Astronauts Offer Space Artifacts in Online Charity Auction

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Aug. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Space artifacts now are up for grabs in the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's (ASF) Fall Auction of Astronaut Experiences & Memorabilia, which opened online today. From now through September 3, bidders have the chance to own relics from over five decades of mankind's journey into the unknown, including autographed items from legends like astronauts Buzz Aldrin and John Glenn. Join this space race at www.AstronautScholarship.org/auction.  

The unique auction is infused with space history, boasting autographs from the Mercury 7 astronauts, to a piece of the Apollo 13 command module, to a shirt worn in space by shuttle astronaut Kathy Thornton. Also available are seven "Astronaut Experiences" – rare opportunities which give fans the chance to spend one-on-one time with hero astronauts. Featured adventures include a Bahamas Cruise with Mercury Astronaut Scott Carpenter and a Mars Rover Launch Viewing with STS-1 Pilot Robert Crippen.

"Proceeds from the auction fuel an important mission: supporting the bright, young minds who will lead America into new frontiers of science and technology by giving them the means to succeed," said ASF Chairman and Apollo 16 moonwalker Charlie Duke, who donated a schematics page which he carried to the surface of the Moon in 1972. "My fellow astronauts and I are committed to helping the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation in this pursuit, offering our personal mementos, autographs and time to raise vital funds for scholarships."

To participate, bidders must register for a virtual paddle number at www.AstronautScholarship.org/auction. The online auction concludes September 3, 2011 at 10 PM EDT. Winning bids, over fair market value, should be considered a charitable donation.

Proceeds benefit the 501(c)(3), nonprofit Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, established in 1984 by the six surviving members of America's original Mercury astronauts. Its mission is to aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in science and technology by providing scholarships for college students who exhibit motivation, imagination, and exceptional performance in these fields. ASF funds twenty-six $10,000 scholarships annually and has awarded over $3 million to deserving students nationwide. Today, more than 80 astronauts from the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs have joined in this educational endeavor.  For more information: 321-455-7012 or www.AstronautScholarship.org.

SOURCE Astronaut Scholarship Foundation

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