Episode 21 - Apollo Astronaut & Museum Curator Discuss Apollo's Legacy

The Behind the Wings Podcast is back for Season 3!

This episode delves into the legacy of the iconic Apollo program and its profound influence on NASA's ambitious Artemis Program. In celebration of the 54th anniversary of Apollo 11 and the Apollo Program, we’ve got an exciting two-part conversation for today’s episode.

Our esteemed guests, Dr. Teasel Muir Harmony, curator of the Apollo Collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and NASA Astronaut Harrison Schmitt, who walked on the moon during Apollo 17 help us unravel the significance of Apollo's groundbreaking achievements, the scientific discoveries made, its political significance, and the lasting impact on human space exploration. Discover how the Apollo program paved the way for Artemis, fueling our dreams of returning to the moon and exploring even further into the cosmos.

There is a LOT to learn in this episode! Pack your bags, or at least your spacesuits, as we are taking one giant leap back to the moon. THIS one is going to be cool!

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Teasel Muir Harmony, curator of the Apollo Collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, uses artifacts including Kennedy's 1960 debate chair to bring the history of Apollo alive.
• President Kennedy was skeptical about the space program at first, but quickly changed his mind when he saw how Yuri Gagarin's historic flight helped unify the Soviet Union.
• Dr. Harrison Schmitt is the first and only scientist to fly with the Apollo program and land on the Moon without a military background.
• The Moon rocks that were collected and returned to Earth during Apollo 17, totaling about 842 pounds, are still being studied today!
• The Artemis mission can learn a lot from Apollo, including being sure to pack extra duct tape.
• Someday we may have a permanent base or settlement on the Moon, allowing for tourism not just to the Moon, but for Moon inhabitants to visit Earth.

Resources:

• Teasel Muir-Harmony | National Air and Space Museum (si.edu)
• Amazon.com: Teasel E. Muir-Harmony: books, biography, latest update
• The Honorable Harrison H. Schmitt | NASA
• Return to the Moon: Exploration, Enterprise, and Energy in the Human Settlement of Space: Schmitt, Harrison: 9780387242859: Amazon.com: Books