Return to the moon

Abstract

Selected for the Scientist-Astronaut program in 1965, Schmitt organized the lunar science training for the Apollo astronauts, represented the crews during the development of hardware and procedures for lunar surface exploration, and oversaw the final preparation of the Apollo 11 Lunar Module descent stage. He served as mission scientist in support of the Apollo 11 mission. After training as backup Lunar Module pilot for Apollo 15, Schmitt flew in space as Lunar Module pilot for Apollo 17-the last Apollo mission to the moon. On December 11, 1972, he landed in the Valley of Taurus-Littrow as the only scientist and the last of 12 men to step on the Moon.