LEGACY - Astronaut Training Area, Central Oregon - Space Flight Memorials and Exhibits on Waymarking.com

NOTE: In 2011, to meet current ADA requirements the Trail of the Molten Lands had to be rerouted and signs replaced. New signs were designed which are more colorful but in many cases less informative than they could have been, including no mention of astronauts training here.

On July 27, 1966, twenty-two astronauts and a group of National Aeronautics and Space Administration scientists and officials visited the summit of Lava Butte, for a look at a volcanic land that at the time was believed to be similar to moon topography. They received instruction on the geology of the area. The following day they returned and walked across the lavas to the breach on the south side of the butte. During their three day stay in central Oregon, the astronauts also visited several other sites including Lava River Cave, Newberry Crater, and Hole-in-the-Ground.
In addition to the July 1966 astronaut visit to central Oregon, scientists and NASA officials visited several other times. In August 1964, astronaut Walter Cunningham and 15 other NASA scientists performed mobility experiments at several sites (McKenzie Pass lava fields, Big Obsidian Flow, and Crescent pumice flats) while wearing a space suit. In August 1965 the International Lunar Geological Field Conference was held in central Oregon. In October 1966, NASA performed water extraction tests on pumice from a pit west of Bend. In July 1968, central Oregon’s “Moon Country” brought over 50 international geologist to the area for the Andesite Conference.

The text of the history marker reads:
The awesome lava lands of Eastern Oregon were the training and testing grounds for the astronauts and their equipment in 1964 and 1966. Training and experience gained on these lava fields developed skills for the lunar explorers to make their first walk over the face of the airless moon. This small rest area is dedicated to those courageous men who trained here for that first historic “giant step for mankind”.

Hours: The history sign can be accessed at any time. The Lava Lands Visitor Center is generally open 9 to 5 from mid-May to mid-September. When the visitor center is open there is a fee for the area. Fee (if no fee, enter 'none'): 5 How Long a Hike: Half mile round trip. Amount of time an average person would spend here: Up to 2 hours Accessible?: yes Location is wheelchair accessible?: Yes

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Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   05/08/2011 jenbut visited it 09/13/2008 johnbarber visited it 05/31/2008 Volcanoguy visited it

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