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Apollo Missions Inspired Generation Of Engineers, Scientists

Phil Metzer (center) and father Theodore (left) climb the lunar lander mock-up at Kennedy Space Center's family day. Photo: Metzger Family
Phil Metzer (center) and father Theodore (left) climb the lunar lander mock-up at Kennedy Space Center's family day. Photo: Metzger Family

When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon, millions tuned in live to watch the event. The moon landing inspired many to pursue an education and career in aerospace in what is now called the Apollo effect.

Phil Metzerger was one of those kids who grew up around the Apollo program on Florida’s Space Coast and went on to study engineering and eventually work at NASA.

He was nudged by his dad, Theodore Metzger, who worked on the Apollo program. Now, Metzger works at UCF’s Florida Space Institute as a planetary scientist. Phil rejoins the podcast to talk about growing up in the era of Apollo.

Brendan Byrne is Central Florida Public Media's Assistant News Director, managing the day-to-day operations of the newsroom, editing daily news stories, and managing the organization's internship program. Byrne also hosts Central Florida Public Media's weekly radio show and podcast "Are We There Yet?" which explores human space exploration, and the weekly news roundup podcast "The Wrap."