James Irwin

Date of Birth: March 17, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: August 8, 1991

Biography

James Benson Irwin was an American astronaut, aeronautical engineer, test pilot, and United States Air Force pilot. Born on March 17, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he is best known for being the eighth person to walk on the moon. Irwin served as the Lunar Module pilot for Apollo 15, the fourth human lunar landing mission. He spent a total of 18 hours and 35 minutes on the moon’s surface, during which he and his commander, David Scott, conducted geological surveys and collected samples. Irwin graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, and later attended the United States Naval Academy, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1951. He also earned a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1957. He was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1966. After his retirement from NASA and the Air Force in 1972, Irwin founded the High Flight Foundation, a Christian organization that aimed to share his faith. He led several expeditions to Mount Ararat in Turkey in search of Noah’s Ark, driven by his strong religious beliefs. James Irwin passed away on August 8, 1991, from a heart attack at the age of 61. His contributions to space exploration and his post-NASA endeavors have left a lasting impact on both the scientific and religious communities.

5 Interesting Facts about James Irwin

1. James Irwin was the eighth person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 15 mission.

2. He spent a total of 18 hours and 35 minutes on the lunar surface.

3. Irwin played a significant role in geological surveys and sample collection during his moonwalk.

4. After his NASA career, he founded the High Flight Foundation, a Christian evangelical organization.

5. Irwin led multiple expeditions to Mount Ararat in search of Noah’s Ark.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Irwin

1. “The Earth reminded us of a Christmas tree ornament hanging in the blackness of space. As we got farther and farther away, it diminished in size.”

2. “Jesus walking on the earth is more important than man walking on the moon.”

3. “I felt the power of God as I’d never felt it before.”

4. “The entire space achievement is put in proper perspective when one realizes that God’s desire is to put men on a new Earth.”

5. “The experience is so much more than just science and technology; it is a spiritual event.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

James Irwin’s highest net worth is not publicly documented; however, it is known that astronauts during his time were government employees with salaries commensurate with their military rank and experience.

Children

James Irwin had five children with his wife, Mary Ellen Irwin. Their names are: 1. James Irwin Jr. 2. Jill Irwin 3. Joy Irwin 4. Jan Irwin 5. Joe Irwin