Jack Schmitt

Date of Birth: July 3, 1935

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Harrison Hagan “Jack” Schmitt is an American geologist, retired NASA astronaut, university professor, and former U.S. Senator from New Mexico. Born on July 3, 1935, in Santa Rita, New Mexico, Schmitt is best known for being one of the last people to walk on the moon during the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972. Schmitt’s background in geology made him an invaluable asset to NASA, and he played a pivotal role in collecting lunar samples that have provided significant insights into the moon’s composition and history. Schmitt attended the California Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Science in 1957. He then went on to earn a PhD in Geology from Harvard University in 1964. Schmitt joined NASA in 1965 as a scientist-astronaut and was the first scientist to step foot on the moon. After his career at NASA, Schmitt transitioned to politics, serving as a U.S. Senator from New Mexico from 1977 to 1983. He later worked in academia and private consulting.

5 Interesting Facts about Jack Schmitt

1. Jack Schmitt is the only geologist to have walked on the moon.

2. He was the twelfth and last person to step onto the lunar surface, following Eugene Cernan, during the Apollo 17 mission.

3. Schmitt was instrumental in identifying the orange soil on the moon, which was later found to be volcanic glass formed billions of years ago.

4. He co-authored “The Geological History of the Moon” with NASA, which remains a definitive work in lunar geology.

5. After his tenure in the Senate, Schmitt became a vocal advocate for a human return to the moon and the establishment of lunar bases for scientific research.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jack Schmitt

1. “We went to explore the moon, and in fact discovered the Earth.”

2. “Science and exploration go hand-in-hand. You cannot have one without the other.”

3. “The moon is a treasure trove of scientific knowledge about the history of our solar system.”

4. “Humanity needs to become a multi-planet species to ensure its survival.”

5. “The future of space exploration lies in international cooperation and collaboration.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jack Schmitt’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, primarily accumulated through his career in academia, consulting, and his time as a U.S. Senator.