Cisco Webex Will Connect Astronauts and Other Space Pioneers on 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11's Historic Lunar Landing

ORLANDO, Fla., May 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

Chances are good you know exactly who said those words…and where he was when he said them. The simple act of reading them might even bring to mind grainy TV images of the moment. But did you know it took a team of 400,000 people worldwide to make sure his historic moonwalk was a success?

July 16^th will mark the 50^th anniversary of the launch of the Apollo 11 mission and, to help celebrate, Cisco will connect some of those 400,000 teammates—including astronauts and ground controllers— with the official Apollo 50^th Anniversary Gala at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida.

The gala, presented by Northrop Grumman, will gather space legends, celebrities and enthusiasts from around the world, including the children of the Apollo 11 astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, Felix Baumgartner, pilot of Red Bull Stratos, Scott Kelly, Rusty Schweickart and other Apollo astronauts. They will celebrate the historic milestone and raise funds to support STEAM-based educational programs of the Aldrin Family Foundation (AFF)  and the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.  

Cisco technology including Webex Meetings, Calling, and Devices will be used to reconnect the space legends on this milestone anniversary for a panel discussion moderated by Professor Brian Cox of the BBC. This is part of Cisco's platinum sponsorship of the the gala, which AFF announced today.

"We're passionate about connecting teams to get great work done," said Aruna Ravichandran, Cisco's vice president of marketing for collaboration. "What better way to celebrate teamwork than to celebrate the Apollo legends who made this moment happen? In celebrating the accomplishments of the Apollo era, we hope to inspire a new generation to make something amazing possible."

"The Apollo 50^th Gala is all about showcasing legends in this historic moment in time," said Andrew Aldrin, president of the AFF. "Cisco is a tech industry powerhouse and a legend in its own right. Their technology is the wave of the future, and is going to be used at the event to help us connect the gala to audiences on a grander scale than we ever have before. We are honored to have them on board as a partner."

More than 500 guests will attend the celebration, which will feature not only the panel discussion with the legends of Apollo, but also live and silent auctions with rare space memorabilia, and awards to recognize individuals who are pioneering space. All proceeds raised from the event will support multiple initiatives by the AFF to mould the next-generation of explorers – from K-12 through working professionals – as well as go towards an endowment for the Aldrin Scholarship fund with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
For more information, visit www.apollo50thgala.com.

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About the Aldrin Family Foundation
The Aldrin Family Foundation (AFF) strives to cultivate the next generation of space leaders, entrepreneurs and explorers who will extend human habitation beyond the Earth to the Moon and Mars. AFF's STEAM-based educational tools, curriculum and programs span from a child's first classroom experience through graduate school and professional programs. This vertical pathway unites explorers at all levels to learn from each other's vision for space, ultimately creating the first generation of Martians. For more information, visit www.aldrinfoundation.org.

About the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides annually more than 50 scholarships to the brightest and most talented college students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It was formed in 1984 by heroes from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs. Their goal was simple – to use their experience and credibility to encourage student pursuit of advanced education and scientific endeavors to keep America on the leading edge of technology. Today, these heroes, along with top industry leaders, educational institutions and individuals, have joined the cause. ASF Scholars not only honor the legacy of America's pioneering astronauts, but continue their passion for knowledge, discovery and progress in multiple industries. For more information, visit www.astronautscholarship.org.

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SOURCE Cisco