VIERA, Fla. — As we mark 50 years since the historic moon landing, a Brevard County woman reflects on her role during NASA's Apollo Program and witnessing that incredible time period in a male-dominated workplace.
- Elizabeth Muchow reflect on role with NASA during Apollo program
- Muchow reflected on how she was 'one of the boys'
- She worked up until Apollo 17 in 1972 and the Skylab program
It was 1967, and Elizabeth Muchow was about to become part of something the world had never seen -- sending a man to the moon.
"I was an inspector for critical replacement parts on the lunar module," Muchow told Spectrum News from her Viera home.
The Grumman worker began during Apollo 7, as NASA was working towards landing on the lunar surface.
But Muchow was one of few women on the job in a sea of men, just a few years into the American quest for space.
"The guys were great, they treated me great. I was just one of the boys," she said, laughing.
Muchow does recall one time where she was reprimanded after driving a truck to deliver a part to the lunar module testing area.
"They said 'next time take the bicycle,’" she said. "I said, ‘Right, I'm going to take a part worth thousands of dollars, put it in the basket, in my skirt,’ because women weren't allowed to wear pants at the time!"
Muchow worked up until Apollo 17 in 1972 and the Skylab Program in the years after.
She recalls the “successful failure” of Apollo 13, where the team worked to get the stranded astronauts back home safely. But her proudest moment was when the Apollo 11 crew made history.
Muchow credits her brother for getting her to the Space Coast from New Jersey. He was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base in the sixties.
Now, more than five decades later, she looks back fondly on her days working with “the boys.”
Muchow is a member of the Florida International Talkers Toastmasters club and will be speaking at the "Apollo 7 to 17, an Evening with Ms. Elizabeth” event Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Memaw's BBQ, 4916 Babcock Street in Palm Bay. Tickets are $4.50.