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Reflecting On The Moon Landing, 50 Years Later

Fifty years ago, man walked on the moon. But before that happened, millions held their breath at each stage of the Apollo 11 mission, starting with the launch.

This hour we talk about the lasting impact of this historic moment--a feat of engineering, science, and political will. 

We also look at the pivotal role Connecticut technology played in spaceflight, and hear how engineers in this state helped make that “one small step” possible. 

Do you remember watching the moon landing? We want to hear from you.

Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

GUESTS:

  • Andy Poniros - NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador, and host of the “Cosmic Perspectives” radio show on WPKN in Bridgeport (@Andy_SSA)
  • Ed O’Connor – Former Engineer with Hamilton Standard (now Collins Aerospace) who worked on the lunar module.
  • Donald Rethke - Retired aerospace engineer from Hamilton Standard who worked on the life support systems for Apollo 11; he goes by the nickname “Dr. Flush”
  • Dr. Jennifer Piatek - Associate Professor of Planetary Geology at CCSU

Chion Wolf contributed to this show.

Lucy leads Connecticut Public's strategies to deeply connect and build collaborations with community-focused organizations across the state.
Carmen Baskauf was a producer for Connecticut Public Radio's news-talk show Where We Live, hosted by Lucy Nalpathanchil from 2017-2021. She has also contributed to The Colin McEnroe Show.

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SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de Connecticut Public, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.

The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.

Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.

Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.

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