ORLANDO, FL. – Two leading foundations that nationally promote the importance of science, technology, engineering and math will collaborate to recognize the 50-year anniversary next year of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and the Buzz Aldrin ShareSpace Foundation have begun working collaboratively as part of an 18-month campaign to promote the historic flight and continue inspiring the next generation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to ensure the United States retains its leadership in STEM disciplines.
“Fifty years ago, the flight of Apollo 11 expanded the world’s imagination of what was possible, and it firmly placed the United States in the leadership position it still enjoys today in science and space exploration,” said Curt Brown, board chairman of ASF and veteran of six space flights. “That’s why teaming up with the legendary Buzz Aldrin ShareSpace Foundation is incredibly special. Together, we will work on a year-long celebration leading to the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 and how past missions significantly helped guide the future of space exploration.”
The two organizations will host the fourth annual Apollo Celebration Gala at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on July 21, 2018, an event that will raise funds to award scholarships and increase the awareness of space exploration on a global basis. www.apollocelebrationgala.com
Aldrin served as the lunar module pilot on Apollo 11 becoming the second human to walk on the moon. He also went into orbit on Gemini 12. Dr. Andrew Aldrin, President of the Buzz Aldrin Space Foundation, said, “the collaboration comes at the right time with the recent announcement that America will return to the moon and beyond. We want to do everything we can to both honor the past, but also look to the future. Sharing proceeds from the Apollo Celebration Gala brings about a perfect circular economy, as the BASF remains dedicated to raising vital funds that will directly feed into tangible scholarships as well as creating other inspirational education tools to inspire the game-changers of the future.”
About the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
Based in Orlando, the Foundation’s mission is to aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in technology and innovation by supporting the very best and brightest scholars in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while commemorating the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts. ASF has awarded more than $4 million to outstanding Astronaut Scholars nationwide with support from astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle and Space Station programs who participate in this educational endeavor. For more information, visit www.AstronautScholarship.org.
About the Buzz Aldrin Space Foundation
Driven by Buzz’s vision for permanent habitation on Mars, the Buzz Aldrin Space Foundation (BASF) develops tools, curricula and programs for children, students, researchers and professionals around the world to enable the extension of human habitation beyond the Earth to the Moon and Mars. This vertical pathway will bring together students and researchers of all levels to learn from each other’s vision for space, ultimately creating the first generation of Martians. BASF is the parent nonprofit to Buzz Aldrin’s ShareSpace Foundation (SSF). Proceeds from the gala event will go to the SSF which collaborates with educators, donors and sponsors to provide schools, museums and education agencies with the informative and interactive Giant Mars Maps (25’ by 25’), robots, Buzz Aldrin’s award-winning Welcome to Mars book, and hands-on curriculum activities. www.buzzaldrinfoundation.org www.sharespace.org