Harrison Schmitt was born on July 3, 1935 in Silver City, New Mexico. Growing up, he developed a passion for science and space exploration. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the California Institute of Technology before pursuing his PhD in geology from Harvard University in 1964. During his time at Harvard, he also studied at the University of Oslo in Norway, further expanding his knowledge in the field of geology.
After completing his education, Schmitt began working as a geologist for the U.S. Geological Survey before being selected as a NASA astronaut in 1965. He was part of the Apollo program and became the first (and only) astronaut to walk on the moon without having served in the U.S. armed forces.
On December 7, 1972, Schmitt, along with Eugene Cernan, became the 12th and last astronauts to set foot on the moon during the Apollo 17 mission. This historic moment marked the end of the Apollo program and solidified Schmitt's place in history as one of the few individuals to have walked on the lunar surface.
Following his time as an astronaut, Schmitt went on to pursue a career in politics. He served as the U.S. Senator for New Mexico from 1977 to 1983, utilizing his expertise in science and technology to make impactful decisions for the state.
On a personal note, Schmitt married Teresa Fitzgibbon and together they have raised a family. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time for his loved ones and prioritized spending quality time with them.
Throughout his career, Harrison Schmitt has remained a pioneer in the field of space exploration and a role model for future generations of scientists and astronauts. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of human achievement serves as an inspiration to all who dream of reaching for the stars.