Veteran NASA Astronauts Brian Duffy and Scott Parazynski
Inducted into United States Astronaut Hall of Fame®
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CAPE CANAVERAL (May 14, 2016) – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER– Veteran NASA astronauts Brian Duffy and Scott Parazynski joined a prestigious group of American space heroes in the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame® today, during an induction ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Duffy and Parazynski make up the 15th group of space shuttle astronauts to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Both flew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis, which is now located at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and appropriately the site of the induction ceremony. Adding the two veteran astronauts to the Hall of Fame brings the total number of inductees to 93.
Both Duffy and Parazynski boast outstanding accomplishments achieved during their illustrious careers in aerospace and science:
· A veteran Air Force pilot, astronaut and aerospace industry executive, Duffy flew four space shuttle missions, including STS-92, which opened the door to construction of the International Space Station.
· A medical doctor and pilot, Parazynski is a veteran of five space shuttle missions. He flew alongside legendary astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn and is credited with performing a critical, unrehearsed spacewalk to repair a space station solar array.
More than 20 legendary astronauts were on hand to welcome the inductees, including: Fred Haise, Al Worden, Charlie Duke, Owen Garriott, Jack Lousma, Vance Brand, Bob Crippen, Karol “Bo” Bobko, Rick Hauck, Dan Brandenstein, Brewster Shaw, Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Jeff Hoffman, Rhea Seddon, Dick Covey, Bonnie Dunbar, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Kathy Thornton, James Wetherbee, Kevin Chilton, Charlie Precourt and Kent Rominger.
The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame was spearheaded by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, an organization created more than 30 years ago by the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts, with the goal of helping university students pursue their dreams in science, math and technology. Since that time, the foundation has awarded more than $4 million in merit-based scholarships to more than 400 brilliant students.
The Foundation’s legacy will continue in late 2016 when a new U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opens at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as part of the new Heroes and Legends attraction. Heroes and Legends will not only bring to life the enthralling stories of America’s pioneering astronauts, but also invite guests to vicariously experience the thrills and dangers of America’s earliest missions through high-tech elements and special effects, including simulated holograms and augmented reality. Inside the new U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, guests can use interactive features to learn more about nearly 100 astronaut heroes.
The highlight of Heroes and Legends is a 4-D omnidirectional theater experience, designed to make guests feel as though they are floating in the vastness of space. Stunning images will envelope them as legendary astronauts invite them to join in their epic journeys into the vast unknown.
U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Process and Eligibility
Each year, inductees are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once.
About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun, inspiration and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Shuttle Launch Experience®, IMAX® A Beautiful Planet 3D and Journey To Space films, Astronaut Encounter, Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted, Science on a Sphere®, Rocket Garden, Cosmic Quest, and many other exhibits. Opening 2016 is Heroes and Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
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Media Contacts:
Andrea Farmer, afarmer@delawarenorth.com, 321-449-4318 or 321-223-1091
Lauren Eisele Walbert, Sandy Hillman Communications, lwalbert@hillmanpr.com, 410-616-8943