Pete Conrad

Getting To Know… The “New Nine”

By Antonia ⋅ January 21, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment

When discussing astronaut groups, two phrases always come up: the “Original Seven” and the “New Nine”. The names are fairly self explanatory: the Original Seven were the first group of astronauts to be selected by NASA, and include the likes of Deke Slayton, Al Shepard and Gus Grissom. Thanks to the book and film The [...]

Rookie Saves The Day: The Launch of Apollo 12

By Antonia ⋅ November 7, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

The launch of Apollo 12, in November 1969, was to be one of the more eventful Apollo launches… for all the wrong reasons.

Apollo 12: Remember, Remember

By Antonia ⋅ November 6, 2009 ⋅ 2 comments

In July, I was delighted to see the celebrations (and particularly the documentaries) that surrounded the Apollo 11 anniversary – particularly as I’m from the UK. I had, incorrectly, assumed that the anniversary would be acknowledged but largely ignored. In recent years, Apollo has become nothing more than a page in history for a nation [...]

Apollo Quotes: Pete Conrad

By Antonia ⋅ September 5, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

>> “Whoppee! That may have been a small one for Neil, but it’s a big one for me!” – Pete Conrad, Commander of Apollo 12 as he stepped onto the lunar surface. Conrad, at 5′6 and a half, was one of the shortest astronauts in the group.

LRO Pictures of Apollo 12 Landing Site (Ocean of Storms)

By Antonia ⋅ September 3, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

Pictured: The Ocean of Storms, as photographed by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Otherwise known as the landing site for Apollo 12. Scientific equipment, including the ALSEP, is obvious, as is the descent stage of the lunar module Intrepid. (To my untrained eye, Intrepid is very obviously shining, unlike anything else on the lunar surface). Note also the tracks in the dust.

Review: “Rocketman” – Pete Conrad Biography

By Antonia ⋅ July 22, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

Book: Rocketman: Astronaut Pete Conrad’s Incredible Ride to the Moon and Beyond
Who? Charles “Pete” Conrad, Commander of Apollo 12 and third man on the moon. Gemini veteran and commander of Skylab.
Written by: Pete’s second wife, Nancy, and author Howard A. Klausner.
Style: Published after Conrad’s death in 1999, this is not his story in his [...]