AIO-50 Search over for University to Test Recovery Systems on GeminiHUNTSVILLE, Ala. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - In a formal ceremony at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Americans in Orbit- 50 Years (AIO-50) president Craig Russell presented a $1,000 check to Dr. Kader Frendi, chairman of UAHuntsville's Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE). The donation jumpstarted an unprecedented space exploration project to test the landing and recovery systems for a 21st Century Gemini IR (Improved-Reusable) manned spacecraft. AIO-50 and UAH have taken the first step in AIO's larger mission to launch the first privately funded U.S. space expedition in history with a focus on education. AIO-50 delivered a 50-year-old boilerplate Gemini capsule to the UAH campus for students to use as a model for the actual Gemini IR. Russell spoke before almost a hundred of Dr. Christina Carmen's MAE students concerning this historic opportunity for hands-on experience working with space hardware, and the chance to use their ingenuity to drive a non-NASA-based space program dedicated to education. In attendance was former NASA Administrator and current UAH professor of MAE, Dr. Michael Griffin. He spoke briefly about the importance of enthusiasm and optimism in the future of the space program. According to Professor Carmen, "The students are excited about this opportunity. They are already talking among themselves about how to proceed." "The technology to land the Gemini on the ground has been available for 50 years. We have access to the original blueprints - we just need private funding and now UAH, to make it work," Russell says, "What university has a better understanding of developing space hardware than UAH?" Russell also says, "It has become almost impossible for students to get space science projects into orbit. UAH used to lead this charge but access has dwindled to virtually zero" . AIO-50's International Space Science Education Program (ISSEP) offers more opportunities to participate in space-related discoveries, and contribute to resulting technologies. America's Launch is scheduled for February 20, 2012, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Friendship 7 mission. Americans in Orbit - 50 Years is a non-profit organization committed to inspiring future generations in space exploration with a dedication to education. Our website is www.aio50.org. Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6045821&lang=en Americans in Orbit - 50 Years CONTACT: |
