We’ve highlighted the space program several times this summer. Last week honored the end of an era when the last Space Shuttle returned safely. Back on 5/24, we highlighted the uncirculated First Man on the Moon $5 coin from the Marshall Islands. Even further, on 5/5 we recognized the 50 year anniversary of the first Americans in space with Dollars and the Moon.
Today, July 26, marks the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 15 mission to the moon. It was the ninth manned mission and the fourth to land on the moon. Called the “most successful manned flight ever achieved,” the mission launched on July 26, 1971.
Two astronauts spent three days on the moon’s surface in the Lunar Module and 18 1/2 hours exploring the moon’s surface using the first Lunar Rover. This mission became known as the Moon Buggy Mission.
In last week’s post, we commented, “An era may be ending, but humans have an inquisitive nature and an adventurous spirit. Something new will be developed as an exploration vehicle of the future. Will it be government funded or private industry? What? When?”
Today, an announcement on this 40th anniversary provides insight into one of the next adventures into space.
The private firm, SpaceX, achieved approval from NASA to attempt docking with the International Space Station making them the first private organization to do so.
The artist’s illustration has a similarity to the modules used by the early astronauts’ travel. This one, however, will not be manned, but it is designed to be reusable.
Though not listed in the near future on the Mint’s legislation page, we hope the Mint honors the space program with its own commemorative coin.