) As a species we will be continually tethered to our small planet until we come together as one species and realize that we are just one small part in the grand tapestry of the Universe.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

roy roberts, oceanside, ca. — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:58:21 GMT

I thank GOD for being alive and able to witness the culmination of landing on the Moon! What an incredible feat! Why did we have to stop there?

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Doug Tabor, Goodfield, Illinois — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:09:32 GMT

Michael Collins may reject celebrity and hero. But how about role model? May we all aspire to be so genuine.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Jim Speirs, Rapid City, South Dakota — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:11:53 GMT

Sitting in the living room of my home, I watched the most significant event in television's history. In five months I would begin my own adventure, pilot training in the USAF and Vietnam later. Forty years may sound like another era, but in my mind it was only yesterday. It was the perfect intersection of time and technology. It was America at its very best.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

G. Smith, Junction City, OR — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:19:22 GMT

As a society we simply do not have the will or fortitude of the those who preceded us and won WW2 and then desiged and built rockets to fly to the moon. We are not willing to spend the time and money it takes to focus on tasks like these. If WW2 were to happen now, we simply could flip channels and surrender, or at least many would have us do such. We have reaped a huge reward from the space programs of the past and are learning more now, but it does not look like we will do anything with that knowledge. Perhaps China or India will? And perhaps they make take an American astronaut along for the ride... We will see in the next 10 to 20 years if we have what it takes or if we simply are reduced to the role of third-world spacefarers.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Rob, Seattle WA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:28:12 GMT

gaetano marano [...] This isn't about whether living on the moon is easy or not. This isn't about reliving the emotions or adventure of the original moon landing. This is about advancing mankind. There is a huge amount of research that needs to be done and robots on the moon are simply not the answer. The first logical step before we can even consider going to Mars or any other planet is to return to the Moon and establish a more permanent presence. Any future mission to Mars is most likely to launch from the Moon, not from Earth.

Check your facts, do some research and leave your short-sighted, emotionally biased opinions out of it.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Jim Houston Seattle Washington — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:40:50 GMT

I am in awe of these men. They are not hero's. They are "Explorers". We need more like them. We were ready to move on to Mars in the 70's. What happened? Lack of vision and far too much politics. No one and I mean no one understands the huge contribution that the Race for the Moon in the 1960's did for America and the World. It was for my money the most important singular event in Mankinds history. We traveled outside the boundries of our Earth with technology we developed to another planet. We need a new vision and we need it now. Bad economy or not. Without a vision we perish. Mars should be that vision and we need to go now. All aboard?

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Jimmy Kajfasz, Toledo,Ohio — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:53:25 GMT

I remember that 1st moonwalk even though I was only 11 years old, and the exitement, and awe. Why would we invest (waste) 10 years and countless billions to try and figure out how to do it again? Lets exite a new generation. Lets invest 10 years, countless billions, and strap on a pair again. Lets go to Mars. Private enterprise can have the moon, we already know how to do it. Time to see if we are the best.Again.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Bob Devon, Lake Elsinore, CA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:47:44 GMT

Happy 40th Anniversary!! My son was born just hours after the lunar module touched down, so I guess it's a winner all around!! We'll celebrate both events next week..

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Ted Menneke, McKenna, WA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:53:45 GMT

Shame on NASA and its WEAK managers post-Apollo! NASA's actions to halt all exploration in the mid to late-70s only served to desecrate the memories of those who gave their lives, lay waste to personnel reputations and demolish the hard work of hundreds of thousands of men and women that made it all happen! It was a sad day when some 15 years later we watched in horror then discovered that the loss of 7 great astronauts and Challenger was the result of POOR management at the highest levels in NASA!

How can we trust them to do anything in space exploration when they take manned space vehicles designed and built for 100 launches and remove them from service early so that we must rely on a foreign country to put OUR astronauts into space? Even through all the upgrades to the remaining shuttles, NASA trembles with fear with every launch and expects our astronauts to become passengers on a vehicle (Soyuz) that has a much worse record than our own shuttles! This is crazy and I'm so glad my life is not in the hands of international space POLITICS!

Buzz Aldrin has it right with his observation that if NASA, dragging their feet as usual, cannot put our people in space then non-government American companies need to take the reins and 'make it happen'!

I read somewhere that every shuttle launch costs about $100 million and carries 7 astronauts. The Russians want the same amount to send only 2 American astronauts to the ISS. Does it make sense to ground a perfectly usable and overall successful U.S. manned space vehicle and put tens of thousands of hard-working Americans out of work? This logic has and is continuing to ruin our credibility as a World leader in space exploration!

I agree that we need an international effort to build a lunar base and then go to Mars but wasting billions now is only going to stunt any progess by NASA and other space agencies. Do we really want business as usual?

Manned landings on the moon utilizing the Saturn V rocket and Apollo spacecraft would have never happened under current NASA management weaknesses! No, it takes brave and dedicated people both in the cockpit and on the ground. It also takes GOOD managers that have the B&#@S to make a decision and stand by it!

The way I see it; Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs were all successful. It wasn't until the lack of any manned vehicle after Apollo was NASA's downfall and it still has not recovered from!

C'mon NASA, get off your fat rears and quit this talk of 'retiring' perfectly good manned space vehicles that have historicaly been a success! Lets turn up the heat and complete Constelation 2-years early! Americans in the 1960's did it with less technology, why not now?

--Ted

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

gaetano marano — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:16:24 GMT

"check your facts"
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already done that... several times!
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I agree that a Moon base and lunar ISRU are absolutely necessary to accomplish a simpler and (relatively) less costly mission to Mars (compared with the same mission started from Earth orbit) BUT this is true ONLY if we will use "chemical" rockets
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well, the simple (checked!) facts are that a manned Mars mission is IMPOSSIBLE without new, nuclear, rocket engines and those that say we can use a "super-Saturn-5" for Mars are completely out of their minds!
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about the robotic exploration of the Moon, my (simple, rational, logical and pragmatic) proposal is: "send hundreds rovers on the Moon to explore it entirely, then, """IF""" (and ONLY """IF""") the rovers will find on the Moon "something" (like the Space Odyssey Monolith... :) that ABSOLUTELY needs humans to be explored, studied, examined, then, we'll send astronauts and scientists on the Moon to do it"
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Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Rafael Rodriguez Miami, Florida — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:51:43 GMT

Hello all, I happened to come across this commercial about the commemoration of the Apollo 11 moon landing and just had take advantage seeing that I am writing a research paper for my humanities class. Without a doubt the events that transpired on July, 20, 1969 and the famous words that accompanied it have permeated our culture and will be remembered and spoken for generations to come. My paper aspires to answer the question why does humanity find it necessary to leave Mother Earth in search of other planets, life(what have you) when we live a relatively comfortable existence on it?(exclude the human factor). The Earth provides us with an ecosystem especially tailored for us to live and thrive in so why leave her warm embrace for a cold foreign land? It would seem that perhaps someday the planet will betray (or have we betrayed her?) us and we will, for survival purposes, desert it en route for another. Is it an innate instinct that drives man to explore the last frontier? Or are we just doing so to engorge our imaginations or purely for recreation. So why? I do however; take into account the Challenger and Columbia tragedies. Those individuals died in pursuit of the advancement of humanity and therefore are commendable pioneers. It seems that everyone has their own opinions about NASA’S plans for the near, but still distant future but let us get the facts straight. Most of us will never see this dream fulfilled (Mars). Granted, it would be a pleasure for us all to witness such an event. I would appreciate your input. Thanks.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

S.Chandra Naraine, Seattle, Washington — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:07:59 GMT

Congratulations on the 40th.anniversary of the Moon Landing and the astronauts who performed this historical feat. This is indeed the stuff of legends and these guys have all remained humble about their heroic achievement. Those hoards of glory-seekers and photo-ops freaks, dressed up in their monkey suits, should take a lesson from these guys.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Frank Stephens — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:39:36 GMT

I would like to know what Mr Collins did in his time circling the moon. That must have been extremely unnerving to be utterly alone. As alone as any human being had ever been. On the dark side of the moon, he would have been out of radio contact.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Geoff — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:12:07 GMT

God, I totally agree with him about all that garbage involving celebrities and this country's misguided sense of accomplishment. What a toilet it has all become. The worst part being the oxygen thieves in Hollywood getting paid millions more to re-enact what the real 'heroes' did for about 1/100th the salary with no risk to their own lives. If only they were all like Tom Hanks instead!

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Frank Glover, Rochester, NY — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:41:25 GMT

"I didn't suggest to abandon the Moon, it can be explored with robotic vehicle"

Yes it can, but the age-old 'manned vs. unmanned' debate isn't exclusive to the Moon.

"it's not easy to live and work on the Moon (no atmosphere, high radiations, 15 day light/dark, too low gravity)"

You're not saying anything that anyone remotely interested doesn't already know. And 'not easy' does not equal 'not worthwhile.' Obviously humans can effectively function on the Moon for at least the length of Apollo surface times. We understand what's needed for longer stays (and much of the life-support technology falls naturally out of space station operations), with the possible exception of extended low-gravity effects on the body. (But again, long duration stays in microgravity suggest humans should do at *least* as well [or at least no worse] in .16 gravity for the same length of time.)

People work and live in plenty of 'not easy' environments or Earth as well, every day...

"...while Mars is a Planet and someday it could become a "2nd Earth"

And that's nice, but colonizing (and possibly terraforming) Mars is not and never has been the only reason for human spaceflight. (Though some Mars enthusiasts can't seem to see beyond it.) And we don't yet know if .38 of Earth gravity is safe for indefinite human habitation, either.

For Roy:

"What an incredible feat! Why did we have to stop there?"

Money.

Rapid public disinterest after the first few landings (not helped by the Apollo 13 accident). Vietnam and assorted other 60's changes. Congressional support tends to follow public support. No bucks, no Buck Rogers, as they say.

We did not originally intend to stop. There were various continued Lunar exploration plans after Apollo 20 (and we didn't fly the last three missions for which the hardware was already built!), but the usual mantra of; 'It costs too much!' and 'We should spend that money here on Earth!' (as if it ever was spent anywhere else) took over.

And the former Soviets faked disinterest in ever sending men to the Moon, once it was clear they could not get there first. In spite of the evidence to the contrary (and which the Russians today openly admit their true intentions), there were plenty of people in the West willing to believe that there never was a 'Race to the Moon' after all...

Basically, that's why.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Aaron, San Diego California — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 06:06:36 GMT

Did anyone happen to notice that you watched men land on the moon on television and not first hand?

Did anyone happen to notice what a great tax shelter "NASA" is, whose contractors not only built Saturns and LEMS, but more importantly built every craft used in the Vietnam war, the Korean war before it, Dubba Dubba 2...etc.

This wasn't a world effort, was it not done to show superiority over the Russians and if so, would that not make it a bidding war. What I'm trying to say is this was not a humanitarian effort, but a "I'm stronger then you are" game of chicken. This wasn't people working together for "Man" or "Mankind", but leaders flexing power.

I'm not saying they were fake, but I am asking you to look at how much money was dumped into the companies that built "flashes" rocket ship.

Look at how much was spent on the Vietnam war, and only during our involvement in it, not the Frenches involvement.

The Apollo program ended the same year we pulled out of Vietnam...almost to the date, the same way it started...with our intervention into Vietnam.

Don't forget Johnson owned part in Bell helicopter...Kennedy did not...that's how you get to eat a bullet if you decide to not put the good ol boys in the proper light. You eat a bullet, then they take your idea for peace and make a show out of it, then do what they would of done anyway...supply war and fight war, but not with their sons, rather all of you.

"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country"...Not Johnson, nor Bush, nor Obama, yet your country...your people....who are "WE" the people, not Johnson the owner of the helicopter flying you into an LZ to die.

Think of the moon like a swiss bank account....Hey Swiss...get it.....lol

Sorry mom and dad. I know you believe it. Heck there is 12 guys out of the three billion, as Collins puts it, in his day. 12 guys. They must of been apostles for everyone to take their word as truth only needing to be show some fuzzy pictures. Walt really was the Wizard of Oz...made a boom of a generation believe anything with his cameras...

You should be sad Michael Collins, I don't blame you...I wish I could believe your fantastic story...I'll place it next to Huckleberry Finn...because it is a great story, one that will only get more fantastic after you are gone...

Still a picture show, but Good!!!

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

S. Clark, West Tennessee — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 13:00:24 GMT

What has happened to that sprit? Once upon a time it was everywhere in America. It seems that now we look to the government for some new program like the "Sprit Replacement Program" to be funded by "only the rich". What have we turned into?

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Ron B — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:10:35 GMT

These three men did the job they were suppose to do.... That is not their historic place in history. They will always and forever be known as the FIRST to land on the moon. That is something no one else can do. 1000 years from now, they will still have that distinction.
I had the opportunity to meet Neil in 1970. He traveled with Bob Hope in Vietnam. After the show Neil hung around and signed autographs until no one was left. THAT is the kind of person he IS. I will treasure the autograph and pass on to my decendants. It can never happen again. It is history and I am humbled to have been there and seen it.
They may not be heroes, but they are the next thing to it, with not enough space for anything else to slid between it.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Rafael St Germain, Guilin, China — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:17:29 GMT

It is really a pity that we did not keep the momentum we had from 1961 to 1969! If only we had not stopped (stagnated?) who knows, maybe we would TODAY be planning our SECOND trip to Jupiter (a la Arthur C. Clark)? More people would be studying science and engineering, perhaps even working CLOSER together? May God Bless the Brave Astronauts of Apollo, Gemini and Mercury! May their spirit continue on!

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Chazle, bullhead City, AZ — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:42:09 GMT

We need to learn how to live in space, cause once we are dones destroying this one we need another place to live.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Martha, Ohio — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:08:48 GMT

Neil Armstrong, a great person. and i am happy to say that he is from my home town. and i remember him coming home. and the wonderful parade in town! oh the memories!

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Cindy Hoon Seattle, Wa — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:37:55 GMT

I`m an Air Force Officers Flighboy Brat. My Dad was stationed at March Air Force Base, Riverside, Calif. at the time of the moon landing. I was babysitting for an officer and his wife watching the moon landing on TV 40 years ago. Seems like yesterday.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Jackie stein las vegas nevada — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:28:45 GMT

I was in South Haven, Mchigan at my mother- in-law's cottage. My daughter, who will be 40 on may 1, 2010 was concieved that evening.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Tony Paone, Bensalem, Pa — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:15:53 GMT

I was stationed at Dugway, Utah in July 1969. Had alot of great times. Never Forget.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Ernest, San Antonio, TX — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:29:41 GMT

One Giant Leap for Mankind, and thanks to politicians 2 giant leaps backwards.

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Paul, Spokane, Wa. — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:12:43 GMT

My Dad worked for NASA in the 60's so I was fortunate to see the early rockets that made history. Just yesterday I spoke with Gene Kranz, Flight Director and thanked him for what He did for the Space Program on the 40th anniversary of the lunar landing. What a very Humble Man and He remembered my Dad. pretty cool

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Paul, Spokane, Wa. — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:36:21 GMT

OK,OK!!!!
I want to put this "MARS" Journey to rest because "WE" don't have that technology Yet!!!
WE CAN GET TO MARS!!!! But "NOT BACK" !!!
The Moon has no atmosphere and so We land in almost a Zero Gravity... We can use "combined chemicals" for propulsion that bring Us back home without a "Spark/igniter". On the other hand!!! MARS has "AN" Atmosphere and a Gravitational force WE have to learn on how to overcome to be able to leave... That Means "WE" have to figure out How to power a "Return Rocket" by Some means as when It left Earth...THRU An Atmosphere just about as High as Ours!!
We are not going to have a KSC launch Pad waiting for Us there... Nor FUEL!! and to say " lunch bucket" As What If?? the "Supply Drop" lands 50, 100, 1000, or More Kilometer's away... It's going to be a Death Sentance...
NASA "IS" looking at this And still wants to Reach MARS... And We Will Someday, But We Can't right now.... It will happen but yet still years away...
Thanks for reading.

paul

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

Ron Higgins,Flagstaff, AZ — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:55:32 GMT

Kudos to all of the astronauts of the 1960's! In 1969, as I watched the events unfold, I wondered how Mike Collins felt, left alone in the command module. It's refreshing to read all of their comments. At the time, it was as if the whole world stood still as we watched with breathless anticipation. For those of us who followed each crew, they were incredible American Heros. Please never forget the sacrifice of the brave men of Apollo 1: Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee. We all sat in stunned silence when we learned of their fate. All Apollo Astronauts gave something to this country which will live on for many years to come. Mike Collins is correct, the whole concept of celebrity has been cheapened over time. These men risked their lives for many things, celebrity was not one of them. Thanks to all of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo Astronauts!

Apollo 11: Where are they now?

margie, columbs OH — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:03:58 GMT

Going to the moon again is a reflection of the small mind of George Bush. Been there, done that. I agree with Aldrin...let's focus on the next thing, Mars. We should never stop exploration! Collins is right, we have screwed up this planet with propagating our species to its detriment.