Edgar Mitchell served as the Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 14 in 1971, spending nine hours navigating the lunar surface in the Fra Mauro Highlands. As the sixth individual to walk on the Moon, he helped conduct the first extensive orbital science period while logging over 216 hours of total time in space.
Military and Academic Foundation
Born in Hereford, Texas, in 1930, Mitchell graduated from Artesia High School before pursuing degrees in industrial management at Carnegie Mellon University in 1952. He joined the United States Navy the same year. Throughout his military career, he attained a second bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1961 and a doctorate in aeronautics and astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1964. He served as a naval aviator and was a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School, where he finished first in his class.
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Selected as an astronaut in 1966, Mitchell served as part of the Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team, contributing to the safe return of the crew. In 1971, he traveled to the Moon aboard the Lunar Module Antares alongside commander Alan Shepard. During their 33-hour stay, the duo collected nearly 100 pounds of lunar samples and utilized the Mobile Equipment Transporter for surface exploration. His mission achievements included the first successful use of a color television system featuring a new Vidicon tube and conducting comprehensive orbital scientific experiments.
Professional Honors and Later Life
Mitchell held the rank of captain in the United States Navy. His service earned him numerous recognitions, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1970 and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 1971. He was later inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame and the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame. Following his career with NASA, he focused on research regarding human consciousness and parapsychology. Mitchell died in 2016 in West Palm Beach and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1930, Hereford, Texas
- Died: 2016, West Palm Beach, Florida
- Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University
- Lunar Mission: Apollo 14 (1971)
- Military Rank: Captain
- Major Awards: Presidential Medal of Freedom, NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Role: Lunar Module Pilot
Questions readers ask
What was Mitchell's specific contribution to the Apollo 13 mission?
He served on the Mission Operations Team and worked in a simulator to develop methods for controlling the Lunar Module while an inert Command/Service Module was attached.
Where is Edgar Mitchell buried?
He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Achievements
- Presidential Medal of Freedom — 1970
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- International Space Hall of Fame — 1979
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University and Naval Postgraduate School
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
