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: Marc Garneau became the first Canadian astronaut to fly in space in 1984. On Wednesday (June 4), he died at the age of 76 after a short illness. One of Canada's first six astronauts chosen in 1983, Garneau launched on three NASA space shuttle missions (STS-41G, STS-77 and STS-87), was appointed president of the Canadian Space Agency, served 15 years in Canada's Parliament and was the Minister of Transport.
: At one point it was a real possibility that Peggy Whitson would be in space when she was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. After a launch delay, she was still absent but only because she was in quarantine awaiting her fifth liftoff. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex went forward with the public ceremony on Saturday (May 31), inducting Peggy Whitson in absentia and Bernard Harris, the first Black spacewalker.
: The first NASA astronaut to wear a watch into space chose a custom Breitling as his timepiece. Now, 63 years later, the luxury watchmaker is paying tribute to the late pilot on his 100th birthday. The $42,000 Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary features nods to the May 1962 Mercury-Atlas 7 mission, including a deep blue dial evoking the color of Earth. The wristwatch is a limited edition of 50.
: In Sunday's (May 18) episode of "The Last of Us" (Season 2, Ep. 6 on HBO Max), there is a scene that is sure to delight fans of both space history and the game on which the series is based. Without getting too spoilery, production designer Don Macaulay had the task of replicating a museum with a full astronomy and space exploration exhibit, including an Apollo capsule, as it would appear after most of civilization has been destroyed.
: The National Air and Space Museum is almost ready to open five more of its halls as its 7-year renovation continues. The "Boeing Milestones of Flight" and "Futures in Space" galleries, along with the Lockheed IMAX theater and three aviation galleries will debut on July 28. The public will again be able to view John Glenn's "Friendship 7" and an Apollo lunar module, as well as see for the first time SpaceX and Blue Origin equipment.
: Playmobil is inspiring kids (and adults) to imagine their future on the moon through a new play set produced in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA). Now in stores in both Europe and the U.S., the $22.99 (€19,99/£19.99) Starter Pack Space Mission comes with an astronaut figure, lunar rover, mobile science station and rock samples, as based on what ESA is doing now to send astronauts to the moon.
: A baby swan will fly to the International Space Station, joining a crew of international astronauts. The Axiom Mission 4 zero-g indicator is "Joy," a plush swan that by beginning to float will signal to Peggy Whitson, Shubhanshu Shukla, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu that they have safely reached low Earth orbit. The crew selected a swan because of what it represents in the Indian, Polish and Hungarian cultures.
: The Royal Mint of Belgium and Royal Dutch Mint have each struck new euro coins to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the European Space Agency (ESA). The separate, but similarly-themed coin releases each feature ESA's official 50th anniversary logo, either on the coin or on the included coincard (holder). The 2.50 and 50 cent euro coins (or their cards) also depict Europe from space. The Belgian and Dutch coins list for €10 and €8.95.
: COSI, or the Center of Science and Industry, in Columbus, Ohio has launched its latest hands-on science kit for students with the help of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University. The John Glenn Inspiration Learning Lunchbox has projects such as launching rockets and mapping orbits themed around Glenn's role as an astronaut. It also draws from his time as a senator with civic engagement activities.
: The United States Mint has set noon EDT on Thursday (May 15) as its T-0 for the launch of Florida's American Innovation $1 coin celebrating the space shuttle. Depicting the reusable orbiter lifting off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the dollar is a tribute to the ingenuity embodied by the 30-year program. The coins come in 25-piece rolls for $36.25 and 100-piece bags for $123.50, minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D).
: A Soviet probe that failed to reach the planet Venus in 1972, fell back to Earth Saturday (May 10). Setting its reentry apart from others was that as a descent capsule the uncrewed Kosmos 482 spacecraft was designed to survive a plunge back into the atmosphere, whether it be on Venus or Earth. If it remained intact is not known. According to Roscosmos, the probe (or any of its debris) fell into the Indian Ocean, west of Jakarta.
: Sixty-four years after the first American to fly into space sought permission to pee in his suit, a new campaign is pairing the experiences of children and astronauts. Goodnites' Mission Dry aims to destigmatize wearing protective nighttime underwear by comparing them to crew members who don absorbent garments when they launch into orbit and go out on spacewalks. Former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly stars in a new video for the campaign.
Upcoming space events:
Auction [06/13-14] Space Exploration Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas
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