The Last Person to Walk on the Moon: What Happened to Him?
December 14, 1972, was a historic day for man. Eugene Cernan became the last man to walk on the moon, leaving his footprints on the dusty surface. However, many people are unaware of what happened to him after he returned to Earth. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Eugene Cernan and his contribution to space exploration.
Early Life and Career
Eugene Cernan was born on March 14, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Proviso Township High School and went on to study at Purdue University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1956. After college, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and began his flight training.
In 1963, Cernan was selected by NASA to be one of the astronauts for the Gemini program. He was the second astronaut to perform extravehicular activity, where he spent two hours and eight minutes outside the spacecraft. Later, he became the Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 10 and the Commander of Apollo 17, the final moon landing mission.
The Final Moon Landing Mission
On December 7, 1972, Cernan led the last moon landing mission, Apollo 17, with Harrison Schmitt and Ronald Evans as his crew members. For 75 hours, they conducted experiments, collected samples, and explored the moon’s surface using the Lunar Roving Vehicle.
During the final moonwalk, Cernan spoke his famous words, “We leave as we came, and God willing, we shall return with peace and hope for all mankind.” After a successful mission, they returned to Earth, where Cernan retired from NASA in 1976.
Post-NASA Life
After leaving NASA, Cernan served as a television commentator for the Space Shuttle program and worked as an aerospace consultant. He also co-authored several books, including “The Last Man on the Moon: Astronaut Eugene Cernan and America’s Race in Space” and “The Value of the Moon: How to Explore, Live, and Prosper in Space Using the Moon’s Resources.”
Cernan was an active promoter of space exploration and often advocated for NASA’s funding and support. He passed away on January 16, 2017, at the age of 82.
Conclusion
Eugene Cernan was an American astronaut who made significant contributions to space exploration. His final mission, Apollo 17, marked the end of an era in space exploration. However, Cernan’s legacy continues to inspire future generations to pursue their passions and explore beyond what is known. His life’s work will remain a reminder of the importance of space exploration and discovery.
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