David Scott

David Scott
NASA · Public domain · source
Name	David Scott
Caption	Scott in his NASA astronaut portrait.
Type	NASA astronaut
Status	Retired
Nationality	American
Birth name	David Randolph Scott
Birth date	06 June 1932
Birth place	San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
Alma mater	United States Military Academy (BS), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MS, EAA)
Occupation	Test pilot, aerospace engineer
Rank	Brigadier general, United States Air Force
Selection	NASA Group 3 (1963)
Time	22d 18h 53m
Mission	Gemini 8, Apollo 9, Apollo 15
Insignia	40px 40px 40px
Retirement	July 30, 1977

David Scott. David Randolph Scott is an American former astronaut, test pilot, and retired United States Air Force brigadier general who was the seventh person to walk on the Moon. Selected as part of NASA's third astronaut group in 1963, he flew on three historic space missions: Gemini 8, Apollo 9, and as commander of Apollo 15. His leadership during the first extended scientific exploration of the lunar surface at the Hadley–Apennine region marked a pinnacle in the Apollo program.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 6, 1932, in San Antonio, Texas, Scott was the son of a United States Air Force officer. He spent his youth on various military posts, including time in the Philippines. He graduated from Western High School in Washington, D.C. before receiving an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Scott excelled at West Point, graduating fifth in his class in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He then earned both a Master of Science degree in aeronautics and astronautics and an Engineer of Aeronautics and Astronautics degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1962, completing his thesis at the Air Force Flight Test Center.

Career

Commissioned into the United States Air Force, Scott completed pilot training at Webb Air Force Base and later attended the United States Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. As a test pilot, he logged over 5,600 hours of flying time in more than 25 types of aircraft. Selected by NASA in October 1963, his first spaceflight was as pilot of Gemini 8 in 1966, alongside command pilot Neil Armstrong. The mission successfully completed the first docking in space with an Agena target vehicle but was terminated early due to a critical spacecraft malfunction. He later served as command module pilot for Apollo 9 in 1969, a crucial Earth-orbital test of the complete Apollo spacecraft, including the Lunar Module.

Apollo 15 Mission

Appointed as commander of Apollo 15, Scott led the fourth successful lunar landing mission in July 1971. Alongside lunar module pilot James Irwin and command module pilot Alfred Worden, the crew embarked on the first "J-mission," focused on extensive scientific exploration. Scott and Irwin spent three days on the lunar surface at the Hadley–Apennine region, using the Lunar Roving Vehicle for the first time to traverse the Mons Hadley delta. They conducted three lengthy EVAs, collecting the iconic Genesis Rock and deploying the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package. Scott also famously demonstrated Galileo's theory of falling objects by dropping a geologist's hammer and a falcon feather in a vacuum.

Awards and Honors

For his service, Scott has been decorated with numerous prestigious awards. These include the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and the Collier Trophy which he shared with his Apollo 15 crew. He is a recipient of the Harmon Trophy and the FAI Gold Space Medal. In 2005, he was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. His contributions to aerospace are also recognized by institutions like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Personal Life

Scott was married to actress Lurton "Annie" Scott (née Snead) from 1959 until her death in 2020; they had two children. Following his retirement from NASA and the United States Air Force in 1977, he pursued a career in private aerospace consulting and authoring. He co-wrote the book *Two Sides of the Moon* with former Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, providing a unique dual perspective on the Space Race. He has also been involved with several documentaries and historical projects related to space exploration.

Legacy

David Scott is remembered as one of the most accomplished astronauts of the Apollo era, particularly for transforming lunar exploration from brief excursions into detailed scientific field geology. The samples and data returned by Apollo 15 profoundly advanced the understanding of lunar geology and the solar system's history. His calm leadership during the in-flight emergency on Gemini 8 and his articulate communication of science during Apollo 15's live broadcasts left an enduring mark on the public perception of spaceflight. His career bridges the early milestones of Project Gemini and the scientific zenith of the Apollo program. Category:American astronauts Category:Apollo astronauts Category:United States Air Force brigadier generals Category:1932 births Category:Living people Category:People from San Antonio Category:United States Military Academy alumni Category:Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni