Origins & Early Life

Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. (November 18, 1923 – July 21, 1998) was an American astronaut. In 1961, he became the second person and the first American to travel into space and, in 1971, he became the fifth and oldest person to walk on the Moon, at age 47. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Shepard saw action with the surface navy during World War II.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He became a naval aviator in 1947, and a test pilot in 1950. He was selected as one of NASA's original Mercury Seven astronauts in 1959, and in May 1961 he made the first crewed Project Mercury flight, Mercury-Redstone 3, in a spacecraft he named Freedom 7. His craft entered space, but was not capable of achieving orbit. He became the second person, and the first American, to travel into space. In the final stages of Project Mercury, Shepard was scheduled to pilot the Mercury-Atlas 10 (MA-10), which was planned as a three-day mission.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He named Mercury Spacecraft 15B Freedom 7 II in honor of his first spacecraft, but the mission was canceled. Shepard was designated as the commander of the first crewed Project Gemini mission, but was grounded in October 1963 due to Ménière's disease, an inner-ear ailment that caused...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aaron Spelling — Contemporary (Born in 1923) (1923): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Alki Zei — Contemporary (Born in 1923) (1923): Acclaimed Greek novelist and children's author known for semi-autobiographical works.
• André Gorz — Contemporary (Born in 1923) (1923): Austrian-French philosopher known for critiques of work and political ecology.
• Aitana Bonmatí — Contemporary (Born in 1998) (1998): Star Spanish midfielder known for her decorated career with Barcelona and the Spain national team.
• Akira Kurosawa — Contemporary (Died in 1998) (1998): Master of Japanese cinema, known for dynamic style and epic storytelling.
• Alan J. Pakula — Contemporary (Died in 1998) (1998): American film director, writer, and producer known for political thrillers.
• Adam Weishaupt — Shared historical date (11-18 · Died) (1830): German philosopher, founder of the Bavarian Illuminati, and legal scholar.
• Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld — Shared historical date (11-18 · Born) (1832): Finland-Swedish baron, renowned geologist, and pioneering Arctic explorer.
• Albert Luthuli — Shared historical date (07-21 · Died) (1967): Pioneering anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC in South Africa.
• Arshile Gorky — Shared historical date (07-21 · Died) (1948): Armenian-American painter whose work influenced Abstract Expressionism.
• 1923 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1923
• November 18 (11-18) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 18
• 1998 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1998
• July 21 (07-21) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 21