Harrison (Jack) Schmitt

Harrison Hagan “Jack” Schmitt's career spans science, space exploration, public service, and policy. He is an American geologist, retired NASA astronaut, university professor, businessman, writer, administrator, and a former U.S. Senator from New Mexico. Schmitt pursued geology at the California Institute of Technology, studied abroad as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Oslo, and earned a Ph.D. in geology from Harvard University in 1964, grounding his lifelong commitment to scientific research and exploration.

Schmitt’s aerospace career began when he joined NASA’s first group of scientist-astronauts in 1965, bringing rigorous scientific training to the Apollo lunar program. Initially involved in training astronaut crews and developing lunar geological methods, he was selected as Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 17, the final Apollo mission in 1972. On that mission he became the only professional scientist and one of the last humans to walk on the Moon, spending more than 22 hours conducting lunar surface exploration and sample collection — a historic achievement that highlighted the value of scientific expertise in space exploration.

Following his retirement from NASA in 1975, Schmitt transitioned into public service and politics, successfully running as a Republican for the U.S. Senate, where he served New Mexico from 1977 to 1983. During his tenure, he worked on science, space, technology, and commerce issues and chaired relevant subcommittees, bringing his technical background to legislative leadership. After leaving the Senate, he continued as a consultant, corporate director, adjunct professor, and influential voice on space and public policy, and he has authored works including Return to the Moon, advocating for lunar exploration and resource utilization.