As of 2026, Eugene Cernan holds the distinction of being the final human being to walk on the surface of the Moon. His career spanned service as a naval aviator and engineer before he joined the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, ultimately commanding the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, which concluded the agency's human lunar exploration program.
Military Foundation and Education
Born in 1934 in Chicago, Cernan pursued higher education at Purdue University, earning a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering in 1956. He subsequently joined the United States Navy through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. His aviation training included instruction on T-28 and F9F aircraft. In 1963, he obtained a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. By the time he reached the rank of captain, Cernan had logged over 5,000 flight hours, including 4,800 in jets and 200 carrier landings.
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NASA selected Cernan as an astronaut in 1963. He served as pilot for Gemini 9A in June 1966. The mission underwent significant changes after the original crew perished in a T-38A training accident. During his flight, Cernan performed the second American extravehicular activity, or spacewalk. Despite technical challenges involving limb restraints and hardware issues, the mission successfully demonstrated rendezvous procedures critical for future lunar attempts.
Apollo Missions and Lunar Exploration
Cernan served as the lunar module pilot for Apollo 10 in May 1969, a mission that functioned as a final dress rehearsal for the moon landing. He and Tom Stafford navigated the lunar module to within 8.5 nautical miles of the surface. He later commanded Apollo 17 in December 1972, accompanied by Ronald Evans and Harrison Schmitt. This mission involved three separate excursions on the Moon's surface in the Taurus-Littrow valley, totaling approximately 22 hours of exploration time.
Fast facts
- Born: 1934, Chicago
- Died: 2017, Houston
- Final lunar landing: December 1972
- Military rank: Captain
- Education: Purdue University, Naval Postgraduate School
- NASA Distinguished Service Medals: 1969, 1973
- Burial site: Texas State Cemetery
Questions readers ask
Was Cernan the last person on the Moon?
Yes, as of 2026, he remains the last individual to have walked on the lunar surface.
Did Cernan command any Apollo missions other than Apollo 17?
No, Apollo 17 was the only mission he commanded, though he served as pilot for Gemini 9A and lunar module pilot for Apollo 10.
Achievements
- National Aviation Hall of Fame — 2000
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- International Space Hall of Fame — 1982
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at Purdue University and Naval Postgraduate School
- Worked as naval officer, astronaut and fighter pilot
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