Those in the Space Program Had a “loyalty and dedication to the job”

Peterson became a NASA astronaut in September, 1969, and served on the astronaut support crew for Apollo 16. He was a mission specialist on the maiden voyage of the spacecraft Challenger, which launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on April 4, 1983. The crew conducted numerous experiments in materials processing, deployed the first Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, and Peterson conducted an extravehicular activity, commonly called a "spacewalk," to test the new suit, the Shuttle airlock, and new tools and techniques for construction and repair outside a spacecraft. The flight lasted 120 hours.

Typed Letter Signed on NASA letterhead, one page 4to, Houston, Texas, no date but March, 1973, to Hal Collins. “A couple of things stand out in my memory when I think about the time I spent with you and your organization at the Cape. The first is the feeling of comradery based upon mutual loyalty and dedication to the job and to each other. The second is the unfailing readiness and competence of the support team, whether in routine tasks or handling the wide variety of unexpected occurrences. That blend of professionalism and human interest made it one of the finest and most enjoyable working environments I have ever experienced. I believe it truly reflected your unselfish devotion to duty, high standards of performance and sincere concern for those around you. Certainly no one could have contributed more to the well being of the astronauts who worked and lived there. I can only say a heartfelt thank you and wish you much happiness and satisfaction in the future.”

A fascinating and rare peek behind the scenes of America’s space program, showing the kind of positive atmosphere and comradery that made that program so successful.