In brief
With the passing of Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell, only five astronauts remain who've walked on the Moon. Plans to return humans to the lunar surface through NASA's Artemis program are underway, while these pioneers reflect on their monumental journeys in space.
NASA is poised to rekindle lunar exploration ambitions with its Artemis program, aiming to send humans back to the Moon within the decade. Following the recent passing of Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell, only five Apollo astronauts remain who have personally walked on the lunar surface. This historic milestone leaves space enthusiasts pondering who will leave the next set of footprints on the Moon. The Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s were pivotal in human space exploration, with Lovell's efforts exemplifying that spirit as he navigated his team through a harrowing mission in 1970. It has now been over 50 years since humanity last set foot on the Moon, and both NASA and China plan to resume manned lunar missions—NASA slating Artemis 2 for a 2026 launch after delays, while China aims for a crewed mission by 2030.Private companies are also doing their part in lunar exploration, though many attempts have faced failures. NASA's excitement contrasts with the challenges faced by SpaceX and Boeing, both working on their spacecraft but experiencing setbacks.Among the surviving Apollo astronauts, Buzz Aldrin, who became the second man to walk on the Moon during Apollo 11, still advocates for further exploration. Aldrin's emotional journey reflects a life intertwined with the legacy of space exploration, compounded by the loss of his fellow crewmates over the years. Another of the remaining astronauts, Charlie Duke, known for being the youngest Moonwalker during Apollo 16 at 36, recalls the profound impact of his experience. He remains optimistic about the future of lunar exploration, despite the challenges faced by new crews on the rugged terrain planned for future missions.Fred Haise, who narrowly escaped disaster aboard Apollo 13, never got to walk on the Moon himself; the cancellation of Apollo 19 halted his lunar ambitions. Harrison Schmitt and David Scott complete the short list of living Moonwalkers, contributing their expertise in science and exploration both during and after their NASA careers.As humanity's gaze returns to the Moon, the stories of these last Moonwalkers inspire the next generation of explorers to aim for the stars—and beyond. The anticipation builds as we await who will be the next hero to leave their mark on the lunar landscape.
