Alfred Worden was born on February 7, 1932, in Jackson, Michigan. He showed an early interest in space exploration and aviation, which would ultimately lead him to a career as an astronaut.
Worden attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned his Bachelor's degree. He later pursued further education, obtaining two Master's degrees from the University of Michigan.
Worden joined NASA as an astronaut in 1966 as a member of Astronaut Group 5. He served as the command module pilot on the Apollo 15 mission to the moon in 1971, where he orbited the moon while his fellow astronauts conducted lunar surface operations.
Worden's role on Apollo 15 marked him as one of the few astronauts to have flown to the moon. During his time in orbit, he conducted a spacewalk to retrieve film canisters from the outside of the spacecraft, a feat that earned him praise for his precision and skill.
After his return from Apollo 15, Worden authored a memoir titled "Falling to Earth," in which he detailed his experiences as an astronaut and shared his reflections on the significance of space exploration.
Worden was married to his wife, Jill Lee Hotchkiss, and together they had three children. His family provided him with unwavering support throughout his career as an astronaut.
Worden's contributions to the Apollo program and his dedication to space exploration have left a lasting impact on the field of astronautics. He remains a celebrated figure in the history of space exploration, remembered for his bravery and pioneering spirit.
Worden's portrayal in the TV mini-series "From the Earth to the Moon" further cemented his legacy as a key figure in the golden age of space exploration.
Although Worden passed away on March 18, 2020, his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all those who continue to be inspired by his extraordinary achievements.
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