Eugene Cernan

Eugene Andrew Cernan entered the world in Chicago on March 14, 1934, and left it on January 16, 2017, at the age of 82. His journey took him from a student of electrical engineering at Purdue University to a decorated captain in the U.S. Navy. He earned his wings as a fighter pilot before applying for NASA's astronaut program, where he became a key figure in America's space race efforts. Cernan balanced rigorous academic pursuits with high-stakes flight missions, earning a master's degree in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1963 while serving his country. His career spanned three spaceflights that defined an era of exploration. He piloted Gemini 9A in June 1966, conducting a difficult extravehicular activity that tested the limits of human endurance in orbit. Two years later, he flew as Lunar Module pilot for Apollo 10, performing a full dress rehearsal of the lunar landing without actually touching down. The pinnacle of his career arrived in December 1972 when he commanded Apollo 17. As the mission commander, Cernan became the 11th person to set foot on the lunar surface and spent more time walking outside than any other astronaut in history. He remains the last human being to walk on the Moon. Cernan retired from the Navy in 1976 after a distinguished service record that included backup crew assignments for Gemini 12, Apollo 7, and Apollo 14. His legacy extends beyond the Apollo program into the realm of public education and advocacy for spaceflight. Throughout his life, he shared stories of his missions to inspire future generations, proving that technical expertise and courage often go hand in hand. No one has followed in his footsteps on the lunar surface since that final day in December 1972.[edit]