NASA Pays Last Respect To Thomas Stafford, Astronauts For Apollo Mission

Former NASA Astronaut Tom Stafford (Photo: dock. NASA)

JAKARTA Thomas Stafford, a former NASA astronaut and US Air Force General, passed away on Monday, March 18. Astronauts for this Apollo mission received respect from NASA officials.

NASA administrator Bill Nelson said Thomas, who is familiarly called Tom, was a supporter of space exploration throughout his life. Therefore, Tom's departure left sadness for NASA.

"Today, General Tom Stafford went to eternal heaven, which he bravely explored as a Gemini and Apollo astronaut and a peacemaker on the Apollo-Soyuz mission," Nelson said on NASA's official blog.

Nelson said that Tom played an important role in the success of the early space program in the United States. Tom also plays an important role in making space an international cooperation model.

"He helped us learn from the tragedy we experienced and grew and achieved achievements for the next generation. He was closely involved in space programs, shared his thoughts and suggestions about NASA's mission until the end of his life," Nelson explained.

Tom was first involved in Gemini's program, a project to prepare for the Apollo mission. He became one of the crew at Gemini 6 and directed Gemini 9 to Earth when the spacecraft's computer failed to reach orbit.

Apart from participating in the Gemini program, Tom also directly directed the Apollo mission. He was the commander on the Apollo 10 mission, the mission on which Apollo 11. This flight test went successfully and the Apollo 11 crew managed to land on the Moon.

"Tom flew more than 100 different types of aircraft throughout his career as he pushed for our achievements in the air and outer space. He is an extraordinary peacemaker who led NASA's first meeting of international spacecraft."

The magnitude of Tom's career at NASA earned the Air Force General great respect. According to NASA, Tom is a figure who brings peace because he managed to lead the Apollo-Soyuz international program meeting.

"Our nation will forever thank an explorer who has never lost his curiosity. About his (habited) time in space," Nelson said.