This week, members of M3 Technology’s leadership team were happy to attend the 11th Annual Air and Space Gala at Long Island’s Cradle of Aviation Museum. The Gala “helps to support the development of new activities and educational programs, and honors the accomplishments of leaders in aerospace and technology.”

Among the honorees were James A. McDivitt, and Russell Schweickart, the Commander and Lunar Module Pilot for the Apollo 9 Mission launched by NASA in March of 1969. This mission was critical in the development of procedures and testing of systems needed for the eventual moon landing. During the ten day mission the two astronauts and crew mate David Scott tested a number of critical systems, including the LM engines, backpack life support systems, navigation systems, and docking maneuvers.

The two men shared their stories at the gala and brought their audience (many of whom were veterans of the space program in their own right – employees and retired members of Grumman and other key contractors) back to those 10 days when a nation’s energies and treasure were committed to placing men on the moon. Neil Armstrong famously took “one small step,” but he would not have gotten very far without the work of men like McDivitt, Schweickart, and all of those who helped put them in orbit.