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Alan BeanUS astronaut.
Date of Birth: 15.03.1932
Country:  USA |
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Astronaut Alan Bean
Alan Bean is a former American astronaut who is best known for his involvement in the Apollo and Skylab programs. Before joining the astronaut corps, Bean served as a fighter pilot and captain in the U.S. Navy. He underwent training at the Test Pilot School, where his instructor was his future commander on Apollo, Charles Conrad.
Space Missions
Bean completed two space missions as part of the Apollo and Skylab programs. On November 14, 1969, the second lunar expedition took off, with Bean serving as the lunar module pilot. He became the fourth person to set foot on the surface of the moon, following his commander Conrad on November 19. They spent 31 hours and 31 minutes on the lunar surface, making two excursions from the lunar module to collect soil samples, install scientific equipment, and take photographs. They also dismantled some parts of the unmanned Surveyor 3 spacecraft, which had landed nearby three years earlier, and brought them back to Earth for study. Living microorganisms from Earth were discovered on the debris, but skeptics argued that they were introduced after the return, leaving the question unanswered. In recognition of this mission, Bean was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 1970.
Post-Astronaut Career
After his space exploration career, Alan Bean trained as a backup crew member for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, but the primary crew, led by Stafford, went on the mission. In October 1975, he retired from the Navy as a captain and spent several years training astronauts as a civilian specialist. In June 1981, he left NASA to fully dedicate himself to painting. Bean primarily creates artwork with a focus on space themes. His talent is highly valued by space enthusiasts.
Personal Life
Alan Bean is married and has two adult children, a son and a daughter.
