The Oldest Astronaut

Glenn made history one more time. After he announced his retirement from politics, Glenn was asked by NASA if he would like to go into space one more time, on a Space Shuttle mission. The gesture was made partly to honor him and partly to study the effects of space­flight on older people—Glenn was in his seventies at the time. Glenn jumped at the chance to join the mission.

On October 29, 1998, Glenn left Earth once again. It was almost thirty-seven years since his first flight. Things had changed. This time, he was on board the Space Shuttle Discovery and had six crewmates instead of being the lone astronaut. The flight took more than nine days, whereas his previous flight

INSPIRATION FOR THE FUTURE

"The most important thing we can do is inspire young minds and to advance the kind of science, math, and technology education that will help youngsters take us to the next phase of space travel."

John Glenn, speaking as spokesperson for National Space Day, 2000

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had lasted just over 4 hours. For Glenn, going into space again was an enormous thrill.

After the flight, Glenn retired from public life. He and his wife Annie settled back in Ohio. Both served on the board of trustees at Muskingum College, where they had studied so many years before. Glenn opened a center at Ohio State University to encourage young people to start careers in public service.

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SEE ALSO:

• Astronaut • NASA • Pilot

• Spaceflight • Space Race

• Supersonic Flight

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