SPACE Auction Opens with a 'Buzz'

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Hall of Fame Astronaut Buzz Aldrin may have hung up his dancing shoes but now he is putting himself on the auction block to raise money for college scholarships for top engineering and science students through the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's (ASF) online Auction of Astronaut Experiences & Memorabilia at www.astronautscholarship.org/auction.

The auction, which opens tomorrow (Friday, April 30), showcases unique one-on-one astronaut experiences, space artifacts, and memorabilia donated or autographed by more than 80 legendary astronauts, such as first American to orbit the Earth John Glenn, and Apollo 13 Commander James Lovell.

In all, 40 stellar lots are up for grabs including a private dinner with Apollo 11 moonwalker Aldrin, a deep-sea fishing trip with Mercury astronaut Scott Carpenter, actual equipment used on the moon and so much more!

"The astronaut experiences offered in this auction are a great way for us astronauts to combine our hobbies with our dedication to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation," said Apollo 16 moonwalker and ASF Board Member Charlie Duke, who is offering a Grand Caymans Dive Trip with himself in this auction. "This auction will generate significant funds for some of the greatest young minds in our country."   

To participate, log onto www.astronautscholarship.org/auction, register and you will receive a virtual paddle number.  Then you are free to launch your bids on any of the 40 lots; proxy bidding is also available.  

The launch window for bidding closes promptly at 5 PM EDT on May 8, 2010. Winning bids, over fair market value, should be considered a charitable donation.

Auction proceeds go directly to support the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit organization, whose 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. Today, astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs have joined in this educational endeavor and have disbursed nearly $3 million to students nationwide. For more information, call 321-455-7015 or log on to www.AstronautScholarship.org.

SOURCE Astronaut Scholarship Foundation