A captain, physician, and astronaut who flew on the Skylab 2 mission in 1973, becoming the first American physician in space, and later served as a NASA physician.
Joseph P. Kerwin, a renowned American physician and NASA astronaut, etched his name in history as the first doctor to venture into space and the first physician to be selected for astronaut training. Born on February 19, 1932, Kerwin's extraordinary journey has left an indelible mark on the fields of medicine and space exploration.
Kerwin's story began in Oak Park, Illinois, where he was born as the seventh child of an Irish Catholic family. He attended Fenwick High School, graduating in 1949, before enrolling at the College of the Holy Cross. Kerwin's outstanding academic record earned him a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy with a minor in premed, magna cum laude, in 1953. His senior thesis, titled "Psychological Aspects of Competitive Swimming," showcased his interest in the human body and its capabilities.
Kerwin's military career began in July 1958, when he was commissioned as a Captain in the Navy Medical Corps. He earned his flight surgeon's wings at Beeville, Texas, in 1962, logging an impressive 4,500 hours of flying time. This experience would later prove invaluable in his astronaut training.
In June 1965, Kerwin was selected for NASA Astronaut Group 4 as a scientist-astronaut. As a pilot and flight surgeon for the Navy at the time of his selection, Kerwin brought a unique combination of skills to the astronaut corps. One of his most notable contributions was as a capsule communicator (CAPCOM) on Apollo 13 in 1970, when he uttered the famous words, "Farewell, Aquarius, and we thank you."
Kerwin's crowning achievement came as the science pilot for the Skylab 2 mission, which launched on May 25, 1973, and concluded on June 22, 1973. As the first doctor from the United States to enter space, Kerwin's presence on the mission marked a significant milestone in the history of space exploration.
In recognition of his remarkable achievements, Kerwin was inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1997. Today, he continues to inspire future generations of scientists, physicians, and astronauts, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the boundaries of space and time.
Joseph P. Kerwin's extraordinary journey serves as a testament to the power of human curiosity, determination, and innovation. As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration and medical research, Kerwin's legacy reminds us of the incredible potential that lies within us all.
96 Years Old
First person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, marking a historic milestone in space exploration.
96 Years Old
Second man to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, a pioneering astronaut and advocate for space exploration.
96 Years Old
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.
94 Years Old
One of the 12 humans to walk on the Moon during NASA's Apollo program, known for his moonwalk during Apollo 12 and later becoming a painter, capturing the beauty of space through art.
98 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.
95 Years Old
Astronaut and pilot who flew on Apollo 13, famously uttering "Houston, we've had a problem" during the mission's critical malfunction. He played a crucial role in saving the crew from disaster.
93 Years Old
Astronaut and engineer who flew on the Apollo 13 mission, known for his bravery and ingenuity during the mission's critical failure. He also flew on the Enterprise during the Approach and Landing Tests.
93 Years Old
A decorated military pilot and astronaut who flew on the Apollo 14 mission, conducting the first scientific experiments on the Moon's surface. He's also known for taking seeds to space, which later grew into "Moon Trees" back on Earth.
