The Moon yesterday, looking radiant after news of its Knighthood
Surprise ‘gong’ follows UK Astronaut Tim Peake’s CMG (Companion of order of St Michael and St George), and petitions to award the International Space Station (ISS) the Nobel Peace Prize.
‘This isn’t nearly as daft as it sounds’ said legendary 82 year-old former NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz.
‘The United States achieved unprecedented technological advances with its manned spaceflight programs, and much of this was driven by a desire to go to the Moon. Without the Moon, the whole thing would have been far less exciting – and nobody would have heard of Nigel Armstrong or “Buns” Aldrin’.
The US State Department added: ‘To receive this honour from the British people is very humbling. Of course, this is not the first time Her Majesty has recognised the USA’s achievements in space. Steven Spielberg also has an Honourary Knighthood for his contribution to UK cinema box-office takings through films such as ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ and ‘E.T.”
‘Obviously the Moon cannot be ‘presented’ with its award in the normal way – but maybe NASA could drop it off on their way to Mars in about 20 years’ time…?’