The true pioneers of deep space exploration are gathering for an evening of storytelling, inspiration and celebration at the exclusive “LEGACY OF APOLLO: Through the Eyes of the Pioneers Who Were There, For Those Who Dream of the Future” black-tie gala celebration with Apollo 16 Moonwalker and Apollo 11 CAPCOM Charlie Duke, Apollo 13 Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise, Apollo 9 Lunar Module Pilot Rusty Schweickart, and legendary Flight Directors Gerry Griffin, Gene Kranz and Milt Windler, at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, the Museum announced today.

“LEGACY OF APOLLO is more than just a reflection on past achievements—it is a celebration of the ongoing journey of space exploration. The lessons learned from the Apollo era continue to shape current and future missions, from NASA’s Artemis program to ambitious plans for Mars and beyond,” said Jim Kidrick, President & CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum. “By hearing directly from the pioneers who paved the way, attendees gain a deeper appreciation for the advancements that continue to build on their legacy. Their stories of resilience, ingenuity and determination serve as an inspiration to all who dream of reaching for the stars.”

Highlighting this special evening are Apollo 16 Moonwalker and Apollo 11 CAPCOM Charlie Duke, Apollo 13 Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise, Apollo 9 Lunar Module Pilot Rusty Schweickart, and legendary NASA Apollo Flight Directors Gerry Griffin, Gene Kranz and Milt Windler. These figures played integral roles in the most daring and historic space missions in human history. Duke, as one of only twelve astronauts to have walked on the Moon, will share his experiences of lunar exploration, detailing what it was like to stand on another world and the challenges of deep space travel. Haise’s experiences in the amazing story of Apollo 13’s miraculous recovery are legendary. In March 1969, Schweickart and the crew of Apollo 9 helped pave the way for Apollo 11’s historic Moon landing just a few months later. Griffin, Kranz and Windler, key leaders behind the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, provide insight into the strategic decision-making and leadership that made the success of the Apollo missions possible.

Charlie Duke
In April 1972, Charlie Duke became the tenth and youngest person to walk on the Moon as the Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo 16. At 36 years and 201 days old, he remains the youngest man to set foot on the lunar surface. Prior to his own mission, Duke served as the CAPCOM (Capsule Communicator) for Apollo 11’s historic first Moon landing in July 1969. After Neil Armstrong announced, “Houston, the Eagle has landed,” Duke responded with a now-famous, slightly fumbled transmission: “Roger, Twank… Tranquility, we copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue. We’re breathing again. Thanks a lot!”

Fred Haise
Fred Haise is one of only 24 men to have ever flown to the Moon. In 1966, he was one of 19 astronauts selected for NASA Astronaut Group 5 and the first astronaut in his group to be assigned a mission, serving as backup Lunar Module Pilot for both Apollo 8 and Apollo 11. As the Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 13, he was originally tasked with landing on the Moon. Instead, after an oxygen tank explosion turned the mission into a fight for survival, Haise and his crewmates worked alongside Mission Control to return safely to Earth. After Apollo, Haise played a key role in the early development of the Space Shuttle program. He piloted the Space Shuttle Enterprise in its approach and landing test flights, proving the orbiter’s ability to glide and land safely. These tests paved the way for the shuttle’s eventual operational flights.

Rusty Schweickart
Apollo 9 Lunar Module Pilot Rusty Schweickart joined NASA as one of 14 astronauts named in October 1963, the third group of astronauts. He served as lunar module pilot for Apollo 9 in March 1969, logging 241 hours in space. It was the third manned flight of the Apollo series and the first manned flight of the lunar module. For the first time in space flight history, crew-members flew in a spacecraft, the LM, designed to operate only in the vacuum of space. During a 46 minute EVA Schweickart tested the portable life support backpack which was subsequently used on the lunar surface explorations.

Gerry Griffin
Gerald D. “Gerry” Griffin was a flight director for NASA during the Apollo Program and later served as Director of Johnson Space Center, succeeding Chris Kraft in 1982. As a flight director in Mission Control, Griffin led teams on all nine crewed missions to the Moon, including six lunar landings. His “Gold” team oversaw the landings of Apollo 14, 15, 16, and 17. Originally scheduled to direct Apollo 13’s landing, Griffin instead played a crucial role in the mission’s emergency response, helping guide the astronauts safely back to Earth after the explosion of an oxygen tank.

Gene Kranz
Eugene “Gene” Kranz, a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, was one of NASA’s most legendary Flight Directors. He led Mission Control during the Gemini and Apollo programs, overseeing historic missions including Apollo 11 and Apollo 13. He was in charge during the Apollo 1 disaster in 1967, in which three astronauts lost their lives in a launch pad fire. That tragedy prompted what became known as the “Kranz Dictum”—a commitment to being “Tough and Competent,” a philosophy that still influences NASA operations today.

Milt Windler
Milton “Milt” Windler was a NASA Flight Director best known for his leadership during Apollo 13. One of the four key flight directors who helped bring the crippled spacecraft safely back to Earth, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his role in the mission. After Apollo, Windler worked on the Space Shuttle Program, focusing on Remote Manipulator Systems operations until 1978.

In addition to Duke, Haise, Schweickart, Griffin, Kranz and Windler, other legendary figures from the world of commercial aerospace and space exploration will be announced in the coming months. These distinguished guests offer additional perspectives on the evolution of space travel, sharing their unique experiences and expertise. Whether through panel discussions, personal anecdotes, or behind-the-scenes insights, the evening promises to be an unforgettable opportunity to engage with the icons who helped shape humanity’s presence beyond Earth.

Schedule of Events:

• 5:30PM: Reception
• 7:00PM: Dinner/Program Starts

The Legacy of Apollo is a black-tie formal event and fundraiser. All proceeds will go towards updating and enhancing future museum experiences. Your support not only celebrates the past but also invests in an even more exciting future for our museum.

For Sponsorships & Additional Information:
Contact: Nicole Velazquez at 619.234.8291x109 or nvelazquez@sdasm.org

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