Discover which four Apollo “moonwalkers” astronauts are still alive as of May 2024. Take a nostalgic trip through space history and explore their current ages in 2024.
How many moonwalkers are still alive?
As of May 2024, four American astronauts from the historic moonwalks are still with us: Buzz Aldrin from Apollo 11, David Scott from Apollo 15, Charles Duke from Apollo 16, and Harrison Schmitt from Apollo 17.
- Buzz Aldrin, January 20 (age 94 years), was a key member of the historic Apollo 11 mission.
- Charlie Duke, October 3 (age 88 years), left his footprints on the lunar landscape during Apollo 16.
- Harrison Schmitt, July 3 (age 88 years), was vital to the Apollo 17 crew.
- David Scott, June 6 (age 91 years), embarked on three space missions and notably commanded Apollo 15, which was the fourth successful lunar landing.
These astronauts are not only symbols of the extraordinary achievements of the Apollo space program but also active contributors to the ongoing dialogue about space exploration. Their experiences and insights continue to inspire new generations and play a crucial role in shaping the future of space travel.
Introduction
When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first set foot on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, they inscribed their names in the annals of human achievement.
Their bravery was echoed by the following Apollo missions, as more astronauts, including David Scott, Charles Duke, and Harrison Schmitt, joined the ranks of Moonwalkers.
As we approach mid-2024, it’s time to delve into the lives of these remarkable individuals and discover their ages today.
Are any Apollo astronauts still alive?
Survivors of the Apollo Astronauts As of May 05, 2024
As we continue to marvel at the wonders of space exploration, it’s a humbling reality that only a select few have gazed at Earth from the vantage point of another celestial body.
The Apollo missions, which expanded humanity’s reach to the moon, left us with heroes whose names are etched in history. As of May 05, 2024, four of these trailblazing astronauts are still with us:
- Buzz Aldrin: 94 years old
- David Scott: 91 years old
- Charles Duke: 88 years old
- Harrison Schmitt: 88 years old
Buzz Aldrin: The Lunar Pioneer
At 94, Buzz Aldrin stands not only as one of the most recognizable figures from the Apollo era but as a continuous source of inspiration.
His historic walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission symbolizes human bravery and curiosity.
Despite the passing years, Aldrin’s contributions to space exploration and science remain as relevant and motivational as the day he made that giant leap for mankind.
David Scott: The Lunar Explorer
At the age of 91, David Scott is remembered not only as the commander of Apollo 15 but also as a pioneer who helped usher in a new era in the exploration of the moon.
Under his leadership, Apollo 15 saw the first use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle, enabling astronauts to travel farther on the moon than ever before.
His adventures on the lunar surface continue to be a benchmark for modern space missions.
Charles Duke: The Moonwalker
Charles Duke, the tenth man to leave his footprints on the moon’s dusty surface, is now 88 years old.
His Apollo 16 mission to the Descartes Highlands remains a highlight of human exploration.
The images of Duke’s exuberance on the moon capture the spirit of adventure that defines the Apollo program and continues to enliven the dreams of aspiring astronauts around the globe.
Harrison Schmitt: The Scientist-Astronaut
Harrison Schmitt, the only professional geologist to have walked on the lunar surface, continues at 88 to be an ambassador of science and space exploration.
His Apollo 17 mission was the final chapter of the Apollo moon landings, but his work and advocacy have ensured that the story of lunar exploration is far from over.
Schmitt’s journey on the moon provided invaluable scientific data that has shaped our understanding of the lunar environment.
The legacies of these four astronauts are more than just historical footnotes; they are living testimonies of a time when humanity reached beyond the bounds of Earth, striving for the seemingly impossible.
Their stories continue to capture our collective imagination, urging us on to new adventures in the cosmos.
As we reflect on their monumental achievements, we are reminded of the boundless potential of human determination and ingenuity.
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The Astronauts of the Apollo Era
The Apollo program, carried out by NASA, the United States space agency, from 1961 to 1972, saw twelve astronauts walking the lunar surface, making strides in space exploration that continue to inspire scientists and space enthusiasts today[^1^].
Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11)
Born on January 20, 1930, Buzz Aldrin was a part of the historic Apollo 11 mission, becoming the second person to walk on the moon on July 20, 1969[^2^]. As of May 2024, Aldrin is 94 years old. His contributions to lunar science and space exploration remain significant to this day.
Looking to become an Apollo Program aficionado? Dive into our comprehensive guide, The Complete Guide to the Apollo Program for an in-depth look at history, missions, and astronauts. It’s a must-read for any space enthusiast!
David Scott (Apollo 15)
David Scott, born on June 6, 1932, led the Apollo 15 mission. This mission was notable as it allowed astronauts to cover more ground using the Lunar Roving Vehicle for the first time. As of May 2024, Scott is 91 years old[^3^].
Charles Duke (Apollo 16)
Charles Duke, born on October 3, 1935, was part of the Apollo 16 mission. On April 20, 1972, Duke became the tenth man to walk on the moon[^4^]. As of As of May 2024, Duke is 88 years old.
Harrison Schmitt (Apollo 17)
Harrison Schmitt, born on July 3, 1935, served as the Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 17. Schmitt was the only professional scientist (a geologist) to walk on the lunar surface[^5^]. As of May 2024, Schmitt is 88 years old.
12 Moonwalkers
All twelve of these astronauts were American men who made history as part of NASA’s Apollo program. Their lunar landings, which took place between July 1969 and December 1972, remain some of the most remarkable achievements in space exploration.
The first person to set foot on the Moon was Neil Armstrong on July 21, 1969, during the Apollo 11 mission. He spent a total of 2 hours and 31 minutes on the lunar surface. Armstrong’s ‘small step for man’ was a giant leap for mankind. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2012 at the age of 82.
Alongside Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin was the second person to walk on the Moon during Apollo 11 on July 21, 1969. Aldrin, a former Air Force officer, also spent 2 hours and 31 minutes on the Moon. At 94, he is still alive today.
During the Apollo 12 mission, Pete Conrad and Alan Bean explored the lunar surface on November 19-20, 1969. Conrad, a U.S. Navy officer, spent 7 hours and 45 minutes on the Moon. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 69. Bean, also from the Navy, matched Conrad’s time on the Moon. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 86.
Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell were part of Apollo 14. They walked on the Moon on February 5-6, 1971. Shepard, a veteran Navy officer, logged 9 hours and 21 minutes on the lunar surface before passing away in 1998 at the age of 74. Mitchell, also from the Navy, matched Shepard’s time and passed away in 2016 at the age of 85.
Next up, during the Apollo 15 mission, were David Scott and James Irwin. They made history on July 31-August 2, 1971. Scott, an Air Force officer, spent 18 hours and 33 minutes on the Moon and is still alive today at the age of 91. Irwin, also from the Air Force, matched Scott’s time but passed away in 1991 at the age of 61.
During Apollo 16, John Young and Charles Duke walked on the Moon on April 21-23, 1972. Young, a Navy officer, spent 20 hours and 14 minutes exploring the lunar surface before passing away in 2018 at the age of 87. Duke, an Air Force officer, matched Young’s time and is still alive today at the age of 88.
The final lunar explorers were Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt during Apollo 17 on December 11-14, 1972. Cernan, a Navy officer, spent 22 hours and 2 minutes on the Moon before passing away in 2017 at the age of 82. Schmitt, who served with NASA, matched Cernan’s time and is still alive today at the age of 88.
Who is still alive of the 32 astronauts who flew on the Apollo missions in the 1960s and 70s?
As of today, May 2024, 4 surviving Apollo astronauts out of the 32 who flew on the Apollo missions in the 1960s and 1970s. Here is a list of the surviving Apollo astronauts:
- Buzz Aldrin, 94 years old (Apollo 11), who was the second person to walk on the Moon
- David Scott, 91 years old (Apollo 9, Apollo 15), who was the first person to drive a lunar rover
- Charlie Duke, 88 years old (Apollo 16), who was the youngest person to walk on the Moon
- Harrison Schmitt, 88 years old (Apollo 17), who was the only geologist to walk on the Moon
The Apollo Program: A Brief Overview
The Apollo program was a series of human spaceflight missions undertaken by NASA. It began with President John F. Kennedy‘s famous declaration in 1961, aiming to land a man on the moon before the end of the decade[^7^].
The program achieved this goal in 1969 with Apollo 11 and continued with six more missions (Apollo 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17), landing on the moon through 1972.
The Apollo Space Program stands as a monument to human ambition and ingenuity. But this unprecedented endeavor would never have been possible without the visionary leadership of certain individuals. President John F. Kennedy, in particular, played a pivotal role in the program’s inception. His bold vision set the course for the United States’ journey to the moon. To delve into the rich history of this period and understand Kennedy’s influential role, check out our article on John F. Kennedy: The Visionary Behind the Apollo Space Program.
The Apollo Missions: A Timeline
From the tragic Apollo 1 mission, which never launched, to the final Apollo 17 mission, the Apollo program’s timeline was a period of great strides, triumph, and learning.
Apollo 1 (1967): This mission was never launched due to a fire during a launch pad test that claimed the lives of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee[^8^].
- Apollo 7 (1968): The first successful manned Apollo mission, it tested the Command and Service Module (CSM) in Earth orbit[^9^].
- Apollo 8 (1968): The first manned mission to orbit the moon, it provided invaluable experience in lunar navigation[^10^].
- Apollo 9 (1969): A mission that successfully tested the Lunar Module in Earth orbit[^11^].
- Apollo 10 (1969): A dress rehearsal for the Apollo 11 mission, it came within 8.4 nautical miles of the lunar surface[^12^].
- Apollo 11 (1969): The historic mission that achieved the first manned lunar landing, with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walking on the moon[^13^].
- Apollo 12 (1969): The second lunar landing, with astronauts Charles “Pete” Conrad and Alan Bean exploring the moon’s surface[^14^].
- Apollo 13 (1970): This mission suffered an explosion in the service module, forcing the astronauts to abort the planned lunar landing and return to Earth using the lunar module as a lifeboat[^15^].
- Apollo 14 (1971): Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell walked on the moon during this mission, which involved more extensive lunar exploration than the previous two lunar landings[^16^].
- Apollo 15 (1971): David Scott and James Irwin explored the moon with the first use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle[^17^].
- Apollo 16 (1972): Charles Duke and John Young conducted lunar surface explorations and experiments while Thomas Mattingly remained in orbit[^18^].
- Apollo 17 (1972): The last manned lunar mission, with Eugene Cernan, Ronald Evans, and Harrison Schmitt[^19^].
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Remembering the Apollo Program
The Apollo program has left an indelible mark on the course of human history. It demonstrated the heights of human achievement, technical prowess, and indomitable spirit. It expanded our understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.
The astronauts who carried out these missions have given us new perspectives and sparked imaginations for more than half a century. Even as we navigate a vastly different world today, their pioneering spirit continues to inspire.
Looking to the Future
As we reminisce about the past and celebrate the ages of these legendary Apollo astronauts in 2024, it’s important also to look towards the future. Today, we find ourselves on the brink of a new era in space exploration.
Private companies, alongside national space agencies, are reaching for the stars, aiming for manned missions to Mars and beyond. Yet, we remember that these giant leaps are made possible by the groundwork laid by the Apollo astronauts.
Their courage, commitment, and scientific contributions continue to fuel our explorations into the final frontier.
Looking at the astronauts of the Apollo program, we see men who dared to do the impossible. They ventured into the unknown and forever changed how we view the world and ourselves. In 2024, as we reflect on the ages of Buzz Aldrin, David Scott, Charles Duke, and Harrison Schmitt, we honor their contributions and legacy.
It’s an opportunity to remember and appreciate the monumental achievements of these brave individuals, whose footprints on the lunar surface symbolize humanity’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and exploration.
Their journey, both in space and time, serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations. And it is with respect and admiration that we say their story is far from over. Each year that passes does not dim the brilliance of their accomplishments but rather adds to the unfolding legacy of these extraordinary individuals. They have not merely walked among the stars; they have shown us the way.
For a comprehensive look at the key events that shaped the competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, be sure to explore our detailed Space Race Timeline.
In Memoriam: Fallen Astronauts
It would be remiss not to mention those brave astronauts who, while never having the chance to become moonwalkers, played vital roles in the Apollo program and gave their lives in the pursuit of space exploration.
Edward White, Virgil Grissom, and Roger Chaffee tragically lost their lives in the Apollo 1 fire, a sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with space travel. [^20^]
Their sacrifice laid the groundwork for improved safety measures and a greater understanding of the risks of space exploration. It was a stark and heartbreaking lesson, but it fortified NASA’s commitment to the safety of its astronauts.
The Legacy Continues
As we observe the advanced ages of the surviving Apollo astronauts in 2024, their stories are not just about looking back. It’s also about looking forward.
The legacy they helped to create is a launching pad for future explorations. It is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to reach for the stars, aspire to great things, and never stop exploring.
In the shadow of the Apollo missions, new ventures aim to return humans to the moon, forge onward to Mars, and perhaps even further.
This new era of exploration stands on the shoulders of giants—the Apollo astronauts. Their legacy continues to grow with each new step we take into the cosmos.
In 2024, the remaining Apollo astronauts, Buzz Aldrin, David Scott, Charles Duke, and Harrison Schmitt, are well into their golden years. However, the significance of their contributions to space history remains undiminished.
Through their bravery and dedication, they have helped shape our understanding of the universe and inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in science and technology. Their legacies continue to thrive as they have laid the groundwork for future space exploration.
Understanding the current economic landscape, it’s interesting to consider the expenses of significant historical events if they occurred today. For instance, the Apollo program is remembered as a landmark achievement for the United States and humanity. But have you ever wondered how much the Apollo program would cost in today’s terms? You can learn more about this fascinating topic in our in-depth article on the current value of the Apollo program. It provides an adjusted estimation that reflects the economic and technological differences between the 1960s and today.