Episode 601: Viva NASA Viva Florida

This Episode ofTalking Space brings you a recording from August 7th 2013 at the Alachua CountyLibrary Headquarters branch in Gainesville, FL. The presenter is Peter Chitkofrom NASA Kennedy Space Center. Peter Chitko is employed by NASA as theMechanical Division Engineering Technical Integration Manager.  In 1983, he joined NASA at the Kennedy SpaceCenter, which was the launch site and preferred landing site for NASA’s SpaceShuttles, so, with 30 years of experience, he has a wealth of information aboutFlorida history and space travel.

Mr. Chitko’spresentation at the Alachua County Florida Library added the very interestingaspect of spaceflight to the theme “Viva Florida 500”. Viva Florida 500 is astatewide initiative to highlight the 500 years of historic people, places andevents in present-day Florida since the arrival of Juan Ponce de León to theland he named La Florida in 1513. While Florida’s Native American heritagedates back more than 12,000 years, Spain’s claim in 1513 began a new era. 2013marks 500 years of history and diverse cultural heritage in Florida – a claimno other state in America can make – and Viva Florida 500 promotes the placewhere the world’s cultures began to unite and transform into the great nationwe know today as the United States of America. The Viva Florida 500commemoration is ongoing throughout 2013, and includes hundreds of eventsstatewide. The goal is to promote 500 years of Florida’s history – its people,places and cultural achievements – and this important milestone in American andFlorida history.

My apologies forthe moments you miss here with this audio only recording. Mr. Chitko playedseveral videos of key events from the Apollo program. Unfortunately theacoustics of the conference room we were in, made that audio (on my recording)difficult to understand. However I think you will find Mr. Chitko easy tounderstand and I ask you to let your mind’s eye fill in the pictures or videoyou have certainly seen before. Mr. Chitko will be telling us about the spacerace, about the Apollo Program and a little about what is ahead for NASA.

I want to thankMr. Peter Chitko of NASA Kennedy Space Center and the Alachua County Libraryfor permission to record this presentation. Several of us there felt this wasan outstanding presentation from an extremely knowledgeable speaker. Thank youNASA for sharing your best with communities far and wide.

During the lasttwo minutes of this recording you'll hear the question I asked Mr. Chitko and Ithink you'll find his answer well worth waiting for.

http://www.aclib.us/archer/blog/nasa-expert-peter-chitko-presents-history-space-aug-7-two-locations

http://www.vivaflorida.org/

Host: MarkRatterman

Show Recorded08/07/2013