Astronaut Profile
James B. Irwin
Lunar Module Pilot
James Irwin drove the first car on the Moon during Apollo 15, then came home to found a ministry, convinced his journey to the lunar surface was proof of a higher purpose.
OrbitingTruths Archive
Lunar Module Pilot • Deceased
Biography
The person behind the mission
James B. Irwin was a United States Air Force pilot and NASA astronaut who served as Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 15 in 1971, becoming the eighth person to walk on the Moon. He and commander David Scott were the first astronauts to drive the Lunar Roving Vehicle, dramatically extending how far and how long astronauts could explore the lunar surface. After leaving NASA, Irwin founded a religious ministry and led expeditions searching for the remains of Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat.
Astronaut Details
Born
March 17, 1930
Died
August 8, 1991
Birthplace
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Role
Lunar Module Pilot
Program
Apollo
Time in Space
12 days, 7 hours
EVA Time
18 hours, 35 minutes
Missions
Apollo 15
Recognition
Awards & Honors
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- NASA Exceptional Service Medal
- NASA Space Flight Medal