NATIONAL ASTRONAUT DAY
HISTORY
National Astronaut Day was submitted by uniphi space agency, a division of uniphi good LLC, and declared by the Registrar at National Day Calendar to be observed on May 5th of each year.
Following is an advance copy of the press release scheduled for May 2nd.
Monday, May 2nd, 2016:
Today, uniphi space agency, a division of uniphi good LLC, is proud to share the first National Astronaut Day campaign, to take place annually on May 5th. The campaign includes an Agency exclusive collaboration with Fisher Space Pen Co™ for the first ever “Astronaut Signature Pen” Series, awareness and fundraising for over 20 different charity partners, free downloadable “inspirational” Astronaut cards, and a #WeBelieveInAstronauts Social Media campaign which offers Space and Astronaut fans a chance to win a Skype session with an Astronaut!
In keeping with the tradition of other Astronaut and Space related celebrations, May 5th was selected for this significant date in history in 1961 when Astronaut Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. became the First American in Space, aboard the Freedom 7 Space capsule. The brief suborbital flight, which lasted approximately 15 minutes and reached a height of 116 miles into the atmosphere, was a milestone achievement. This trailblazing example of heroic bravery and adventurous spirit is this essence of what National Astronaut Day is all about. By sharing the incredible stories, experiences and perspective of actual Astronauts, the mission of National Astronaut Day is to inspire us ALL to follow our dreams, including both future Astronauts and those who seek to keep their feet on the ground alike!
“uniphi space agency is grateful for the opportunity to establish National Astronaut Day as a celebration of
these true heroes. Once you have the opportunity to meet and hear the perspective of these amazing
individuals you quickly realize that each Astronaut took a unique path, but all have a common vision to share
their experiences to make the world, and beyond, better for us ALL.”, said Annie Balliro, President & CEO of
uniphi good LLC and uniphi space agency, “In keeping with the true “Astronaut Spirit”, it was mission
critical to include a cornerstone of philanthropy for National Astronaut Day, both from a philosophical aspect
– an inspirational campaign tone and elements – and in a tangible way – through awareness and fundraising
opportunities – with a diverse range of 20 charity partners as part of the overall campaign, all of which were
personally selected by participating Astronauts.”
National Astronaut Day features an inclusive #WeBelieveInAstronauts social media plan, which encourages fans to download, for free, a full set of “inspirational” Astronaut Cards, as well as send in their own pictures to be considered as part of the campaign. Astronaut and Space fans can also “enter to win” a 30-minute Skype session with an Astronaut from the uniphi space agency cadre, as well as a special prize pack that contains a Limited Edition Astronaut inspired screenprint, a limited edition National Astronaut Day patch and a Fisher Space Pen™ pen from the “Astronaut Signature Pen” Series.
The contest, and online programs, will be made available May 5th on www.NationalAstronautDay.com.
“Spaceflight and Astronauts are something that we all can be inspired by… they give us something to believe
in”, noted Michelle Lucas, VP Industry Relations at uniphi space agency, “#WeBelieveInAstronauts is a
social movement meant to inspire and encourage people across the planet. No matter where on Earth you are,
you can interact with others on social media who also are inspired by the wonder of Space. If you’ve ever
wanted to know more about Astronauts, you can download their individual cards that will give you some new
perspective on these “out of this world” individuals.”
The “Astronaut Signature Pen” Series, an Agency exclusive collaboration with Fisher Space Pen Co™, features a diverse range of pen styles and Charity partners, all personally selected by each participating Astronaut. Each Special Edition pen has an engraved Astronaut signature, as well as an Astronaut and Charity specific card inside each pen box. 5% of the retail price for each “Astronaut Signature Pen” will benefit the selected charity. The pen styles and prices vary and will be available for sale on May 5th on www.NationalAstronautDay.com and www.spacepen.com.
Matt Fisher, VP of Sales Fisher Space Pen Co., commented, “We are honored to share in this opportunity
with uniphi space agency to help bring more awareness to our beloved Astronauts while supporting these
wonderful Charities. Fisher Space Pen Co. is built on the reliability and performance traditions that are
synonymous with the Space Program. Our products are the most functional and dependable writing
instruments – both in and out of this world. We are looking forward to seeing this project come to fruition.”
“Astronaut Signature Pen” Series Participants and Campaign Charity Partners Include:
Clayton Anderson www.AstronautClaytonAnderson.com, in support of Celebrating Nebraska Statehood www.ne150.org
Mark Brown www.AstronautMarkBrown.com, in support of Air Force Museum Foundation www.airforcemuseum.com
Leroy Chiao www.AstronautLeroyChiao.com, in support of HASSE www.thehasse.org
Frank Culbertson www.AstronautFrankCulbertson, in support of Higher Orbits www.higherorbits.org
Robert Curbeam www.AstronautRobertCurbeam.com, in support of Challenger Center www.challenger.org
Brian Duffy www.AstronautBrianDuffy.com, in support of Good Shepherd Manor www.goodshepherdmanor.org
Fred Gregory www.AstronautFredGregory.com, in support of Association of Graduates www.usafa.org
Ken Ham www.AstronautKenHam.com, in support of Angel Canines www.angelcaninesforwoundedwarriors.org
Greg H. Johnson www.AstronautGregJohnson.com, in support of CASIS www.iss-casis.org
Wendy Lawrence www.AstronautWendyLawrence.com, in support of Ride Family Fdn www.ridefoundation.org
Steve Lindsey www.AstronautSteveLindsey.com, in support of Astronaut Scholarship Fdn www.astronautscholarship.org
Pam Melroy www.AstronautPamMelroy.com, in support of Association of Space Explorers www.space-explorers.org
Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger www.AstronautDorothyMetcalfLindenburger.com, in support of The Mars Generation www.themarsgeneration.org
Steve Oswald www.AstronautSteveOswald.com, in support of Federation of Galaxy Explorers www.foge.org
Mark Polansky www.AstronautMarkPolansky, in support of Garden of Dreams www.gardenofdreamsfoundation.org
Garrett Reisman www.AstronautGarrettReisman.com, in support of Lustgarten Fdn www.lustgarten.org
Steve Swanson www.AstronautSteveSwanson.com, in support of American 300 www.american300.org
Dan Tani www.AstronautDanTani.com, in support of DuPage Railroad Safety Council www.dupagerailsafety.org
David Wolf www.AstronautDavidWolf.com, in support of Jewish Federations Indianapolis www.jewishindianapolis.org
George Zamka www.AstronautGeorgeZamka.com, in support of Marine Corps Heritage Fdn www.marineheritage.org
National Astronaut Day online fundraising campaign, in support of Space Foundation www.spacefoundation.org
National Astronaut Day will be celebrated annually on the National Day Calendar. Founder Marlo Anderson commented, “Late last year, National Day Calendar received an application
from uniphi space agency for National Astronaut Day. Although never talked about, we were surprised to
find out that National Astronaut Day did not exist. Within a few weeks, our selection committee had
approved the application.”
About the #WeBelieveInAstronauts Movement: ALL are invited and welcome to join our “Crew”. It’s easy! Simply download the “Official” #WeBelieveInAstronauts signs at www.NationalAstronautDay.com/pics , take a photo (of yourself or of your very own “Crew”) and upload to our site for posting or post directly on your own social media. Don’t forget to hashtag #WeBelieveInAstronauts as we’ll be checking the # every day and reposting and sharing your images across our social networks. Who knows.. maybe a few of the images might even be commented on or shared by a REAL Astronaut! More info: www.NationalAstronautDay.com . Why Do #WeBelieveInAstronauts? The incredible experience of traveling through space is something we all dream about at one time in our life. For a very select few, this dream became a reality. The path for every Astronaut is different, and Astronauts come from a diverse range of personal and professional backgrounds and include experiences such as scientists, inventors, educators, engineers, trailblazers, innovators, executives, historians, authors, philanthropists, advocates and dreamers. The one thing they all have in common – They are leaders in their chosen field and the pioneers of space. Please join us as we celebrate these amazing individuals, their unique experiences, and ultimately, to help spread the message that… no matter what our journey in life we are ALL Astronauts. #WeBelieveInAstronauts
About uniphi space agency: uniphi space agency, a division of uniphi good LLC, is honored to be the exclusive management agency for a diverse range of former Astronauts. Their stories and experiences lend to some of the world’s most compelling book projects, speaking engagements, and collaborations. Subjects include STEM/STEAM topics, innovation, motivation, technology, perseverance, education, engineering, safety, adventure, risk, strategy, “anything is possible”, and lessons from space as related to here on Earth. The sky is limitless. There are infinite possibilities for everyone to follow their dreams! Our goal is to help celebrate and share the stories and experiences of our Astronaut clients by differentiating between each individual’s specific experience and point of view, aligned with key strategic opportunities, to help motivate and inspire future generations of Astronauts to come! #WeBelieveInAstronauts | www.uniphispaceagency.com | Twitter @uniphispaceage | Instagram @uniphigood
About Fisher Space Pen Co™:
Paul C. Fisher first patented the AG7 “anti-gravity” pen in 1966. After 2 years of rigorous testing, NASA
approved and selected the Fisher Space Pen for use on all manned space flights. It was first used on the
Apollo 7 in 1968. In 1969 it was used as a tool to help save the Apollo 11 mission. Recently NASA has
shifted from the AG7 space pen to the CH4 space pen as their standard writing instrument in space.
All pressurized pens are able to write in zero gravity, underwater, over wet and greasy paper, at any
angle, and in extreme temperatures, -30°F (-34°C) to 250°F (121°C). All pens are environmentally
friendly as well as unconditionally guaranteed! Now the Space Pen® goes wherever life takes you!
Unconditionally guaranteed to write at any angle even upside down. Our Space Pens are perfect for
corporate gifts, law enforcement, search and rescue, fire fighters, the outdoorsman, military, etc. etc.
Anyone who demands the highest quality and reliability will find it in our pens. Fisher Space Pen –
“American Dependability”
www.spacepen.com | @fisherpenco
About National Day Calendar:
Every day has a story and here at National Day Calendar we celebrate the stories as well as the day.
National Day Calendar is here to help you #CelebrateEveryDay.
www.nationaldaycalendar.com | @nationaldaycal
For updated press releases and materials please visit www.NationalAstronautDay.com.
Twitter @uniphispaceage | Instagram @uniphigood | Facebook @uniphispaceagency