The third person to walk on the lunar surface, Charles 'Pete' Conrad Jr. maintained a decorated career spanning military aviation, space exploration, and corporate leadership. Born in Philadelphia in 1930, he overcame academic hurdles caused by dyslexia to graduate from Princeton University, eventually becoming a distinguished naval officer and a pioneering force in the United States space program.
Early Education and Naval Training
Conrad attended The Haverford School and the Darrow School before enrolling at Princeton University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering in 1953. Following his graduation, he was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy. He received his naval aviator wings in 1954 and subsequently attended the United States Naval Test Pilot School. His work as a project test pilot preceded his eventual selection into NASA's second astronaut class in 1962.
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During his tenure at NASA, Conrad participated in several critical missions. He served as command pilot for Gemini 5 in 1965, establishing an eight-day space endurance record. In 1966, he commanded Gemini 11. His most notable achievement occurred during the Apollo 12 mission in 1969, where he became the third individual to step onto the Moon. In 1973, he commanded Skylab 2, the inaugural crewed mission to the Skylab space station, where his team performed essential repairs to launch damage.
Post-NASA Career and Final Years
Conrad retired from both NASA and the U.S. Navy in 1973 holding the rank of captain. He transitioned into the corporate sector, serving as a vice president at the American Television and Communications Company. He later joined McDonnell Douglas, holding various high-level roles, including vice president of marketing and staff vice president of international business development. Conrad passed away in 1999 in Ojai, California, following a motorcycle accident.
Fast facts
- Born: 1930, Philadelphia, United States
- Died: 1999, Ojai, United States
- Education: Princeton University, United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Military Rank: Captain, U.S. Navy
- Notable Awards: Congressional Space Medal of Honor (1978)
- Final Resting Place: Arlington National Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Pete Conrad's role in the Skylab program?
He commanded Skylab 2, the first crewed mission to the space station, where he oversaw repairs to significant launch damage.
How did Conrad's education influence his career?
Despite struggling with dyslexia, he earned an engineering degree from Princeton, which provided the academic foundation for his work as a naval test pilot and astronaut.
Achievements
- National Aviation Hall of Fame
- Congressional Space Medal of Honor
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- International Space Hall of Fame
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal
