Stellar guest lands for Carnarvon space museum opening

Apollo 11 astronaut Dr Buzz Aldrin, the second man to set foot on the moon, is about to touch-down in Western Australia for the official opening of the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum.

Western Australian Tourism Minister Kim Hames said Dr Aldrin travelled from the United States especially for the Carnarvon Space Festival this Friday and Saturday to celebrate the important role Carnarvon played in space history.

Dr Hames stated "Buzz Aldrin made international history in 1969 when he was part of the first manned lunar landing, and he has travelled to Carnarvon to honour the town for the part it played in the historic mission.

"The museum commemorates the Carnarvon Tracking Station which played a pivotal role in NASA's Gemini, Apollo and Skylab programs - it was the last station to communicate with the capsules after leaving orbit and the last to make contact before an ocean splashdown.

"In fact, Dr Aldrin himself assembled equipment on the Moon's surface which was switched on by the Carnarvon Tracking Station for data collection."

Dr Hames said a two-day festival would be held to commemorate the official opening of phase one of the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum, adding "the State Government is a proud sponsor of the festival through Eventscorp's extraordinary round of the Regional Events Scheme which was funded by Royalties for Regions."

Western Australian Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the festival was a great way to celebrate the history of regional Western Australia, "a visit from an American hero like Dr Buzz Aldrin is proof our State is truly extraordinary and shows how we can play an integral part in international events.

"The festival will inspire and educate children in the Gascoyne region and beyond and it is fantastic to see regional communities like Carnarvon not only have access to but also the ability to host such incredible events through Royalties for Regions funding."

For more information go to www.carnarvonmuseum.org.au