Astronaut Al Worden – one of only 24 men in the world to journey to the Moon – will visit the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center Oct. 15 to meet Cosmosphere members, present programs and sign copies of his new autobiography, “Falling to Earth”. Worden and his Apollo 15 crewmates carried out the first long-duration science mission to the Moon using the Lunar Rover and new sensors onboard the Command Module. Lauded upon their return, they were later embroiled in controversy over items sold to collectors. The book reveals for the first time Worden’s own account of his spectacular triumphs in space, as well as his scandalous fall from favor (and eventual redemption) after splashdown.

“Falling to Earth”, co-written with noted space author, Francis French, uncovers both the glory and pitfalls of traveling to the Moon and back. A graduate of West Point, Worden retired from active duty in 1975 and spent years in private industry before becoming the Chair of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.

“We’re thrilled to have Al Worden here to share his story. We expect to see many new members because of the draw of his experiences flying to the Moon on Apollo 15,” said Cosmosphere President & CEO Chris Orwoll. “Both Al and Francis have fascinating stories to share about the incredible early history of American and Russian spaceflight.”

Scheduled Oct. 15 activities:

1:30 p-m, – Russian Space History Public Presentation by Francis French, “Yuri Gagarin: The Story Behind the First Person in Space.” The program is free with a paid admission to the Cosmosphere Hall of Space Museum, the IMAX or other theatre.

6:30 p-m, – Reception and photos with Worden and French for the Cosmosphere’s Premium Members only. Reservations required; contact the Cosmosphere to inquire about Premium Membership.

7:30 p-m, – “Falling to Earth” Presentation and book signing by Worden and French for Cosmosphere Members only.

For Cosmosphere membership information and/or event reservations, call 620-665-9310, or pattif@cosmo.org. Copies of “Falling to Earth” must be purchased at the Cosmosphere and are available through the Cosmosphere’s Cargo Bay gift store for $29.95, plus tax. Members receive a 10 percent discount on all purchases.

The Smithsonian-affiliated Cosmosphere houses the largest, most significant collection of U.S. and Russian space artifacts held anywhere outside the Smithsonian’s Air & Space Museum. The Cosmosphere is located at 1100 N. Plum, Hutchinson. www.cosmo.org