Harrison Schmitt: The Geologist Who Walked on the Moon

A Trailblazing Astronaut and Scientist

Harrison Schmitt is renowned for being the first scientist-astronaut to fly in space and the only professional scientist to have walked on the Moon. As a geologist, he was part of the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972, making him the twelfth person to set foot on the lunar surface.

Early Life and Education

Born on July 3, 1935, in Santa Rita, New Mexico, Schmitt grew up in nearby Silver City. He graduated from Western High School in 1953 and went on to earn a B.S. degree in geology from the California Institute of Technology in 1957. As a Fulbright Scholar, he spent a year studying geology at the University of Oslo in Norway. He later received a Ph.D. in geology from Harvard University in 1964, based on his geological field studies in Norway.

NASA Career

Schmitt joined NASA in 1965 as a member of the first group of scientist-astronauts. Before flying on Apollo 17, he was instrumental in training astronauts who would visit the lunar surface. As a mission specialist, Schmitt was responsible for conducting lunar surface experiments and collecting samples.

Apollo 17 Mission

Schmitt's Apollo 17 mission marked the sixth and final manned lunar landing of the Apollo program. During the mission, he spent over 75 hours on the lunar surface, collecting samples and conducting experiments. His scientific expertise proved invaluable to the mission's success.

Post-NASA Career

After resigning from NASA in 1975, Schmitt pursued a career in politics. He was elected as a U.S. Senator from New Mexico in 1976, serving until 1982. During his tenure, he was a strong advocate for space exploration and scientific research.

Legacy and Contributions

Schmitt's contributions to the field of geology and space exploration are immeasurable. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and the United States Geological Survey's Centennial Award. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of scientists and astronauts.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

• 1957: Earned a B.S. degree in geology from the California Institute of Technology
• 1964: Received a Ph.D. in geology from Harvard University
• 1965: Joined NASA as a member of the first group of scientist-astronauts
• 1972: Walked on the Moon as part of the Apollo 17 mission
• 1975: Resigned from NASA to pursue a career in politics
• 1976: Elected as a U.S. Senator from New Mexico

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

• "The Moon is a very unforgiving environment, but it's also a very beautiful environment." - Harrison Schmitt
• "As a geologist, I saw the Moon as a laboratory, a place where I could study the fundamental principles of geology." - Harrison Schmitt

Historical Context and Legacy

Schmitt's achievements have left an indelible mark on the history of space exploration. As the only scientist-astronaut to walk on the Moon, he has paved the way for future generations of scientists and astronauts. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate those who seek to explore the unknown.