Awesome or Off-Putting is a weekly delve into cryptozoology, ufology, aliens, medical marvels, scientific wonders, secret societies, government conspiracies, cults, ghosts, EVPs, myths, ancient artifacts, religion, strange facts, odd sightings or just the plain unexplainable.
This week: Strange Facts
In 1969 the American space program was fledgling. Regardless of their inexperience, the pimple-faced NASA felt obligated to take a solid crack at sticking boots on the moon. This they did, as we now know today. Neil Armstrong said something about jumping, and Buzz Aldrin was probably pissed Armstrong beat him down the ladder.
What's a little less known is that the American up and ups weren't entirely sure they could get their boys back to Earth. In fact, things were so uncertain Richard Nixon even had a speech drafted up in case of horrific failure. Hecklerspray has it for you.
Yes we do.
The American government thought it a real possibility that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin could get stranded on the moon. They thought it possible that the astronauts could get stuck there with maybe a few days worth of oxygen in their lunar module, and one would have to watch the other slowly suffocate to death only to follow within minutes.
There was even a game plan in place should this occur – the President would call the not-yet widows to offer condolences, toss around the word hero, and maybe assure them that both men were well above resorting to cannibalism. Said game plan also included a speech to be given to the American public should the worst case scenario occur – and here it is:
"These brave men, Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, know that there is no hope for their recovery. But they also know that there is hope for mankind in their sacrifice. These two men are laying down their lives in mankind's most noble goal: the search for truth and understanding. They will be mourned by their families and friends; they will be mourned by the nation; they will be mourned by the people of the world; they will be mourned by a Mother Earth that dared send two of her sons into the unknown.
In their exploration, they stirred the people of the world to feel as one; in their sacrifice, they bind more tightly the brotherhood of man. In ancient days, men looked at the stars and saw their heroes in the constellations. In modern times, we do much the same, but our heroes are epic men of flesh and blood. Others will follow, and surely find their way home. Man's search will not be denied. But these men were the first, and they will remain the foremost in our hearts. For every human being who looks up at the moon in the nights to come will know that there is some corner of another world that is forever mankind."
Read More:
Apollo 11 Memo – The Smoking Gun