## The Daily Heller: Unearthing 66-Year-Old NASA Artifacts - Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) - Share on X (Opens in new window) - Copy this page's address to your clipboardLink copied to clipboard I launched the Astronaut Fan Club in June 1959 just a few months after the Mercury Seven astronauts were introduced to the world. My father was present at this incredible event that included getting to meet Alan Shepherd, the first American to fly above the atmosphere and safely splashed down. This was the stuff of science fiction made real. It was also the most inspiring event to occur at…