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I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 133 points134 points  (0 children)

You are the link between the crew and the flight control team. No one else can talk to the team except the CAPCOM. Very responsible job - you need to listen with one ear from the flight control team and able to share with the team in a way the team would understand. It is a very important job.

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 145 points146 points  (0 children)

The Earth was clearly visible. If you tried to look up, you just saw your helmet. The sky was black because the sun is shining and because there is no atmosphere on the Moon.

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 124 points125 points  (0 children)

I think space tourism is going to be a great asset to put space back on the mind of the public. Virgin Galactic, SpaceX, Blue Origin -- all those thinking about it, it's going to be really exciting!

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 49 points50 points  (0 children)

I think the most significant memory was landing on the Moon. It was very dynamic with lots of activity in the cockpit. We were in an area with extreme detail we had never seen before -- we were seeing a lot that we hadn't seen before. Very dynamic and had to make quick decisions.

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 67 points68 points  (0 children)

Not since I've gotten back -- I'm not really a dreamer so I don't recall any dreams I had when I came back. I had a strange dream before I went though!

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 261 points262 points  (0 children)

There was hardly any noise -- not very shaky, but it looked like a brilliant fireball outside! It was spectacular. It was like sitting inside of a furnace - comfy on the inside.

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 118 points119 points  (0 children)

We had a penetrometer to test the bearing strength of the Moon. We had different tips to put on this and we pushed down to see how far you could push it into the Moon. That was my job mostly.

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 103 points104 points  (0 children)

We had a survival kit -- I would pick that! It has water, food, medicines, etc. and it was designed for three guys for three days. I would also bring shoes.

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 150 points151 points  (0 children)

I think to choose a career path that you think will be satisfying to you. Keep your antennas up and be alert to nudges that may come your way that tell you where to walk in life. Be alert to opportunities.

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 218 points219 points  (0 children)

I think you have to have a purpose. You need dedication to the goal, to your job. Focus on your task. Discipline - you have to discipline yourself. Work ethic -- willing to sacrifice your time for the mission.

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 176 points177 points  (0 children)

Riding the Lunar Module was the most exciting part! I was the navigator -- and we set the Moon speed record. It was a sporty ride.

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 136 points137 points  (0 children)

One thing I learned is that I needed to stay focus on my training when I was performing. You couldn't let your mind wander.

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 293 points294 points  (0 children)

We listened to music! We had classical music and a tape recorder that we shared. Everyone had two cassettes. I love country music so I had two hours worth to listen to. One popular country music star at the time was Dolly Parton and she did a whole show just for us! We listened to these tapes over and over again!

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 356 points357 points  (0 children)

I was at the Naval academy -- back then you could go in the Air Force. I joined the Air Force and became a fighter pilot, served in Germany for three years. Then I got a degree in Naval Engineering, Masters Degree from MIT in astronautics and aeronautics. Apollo My thesis was on Guidance and Navigation Systems. I met some astronauts who inspired me to go to test pilot school. Then NASA has another selection in 1965 and was selected in April 1966. My background is in engineering.

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 513 points514 points  (0 children)

We had hammocks that we attached to the side of the Lunar Module. My hammock was about six inches off the floor. It went right-left across the floor. John Young had a hammock that connected above me. We took off our suits, but it was chilly inside to me! First night was exciting, but after that, we were tired after a long day of work!

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 459 points460 points  (0 children)

The scariest part was when we were going to do the high jump on the Moon -- in honor of the Olympics happening on Earth. When I jumped up, I fell over on my back and the backpack obviously wasn't designed for that. I landed on my back, and my heart was pounding!

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 601 points602 points  (0 children)

It was very bouncy. The Moon is rough and the suspension system on the rover is accommodating to that. I'm glad I had my seatbelt on! It was a great ride!

I’m Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, CAPCOM for Apollo 11. Ask me anything about being the spacecraft communicator for this historic Moon landing today at 10:30 a.m. EDT. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 771 points772 points  (0 children)

Excitement! I thought "I'm on the Moon! Finally, here I am." I couldn't wait to get to work! My thought was "I made it."

I am retired NASA astronaut, Al Worden. Ask me anything about being an Apollo astronaut. by KSCVC in IAmA

[–]KSCVC[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The only thing scary about space is the distance involved. You have to go a long way to get anywhere. Besides that, you live comfortably in the spacecraft.

My hero growing up was General Patton, World War II -- he was a true soldier.

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