Bidding Runs Through Saturday

Do you have the 'Right Stuff' to challenge Apollo 15 Command Module Pilot Al Worden in a NASCAR race; or the courage to jump out of a plane with five-time Space Shuttle veteran Robert "Hoot" Gibson?

If your answer is yes -- and you have a high-limit Visa card, no-overdraft-fees checking account, or rich relatives -- now’s your chance. The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) is offering these and 28 other coveted prizes in its Semi-Annual Online Auction of Astronaut Memorabilia and Experiences.

Beginning Thursday, space fans everywhere will have the opportunity to bid on memorabilia donated or autographed by more than 40 astronauts in this much anticipated online auction.

"This auction is a fun, but vital means to raise college scholarship funds for exceptional students pursuing science and engineering degrees," said ASF Chairman and Apollo 15 Astronaut Worden. "These students will help take America to the next frontier and I am excited to have the opportunity to personally thank the winning bidder by racing around a track in a 600 horse-powered NASCAR style racecar at Disney World’s Richard Petty Driving Experience."

Astronauts such as John Glenn, Jim Lovell and Scott Carpenter have delved into their personal collections to provide artifacts, autographed items, and one-on-one experiences for this auction. 
Items include a Glenn autographed Life magazine, a segment of Fred Haise’s Apollo 13 seat in which he flew around the moon, famed Space Shuttle Commander Eileen Collins' autographed NASA training polo shirt, and more.

Bidding will continue through Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. EDT with online and in person bidding coinciding at the Autographica show in Birmingham, England where astronauts will be signing for the public.

All proceeds from the auction benefit the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit organization which provides scholarships to college students who exhibit motivation, imagination, and exceptional performance in the science or engineering field of their major.

FMI: http://astronautscholarship.org/auction.pl