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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 is an initiative from Connecticut Public, the state’s local NPR and PBS station, to elevate Latino stories and expand programming that uplifts and informs our Latino communities. Visit CTPublic.org/latino for more stories and resources. For updates, sign up for the SOMOS CONNECTICUT newsletter at ctpublic.org/newsletters.

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.

Federal funding is gone.

Congress has eliminated all funding for public media.

That means $2.1 million per year that Connecticut Public relied on to deliver you news, information, and entertainment programs you enjoyed is gone.

The future of public media is in your hands.

All donations are appreciated, but we ask in this moment you consider starting a monthly gift as a Sustainer to help replace what’s been lost.

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