Gene Cernan
Gene Cernan
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Eugene Andrew Cernan's full name is a testament to his American heritage. He was born on March 14, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, but would come to be known as Gene Cernan to the world.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: March 14, 1934
Died: January 16, 2017
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Gene Cernan was an American astronaut and engineer. He was part of NASA's Apollo program and became the eleventh person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 17 mission.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Chicago, Gene Cernan developed a strong interest in science and mathematics from an early age. He attended Prosser High School, where he was active in sports, particularly football. After graduating in 1952, Cernan went on to study electrical engineering at the University of Illinois.
Major Accomplishments
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Apollo 10: Gene Cernan served as the Lunar Module Pilot for this historic mission in May 1969. Although they did not land on the Moon during Apollo 10, it was a crucial dress rehearsal for the actual lunar landing.
Apollo 17: As the Mission Commander of Apollo 17, launched in December 1972, Gene Cernan and his crew successfully landed on the Moon's surface. During this mission, they conducted three extravehicular activities (EVAs) and collected over 250 pounds of lunar samples.
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his work as an astronaut, Gene Cernan was a dedicated author and historian. He wrote several books about space exploration, including "The Last Man on the Moon" (1999), which recounts his experiences during the Apollo 17 mission.
Impact and Legacy
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Gene Cernan's legacy extends far beyond his time in space. As an ambassador for NASA, he played a crucial role in promoting STEM education and inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science and mathematics. His contributions to our understanding of the Moon's geology and composition continue to be studied by scientists today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Gene Cernan is widely quoted for his thought-provoking statements about space exploration and its significance. His poignant words, spoken as he left the lunar surface during Apollo 17, remain an enduring reminder of humanity's curiosity-driven spirit: "We leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind."
Quotes by Gene Cernan
Gene Cernan's insights on:
We found out the Gemini spacesuit was, well, oxygen was flowing to keep me cool as well as to breathe, and it wasn't good enough. My visor got fogged.
As we leave the Moon at Taurus-Littrow, we leave as we came, and God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind.
Curiosity is the essence of human existence. 'Who are we? Where are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going?'... I don't know. I don't have any answers to those questions. I don't know what's over there around the corner. But I want to find out.
Am I willing to go to Mars? Yes, but I’m not willing to spend nine months getting there, then wait 18 more months until the planets align to come home.
Get the shuttle out of the garage. It’s in its prime of its life. How could we just put it away?
Some of the most exciting space education in the country is not coming out of Washington or New York or California or even Texas. It’s coming from a place in Kansas called the Cosmosphere.