The astronaut
who retired from the United States Navy as a captain, died at the age of 82 following "ongoing
health issues", and up until his death, was passionate about space
exploration and hoped America's leaders would not let him remain the last man
to walk on the Moon, according to his family.
His death
comes a little more than a month after fellow astronaut, John Glenn died in
December last year.
During his
active days, Cernan earned several distinctions with NASA and was the second
American to walk in space and one of three men to have flown twice to the moon.
But he's
best remembered as commander of Apollo 17, the last mission to the moon in
December of 1972.
In his last
conversation with NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Cernan spoke of his
"lingering desire" to inspire America's youth to study science,
technology, engineering and mathematics "and to dare to dream and
explore," NASA said.
Born in
Chicago, Illinois, on March 14, 1934, Cernan received a Bachelor of Science
degree in Electrical Engineering in 1956 from Purdue University, where he
received his commission through the Navy ROTC Program after which he entered
flight training upon graduation and went on to earn a Master of Science degree
in Aeronautical Engineering from the US Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey,
California.
Cernan
retired from the Navy after 20 years in 1976 and ended his NASA career,
diversifying into private business and served as television commentator for
early fights of the space shuttle.
He is
survived by his wife, Jan Nanna Cernan, three daughters and nine grandchildren.
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