Eugene Cernan, American captain, pilot, and astronaut (b. 1934)

Gene Cernan: The Last Human to Walk on the Moon

Eugene Andrew "Gene" Cernan, born on March 14, 1934, and passing away on January 16, 2017, was a highly accomplished American whose diverse career spanned multiple prestigious fields. He was renowned as an astronaut for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a decorated naval aviator, an adept electrical engineer, a specialized aeronautical engineer, and a skilled fighter pilot. His multifaceted expertise laid the foundation for an extraordinary journey in space exploration and marked him as a pivotal figure in the history of human spaceflight.

Cernan holds a unique and indelible place in human history as the eleventh man to set foot on the lunar surface during the momentous Apollo 17 mission. This mission, launched in December 1972, marked the final time humans journeyed to the Moon as part of the Apollo program. His iconic status comes from a pivotal moment: as he re-entered the Apollo Lunar Module, Challenger, following his fellow astronaut, geologist Harrison Schmitt, after their third and final lunar excursion, Cernan became, and remains to this day, the last human to walk on the Moon.

Early Life, Education, and Distinguished Military Career

Educational Foundations and Engineering Prowess

Before embarking on his groundbreaking career with NASA, Gene Cernan established a robust academic background, critical for the rigors of spaceflight. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University in 1956. Purdue is internationally recognized for its strong engineering programs and has the distinct honor of being the alma mater for numerous astronauts, including Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the Moon. Cernan joined the U.S. Navy through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program, a collegiate program designed to train future officers by supplementing their academic studies with military instruction and leadership development.

Naval Service and Advanced Aviation

After graduating from Purdue and completing his NROTC obligations, Cernan underwent rigorous flight training, earning his coveted naval aviator wings. He then served with distinction as a fighter pilot, flying high-performance aircraft such as the F-8 Crusader, showcasing his exceptional piloting skills and courage in demanding jet operations. Further solidifying his expertise, Cernan pursued advanced studies, receiving a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1963. This specialized engineering degree provided him with an in-depth understanding of aircraft and spacecraft dynamics, propulsion, and systems, which proved invaluable for his future role as an astronaut. He achieved the commendable rank of Captain before officially retiring from the U.S. Navy in 1976.

An Illustrious NASA Career: From Gemini to Apollo

Gene Cernan's career at NASA was marked by three significant spaceflights, two of which took him to the vicinity of the Moon, culminating in his historic lunar landing.

Gemini 9A: Early Orbital Challenges

His first journey into space was in June 1966 as the pilot of Gemini 9A. This mission, originally intended to dock with an Agena target vehicle, faced unexpected challenges. While the docking was not fully successful due to a shroud malfunction on the target vehicle, Cernan performed a demanding two-hour spacewalk (Extravehicular Activity or EVA). This EVA proved exceptionally difficult, with Cernan battling extreme fatigue, overheating, and visor fogging. Despite these considerable obstacles, the experience provided invaluable data and critical lessons learned about EVA equipment, procedures, and astronaut physiological responses in space, directly contributing to the success of subsequent spacewalks in the Gemini and Apollo programs.

Apollo 10: The Lunar Dress Rehearsal

In May 1969, Cernan served as the lunar module pilot for Apollo 10. This pivotal mission was a full-scale "dress rehearsal" for the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing that followed just two months later. Cernan, alongside commander Thomas Stafford, flew the Lunar Module "Snoopy" to within 9 miles (approximately 14 kilometers) of the lunar surface, scouting landing sites and thoroughly testing all critical systems and procedures required for a crewed landing. This mission successfully demonstrated the ability to separate the Lunar Module from the Command Module in lunar orbit, descend close to the Moon, and then rendezvous and re-dock, proving the operational readiness for humanity's first lunar landing.

Apollo 17: The Final Lunar Footprints

Cernan's crowning achievement came in December 1972, when he commanded Apollo 17, the very last crewed mission to the Moon. This mission was unique for several reasons: it was the only Apollo mission to launch at night from Kennedy Space Center, and it included Harrison Schmitt, a trained geologist, as the first scientist to walk on the Moon. As mission commander, Cernan piloted the Lunar Rover extensively across the Taurus-Littrow valley, collecting a record 110.5 kg (243.6 lbs) of lunar samples, including the famous "Orange Soil," a significant geological discovery. Their time on the lunar surface spanned over 75 hours, with more than 22 hours spent on EVAs. It was during the final moments of his third EVA that Cernan uttered his famous words: "As I step off at the ladder, we look back at what we've done, and some day we'll look back and say that this was the beginning, and to the future. I'd like to just say what I believe the record shows. That America's challenge of today has forged man's destiny of tomorrow. And as we leave the Moon at Taurus-Littrow, we leave as we came, and God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind." These words underscored the mission's scientific achievements and its profound humanistic aspirations.

Beyond his active flight missions, Cernan also played a crucial role as a backup crew member for several other space missions, including Gemini 12, Apollo 7, and Apollo 14. Backup crews undergo the same rigorous training as the prime crew, ensuring readiness to step in if needed, a testament to their dedication and comprehensive understanding of the mission parameters.

The Last Man on the Moon: A Unique Legacy

Gene Cernan's distinction as the last human to walk on the Moon, as of 2024, grants him a unique place in the annals of space exploration. His final footprints on the lunar surface represent not only the culmination of the Apollo program but also a poignant marker in human history, awaiting the next generation of lunar explorers. His life was a testament to courage, perseverance, and the boundless potential of human endeavor, inspiring countless individuals to look to the stars and continue the grand journey of exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Gene Cernan?

Eugene Andrew "Gene" Cernan was an American astronaut, naval aviator, and engineer best known for being the commander of Apollo 17 and, to date, the last human to walk on the Moon.

When did Gene Cernan walk on the Moon?

Gene Cernan walked on the Moon during the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972. He performed three Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) on the lunar surface, spending over 22 hours exploring.

What was Gene Cernan's most significant achievement?

While all his missions were significant, Gene Cernan's most notable achievement is being the last person to have walked on the lunar surface, a distinction he has held since December 1972, symbolizing the end of the initial Apollo era.

What other space missions did Gene Cernan participate in?

Beyond Apollo 17, Cernan served as the pilot for Gemini 9A in 1966 and as the lunar module pilot for Apollo 10 in 1969. He was also a crucial backup crew member for Gemini 12, Apollo 7, and Apollo 14.

Why is Apollo 17 significant?

Apollo 17 was the final crewed mission to the Moon and the only Apollo mission to include a scientist (geologist Harrison Schmitt) among its lunar walkers. It yielded a record amount of lunar samples, extended exploration time, and included a unique night launch from Kennedy Space Center.