NASA Administrator recently honored General Thomas Stafford, a pivotal figure in space exploration, particularly for his role in the Apollo 10 mission in May 1969. Stafford was the first to pilot a Lunar Module into lunar orbit and is among only 24 individuals to have traveled to another celestial body. His crew set a remarkable speed record during reentry, reaching 24,791 mph, a record that remains unbroken over 50 years later. Additionally, Stafford's career included serving as the Commanding General of Area 51, where he was introduced to experimental stealth technology, highlighting his significant contributions to both space exploration and military advancements.
