Births on February 7

Alfred Worden, American colonel, pilot, and astronaut

Colonel Alfred Merrill "Al" Worden: A Pioneer of Lunar Orbit and Deep Space

Colonel Alfred Merrill "Al" Worden (February 7, 1932 – March 18, 2020) was a distinguished American figure whose contributions spanned the realms of military aviation, engineering, and space exploration. As a highly skilled test pilot and accomplished engineer, he ultimately became a revered NASA astronaut. His most notable achievement was serving as the Command Module Pilot (CMP) for the Apollo 15 lunar mission in 1971. This pivotal role positioned him as one of only 24 individuals in human history to journey to the Moon, where he meticulously orbited our celestial neighbor 74 times within the Command Module (CM) Endeavour.

Early Life and Distinguished Military Career

Born in Jackson, Michigan, in 1932, Al Worden's formative years were spent amidst the pastoral landscapes of various farms. His academic journey initially led him to the University of Michigan for a year before he secured a coveted appointment to the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Graduating in 1955, a pivotal decision saw him commissioned into the United States Air Force. Remarkably, he entered the Air Force without any prior piloting experience, a testament to his innate aptitude and rigorous training. He swiftly proved his exceptional capabilities, becoming highly adept at flying fighter planes and meticulously honing his skills. This dedication culminated in his selection as a skilled test pilot, a critical precursor to his astronaut career.

In 1966, Worden was selected by NASA as part of Astronaut Group 5, one of the larger and highly competitive groups chosen during the Gemini and Apollo eras. His journey within NASA included crucial roles on the support crew for Apollo 9, providing vital assistance for mission planning and execution, and subsequently serving on the backup crew for Apollo 12. These experiences prepared him for his primary assignment, which came in 1970 with his selection for the Apollo 15 crew. For this ambitious lunar expedition, he joined forces with mission commander David Scott and Lunar Module Pilot James Irwin, forming a crew destined for historic achievements.

The Historic Apollo 15 Mission and Unprecedented Achievements

Apollo 15, classified as a "J-mission," represented a significant leap forward in lunar exploration, characterized by longer stays on the Moon, increased scientific research, and the deployment of the Lunar Roving Vehicle. Upon reaching lunar orbit, and after his crewmates David Scott and James Irwin successfully undocked the Lunar Module Falcon to descend to the Moon's surface, Al Worden remained alone in the Command Module Endeavour. For three days, he performed his critical duties as Command Module Pilot, orbiting the Moon while his colleagues explored the Hadley Rille region.

During this period of solitary orbit, Worden achieved a unique and profound distinction: he traveled farther from any other human being than anyone before or since, a record that he remarkably still held as of his passing and beyond. His time in lunar orbit was not merely a holding pattern; it was a period of intense scientific activity. He tirelessly operated a sophisticated suite of scientific instruments housed within the Service Module's Scientific Instrument Module (SIM) Bay. These instruments, including a panoramic camera, a mapping camera, and a laser altimeter, systematically probed the Moon's surface and gravitational field, collecting invaluable data that dramatically expanded humanity's understanding of our satellite. Simultaneously, he took thousands of high-resolution photographs of the lunar landscape, capturing breathtaking views for geological study and public fascination.

A further groundbreaking accomplishment occurred during Apollo 15's return journey to Earth. Al Worden performed a pivotal extravehicular activity (EVA), commonly known as a spacewalk, outside the Command Module. The primary objective of this EVA was to retrieve vital film cassettes from the external cameras located in the SIM Bay. This spacewalk was historic for a profound reason: it was the first "deep space" EVA ever conducted, meaning it took place at an immense distance from any planetary body, far beyond Earth orbit. As of 2024, this remains the deepest spacewalk ever performed, underscoring Worden's pioneering spirit and the mission's technical prowess.

Post-NASA Contributions and Enduring Legacy

Upon their triumphant return to Earth, the Apollo 15 crew became inadvertently embroiled in a controversy surrounding unauthorized postal covers, or "moon covers," which they had carried to the Moon. This incident, related to the commercialization of mission items, led to official reprimands from NASA, unfortunately resulting in none of the crew members flying in space again. Despite this setback, Al Worden continued to contribute significantly to space research, remaining with NASA until 1975 at the prestigious Ames Research Center in California, where he served as a Senior Aerospace Scientist and later as Director of Advanced Programs.

Following his tenure at NASA, Worden transitioned into the private sector, engaging in a diverse range of business activities. He maintained a deep and long-standing commitment to the future of space exploration and education, particularly through his involvement with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF). This non-profit organization provides scholarships to college students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Worden served with distinction on the ASF's board of directors, holding the position of chairman from 2005 until 2011, tirelessly advocating for and supporting the next generation of scientific leaders.

Throughout his later life, Al Worden made numerous public appearances, passionately promoting the importance of a renewed and vigorous space program and advocating for robust education in the sciences. His dedication to inspiring future explorers and scientists continued until his passing in 2020, leaving behind a profound legacy as an astronaut, scientist, and educator whose deep space achievements continue to resonate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Al Worden and Apollo 15

Who was Colonel Al Worden?

Colonel Alfred Merrill "Al" Worden was an American test pilot, engineer, and NASA astronaut best known as the Command Module Pilot for the Apollo 15 lunar mission in 1971. He was one of only 24 people to have flown to the Moon.

What was Al Worden's role on Apollo 15?

As the Command Module Pilot (CMP) for Apollo 15, Worden remained in lunar orbit aboard the Command Module Endeavour while his crewmates, David Scott and James Irwin, descended to the lunar surface. His primary responsibilities included operating scientific instruments in the SIM Bay, mapping the Moon, and managing the spacecraft for rendezvous with the Lunar Module.

What unique record did Al Worden set?

During Apollo 15, while alone in lunar orbit, Al Worden became the individual who traveled the farthest from any other human being. This distinction, highlighting the vastness of space between him and his crewmates on the lunar surface, remains unparalleled.

Did Al Worden perform a spacewalk?

Yes, Al Worden performed an extravehicular activity (EVA) during Apollo 15's return flight to Earth. This was the first "deep space" EVA in history, conducted to retrieve film cassettes from external cameras. As of 2024, it remains the spacewalk that has taken place farthest from Earth.

Why did Al Worden not fly in space again after Apollo 15?

Following Apollo 15, Worden and his crewmates were involved in a controversy over unauthorized postal covers they had carried to the Moon. This incident led to reprimands from NASA, and as a result, they did not receive further flight assignments.

What was Al Worden's involvement with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation?

After leaving NASA, Al Worden became deeply involved with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to STEM students. He served as the chair of its board of directors from 2005 until 2011, tirelessly promoting science education and inspiring future generations.