Alan Shepard

Introduction to Alan Shepard

Alan Shepard was an American astronaut and naval aviator, known for being the first American to travel to space. His career spanned over two decades and included many achievements and accolades.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 18, 1923, in East Derry, New Hampshire, Shepard was the son of a successful businessman. He attended local schools and graduated from Pinkerton Academy in 1941. He then enrolled at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and graduated in 1944 with a degree in engineering.

Military Career and Test Pilot Training

Shepard was assigned to the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier and flew combat missions in the Korean War after finishing flight training. He enrolled in the United States Naval Test Pilot School in 1954 and later worked as a test pilot at the Naval Air Test Center in Patuxent River, Maryland.

Selection as a Mercury Astronaut

In 1959, Alan Shepard was selected as one of the seven Mercury astronauts, the first group of American astronauts. He was chosen for his excellent flying skills and his ability to remain calm under pressure.

The Freedom 7 Mission

On May 5, 1961, Shepard achieved the distinction of being the first American in space on the Mercury spacecraft Freedom 7. He reached an altitude of 116 miles and traveled 302 miles before landing safely in the Atlantic Ocean.

National Hero and NASA Contributions

Shepard’s historic flight earned him the status of a national hero and garnered him several notable awards. He continued to work for NASA and was the backup commander for the Gemini 6 mission.

Diagnosis with Meniere’s Disease

In 1969, Shepard was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing. He was grounded from flying and underwent several surgeries to correct the condition. During this period, he served as the Chief of the Astronaut Office, overseeing the selection and training of astronauts for the Apollo program.

Return to Space: Apollo 14

In 1971, Shepard returned to space as commander of the Apollo 14 mission. Along with fellow astronauts Edgar Mitchell and Stuart Roosa, Shepard landed on the moon’s Fra Mauro formation and conducted two moonwalks. He famously hit a golf ball on the lunar surface and described the experience as “one of the most exhilarating things that ever happened to me.”

Retirement and Business Ventures

Alan Shepard retired from NASA in 1974 with the rank of Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. He then became a successful businessman and founded several companies, including Seven Fourteen Enterprises and the Mercury Seven Foundation. He also served on the board of directors for several organizations, including the National Geographic Society.

Awards and Legacy

In 1998, Shepard was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor in the United States. He passed away on July 21, 1998, at the age of 74 from leukemia.

Conclusion

Alan Shepard’s life was marked by extraordinary achievements and contributions to space exploration and the United States Navy. He will always be remembered as a pioneer in space exploration and an inspiration to future generations of astronauts and aviators.