Triton College Honors Gene Cernan’s Apollo 10 Spacesuit With Public Sendoff
Gene Cernan’s Apollo 10 spacesuit came within eight miles of the Moon’s surface in May of 1969. For the last 40 years, it’s stood on the surface of the Cernan Earth and Space Center at Triton College.
RIVER GROVE, Ill. — After 40 years standing on duty at Triton College’s Cernan Earth and Space Center, Gene Cernan’s Apollo 10 spacesuit and twelve other artifacts will soon retire to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum for restoration and relaxation.
The Cernan Earth and Space Center invites the public to offer a proper sendoff and final salute to Cernan’s flown spacesuit at a “Retirement Party” on May 17 from 2 to 4 p.m.
“We owe our spacesuit a fond farewell on behalf of all the generations, approximately 1.5 million visitors from youngsters on a field trip to our elders out with family or friends, who have been amazed and inspired by this significant piece of our local and our nation’s history,” said Cernan Center Director Kris McCall.
There will be a trivia challenge and a short program in the planetarium, as well as special explanations about the artifacts on display in the exhibit hall. Visitors are encouraged to wear space-themed attire, ranging from a full costume to a NASA T-shirt. Guests can also capture the moment in front of an orbiting spaceship photo backdrop. Admission is free, and all visitors will receive a 10% discount on purchases in the Star Store Gift Shop during the event.
Although the spacesuit currently on display on Triton College’s campus never touched the surface of the moon, it was worn by Cernan in lunar orbit during the Apollo 10 mission in May 1969. According to NASA, the mission encompassed all aspects of an actual crewed lunar landing except the landing itself. It served as the final “dress rehearsal” before the first lunar landing of Apollo 11 two months later.
“Every day, we see families and other visitors capture their own spirit of exploration and excitement when they take a group photo with the spacesuit,” McCall added. “This spacesuit has been within eight miles of the lunar surface! How cool is that?”
He was not the first to set foot on the moon, but Cernan—the namesake of the Cernan Earth and Space Center—is remembered for being the last, leaving his boot print during the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972.
The Retirement Party for the Apollo 10 spacesuit is free and open to the public. For those unable to attend, the Cernan Center lobby exhibits are open 9 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday, except June 5, and Saturdays from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. The last day to see the spacesuit will be June 6.
For more information about out-of-this-world programming and events, visit triton.edu/campus/cernan-center, facebook.com/CernanCenter or call 708-456-0300, ext. 3372.
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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820
ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of
higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute
as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate
programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year
universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove,
Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable
educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we
serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member
of The Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community
college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.
