Eugene Cernan
Eugene Andrew Cernan (born March 14, 1934) is an American former astronaut and naval aviator who was the last person to walk on the Moon. He served as the Command Module Pilot for Apollo 10 and Commander for Apollo 17, the final manned mission of the Apollo program.
Lunar Missions & Achievements
- Apollo 17 (1972): Served as Commander; spent over 22 hours on the lunar surface in three Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVAs).
- Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV): Operated the LRV extensively during Apollo 17, facilitating extensive sample collection and terrain mapping.
- Set a confirmed speed record of 17.9 km/h (11.2 mph) while driving the rover on the Moon. This achievement is detailed in analyses of the engineering constraints and operational capabilities of the LRV Building NASA’s Lunar Roving Vehicle: Engineering for Apollo Moon Missions.
- Apollo 10: Conducted a dress rehearsal for a lunar landing, descending to within 15,000 feet of the surface before aborting to return to Earth.
Career Background
- Trained as a naval aviator; flew over 300 jet sorties in Vietnam.
- Selected as an astronaut by nasa in 1963.
- Retired from NASA in 1976 and the Navy in 1976 with the rank of Commander.