Orbiting the Moon 34 times, Stuart Roosa served as the Command Module Pilot for Apollo 14 in 1971. While his crewmates explored the lunar surface, he maintained the Kitty Hawk in solitary orbit, conducting a critical series of scientific experiments before returning to Earth. His career spanned from fighting forest fires to testing experimental jet aircraft.
Military and Test Pilot Career
Before joining NASA, Roosa served as a smokejumper for the U.S. Forest Service during the 1953 fire season. He transitioned to the U.S. Air Force, graduating from the Aviation Cadet Program and later the U.S. Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School. His service included maintenance flight testing at Olmstead Air Force Base and fighter pilot duties at Langley Air Force Base. He attained the rank of Colonel before retiring from the military in 1976.
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Selected in the 1966 astronaut class, Roosa served as the CAPCOM during the Apollo 1 fire and provided support for Apollo 9. On Apollo 14, he spent 33 hours in solo orbit while managing complex payloads. During this mission, he conducted a joint project with the U.S. Forest Service, transporting seeds from various tree species, including redwood and Douglas fir, which were later germinated and planted across the United States as 'Moon Trees'.
Education and Post-Flight Activities
Roosa held a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder, earned in 1960 after studies at Oklahoma State University and the University of Arizona. In 1973, he completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Following his NASA tenure and retirement from the Air Force, he transitioned into the business sector, founding Gulf Coast Coors in 1981.
Fast facts
- Born: 1933, Durango
- Died: 1994, Falls Church
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Spaceflight Hours: 217
- Total Flying Hours: 5,500
- Education: University of Colorado, Harvard Business School
- Notable Awards: NASA Distinguished Service Medal, International Space Hall of Fame
- Burial Site: Arlington National Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What were the 'Moon Trees'?
These were tree seeds carried by Roosa on the Apollo 14 mission that were later germinated and planted throughout the United States.
What was Roosa's role during Apollo 14?
He served as the Command Module Pilot, orbiting the Moon 34 times and conducting experiments while the other crew members landed on the surface.
Achievements
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- International Space Hall of Fame — 1983
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Arizona, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and Oklahoma State University
- Worked as military officer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
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