The last person set foot on the Moon

Gene Cernan was one of three people who had twice gone to the Moon and became the last person to set foot on the satellite surface of the Earth since 1972.

Gene Cernan was born in 1934, was a US Navy officer, astronaut and engineer of the US Aerospace Agency (NASA). He went to space three times in 1966, 1969, 1972 and was one of three people who had twice been to the Moon. In the mission, Cernan becomes the last person to set foot on the satellite surface of the Earth.

"We leave after coming here and if God wants, we will return, with peace and hope for all humanity" as his final statement in Apollo's final mission to the Face. In December 1972, the moon showed the common goals and aspirations of Apollo exploratory programs.

Gene Cernan, former astronaut of the US Aeronautics Agency (NASA).Photo taken in 1969. (Photo: astronautcentral.com)

More than 40 years later, even at the age of 80, Cernan is proud to mention the accomplishments of the US space program, or when talking about the future of space exploration.

"We left the launch pad with the Saturn V rocket, the vehicle that took us to the Moon. People have always dreamed of reaching beyond the cradle of civilization - our Earth, and we have done it. Fortunately, I became one of the people on the Moon, looking at the Earth and understanding the meaning of everything, " Cernan said. After reviewing the video footage of himself, Cernan described the feeling of visiting the missile launcher left behind at Cape Canaveral Air Base as a regret, disappointment and heartbreak.

The former astronaut recounted that, when he had to leave the Moon and began to step up the steps leading up to the spacecraft, he felt confused and did not want to leave. He looked back at his last steps and realized that there would be no chance to do the same thing again.

According to him, all the things that American astronauts used to go to the Moon prove that they can work and survive here. This is considered a stepping stone to Mars's mission, to explain the question of whether or not water or life exists on it. When asked about his intention to return to the Moon, he thought Americans could and will do it.

Gene Cernan on the surface of the Moon in Apollo 17's research mission in 1972. (Photo: NASA)

Having had two chances to set foot on the Moon under the Apollo 10 and Apollo 17 missions, he found himself representing one of humankind's greatest challenges in modern and proud history. is part of that. However, besides his group, many people have prepared for the flight, responsible for success or failure in this mission.

Returning to normal life, Carnen has received many questions from the younger generation about what the previous generation had done. In Apollo's missions, only 12 astronauts have the opportunity to set foot on the Moon. His responsibility and they are inspirational and passion for young people, continue to fulfill the dream of conquering the universe in the future.