Overview

Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt (born 1935) is an American geologist, former NASA engineer and astronaut, university teacher and one-term U.S. senator. He flew on the final lunar landing mission, Apollo 17, and is notable for being the only professional geologist to walk on the Moon and, after the death of his crewmate, the most recent living person to have done so. After leaving NASA he entered politics and represented New Mexico in the United States Senate.

Scientific and space career

Trained as a field geologist, Schmitt joined the astronaut corps at a time when crews were expanding scientific capability on lunar missions. On the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972 he spent multiple hours on the lunar surface collecting rock samples, deploying instruments and documenting geologic features. His presence brought specialist geologic expertise to lunar exploration and influenced the selection and interpretation of returned samples. For an overview of his astronaut career see the official astronaut biography.

Political career

After leaving NASA in the mid-1970s Schmitt pursued electoral politics. Running as a Republican, he won a U.S. Senate seat and served one term representing New Mexico. During his tenure he focused on energy, science policy and space issues; he was defeated for re-election in the early 1980s and returned to private and academic work afterward.

Later work and legacy

Following public service, Schmitt remained active as an advocate for space exploration, lunar resources and science education. He has lectured, written on space policy and consulted for industry and government. His role as a scientist-astronaut is often cited in discussions about integrating professional scientific expertise into human spaceflight.

Notable facts

  • Only professional geologist to walk on the Moon, lending direct scientific observation to sample collection.
  • Member of the final Apollo lunar landing crew, whose mission ended NASA's crewed lunar program in the 20th century.
  • Transitioned from spaceflight to elected office, an uncommon career path for astronauts.

For further reading about Schmitt's scientific work, political service and reflections on lunar exploration, consult specialized biographies and archives maintained by space and historical organizations (moonwalk and mission records, agency histories, and academic sources linked through institutional repositories). Additional context about his Senate service is available through official legislative records and state resources from New Mexico.