Astronaut Al Worden on a mission to Farnborough
Nearly 45 years since his flight to the Moon and more than half a century since graduating from the UK's esteemed Empire Test Pilot School, the Apollo 15 Command Module Pilot Al Worden will return to Farnborough this July, to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education at the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA).
Above:
Astronaut Al Worden speaking at Aerogare USA, on the US International Pavilion, Paris Air Show (20 June 2015).
Copyright Kallman Worldwide
Worden’s visit in part will be as a designated representative of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), a not-for-profit organisation founded by the Mercury 7 astronauts. ASF advocates for STEM by promoting the fields of study and providing support for America’s most promising students.
Worden will be hosted by the US International Pavilion, which since 1994 has been organised at Farnborough by Kallman Worldwide, in coordination with US government agencies, including the departments of Commerce, Defense and State. He is expected to participate in numerous official events, including the Pavilion opening ceremonies, presentations and receptions.
Kallman and Worden first collaborated during last year’s Paris Air Show, where the astronaut entertained and inspired thousands of visitors, young and old, with the story of his Apollo mission 'Aerogare USA': the Kallman-produced public weekend celebration of US innovation in aviation.
“This year’s Farnborough International Airshow will feature an extraordinary cross-section of America’s aerospace industry, with highlights such as demonstration flights of the Lockheed Martin F-35 and a commemoration of the Boeing Company’s 100th anniversary sharing the spotlight with the booth-to-booth, nuts-and-bolts business of flight,” said Tom Kallman (right), president and CEO of Kallman Worldwide. “STEM connects it all. We’re proud to partner with Al Worden during Farnborough 2016 to engage and enlist our industry to promote education that will expand horizons for future pioneers.”
Worden’s visit to Farnborough coincides with growing global interest and investment in space exploration and commercialisation, particularly in the private sector, along with increasing development of space-based weapons to support national defence strategies. Worden notes these trends forecast a growing job market in space, and an imperative for peaceful nations to take the lead in developing the future space workforce.
“As one of only 24 people to have flown to the Moon — on tax-payer funded flights — I can tell you there has never been a shortage of people who want to explore space,” said Worden. “As technology and financing become more accessible to private enterprise, more people will have the opportunity to not only explore but also work in space. My mission, and I hope it is shared by the industry represented at the Farnborough International Airshow, is to ensure that young people with the passion for this profession have the educational opportunities and support they need to pursue their dreams.”