Apollo 50th Anniversary speaker series

The Space Center is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon landing with a monthly speaker series hosted by former Boeing Project Manager and 40-year Aerospace Industry veteran Gerald A. Blackburn as he sits down with former engineers and scientists who worked on the Apollo missions here in Downey. They discuss the role they played in the missions, life in the 60’s here in Downey, the significance their work has, and so much more!

eD Smith

Gerald A. Blackburn sits down with Apollo Chief Engineer Ed Smith to talk about the Apollo Program, the North American Aviation/Rockwell Downey plant, and their experiences in Aerospace.

Interview recorded on Sunday, March 3rd, 10:00am at the Columbia Memorial Space Center.

ALexander “dino” toigo

Gerald A. Blackburn sits down with Apollo Engineer Alexander "Dino" Toigo to discuss his experiences working as an engineer on the Apollo space program here in Downey.

Interview recorded on Sunday, April 14th, 10:00am at the Columbia Memorial Space Center.

Robert Thompson

Former Boeing Project Manager and 40-year Aerospace Industry veteran Gerald A. Blackburn sits down with Robert Thomson. From Apollo power trucker to janitorial staff to President of the Downey Historical Society, Robert shares his unique perspective on the Apollo program.

Interview was recorded on Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 at 10:00am at the Columbia Memorial Space Center.

Anthony Vidaña

Former Boeing Project Manager and 40-year Aerospace Industry veteran Gerald A. Blackburn sits down with Apollo Engineer Anthony Vidaña to discuss his experiences working as an engineer on the Apollo space program here in Downey.

Interview recorded on Sunday, July 7th, 10:00am at the Columbia Memorial Space Center.

Ken Pauley & Ted Nishimoto

Former Boeing Project Manager and 40-year Aerospace Industry veteran Gerald A. Blackburn sits down with former Apollo Engineer, Ken Pauley. Ken also brought a surprise guest, Ted Nishimoto. Ted, also a former Apollo Engineer, worked on the Command Module Aft Heat Shield.

This interview was recorded on Sunday, September 8th, 2019 at 10:00am at the Columbia Memorial Space Center.

Ed Byrne

Former Boeing Project Manager and 40-year Aerospace Industry veteran Gerald A. Blackburn sits down with friend and personal hero, Ed Byrne - Apollo engineer and former city leader of Palmdale.

This interview was recorded on Sunday, October 6th, 2019 at 10:00am at the Columbia Memorial Space Center.