Moon Walker #11: Eugene Cernan

Moon Mission: Apollo 17
Role: Commander

Brief Bio: Eugene Andrew Cernan was an American astronaut, naval aviator, and engineer who traveled into space three times and to the Moon twice. He graduated with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Purdue University and later earned a master of science in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, retiring from the Navy as a captain in 1976.

Did you know: During the Apollo 17 mission, Eugene Cernan achieved an unofficial lunar land speed record by piloting the Lunar Roving Vehicle at a maximum speed of 11.2 mph on his final sortie.

Afterward: After retiring from NASA, Cernan became Executive Vice President of Coral Petroleum Inc., started The Cernan Corporation in 1981, and contributed to ABC News, including a segment on "Good Morning America."

Key Statements: "As we leave the Moon at Taurus–Littrow, we leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind."