Students interact with the first man on moon

In a reply to one of the questions regarding the problems faced by them during the moon mission,Armstrong said,“Around two hours after leaving earth,the lunar command and landing modules separated from the main rocket. Three days later,the crew entered the lunar orbit (orbit around the moon). During the landing,there were several problems with the mission computer and to avoid a crash,we had to take manual control of the landing craft.”

He added that adjusting the lander’s flight path was especially tricky with the craft balanced on the rocket thrust,changing the direction and required tilting of the spacecraft slightly to one side. The craft eventually landed with only 25 seconds of fuel left.

Armstrong informed that his accomplice Aldrin joined him on the moon surface and tested methods for moving around,including two-footed kangaroo hops.

“The personal life support system backpack created a tendency to tip backwards,but no astronaut had serious problems maintaining balance. Loping became the preferred method of movement. The astronauts reported that they needed to plan their movements six or seven steps ahead. The fine soil was quite slippery,” recalled Armstrong.

Patiala students visit US Space Centre
PATIALA: Students of Budha Dal Public School recently returned from the US after an enriching experience of visiting the NASA Space Center at Houston. Nearly 24 students,along with two teachers,visited the centre as part of a school programme. Describing the 13-day experience as ‘incredible and unforgettable’,school principal Amrit Aujla,who had accompanied the team said: “Since our return,many students wish to be scientists.” Students were also taken on a tour of Johnson Space Center,Starship Gallery and Shuttle Mock-up Tour. The educational trip was followed by a cultural extravaganza at Orlando,where students enjoyed at Disney Land Epcot,Island of Adventure and the mall at Millenia. ENS