Dr Eugene Shoemaker: The Man Buried on the Moon
American geologist Dr. Eugene Merle Shoemaker is the only man to be buried on the moon. Check out his story and learn why and how it happened.
Dr. Eugene Shoemaker, a renowned geologist and pioneer in the field of astrogeology, achieved an extraordinary feat beyond the confines of Earth. Born in Los Angeles, California, in April 1928, Shoemaker dedicated his career to unraveling the mysteries of asteroids, comets, and the geological makeup of celestial bodies within our solar system.
As the founder of Astrogeology, Shoemaker's groundbreaking research paved the way for a deeper understanding of Earth's evolution through comparative analysis with other planets and objects. His expertise extended to training Apollo astronauts in identifying lunar rocks and craters, contributing significantly to NASA's moon exploration missions.
Tragically, Shoemaker's lifelong dream of setting foot on the Moon remained unfulfilled. However, his family and friends sought to honor his memory in a unique way following his untimely demise in a car accident in July 1997.
Opting for a celestial tribute, Shoemaker's remains were cremated, and Celestis Inc., a Texas-based company specializing in memorial spaceflights, facilitated his journey to the lunar surface. A capsule containing Shoemaker's ashes, along with a photo and brass foil bearing his name and dates, was affixed to NASA's Lunar Prospector spacecraft.
Launched as part of a mission to explore the Moon's composition and search for water and ice, the Lunar Prospector orbited the Moon for 18 months before its deliberate crash into the lunar surface in July 1999. This poignant act fulfilled Shoemaker's long-held aspiration, making him the first and only individual to be interred on the Moon.
In a fitting tribute, a crater formed upon impact was christened in Shoemaker's honor, immortalizing his legacy on the lunar landscape. The extraordinary journey of Dr. Eugene Shoemaker serves as a testament to humanity's enduring quest for exploration and discovery beyond the confines of our planet.
The remarkable tale of Shoemaker's lunar burial prompts reflection on the boundless possibilities of space exploration and invites contemplation on whether one would embrace such a celestial resting place.
