Harrison Hagan "Jack" Schmitt: The Only Scientist to Walk on the Moon
A Geologist's Journey to the Lunar Surface
Early Life and Career
Harrison Hagan Jack Schmitt was born on July 3, 1935, in Santa Rita, New Mexico. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the California Institute of Technology in 1957 and a PhD in geology from Harvard University in 1964.
Prior to joining NASA, Schmitt conducted extensive geological studies in Norway and Kenya. His research focused on volcanic and metamorphic rocks, and he published numerous scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Selection as an Astronaut
Schmitt was selected as an astronaut in 1965 as part of NASA's first astronaut class to include scientists. His background in geology made him an ideal candidate for future lunar exploration missions, as he possessed the expertise to identify and study the unique features of the Moon's surface.
Lunar Mission: Apollo 17
In December 1972, Schmitt became the first scientist and the twelfth and last person to walk on the Moon. He joined Commander Eugene Cernan and Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans on the Apollo 17 mission, the final mission in the Apollo program.
During the mission, Schmitt conducted geological experiments and collected lunar samples. He was responsible for deploying the Lunar Roving Vehicle, which allowed the astronauts to explore a wider area of the Moon's surface.
Legacy and Impact
Harrison Hagan Jack Schmitt's contributions to space exploration are immense. He is the only scientist to have set foot on the Moon and his geological expertise deepened our understanding of the lunar surface.
Schmitt's mission paved the way for future scientific missions to the Moon and beyond. His legacy as a pioneering astronaut and geologist continues to inspire generations of aspiring scientists and space explorers.
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