Lunar Photo of the Day 

A Boisterous Astronaut

Thirty-two years ago today the Apollo 16 lunar module Orion dropped down on to the Descartes highlands. Commander John Young was an astronaut's astronaut. He understood systems engineering, he was a great pilot and he loved space with a passion. John was the astronaut who smuggled a corned beef sandwich aboard Gemini 3 and who did wheelies with the Apollo 16 Moon buggy. His enthusiasm is evident here in his famous jumping salute - notice that his shadow and boots don't touch! And he is still at NASA and he still comes to the Lunar & Planetary Science Conferences every year to see what's new on the Moon. John Young is a great hero - he will be remembered when the Apollo program is lost in the mists of time.

Related Links:
John Young website

Tomorrow's LPOD: Earthday