Alan Shepard

Alan Shepard was an American astronaut. He was born in Derry, New Hampshire, in 1923. He was the first American to travel to space in 1961. He later walked on the Moon during the Apollo 14 mission.

Early Life

Shepard grew up in New Hampshire and loved adventure. He served as a Navy test pilot. He was one of the original seven Mercury astronauts chosen by NASA. He was competitive and determined to be the first American in space.

The mission patch from Alan Shepard's first space flight.
The mission patch from Alan Shepard's first space flight. (NASA / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

On May 5, 1961, Shepard became the first American in space. His flight lasted just 15 minutes but was a huge moment for America. Ten years later, he walked on the Moon during Apollo 14. He famously hit golf balls on the lunar surface.

Fun Facts

  • Shepard hit two golf balls on the Moon with a makeshift club.
  • His first space flight lasted only 15 minutes and 28 seconds.
  • He was grounded for years due to an inner ear problem but had surgery and returned to space.

Did You Know?

Shepard waited 10 years between his first space flight and his Moon walk. An ear condition kept him grounded for years. After surgery fixed the problem, he returned to space and became the oldest person to walk on the Moon at age 47.