LaSPACE Apollo 50th Events – Mobile Astronomy Resource System

In Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11th Mission, the Louisiana Space Grant Consortium (LaSPACE) invites you to celebrate the mission that resulted in the first moon landing. Apollo 11 launched from Cape Kennedy on July 16, 1969 at 9:32 AM EDT, carrying Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins, and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin on top of a Saturn V rocket. Before Neil Armstrong could make his “…one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind,” thousands of NASA scientists, engineers, and technicians worked meticulously to craft the vehicle that would get them there. To celebrate this event, LaSPACE has adapted instructions and compiled materials so that Louisiana participants can craft and launch paper rockets from straw and stomp launchers. LaSPACE Affiliates in Baton Rouge, Thibodaux, Hammond, Lake Charles, and Ruston are coordinating workshops and launches using kits assembled by the LaSPACE Management Team at LSU. Individuals around the state are also encouraged to build and launch rockets on their own. Most of the supplies are basic to any arts and crafts project. See the packing list for general supplies (organized to serve 20 participants) and the instructions for a step-by-step how-to, along with some tips for instructors. No matter how you participate, don’t forget to launch your rocket on July 16th to help break a world record! Register all rocket launches here: U.S. Space & Rocket Center Global Launch Registration.