OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – EAA AirVenture is celebrating the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission by bringing in a pair of astronauts with first-hand knowledge.
On Friday, July 26, the aviation celebration will host a pair of veterans that probably have a story or two.
“This year we’re very honored to have command module pilot Michael Collins from the Apollo 11 mission,” explains Dick Knapinski, communications director with EAA AirVenture. “Also, Joe Engle, who participated as an astronaut in the Apollo program.”
The informal discussion is being planned to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the mission, which specifically is on July 20.
Knapinski says for space and aviation enthusiasts, this is a golden opportunity, because these guys know their stuff.
“Aviators love to learn about the inside stuff,” he explains. “How did you make that work, how did you accommodate some of the problems that you had?”
And as is always true with historical events, it becomes increasingly more rare and valuable to find individuals with first-hand knowledge as time goes on.
“The astronauts involved in the Apollo program are now all in their eighties,” says Knapinski. “So, to have an opportunity for a first-person reminiscence, as we will on [July] 26th, is so important.”
As of now, the event is being planned to start around 7:30 p.m.
“Families can make it a complete day on that Friday, the 26th, topped off by hearing by one of the people who actually flew on the Apollo 11 mission,” he says.
If you already plan on attending the celebration that day, grabbing a spot at this event won’t set you back anything extra, as well.
“It’s at our Theatre in the Woods, which is right on the grounds,” he explains. “This is included with AirVenture admission that day, so if you’re out here on the grounds on Friday, you’re certainly welcome to attend that.”
Collins started his career with NASA in 1963, before eventually leaving in 1970 to join the Smithsonian Institution for a decade.
Additional information on this event and the overall celebration can be found here.
