T minus 4 years and counting…until America’s Launch

Americans in Orbit-50 Years Inc., Announces Astronaut Selection!

Madison, Alabama –March 20, 2008 – Americans in Orbit50 Years was founded to commemorate the first U.S. manned orbital space flight and to establish a national education outreach program. For decades, American universities had access to space in order to conduct space science experiments and allow future engineers valuable handsonexperience. This access to space has dwindled over the last few years to virtually zero.

Americans in Orbit50 Years, is proceeding with plans to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Friendship 7 mission with “America’s Launch”. We plan to launch two astronauts, and up to 10,000 lbs. of space science experiments in Feb. 2012. After the initial launch, we plan to launch on a regular basis so engineering students will continue to have the opportunity to work on space science experiments and small satellites. In partnership with the National Space Science Education Program, the project will not be limited to universities. There will also be programs for high school and elementary students. Craig Russell, President of Americans in Orbit50 Years, stated, “The importance of maintaining our leadership in space exploration is directly related to our leadership in the world, and the surest way to accomplish this is to inspire and engage the youth of America to become a part of mankind’s greatest challenge, the exploration of
the universe.” Two (2) astronauts have now been selected as the primary crew for the mission: Dr. Howard Chipman (Commander) and Veronique Koken (SecondinCommand). Dr. Chipman, an experienced pilot, has participated in cosmonaut training in Russia. CoPilot Koken’s background includes aeronautics, physics, and education. She is currently flight training with Commander Chipman in the L39 jet. As an affiliate of the National Space Society (NSS), Mr. Russell and the crew of Americans in Orbit50 Years, plan to present the project at the next NSS Conference in Washington D.C. on May 29June 1. This will be a great opportunity for those wishing to meet the astronauts and Mr. Russell. Final decisions have been made on the construction of the spacecraft. A U.S. aerospace
company will be selected to build both the manned capsule and the Space Science

CONTACT:
Bonnie Whiteaker
bwhiteaker@aio50.org
256-774-3096
http://www.aio50.org