The Legacy of Apollo: Meet the Last Moonwalkers

Tue Oct 21 2025 10:05:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

**The Legacy of Apollo: Meet the Last Moonwalkers**

Discover the stories of the remaining Apollo astronauts as we gear up for a new era of lunar exploration!

As NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon, we reflect on the historic Apollo missions and the last surviving astronauts who made headlines in space history.

The Apollo missions of the late 20th century transformed our understanding of space, sending 24 astronauts to the Moon between 1969 and 1972. Today, with the passing of Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell, only five of these pioneers remain. NASA is reigniting lunar exploration ambitions through its Artemis program, targeting human habitation on the Moon within the decade.

China is also in the race, aiming to land astronauts by 2030, a move that heightens competition in lunar exploration. While private companies like SpaceX and Boeing innovate technologies for space travel, setbacks have plagued their efforts. For instance, problems with Boeing's Starliner have raised concerns, while SpaceX’s Starship has faced several high-profile failures.

With only a few Apollo astronauts left, let’s highlight their remarkable journeys:

**Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11):** The second human to walk on the Moon, Aldrin famously described the experience as “magnificent desolation.” A proud advocate for space exploration, he continues to inspire new generations while embracing his legacy.

**Charles Duke (Apollo 16):** At 36, Duke became the youngest Moonwalker. Apart from his lunar exploits, he made history as a key communicator during the Apollo 11 landing.

**Fred Haise (Apollo 13):** Known for his brush with disaster, Haise was part of the iconic Apollo 13 mission. Although he never set foot on the Moon, he excelled in various aerospace roles after his NASA tenure.

**Harrison Schmitt (Apollo 17):** The first scientist on the Moon, Schmitt’s expertise as a geologist remains significant in our understanding of lunar geology. After NASA, he served in the US Senate.

**David Scott (Apollo 15):** Scott was part of the first crew to utilize the Lunar Roving Vehicle, greatly enhancing lunar exploration. His post-NASA career included notable roles in private industry and consulting for films.

With Artemis set to launch new lunar adventures, these legendary astronauts’ stories remind us of the indomitable human spirit in space exploration. Who will follow in their footsteps? Only time will tell!