Rusty Schweickart

Rusty Schweickart – Life, Spaceflight & Legacy

Discover the life of Russell “Rusty” Schweickart (born October 25, 1935) — U.S. astronaut, Apollo 9 lunar module pilot, advocate for planetary defense, engineer, and voice for Earth’s stewardship.

Introduction

Rusty Schweickart is a distinguished American astronaut, engineer, and public advocate whose career spans piloting spacecraft, shaping space policy, and promoting planetary defense. As the Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 9, he performed the first in-space test of the portable life-support system that would later carry astronauts on lunar surface walks. After leaving NASA, he channeled his cosmic perspective into protecting Earth—from asteroid threats to technology and policy efforts. His life exemplifies how one mission can ripple outward into a lifelong commitment to humanity and the planet.

Early Life & Education

Russell Louis “Rusty” Schweickart was born on October 25, 1935, in Neptune Township, New Jersey, United States.

Schweickart graduated from Manasquan High School in 1952. Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from MIT in 1956 on scholarship. Master’s in Aeronautics & Astronautics at MIT.

Before joining NASA, Rusty served as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and in the Massachusetts Air National Guard (1956–1963), logging over 4,000 flight hours (3,500 in high-performance jets).

NASA & Spaceflight Career

Astronaut Selection, Duties & Training

In October 1963, Schweickart was selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 3 (also known as “The Fourteen”).

He initially served as backup pilot on the ill-fated Apollo 1 mission team. Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 9 — the first manned flight to test the lunar module in Earth orbit.

Apollo 9 Mission (March 3–13, 1969)

On March 3, 1969, Schweickart launched aboard Apollo 9 with James McDivitt (Commander) and David Scott (Command Module Pilot). Over the course of ~241 hours, the crew conducted critical tests of the spacecraft systems.

One of his primary tasks was the first extravehicular activity (EVA) of the Apollo program to test the portable life support system (PLSS) — the backpack life support unit later used by lunar astronauts. 46 minutes outside the lunar module, standing on the “porch” of the LM, tethered and testing suit systems.

At the mission’s start, he had space adaptation syndrome (motion sickness), which delayed the EVA plans.

Apollo 9 successfully tested the lunar module’s systems, separation, docking, and propulsion maneuvers — a key stepping stone toward lunar landing missions.

Skylab & Later NASA Roles

Although he did not walk on the Moon himself, Schweickart took on substantial roles in the Skylab program. He served as backup commander for Skylab 2, which flew in 1973, and was heavily involved in designing hardware and procedures for emergency repairs to the station after damage during launch.

Later, he moved to NASA Headquarters as Director of User Affairs in the Office of Applications, where he worked to transfer NASA technologies to commercial and public sectors.

He left NASA in 1977.

Post-NASA Career & Advocacy

After retiring from NASA, Schweickart continued to serve public causes and enterprises:

• He worked under California Governor Jerry Brown as assistant for science and technology for two years.

• He then served on the California Energy Commission for ~5.5 years, chairing it for part of that period.

• He co-founded the Association of Space Explorers (ASE) in 1984–85, an organization for astronauts and cosmonauts to share and promote space exploration.

• He also co-founded the B612 Foundation in 2002, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting Earth from asteroid impacts, and remains chair emeritus.

• Schweickart has testified before the U.S. Congress on the importance of planetary defense and advocated for increased funding for Near-Earth Object (NEO) detection and deflection programs.

• In commercial and technical sectors, he led or advised satellite and telecommunications ventures, including work in low Earth orbit communications.

Legacy & Impact

• Schweickart’s work on Apollo 9 was pivotal in validating the lunar module and life support systems, laying groundwork for all subsequent Moon landings.

• His experience of seeing Earth from space led to a deep philosophical and environmental viewpoint — he has been a vocal proponent of Earth stewardship and global perspective.

• Through the ASE and B612 Foundation, he has pushed for planetary defense as a global priority, influencing policy and public awareness about asteroids and cosmic threats.

• His role in transferring NASA’s technological innovations to public and commercial users reflects the bridge between space exploration and earthly benefit.

• Schweickart remains a symbol of the astronaut as not only explorer but guardian of Earth — someone who exactly saw how fragile and unique our planet is and dedicated himself to its protection.

Personality & Philosophy

Rusty Schweickart is often described as reflective, humble, and mission-oriented. His spacewalk experience, including the awe of viewing Earth from outside the spacecraft, influenced his sense of responsibility toward the planet.

He embraces a worldview that blends science, policy, and ethics: believing that humanity must manage its cosmic context responsibly. His advocacy is grounded not in fear, but in foresight and stewardship.

Selected Quotes & Reflections

• On the view of Earth from space:

  “It is so small and so fragile … and such a precious little spot in that universe … all of history and music and poetry … is here.”

• On humanity’s cosmic role:

  “Life is built into the universe. We are the local manifestation of it … we need to respect that and ensure that we can make it through this birthing point.”

• On his own journey:

  “I want to be a sponge. Really look at where I am and what’s here … those questions started coming in: Who the hell are you? How did you get here?”

Lessons from Rusty Schweickart

1. Vision born from experience
   A single moment — like seeing Earth from space — can transform one’s life purpose. Schweickart leveraged that moment into decades of advocacy.

2. Exploration with caretaking
   He bridges the drive to explore with the imperative to care — for our planet, societies, and future generations.

3. From technical to policy leadership
   His path from astronaut to policy and technology leader shows how technical credibility can translate to influence in governance and advocacy.

4. Protecting beyond borders
   His commitment to planetary defense transcends national, ideological, or political divisions — focusing humanity’s common interest in survival.

5. Legacy is ongoing
   While his flight years are past, his work with B612, ASE, and policy continues influencing how humanity perceives and responds to cosmic threats.

Conclusion

Rusty Schweickart’s journey from farm boy in New Jersey to astronaut on Apollo 9 to Earth’s cosmic guardian is remarkable. His technical contributions to lunar exploration, combined with his philosophical and civic vision, make him an enduring figure in space history. He reminds us that seeing the Earth from afar also means caring for it up close.