Alan Shepard

American astronaut, first American in space, lunar explorer (1923–1998)

Alan Shepard (November 18, 1923 - July 21, 1998)[2] was an American astronaut. He was the first American to travel into space. He was born in East Derry, New Hampshire.[2] He received a Bachelor of Science at Naval Academy in 1944, graduated at Naval Testpilot School in 1951 and he earned a Master of Arts at the Naval War College in 1957.

Alan Shepard
Shepard sits at a table wearing a dark suit and holding a microphone. He is wearing his Naval Academy class ring, and an astronaut pin on his lapel. In the background is an American flag.
Born
Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr.

(1923-11-18)November 18, 1923
DiedJuly 21, 1998(1998-07-21) (aged 74)
Cause of deathLeukemia
NationalityAmerican
Alma mater
Occupations
Spouse(s)
Louise
(m. 1945; died 1998)
Children
  • Julie
  • Laura
  • Alice
Parents
  • Alan Shepard Sr. (father)
  • Pauline Emerson[1] (mother)
Awards
  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal
  • Distinguished Flying Cross
  • Congressional Space Medal of Honor
  • NASA Distinguished Service Medal (2)
  • NASA Exceptional Service Medal
Space career
NASA astronaut
Rank Rear Admiral, USN
Time in space
9 days 57 minutes
Total EVAs
2
Total EVA time
9 hours 23 minutes
MissionsMR-3, Apollo 14
Mission insignia
The circular patch depicts a Mercury capsule and a map of Florida, indicating the ballistic path of the capsule into the Atlantic Ocean. The words say: "Mercury 3 – Shepard – Freedom 7" The circular patch depits the Earth and the Moon. An astronaut lapel pin leaves a comet trail from the liftoff point on Earth. Around it is the logo "Apollo 14 – Shepard Roosa Mitchell"
RetirementAugust 1, 1974

On May 5, 1961, Shepard flew into space in the Mercury spacecraft. This was powered by a Redstone rocket.[2]

He made another space flight as spacecraft commander (person in charge) of Apollo 14. This was the third trip to land astronauts on the moon. The trip lasted from January 31 - February 9, 1971.[2] At the age of 47, he was the oldest person to ever walk on the Moon.

Personal life

In April 5, 1945, Shepard married with Louise.[3] They also had three children.

Shepard suffered with leukemia in 1996 and died on July 21, 1998 in Pebble Beach, California. His wife died from a heart attack on August 25, 1998.

References