Who are the 12 people who walked on the Moon is a question many people still ask today. Even after decades, the story of these astronauts feels exciting, inspiring, and truly American. Between 1969 and 1972, NASA’s Apollo missions made history by sending humans to the Moon. In total, 12 astronauts walked on its surface—something no one has done since.
1. Apollo 11 – The First Steps on the Moon (1969)
The Apollo 11 mission marked the first time humans ever walked on the Moon. Millions watched live on TV across the USA.
Neil Armstrong
- The first human to step on the Moon
- Famous for the quote: “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Buzz Aldrin
- The second person to walk on the Moon
- Known for his strong support of future space exploration
2. Apollo 12 – The Precision Landing Mission (1969)
Just months after Apollo 11, NASA landed on the Moon again with incredible accuracy.
Charles “Pete” Conrad
- The third person on the Moon
- Known for his humor and engineering skills
Alan Bean
- The fourth moonwalker
- Later became a space-themed painter, turning lunar memories into art
3. Apollo 14 – The Comeback Mission (1971)
After Apollo 13’s emergency return, Apollo 14 restored confidence.
Alan Shepard
- The fifth person on the Moon
- Famous for hitting a golf ball on the lunar surface
Edgar Mitchell
- The sixth moonwalker
- Known for his interest in science, consciousness, and space research
4. Apollo 15 – The First Lunar Rover (1971)
This mission brought the first “Moon car,” allowing astronauts to explore farther than ever.
David Scott
- The seventh person to walk on the Moon
- Conducted the famous hammer-and-feather experiment to show gravity effects
James Irwin
- The eighth moonwalker
- Admired for his calm, focused nature during lunar exploration
5. Apollo 16 – Deep Moon Science Mission (1972)
Designed to study the Moon’s highlands.
John Young
- The ninth person on the Moon
- Known for his long NASA career and leadership
Charles Duke
- The tenth moonwalker
- Youngest person to walk on the Moon at age 36
6. Apollo 17 – The Final Moon Landing (1972)
This was NASA’s last mission to the Moon—and it was packed with science.
Eugene Cernan
- The eleventh person on the Moon
- The last human to leave the lunar surface
Harrison “Jack” Schmitt
- The twelfth and final moonwalker
- First professional scientist (geologist) to walk on the Moon
Why These 12 Moonwalkers Still Matter Today
Their journeys remind America—and the world—how far human determination can go. From building the first rockets to inspiring today’s Artemis missions, their steps continue to guide modern space exploration.
A Creative Ending Instead of a Conclusion: “The Lunar Legacy Note”
Imagine a small metal notebook lying on the Moon’s quiet surface. Inside are the names of 12 pioneers, each page glowing under the dusty sunlight. Every time we look at the Moon from Earth, it’s like opening that notebook again—reminding us that humans once walked there, and someday, someone reading this might be next.
