In recognition of his achievements in space exploration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has selected Apollo-Soyuz and Shuttle astronaut Vance D. Brand to receive its Ambassador of Exploration award. The award, which contains a moon rock fragment, will go on display Jan. 21 at the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center as a long-term exhibit.
The Ambassador of Exploration Award recognizes the sacrifice and dedication of Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo astronauts. Thirty-eight astronauts who participated in these pathbreaking programs will be presented with a sample of lunar material, part of the 842 pounds of moon rocks and soil returned from the six lunar expeditions.
Vance Brand was born and raised in Longmont, Colorado. He attended the University of Colorado, receiving degrees in Business and Aeronautical Engineering. He joined the space program in 1966, and was backup command module pilot for Apollo 15. The sample of material in his award comes from this mission.
In 1975, Brand was command module pilot on the historic Apollo-Soyuz mission, the first example of international cooperation in space exploration, and an important part of the thawing of relations between the U.S. and Soviet Union. He also commanded three Space Shuttle flights from 1982 to 1990, deploying scientific and communication satellites. Brand continues to work for NASA as Deputy Associate Director for Programs at the Dryden Flight Research Center.
The Ambassador of Exploration awards present a unique opportunity for educational outreach. Each recipient chooses a museum or educational institution, where the award will be displayed to help inspire a new generation of explorers.
Longmont Museum director Martha Clevenger observed, “The Longmont Museum & Cultural Center is honored to be the repository of Vance Brand’s award. Mr. Brand’s contributions to science, the spirit of exploration, and the often elusive goal of international cooperation are inspiring and challenge each of us find the best within ourselves.”
Recipients of the Ambassador of Exploration will help communicate the benefits and excitement of space exploration. As part of the award events, Vance Brand will meet with students from the St. Vrain Valley’s MESA (Math Engineering Science Achievement) program. MESA’s mission is to encourage, motivate, support and prepare students for success in the pursuit of undergraduate degrees and careers in mathematics, engineering, science and technology.
The Longmont Museum & Cultural Center is located at 400 Quail Road in Longmont, Colorado. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, Wednesday evenings until 8 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, and closed Mondays. Admission is free. For more information, contact the Museum at 303 651-8374, or visit their website, www.ci.longmont.co.us/museum.