Introduction: A Fading Generation of Legends
Between 1968 and 1972, 24 NASA astronauts journeyed to the Moon during the Apollo program, marking one of humanity’s most audacious achievements. More than half a century later, only four of these pioneers remain alive as of January 2025: Buzz Aldrin, David Scott, Charles Duke, and Harrison Schmitt. These individuals are not just historical figures—they are living connections to an era of exploration that reshaped our understanding of the cosmos.
This blog post revisits their stories, corrects common misconceptions, and reflects on the implications of their dwindling numbers as NASA’s Artemis program prepares to return humans to the Moon.
The Four Surviving Apollo Astronauts
Here’s an updated overview of the remaining astronauts, their missions, and their current status as of January 2025:
| Name | Mission | Role | Age (2025) | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buzz Aldrin | Apollo 11 | Lunar Module Pilot | 94 | Second person to walk on the Moon; vocal Mars exploration advocate. |
| David Scott | Apollo 15 | Commander | 91 | First to drive the Lunar Rover; collected 171 pounds of lunar samples. |
| Charles Duke | Apollo 16 | Lunar Module Pilot | 88 | Youngest Moonwalker (age 36); famously reassured Apollo 11 during its landing. |
| Harrison Schmitt | Apollo 17 | Lunar Module Pilot | 88 | Only scientist-astronaut to walk on the Moon; geologist. |
Their Stories and Legacies
1. Buzz Aldrin: The Relentless Advocate
At 94, Buzz Aldrin remains a global icon. After his historic Apollo 11 mission, he struggled with post-mission depression but channeled his energy into advocating for Mars colonization. His memoir, Magnificent Desolation, reflects on his journey from astronaut to advocate. Aldrin’s adventurous spirit endures—he married for the fourth time at 93 and continues to champion space exploration.
Key Insight: Aldrin’s push for Mars highlights the tension between Apollo’s legacy and future ambitions: “We did flags and footprints with Apollo—now we need permanence.”
2. David Scott: The Engineer Who Drove History
David Scott, 91, commanded Apollo 15 and piloted the first Lunar Rover across the Moon’s surface. His mission revolutionized lunar geology by deploying advanced instruments and retrieving critical samples. Post-NASA, Scott advised films like Apollo 13 and remains a respected voice in space education.
Did You Know? Scott left a secret memorial on the Moon—a small aluminum statue honoring astronauts who died in the line of duty.
3. Charles Duke: The Voice of Tranquility
Charles Duke, now 88, became the youngest Moonwalker at 36 during Apollo 16. His exuberant “golly, gee whiz” reaction to the lunar landscape captured the public imagination. Earlier, as Capcom for Apollo 11, he famously quipped, “You’ve got a bunch of guys about to turn blue,” after the Eagle landed. Today, Duke emphasizes the challenges Artemis astronauts will face near the Moon’s South Pole: “It’s really rough down there. But we’ll pull it off.”
Legacy Moment: Duke left a family photo on the Moon—a personal artifact now preserved in lunar dust.
4. Harrison Schmitt: The Scientist on the Moon
Harrison Schmitt, 88, stands apart as the only professional scientist (a geologist) to walk on the Moon. His Apollo 17 mission in 1972 marked the end of crewed lunar exploration. Schmitt’s training transformed how astronauts approach planetary geology, prioritizing science over symbolism. Post-NASA, he served as a U.S. senator but remains controversial for his climate change skepticism9.
Why Their Survival Matters
The passing of astronauts like Frank Borman (Apollo 8) and Ken Mattingly (Apollo 16) in 2023–2024 underscores the urgency of preserving their stories. Here’s why their lives resonate today:
- Historical Continuity: They are firsthand witnesses to the Cold War space race—a blend of geopolitical rivalry and scientific triumph.
- Artemis Program Guidance: NASA’s Artemis program, aiming for a 2025 crewed mission, benefits from their insights. Schmitt advises on lunar geology, while Aldrin advocates for Mars.
- Humanizing Exploration: Their struggles—Aldrin’s mental health, and Scott’s technical precision—reveal the human cost of pushing boundaries.
The Bittersweet Reality: A Closing Window
The average age of the surviving astronauts is 90.25, and their firsthand knowledge is irreplaceable. As Duke noted in 2022, Artemis astronauts will face “tougher terrain” but embody the same pioneering spirit.
Yet, their dwindling numbers remind us that the Apollo era is slipping into history. Efforts like oral histories, documentaries (Apollo 11, 2019), and museums strive to preserve their legacy—but nothing replaces their voices.
Conclusion: From Apollo to Artemis
The four remaining Apollo astronauts are mentors for a new generation. As NASA and companies like SpaceX target the Moon and Mars, these pioneers remind us that exploration demands courage, curiosity, and collaboration.
Final Thought: When Schmitt stepped off the Moon in 1972, he left a plaque: “Here man completed his first explorations… May the spirit of peace… be reflected in the lives of all mankind.” As Artemis reignites lunar exploration, let’s honor that spirit—and the astronauts who embody it.
Further Reading:
