Alan Shepard went to the moon exactly one time.
His sole journey to the lunar surface was during the Apollo 14 mission in 1971. While Alan Shepard completed two significant space missions in his career, only one involved traveling to the Moon.
Alan Shepard's Spaceflight Career
Alan Shepard's career as an astronaut was marked by two pioneering missions, making him a central figure in early American space exploration:
- Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) in 1961: This historic suborbital flight made him the first American in space. It was a crucial step in the early days of human spaceflight, demonstrating the nation's capability to send humans beyond the Earth's atmosphere.
- Apollo 14 in 1971: As commander of this mission, Shepard became the fifth person to walk on the Moon. This mission successfully demonstrated the ability to conduct extended lunar surface operations, including exploring the Fra Mauro formation and collecting extensive geological samples. During his time on the Moon, he famously hit two golf balls, a memorable moment in space history.
The Journey to the Moon: Apollo 14
The Apollo 14 mission represented a significant return to space for Shepard and a pivotal moment in the Apollo program. After his groundbreaking Mercury flight, he faced a health challenge—an inner ear issue—which temporarily grounded him and necessitated surgery. Following his successful recovery and subsequent clearance for flight, he was assigned to command Apollo 14. This mission not only saw him orbit the Moon but also land on its surface, solidifying his legacy as one of the most accomplished figures in the history of space exploration.
To summarize his spaceflight experiences:
| Mission | Year | Primary Objective / Destination | Lunar Landing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury-Redstone 3 | 1961 | First American in space (suborbital) | No |
| Apollo 14 | 1971 | Lunar landing | Yes |
For more information on Alan Shepard's distinguished career, you can visit his biography on NASA's website.
