A decorated war hero and pioneering astronaut who flew on the Apollo 9 mission, testing the Lunar Module and paving the way for the first moon landing.
Rusty Schweickart is renowned for being the Lunar Module Pilot on the historic Apollo 9 mission in 1969, conducting the first in-space test of the portable life support system that would later be used by astronauts who walked on the Moon. This groundbreaking feat cemented his legacy as a trailblazing aeronautical engineer, research scientist, and former NASA astronaut.
Born on October 25, 1935, in Neptune Township, New Jersey, Schweickart grew up on a 45-acre farm, where he developed a passion for flying and the great outdoors. After graduating from Manasquan High School in 1952, he earned a B.S. in aeronautical engineering on scholarship from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1956, followed by an M.S. in aeronautics and astronautics in 1963.
Selected in 1963 for NASA's third astronaut group, Schweickart's impressive skills and dedication earned him a spot on the Apollo 9 mission, where he played a crucial role in testing the lunar module. As backup commander of the first crewed Skylab mission in 1973, he developed the hardware and procedures for critical in-flight repairs of the Skylab station.
After leaving NASA in 1977, Schweickart served as California Governor Jerry Brown's assistant for science and technology, followed by a five-and-a-half-year stint on California's Energy Commission, where he chaired the commission for three years.
In 1984-85, Schweickart co-founded the Association of Space Explorers, a prestigious organization dedicated to promoting space exploration and education. Later, in 2002, he co-founded the B612 Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to defending Earth from asteroid impacts, alongside fellow astronaut Ed Lu and two planetary scientists.
Schweickart has been an outspoken advocate for asteroid defense and space exploration. He believes that humanity's survival depends on its ability to venture beyond Earth and protect our planet from external threats.
Rusty Schweickart's contributions to space exploration, asteroid defense, and public service have cemented his status as a pioneer in his field. His work continues to inspire generations of scientists, engineers, and astronauts, paving the way for a brighter future in space exploration.
Rusty Schweickart's remarkable journey is a testament to human ingenuity, perseverance, and exploration. As we continue to venture into the unknown, his legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration, guiding us toward a future where humanity thrives in space.
95 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.
95 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.
Born in 1926
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.
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.
94 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.
