Space & Astronomy

Apollo astronaut Ed Mitchell dies aged 85

By T.K. Randall
February 6, 2016

Image: Earthrise - Apollo 8
Credit: (PD) NASA One of only twelve men ever to walk on the moon, Mitchell was a keen aviator and had logged over 5,000 hours of flight time (including 2,000 in jets) before being selected to be an astronaut in 1966.

His experiences as a naval officer and test pilot, as well as his qualifications as an Aeronautical Engineer, made him the perfect man to pilot the Lunar Module.

He was joined on the Apollo 14 mission by Command Module Pilot Stuart Roosa and Commander Alan Shepard, the latter of whom would accompany him on to the lunar surface.In later life Mitchell also became well known for his interest in the UFO phenomenon and held the opinion that world governments were covering up evidence of extraterrestrial visitation.

He died peacefully in his sleep after a short illness at a hospice near his home in Florida.

"He was a hero in the classical sense," said his oldest daughter Karlyn Mitchell. "Though he fulfilled his childhood dreams while still a young man, he managed to sustain an aura of excitement by evolving and reinventing himself. He never tired of encouraging others to strive and explore."


Source: Space.com

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