Local Industry Played Its Part in Moon Landing: Widener Professor Recalls Life in the Space Age

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Image via Colin Ainsworth Media News Group.

As we observe the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing this Saturday, July 20, it’s important to note that Delaware County was also part of the action back in the 1960s, writes Colin Ainsworth for the Delaware County News Network.

The Sun Shipbuilding & Drydock Company in Chester produced the nation’s largest rocket test chamber for Aerojet General and Boeing Vertol made innovations in the helicopter industry.

Looking back on those days is Harry J. Augensen, Ph.D, professor of physics and astronomy at Widener University and director of the university observatory.

Augensen was finishing a shift in an automotive spring factory at the time, determined to land a career in the space sciences after watching men take their first steps on the moon.

“I had already decided to go into the field of astronomy and astrophysics, but this was something that cemented my career path – I knew this was going to be a frontier,” he said.

Looking back 50 years later, Augusen spoke “in awe” of the efficiency behind the Apollo 11 landing – with its inter-disciplinary team of America’s best in science and engineering joined by international counterparts.

Read more about Dr. Augusen’s thoughts on the space program here.

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