Gene Cernan

Gene Cernan (1934–2017) was an American astronaut, naval aviator, and the last person to walk on the Moon. This deeply researched biography outlines his life, missions, contributions, and memorable words, aiming for completeness beyond typical short profiles.

Introduction

Eugene “Gene” Andrew Cernan was among the most iconic figures in the age of human space exploration. His career spanned fighter jets, spaceflight, lunar walks, and later advocacy for renewed space missions. Though he passed away in 2017, Cernan’s legacy is uniquely marked by the fact that he was the last human being (as of now) to leave footprints on the Moon.

In this article, we explore Cernan’s early life, his journey through NASA’s programs, the significance of his missions, and his vision for humanity’s future in space.

Early Life & Education

Gene Cernan was born on March 14, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois.

He grew up in suburban Illinois, primarily in Bellwood and Maywood.

Cernan graduated from Proviso Township High School in 1952. B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 1956.

Later, Cernan earned a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

Naval & Aviation Career

Before joining NASA, Cernan had a distinguished career in the Navy, becoming a naval aviator and flying high-performance jets.

• He was commissioned via NROTC and trained in multiple aircraft, eventually flying jets such as the A-4 Skyhawk and the FJ-4 Fury.

• Over his Navy career, he amassed thousands of flight hours, including many in jets, and logged carrier landings.

• He also served in attack squadrons and completed demanding flight assignments before being selected for NASA’s astronaut corps.

Cernan retired from the Navy (with the rank of Captain) in 1976.

NASA Career & Space Missions

Selection & Training

In October 1963, NASA selected Gene Cernan as part of its third astronaut class, known for including many who would fly in the Gemini and Apollo programs. He trained for both orbital missions and lunar operations.

Gemini 9A (1966)

Cernan first flew into space on Gemini 9A in June 1966. EVA (spacewalk) — the second U.S. spacewalk ever attempted.

Apollo 10 (1969)

Cernan’s second mission was Apollo 10, which served as the “dress rehearsal” for the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Lunar Module Pilot, descending in the lunar module Snoopy to within about 8.5 nautical miles of the Moon’s surface, testing all landing procedures except touchdown.

Apollo 17 (1972) – Commander & Last Moon Walk

Cernan’s final and most significant mission was Apollo 17, launched December 7, 1972. mission commander, he led the last crewed lunar landing.

Over three days (Dec 11–14, 1972), Cernan and Harrison “Jack” Schmitt conducted three EVAs, covering geological exploration, sample collection, and experiments. 110.4 kg of lunar samples (the largest haul of any Apollo mission), and traveled over 35 km on the Moon’s surface.

When it was time to leave, Cernan uttered the final words spoken from the lunar surface by a human:

“As I take man’s last step from the surface … we leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind.”

Because Cernan was the last to reenter the lunar module, his footprints remain the most recent human traces on the Moon (as of today).

Achievements, Honors & Records

• Cernan was the eleventh person to walk on the Moon, and as of his final mission, the last person to walk on the Moon.

• He holds the record for longest lunar surface stay and greatest distance traveled on the Moon (for Apollo missions).

• Over his three spaceflights, he totaled 23 days, 14 hours, 15 minutes in space.

• His honors include the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and multiple other national and international awards.

• Later, he was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and other aerospace honors.

Later Career & Advocacy

After leaving NASA and retiring from the Navy, Cernan entered private business and media:

• He became Executive Vice President of Coral Petroleum, then founded The Cernan Corporation in 1981.

• He appeared frequently in media and commentary about space exploration, including contributions to ABC News and more.

• In 1999 he published his memoir, The Last Man on the Moon, co-written with Donald A. Davis.

• He continued to speak out for renewed lunar and deep space missions. In 2010, he testified with Neil Armstrong before Congress against canceling NASA’s Constellation program.

• While initially critical of commercial space initiatives, Cernan later expressed more openness after learning about their innovations and achievements.

Personality, Philosophy & Reflections

Cernan was known as a deeply proud, technically rigorous, and outspoken figure. He often lamented that he remained the last human on the Moon, expressing frustration that humanity has not returned.

He saw exploration not just as national prestige but as a moral and aspirational mission for humanity: driving toward the unknown, expanding knowledge, and inspiring future generations.

In his memoir and public remarks, he emphasized that truth needs no defense and that the human spirit should aim always higher.

Selected Quotations

Here are a few memorable lines attributed to Gene Cernan:

• “We leave as we came … with peace and hope for all mankind.”
  (His final words from the lunar surface)

• “Truth needs no defense.”
  (Phrase he used in reflecting on his lunar legacy)

• In commentary, he said he was “disappointed” he was still the last man on the moon, expressing hope for renewed missions.

Lessons & Legacy

1. The weight of “last” — Cernan’s status as the last human on the Moon adds poignancy to debates about where humanity goes next.

2. Exploration demands persistence — his insistence on pushing forward even decades later shows that exploration is not a fleeting endeavor.

3. Science, engineering, and spirit combine — his career linked technical mastery with visionary aspiration.

4. Advocacy matters after the mission ends — Cernan remained vocal about space policy, trying to shape the future, not dwell on past glory.

5. Footprints endure — literally and metaphorically, his contributions remind us that human actions can leave long traces, visible long after we depart.

Conclusion

Gene Cernan embodied the dual roles of skilled engineer-pilot and impassioned explorer. As commander of Apollo 17 and the last person to walk on the lunar surface, his life represents both a culminating achievement of the Apollo era and a hopeful call to future generations. His legacy continues not only in records and relics, but in the questions he posed: Where next? How do we keep space not just in memory, but in motion?