NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Between 1969 and 1972, 12 American astronauts walked on the moon. They remain the only humans ever to do so. A new IMAX 3D film, "Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon" takes viewers with these American heroes as they explore its surface.

Written, narrated and co-produced by Tom Hanks, the film combines rarely seen NASA footage with studio re-creations. Hollywood stars, including Morgan Freeman, John Travolta, Paul Newman, Matt Damon and Matthew McConaughey, recount the Apollo missions in the astronauts' words.

In September, "Magnificent Desolation" opened in 85 theaters worldwide -- the widest release of any IMAX film. NASA's Glenn Research Center participated in the event at the Navy Pier IMAX Theater in Chicago.

"The film was so stunning it brought tears to my eyes," said Glenn Rocket Propulsion Engineer Bryan Palaszewski. "I couldn't believe how wonderfully realistic it was."

Image left: Palaszewski discusses the Vision for Space Exploration at the film's Chicago opening. Credit: NASA.

A NASA employee for 22 years, Palaszewski is a member of the Glenn Research Center Speakers Bureau. He gave eight presentations during the five-day event, talking to student groups, astronomical societies and the general public about the Apollo program and the Vision for Space Exploration, NASA's plan to return to the moon and journey to Mars.

NASA Glenn also sent several exhibits to the opening, including a moon rock and a vintage Apollo spacesuit. For Palaszewski, though, the highlight of the week was meeting Apollo Astronaut Jim Lovell. The first person to journey twice to the moon, Lovell served as Command Module Pilot of Apollo 8 and Commander of Apollo 13. The NASA Glenn rocket scientist introduced Lovell to a crowd of hundreds before the film screening.

"Jim Lovell trained long and hard to go on incredible missions that humans have never done since," Palaszewski said. "I've been a space nut since I was five years old, so meeting people like him is a fantastic treat."

Every year, NASA Glenn Speakers Bureau members like Palaszewski provide approximately 700 free presentations to an audience of over 80,000 people in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The group is made up of NASA employees, contractors and retirees who enjoy educating the public about agency missions and programs.

Find out how to schedule a speaker or an exhibit for your event.

More Information:
+ Visit IMAX Web site
Jan Wittry (SGT, Inc.)