First American in space, commanded Apollo 14 mission, and walked on the Moon.
Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. is remembered as one of the most iconic figures in the history of space exploration. As the second person, and the first American, to travel into space in 1961, he paved the way for a new era of space travel and exploration.
Born on November 18, 1923, in Derry, New Hampshire, Shepard grew up with a passion for aviation. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1945 and went on to serve as a naval aviator during World War II.
Shepard's astronautical journey began in 1959 when he was selected as one of the original NASA Mercury Seven astronauts. On May 5, 1961, he made history by becoming the first American to journey into space aboard the Freedom 7 spacecraft, reaching an altitude of 102 miles.
In 1963, Shepard was diagnosed with Ménière's disease, a condition that caused episodes of extreme dizziness and nausea. This forced him to take a break from space travel, but he didn't let it deter him from his passion. After undergoing surgery in 1968, he returned to space in 1971 as the commander of the Apollo 14 mission.
During the Apollo 14 mission, Shepard became the fifth person to walk on the Moon, and the only one of the Mercury Seven astronauts to achieve this feat. In a lighthearted moment, he even managed to hit two golf balls on the lunar surface, leaving behind a lasting legacy of humor and humility.
Shepard served as the Chief of the Astronaut Office from 1963 to 1969 and again from 1971 to 1974. He was promoted to rear admiral in 1971, becoming the first astronaut to reach this rank. Shepard retired from the United States Navy and NASA in 1974, leaving behind a legacy of courage, determination, and innovation.
"It's a very sobering feeling to be up in space and realize that one's safety factor was determined by the lowest bidder on a government contract."
Alan Shepard's remarkable journey serves as a testament to human resilience, courage, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. His legacy continues to inspire generations of space enthusiasts and explorers, reminding us that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with determination and hard work.
97 Years Old
American baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1965 to 1975, known for being a four-time All-Star and winning the American League ERA title in 1968.
95 Years Old
First person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, marking a historic milestone in space exploration.
95 Years Old
Second man to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, a pioneering astronaut and advocate for space exploration.
97 Years Old
Commander of the Apollo 13 mission, known for his heroic efforts in saving his crew after an explosion occurred on board. He's an iconic figure in space exploration history.
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Led the third manned mission to land on the Moon, Apollo 12, and became the third person to walk on its surface. Known for his bold and fearless approach to space exploration.
99 Years Old
One of the original seven astronauts in NASA's Project Mercury, a decorated military pilot, and a pioneer in space exploration, known for being the second American in space and commanding the first manned Gemini mission.
Born in 1923
One of the original seven astronauts in Project Mercury, this pioneer flew on three historic spaceflights, including the first American manned orbital flight and the Apollo 7 mission.
Born in 1924
One of the original Mercury Seven astronauts, he was a decorated war veteran and test pilot who later became a NASA executive, playing a crucial role in the development of the US space program.
