Ronald Evans, American captain, engineer, and astronaut (b. 1933)

Captain Ronald Ellwin Evans, born on November 10, 1933, and passing away on April 7, 1990, led a distinguished career that spanned military service, advanced engineering, and space exploration. An accomplished United States Navy officer and aviator, Evans was also an electrical engineer, an aeronautical engineer, and ultimately, a revered NASA astronaut. His indelible mark on history came as the Command Module Pilot for Apollo 17, the final crewed mission to the Moon. This pivotal role positioned him among the exclusive group of 24 astronauts who journeyed to the Moon, and uniquely, as one of only 12 individuals who orbited our celestial neighbor without stepping onto its surface.

A Foundation in Engineering and Military Service

Before his remarkable journey to the stars, Ronald Evans built a solid foundation rooted in academic excellence and rigorous military discipline. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kansas, a testament to his keen intellect and technical prowess. Following his graduation, Evans answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Navy in 1956. His aptitude for aviation quickly became apparent as he earned his coveted naval aviator wings. He distinguished himself as a fighter pilot, flying critical combat missions during the tumultuous Vietnam War, a period that forged his resilience and operational expertise. Further enhancing his capabilities, Evans pursued advanced studies, receiving a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1964. His dedication and service saw him rise through the ranks, eventually achieving the esteemed position of Captain before his retirement from the Navy in 1976.

The Apollo 17 Mission: A Lunar Odyssey

Ronald Evans's path to space began in 1966 when he was selected by NASA as part of Astronaut Group 5, a highly competitive and respected class of astronauts. His sole, yet profoundly significant, flight into space occurred in December 1972 aboard Apollo 17, marking the final time humans would journey to the Moon. As the Command Module Pilot, Evans held the crucial responsibility of navigating and operating the command module, "America," which served as the living quarters and control center for the journey to and from the Moon. While his crewmates, Commander Gene Cernan and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt, descended in the Lunar Module "Challenger" to explore the Taurus-Littrow valley, Evans remained in lunar orbit, a solitary sentinel circling the Moon. Along with five experimental mice, he orbited the Moon a remarkable 75 times, diligently performing scientific observations and maintaining readiness for the Lunar Module's return. This period cemented his place in history as the last person to orbit the Moon alone, and he holds the enduring record for the most time spent in lunar orbit, accumulating an astonishing 147 hours and 43 minutes.

During Apollo 17's triumphant return flight to Earth, Evans undertook another unprecedented feat: an extravehicular activity (EVA), commonly known as a spacewalk. This daring maneuver involved him venturing outside the command module to retrieve vital film cassettes from the service module. It was not just any spacewalk; it was the third "deep space" EVA ever performed, and significantly, the spacewalk conducted at the greatest distance from any planetary body, a truly isolating and awe-inspiring experience. As of 2022, it remains one of only three such deep space EVAs, all of which were accomplished during the Apollo program's advanced "J-missions," which featured extended lunar stays and enhanced scientific capabilities. This extraordinary spacewalk also marked the final EVA of the entire Apollo program, a poignant closing chapter to humanity's initial ventures to the Moon.

Post-NASA Contributions and Legacy

Even after his epic journey to the Moon, Ronald Evans continued to contribute to the U.S. space program. In 1975, he served as the backup Command Module Pilot for the historic Apollo–Soyuz Test Project mission, an emblematic moment of Cold War détente and international cooperation in space. His expertise was also leveraged in the early development phases of the Space Shuttle program, helping to shape the future of reusable spacecraft. Evans eventually retired from NASA in March 1977, embarking on a new professional chapter as a coal industry executive, demonstrating his versatility and leadership beyond the realm of space. Though his life ended on April 7, 1990, at the age of 56, Captain Ronald Evans's contributions to space exploration and his records in lunar orbit ensure his legacy as a true pioneer of the final frontier.

Frequently Asked Questions about Captain Ronald Ellwin Evans

Who was Captain Ronald Ellwin Evans?
Captain Ronald Ellwin Evans was a highly decorated U.S. Navy officer, aviator, and engineer who became a NASA astronaut. He is best known for being the Command Module Pilot on Apollo 17, the last crewed mission to the Moon.
What was Evans's role on the Apollo 17 mission?
As the Command Module Pilot (CMP), Evans was responsible for operating the command module, "America," which remained in lunar orbit while his crewmates descended to the Moon's surface. He managed critical systems, performed scientific observations, and was crucial for the crew's return to Earth.
Did Ronald Evans land on the Moon?
No, Ronald Evans did not land on the Moon. His role as Command Module Pilot kept him in lunar orbit, a vital task that allowed the Lunar Module to travel to and from the surface.
What significant records does Ronald Evans hold?
He holds several remarkable records: he was the last person to orbit the Moon alone, he spent the most time in lunar orbit (147 hours and 43 minutes), and he performed one of only three "deep space" EVAs, which was also the spacewalk conducted at the greatest distance from any planetary body and the final spacewalk of the Apollo program.
Why did Evans perform a spacewalk during Apollo 17's return?
Evans performed an extravehicular activity (EVA) to retrieve film cassettes from the service module. These cassettes contained invaluable scientific data and imagery collected during the mission, which was essential for post-mission analysis and understanding of the lunar environment.
What were "J-missions" in the Apollo program?
"J-missions" were a series of advanced Apollo missions (Apollo 15, 16, and 17) that featured extended lunar stays, more scientific equipment (like the Lunar Roving Vehicle), and a greater emphasis on scientific exploration compared to earlier missions.