MSOA Update 2-27-19

1. I would like to clarify the membership in the MSOA based on email questions I am getting especially for newly added folks. A little history first. The old Apollo Flight Operations Association (AFOA) no longer exists. In the fall of 2017, a group of us rebuilt the organization but for legal reasons we had to change the name and we agreed on the Manned Spaceflight Operations Association (MSOA) and decided to tie it to the historic MCC when trying to establish the scope of the organization. We used as the basis to establish the membership the old AFOA list and the official manning lists and anyone’s name that appears anywhere on those lists in any capacity was included. We cover all flights supported out of the historic MCC so it covers Gemini 2 through STS 76. The Master Database that is on our website www.mannedspaceops.org was built from the manning memos/lists showing what each person did as they appeared on the lists. We then built this master distribution list from the names on that data base for the people we have been able to get email addresses for. So, if you are getting this email, you are a member of the MSOA by virtue of the fact you were on the old AFOA list or the manning memos/lists. No further action is required on your part. There are no registration forms required and we currently have no dues. Maybe sometime in the future when we sponsor activities such as scholorships, etc we may revisit the dues question. I have also been informed by our resident attorney that legally you are not “Members” but rather “Associates”. Unofficially we sometimes refer to you as members but you are really associates. Don’t ASK. If I mistakenly refer to you as members I just screwed up. I hope this helps an even though I grew up in Arkansas and went to OU I think I understand it.

2. Another thing I want to flag is that as you know this summer is a really big deal celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the most historic events in human history. A lot of you folks made that happen and the interest from the media and others is ramping up rapidly. NASA PAO has contacted me and the requests for interviews with Apollo era people are pouring in. I have a meeting next week with PAO to work this but I think where we are headed is that if any of you are interested in being interviewed you should contact NASA JSC PAO. But not yet. Let me have the meeting and I will follow up with details next week. I will NOT pass out your contact information without your explicit permission.

That’s it for now.

MSOA Update 2-5-19

1. I have added a few names to our distribution list so if you are seeing one of these emails for the first time, welcome to the MSOA. I encourage you to visit our website at www.mannedspaceops.org  to find out more about us. We have moved the Masterdatabase and No Contact list under the Missions Tab. Click on Missions Tab, then Manninglists and you will see an introduction and a blue button for the Masterdatabase and another for the No contact list. The Master Database shows what everyone did in support of flights from the Historic Mission Control. I am still missing some manning lists for some disciplines for early Shuttle STS 1 thru 76. If anyone has some manning lists, send them to me at alphaflt23@gmail.com or if you see anything that is wrong with what is there let me know and I will correct it. If you click on the No Contact button you will see a list of names of people we do not have email addresses for. If you see someone on that list, contact them and get them in touch with me at the aforementioned email address. 
2. The 50 th Anniversary of Apollo 11 is scheduled for this July and we are still having trouble getting JSC to commit to scheduled events. We have our, MSOA semi formal dinner and social scheduled for July 21 5:30 to 1000 at Space Center Houston (SCH). There will be dedicated Tram tours for our guests through out that day to go to the restored MCC. We have arranged discount rates at a few hotels in the area per the following and the date spreads vary because we do not know what events are scheduled and if anyone wants to alter the date range that is between you and the hotel:
A. Marriott Courtyard across from SCH, 7/18-7/22, Call 281-333-0220 and mention MSOA when making reservations, Cutoff date is July 5, Sgl King-$99.00, Two Queen- $109.00
B. Hilton on Clear Lake, 7/19-7/22. Call 281-333-9300, Use Code MSO  and the Group name is MSOA Apollo Mission 50th Anniversary. Cutoff date is 6/4 Room rate is $129.00
C. Homewood Suites on Bay Area Blvd near Hway 3. 7/18-7/25, Phone 281-486-7677, or email https://group.homewood-suites.com/MSOAApollo50th   Use the Group name MSOA Apollo 50th. There is also a Group Code MSO SMERF. Cutoff Date is 6/20. One King  $134.00  or One suite with two double $149.00
D. Candlewood Suites near Tommy’s Patio Cafe off Bay Area BLVD. 7/19-7/24, Phone 1-877-666-3243, Group Name MSOA Event. Cutoff 7/2. Studio for $114.00. Can also go to https://www.ihg.com/candlewood/hotels/us/en/find-hotel/ro

If you have any problem with these, let me know at alphaflt23@gmail.com

3. You can go to the Calendar on our website to see the known scheduled events. 
4. The MCC restoration project is proceeding on schedule unaffected by the government shutdown because it is privately funded. If anyone knows or can remember what was showing on the TVs in the viewing room during the Apollo 11 Landing and any audio that was playing there like TV feed, MOCR loops, PAO, etc please contact Sandra Tetley at  sandra.j.tetley@nasa.gov or call her at 281-636-6875.
5. Thanks to the people who have responded to me about serving on Panels at SCH. They also want to set up some luncheons with the public and are looking for Apollo Flight Controllers to share their time with the public. Anyone in the local area interested let me know and I will put you on the list.

More to follow as we know it.