Last Man on Moon Shares Wisdom for Artemis II Crew

Last Man on Moon Shares Wisdom for Artemis II Crew

As the Artemis II mission prepares to launch, carrying four astronauts on a journey to the Moon, a unique voice from the past is offering guidance. Harrison Schmitt, the geologist and the last human to walk on the lunar surface during the Apollo 17 mission, reflects on his historic experience and shares his hopes for the new generation of space explorers.

A Unique Perspective from the Lunar Surface

In 1972, at the age of 37, Jack Schmitt became the first scientist to set foot on the Moon. Part of the Apollo 17 crew alongside Gene Cernan and Ron Evans, Schmitt spent 22 hours on the surface over three expeditions. His mission collected over 200 pounds of lunar samples, offering invaluable insights into the Moon’s history and composition.

“We were in a valley on the Moon, deeper than the Grand Canyon. That’s a little bit hard to fathom.”

Schmitt’s scientific background allowed him to analyze lunar features in real-time. He discovered the orange soil, later identified as volcanic ash erupted about 3.6 billion years ago, and noted the sparkling surfaces of the mineral ilmenite. These discoveries highlight the Moon’s dynamic geological past, which has been recording solar activity for billions of years.

Lessons from the Moon for Earth

Schmitt emphasizes that studying the Moon provides crucial information about both the Earth and the Sun. The Moon acts as a passive recorder of solar events over its 4.5-billion-year history. Understanding these records helps scientists decipher the Sun’s behavior and its impact on our own planet.

He sees the Moon’s surface as a history book of solar activity. “The Moon’s been out there recording whatever the Sun decided to do for 4.5 billion years,” Schmitt explained. “And we’re just now beginning to understand how do we decipher that?”

Advice for the Artemis II Astronauts

Now, 54 years after his own lunar adventure, Schmitt is cheering on the Artemis II crew: Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Specialist Christina Koch, and Specialist Jeremy Hansen. His advice to them is simple yet profound: enjoy the mission and be ready for anything.

“The crew is going to be busy making sure that everything is properly configured for that flyby. Be ready for anything unexpected, but have a great time. Enjoy it. That’s the main advice is enjoy the mission,” Schmitt shared.

A Legacy of Exploration and Inspiration

Even at 90 years old, Schmitt’s memories of walking on the Moon remain vivid. He recalls the unique experience of seeing the orange soil and the sparkling minerals. These personal encounters with the lunar landscape have fueled his passion for space exploration throughout his life.

Schmitt’s mission also carried a message for the future. He famously told his Apollo 17 crewmate Gene Cernan, “I think the next generation ought to accept this as a challenge to see them leave footsteps like these someday.” He meant for humanity to continue pushing boundaries and thinking big.

“Well, I meant think big.”

Schmitt believes that further exploration, including a mission to Mars, is attainable. His enthusiasm for the final frontier remains undimmed, inspiring those who look up at the night sky.

Connecting Generations of Explorers

Schmitt has actively maintained connections with aspiring astronauts. He has invited numerous astronaut classes to his home in New Mexico to study rocks and learn about lunar geology firsthand. This personal mentorship ensures that his invaluable experience continues to inform and inspire future missions.

He sees the Artemis II mission as a crucial step in humanity’s ongoing journey into space. The mission’s success will pave the way for future endeavors, including potential long-term human presence on the Moon and beyond.

The Future of Lunar Exploration

As the Artemis II astronauts prepare for their historic flight, they carry with them the legacy of pioneers like Jack Schmitt. His insights into lunar geology, his reflections on the profound experience of walking on another world, and his encouragement for future exploration provide a powerful connection between past and future space endeavors. The Artemis II mission is not just a journey to the Moon; it’s a testament to humanity’s enduring spirit of discovery and a step towards a future where space exploration is a continuous endeavor.

Source: Last man on the moon reflects on his experience and the Artemis II mission (YouTube)