March 18, 2024
Coalition for Deep Space Exploration Mourns Passing of Lt. Gen. Stafford
WASHINGTON, D.C. — It is with profound sadness that the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration (CDSE) notes the passing of Lt. Gen. Thomas Patten “Tom” Stafford (USAF-Ret.), whose accomplishments spanned both military and civilian careers, including as a former astronaut, on March 18, 2024.
“On behalf of the Coalition, I extend our sincerest condolences to General Stafford’s family, friends, and colleagues at this most difficult time,” said CDSE President and CEO Allen Cutler. “As we reflect on General Stafford’s contributions to our space program and fostering international relations in space when it was difficult to do so on Earth, we realize how much positive influence present-day NASA can have in our current world. We can, and should, honor his legacy by both sharing in his hope for a better future and working together to bring it about.”
Lt. Gen Stafford’s missions as a NASA astronaut had a profound impact on NASA’s preparations to land crewed missions on the Moon. He flew to space on Gemini 6, Gemini 9, and commanded Apollo 10 – the penultimate mission to the first human landing on the Moon. During his Gemini missions, General Stafford piloted the first rendezvous in space and performed other rendezvous activities that became the standards followed for the Apollo lunar missions. On the Apollo 10 mission, he piloted the first Lunar Module into orbit to test all the landing systems as the final dress rehearsal for the Apollo 11 lunar landing.
On his final trip to space in 1975, he flew with two crewmates to rendezvous with a Soviet Soyuz capsule. The event was historically marked with photos of Stafford and cosmonaut Alexey Leonov shaking hands where the two craft were joined. The mission brought a U.S. crew together with a Soviet crew in orbit amid the tensions of the Cold War. Lt. Gen. Stafford received a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize for his participation in this mission.
About the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration
The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration is a national organization of more than 50 space industry businesses and other stakeholders committed to ensuring the United States remains a leader in space exploration, science, technology, and international cooperation. Based in Washington, D.C., the Coalition advocates in support of a long-term, sustainable direction for our nation’s space investments.
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MEDIA CONTACT
For more information or to schedule an interview with CDSE President and CEO Allen Cutler, please contact Dan Stohr at (703) 517-8173 or DNStohrConsulting@gmail.com.
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