It’s a very sobering feeling to be up in space and realize that one’s safety factor was determined by the lowest bidder on a government contract.
Alan Shepard Quotes
Showing all quotes
| Birth: | 18th November, 1923 |
| Death: | 21st July, 1998 |
| Nationality: | American |
| Profession: | Astronaut, Aviator, Pilot |
About
Alan Bartlett Shepard, Jr. was an American naval aviator, test pilot, flag officer, NASA astronaut, and businessman, who in 1961 became the second person, and the first American, to travel into space. This Mercury flight was designed to enter space, but not to achieve orbit. Ten years later, at age 47 the oldest astronaut in the program, Shepard commanded the Apollo 14 mission, piloting the lander to the most accurate landing of the Apollo missions. He became the fifth person to walk on the Moon, and the only astronaut of the Mercury Seven to walk on the Moon. During the mission he hit two golf balls on the lunar surface. After leaving NASA he became a successful businessman. He died of leukemia in 1998, five weeks before the death of his wife of 53 years. They were survived by their three daughters.
Related Authors
Advertisement
Today's Anniversary - 23rd April
Share with your friends