# Ronald Evans

> NASA astronaut (1933-1990)

**Wikidata**: [Q313543](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313543)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Evans_(astronaut))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ronald-evans

## Summary
Ronald Evans was a NASA astronaut (1933–1990) who served as the command module pilot for Apollo 17, the final crewed mission to the Moon. He is notable for his role in the first human lunar landing and for being the first astronaut to fly on both the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs.

## Biography
- Born: November 10, 1933
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, University of Kansas (1956)
  - Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, University of Kansas (1957)
  - Naval Postgraduate School (1965)
- Known for: Command module pilot for Apollo 17 and early Space Shuttle missions
- Employer(s):
  - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  - United States Naval Academy
  - Naval Postgraduate School
- Field(s): Astronautics, aeronautical engineering

## Contributions
- Served as the command module pilot for Apollo 17, the final crewed mission to the Moon (1972), contributing to NASA’s lunar exploration program.
- Participated in early Space Shuttle missions, including STS-1 (1981), as a crew member, helping transition NASA from Apollo to the reusable spacecraft era.
- Developed and executed critical flight procedures for NASA’s early space missions, advancing human spaceflight capabilities.

## FAQs
**What was Ronald Evans' most significant achievement?**
Ronald Evans is best known for his role as the command module pilot for Apollo 17, the final crewed mission to the Moon. His work helped solidify NASA’s lunar exploration program and marked the end of the Apollo era.

**Where did Ronald Evans receive his education?**
Ronald Evans earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Kansas and later attended the Naval Postgraduate School.

**What awards did Ronald Evans receive?**
Ronald Evans was honored with the Air Medal, NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and was inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame.

**Which space missions did Ronald Evans participate in?**
Ronald Evans flew on Apollo 17 and the first Space Shuttle mission, STS-1, contributing to both NASA’s lunar and orbital spaceflight programs.

## Why They Matter
Ronald Evans played a pivotal role in NASA’s transition from the Apollo program to the Space Shuttle era. His work on Apollo 17 helped conclude the United States’ lunar exploration efforts, while his participation in STS-1 demonstrated the feasibility of reusable spacecraft. His contributions advanced human spaceflight, influencing future missions and the development of NASA’s long-term space exploration strategy.

## Notable For
- Command module pilot for Apollo 17, the final crewed mission to the Moon.
- First astronaut to fly on both the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs.
- Recipient of the Air Medal and NASA Distinguished Service Medal.
- Inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame.
- Contributed to the development of early Space Shuttle missions.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Ronald Evans was born on November 10, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1956 and his Master of Science in the same field in 1957. He later attended the Naval Postgraduate School, where he furthered his expertise in aeronautical engineering.

### Military and Early Career
Evans served as a military officer, graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1956. His military background provided foundational training in leadership and engineering, which he later applied to his astronaut career.

### NASA Astronaut Career
Selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 5 in 1966, Evans became an astronaut and contributed to several high-profile missions. His most notable role was as the command module pilot for Apollo 17, the final mission to land humans on the Moon. During this mission, he operated the command module while his crewmates explored the lunar surface.

### Space Shuttle Era
Evans transitioned to NASA’s Space Shuttle program, participating in the first mission, STS-1, in 1981. His work on the Space Shuttle helped establish the program’s feasibility and safety, paving the way for future orbital missions.

### Awards and Recognition
Evans received the Air Medal for his military service and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal for his contributions to spaceflight. He was also inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant impact on human space exploration.

### Legacy
Ronald Evans’ career spanned the Apollo and Space Shuttle eras, making him a key figure in NASA’s history. His work on Apollo 17 and STS-1 helped transition the agency from lunar exploration to reusable spacecraft, influencing future generations of astronauts and engineers. His legacy endures in NASA’s ongoing efforts to advance human spaceflight.

## References

1. [Source](https://searchpub.nssc.nasa.gov/servlet/sm.web.Fetch/Agency_Awards_Historical_Recipient_List.pdf?rhid=1000&did=2120817&type=released)
2. [Source](https://www.nmspacemuseum.org/inductee/ronald-e-evans/)
3. [Space Hall Inducts 14 Apollo Program Astronauts. El Paso Times. 1990](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/29964158/el_paso_times/)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm)
6. Find a Grave
7. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Library of Congress Control Number
10. BabelNet