By KRWG News
SANTA FE, N.M. – (AP) New Mexico has designated the artifacts left behind at Tranquility Base on the moon in its official registry of historic properties.
The Cultural Properties Review Committee made the designation official last week when it approved a nomination prepared by the committee's vice chairwoman, Beth O'Leary; students at New Mexico State University; and the Apollo 11 Preservation Task Force.
O'Leary says every state has a connection to the exploration of space. New Mexico's connection includes early rocket launches and now the construction of Spaceport America.
Earlier this year, a California preservation panel also listed as historic the 106 objects left behind at the landing site. The items include science instruments, tools, a U.S. flag, space boots and the spider-legged descent stage of the lunar landing craft.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.