Was The Command Module Pilot During The Apollo 15 Moon Mission

One of the men who had what has been described as "the most isolated human being" ... command module pilot during an Apollo moon mission ... has gone west. Alfred "Al" Worden passed away Monday at the age of 88.

“NASA sends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Apollo astronaut Al Worden, an astronaut whose achievements in space and on Earth will not be forgotten," NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said in a statement.

“A Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Worden was a test pilot and instructor before joining NASA as an astronaut in 1966. He flew to the Moon as command module pilot aboard Apollo 15. During this time he earned a world record as “most isolated human being" while his crew mates roamed the lunar surface, and he was 2,235 miles away from anyone else.

“Later in his career, Worden became Senior Aerospace Scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California. His multiple appearances on the children’s show Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood surely fueled the desire of many children to pursue careers along the lines of his and become future exploration leaders.

“Of his mission Worden said, ‘Now I know why I'm here. Not for a closer look at the Moon, but to look back at our home, the Earth.’  

“We remember this pioneer whose work expanded our horizons.”

(Source: NASA news release. Image provided by NASA)

FMI: Worden bio