Variety Of Items Up For Bids Through September 3rd

Bidding is open in the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's (ASF) Fall Auction of Astronaut Experiences & Memorabilia, which opened online Friday. Bidders have the chance to own relics from over five decades of mankind's journey into the unknown, including autographed items from legends like astronauts Buzz Aldrin and John Glenn. 

The unique auction, which will remain open through September 3rd, is infused with space history, with items ranging from autographs from the Mercury 7 astronauts, to a piece of the Apollo 13 command module and a shirt worn in space by shuttle astronaut Kathy Thornton. Also available are seven "Astronaut Experiences" – rare opportunities which give fans the chance to spend one-on-one time with hero astronauts. Featured adventures include a Bahamas Cruise with Mercury Astronaut Scott Carpenter and a Mars Rover Launch Viewing with STS-1 Pilot Robert Crippen.

"Proceeds from the auction fuel an important mission: supporting the bright, young minds who will lead America into new frontiers of science and technology by giving them the means to succeed," said ASF Chairman and Apollo 16 moonwalker Charlie Duke , who donated a schematics page which he carried to the surface of the Moon in 1972. "My fellow astronauts and I are committed to helping the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation in this pursuit, offering our personal mementos, autographs and time to raise vital funds for scholarships."

The online auction concludes September 3, 2011 at 2200 EDT. Winning bids, over fair market value, should be considered a charitable donation.

FMI: www.AstronautScholarship.org