NEWS RELEASE:
NATIONAL SPACE SOCIETY STATEMENT ON DEATH OF ASTRONAUT ALAN SHEPARD

(Washington, DC) -- July 22 -- The National Space Society (NSS) today released the following statement from NSS President Charlie Walker (three-time shuttle astronaut) on the death last night of astronaut Alan Shepard:

"The National Space Society (NSS) is extremely saddened to have lost astronaut and NSS Board of Governors member Alan Shepard. His impact on society and our organization will never be forgotten.

Many of us weren't around to remember how it felt when Alan Shepard lifted America. It felt wonderful! And he did it while sitting on his back. When he was launched on the first American rocket ride into space the whole country was watching and listening. He succeeded in that mission and did it with humor -- humor that he later carried to the moon along with a golf ball and club.

Al Shepard will always be thought of as the starting runner in our race to space. He also helped the NSS get its running start. He was a member of the original Board of Directors soon after our organization was founded in the mid-1970s, later becoming a member of our Board of Governors. We are especially sorry that he will not be here to help the NSS celebrate its 25th year in 1999.

On behalf of the 23,000 members of the NSS, our Board of Directors and Al's fellow Governors, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family."