NASA Honors Legendary Astronaut Walter Schirra

November 7, 2005

Dean Acosta/Tia Over
Headquarters, Washington
(Phone: 202/358-1400/1257)

MEDIA ADVISORY: M05-180

NASA HONORS LEGENDARY ASTRONAUT WALTER SCHIRRA

NASA is naming retired astronaut Walter M. Schirra, Jr., an Ambassador
of Exploration. Schirra receives the award during a ceremony at 2
p.m. EST, Wednesday, November 16 at the San Diego Aerospace Museum.

NASA is presenting these prestigious awards to the 38 astronauts who
took part in the nation's Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs
and for realizing America's vision of space exploration from 1961 to
1972.

Schirra, a San Diego resident, carries the distinction of being the
only man to fly in each of the three space programs. Award recipients
help NASA communicate the benefits and excitement of space
exploration, and they encourage the next generation of explorers.

In addition to receiving the Ambassador of Exploration Award, Schirra
will be presented a moon rock to recognize the sacrifices and
dedication of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts. The samples
are part of the 842 pounds of moon rocks and soil returned during the
six lunar expeditions. The moon rock will remain on display in the
museum.

For access to the ceremony, media must contact: Ruth Varonfakis at:
858/273-0928; or



For San Diego museum information on the Web, visit:

http://www.aerospacemuseum.org

For information about NASA and agency programs on the Web, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/home


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Jacques :-)

www.spacepatches.info