Lunar Souvenirs Visited Mt. Everest Before Returning To Space

Moon rocks collected during the historic Apollo 11 mission found a new residence aboard the International Space Station alongside a piece of Mt. Everest.  The STS-130 crew delivered the rocks to the space station this week along with the new Tranquility module and multi-window cupola.

Endeavour Commander George Zamka and station commander Jeff Williams installed a plaque with the rocks in the new Tranquility module during a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening both the module and the multi-window cupola.  The moon rocks were originally collected by former NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong from the Sea of Tranquility on the lunar surface more than four decades ago.

As ANN previously reported, former NASA astronaut Scott Parazynski successfully carried the moon rocks with him to the summit of Mt. Everest.  Parazynski presented the rocks to NASA astronaut and STS-130 Commander George Zamka during a special ceremony at Space Center Houston on January 6.

Endeavour Commander George Zamka and station commander Jeff Williams during the ribbon cutting ceremony in orbit

"These moon rocks have had quite a journey and will continue their journey for thousands and millions of miles in a very short amount of time," said Zamka during the dedication ceremony in orbit.  "They will be placed in the cupola as a reminder of mans' reach and mans' grit as they go out and explore."

FMI: www.NASA.gov/station