Eugene Cernan
Early Life and Education
Eugene Andrew Cernan was born on March 14, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the suburb of Bellwood and later in Maywood. Cernan's early life was marked by a strong interest in aviation and space, a passion that was nurtured by his family. He attended Proviso Township High School in Maywood, where he excelled in academics and athletics.
Cernan pursued higher education at Purdue University, a school renowned for its engineering programs and its history of producing astronauts. He graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. During his time at Purdue, Cernan was a member of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC), which laid the groundwork for his future naval career.
Upon graduating, Cernan was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. He underwent flight training and earned his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1958. Cernan was assigned to Attack Squadron 26 (VA-26), where he flew the A-4 Skyhawk, a carrier-capable attack aircraft. His naval career was distinguished by his proficiency in flying and his leadership skills.
Cernan's naval service included deployments aboard the USS Shangri-La and the USS Ranger. His experience as a pilot and his technical expertise made him an ideal candidate for NASA's astronaut program. In 1963, he was selected as part of NASA's third group of astronauts, a pivotal moment that transitioned him from naval aviation to space exploration.
NASA Career
Gemini Program
Cernan's first spaceflight was as the pilot of Gemini 9A in June 1966. The mission was originally intended to include a docking with an Agena target vehicle, but due to technical issues, the docking was not possible. Instead, the crew rendezvoused with the Augmented Target Docking Adapter (ATDA), which was humorously nicknamed the "angry alligator" due to its appearance.
During this mission, Cernan became the second American to perform a spacewalk, or Extravehicular Activity (EVA). The EVA was challenging due to the lack of handholds and the cumbersome nature of the spacesuit, which led to significant physical exertion. Despite these difficulties, Cernan's EVA provided valuable data for future missions.
Apollo Program
Cernan's next mission was as the Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 10 in May 1969. This mission was a "dress rehearsal" for the first lunar landing, testing all components and procedures except for the actual landing. Cernan, along with Commander Thomas P. Stafford and Command Module Pilot John W. Young, orbited the Moon and descended to within 15.6 kilometers of the lunar surface in the Lunar Module, named "Snoopy."
Cernan's most notable mission was as Commander of Apollo 17, the final mission of the Apollo program, in December 1972. Apollo 17 was the first night launch of a U.S. human spaceflight and the last time humans traveled beyond low Earth orbit. Cernan, along with Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt, spent over three days on the lunar surface, conducting scientific experiments and collecting samples in the Taurus-Littrow valley. Cernan's words as he left the Moon, "We leave as we came, and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind," are etched in history.
Post-NASA Career
After retiring from NASA and the Navy in 1976, Cernan transitioned to the private sector. He held executive positions in various aerospace and energy companies, leveraging his expertise in engineering and space technology. Cernan was also a passionate advocate for space exploration, frequently speaking at conferences and in media appearances.
Cernan authored an autobiography, "The Last Man on the Moon," which provides an in-depth account of his experiences in space and his perspectives on the future of space exploration. He also contributed to various documentaries and educational programs, aiming to inspire future generations to pursue careers in science and engineering.
Legacy and Honors
Eugene Cernan's contributions to space exploration have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among others. Cernan's legacy is preserved in the numerous institutions and programs that bear his name, including the Cernan Earth and Space Center at Triton College in Illinois.
Cernan's impact extends beyond his technical achievements; he is remembered for his dedication to advancing human knowledge and his commitment to inspiring future explorers. His life and career continue to serve as a testament to the possibilities of human ingenuity and perseverance.