H. H. Schmitt
Papers
2
Total Citations
57
H-Index
2
About
Geologist, astronaut, and former U.S. Senator Harrison H. Schmitt is best known as the only scientist—and the last person—to walk on the Moon. As Apollo 17’s Lunar Module Pilot in December 1972, he conducted intensive geologic fieldwork in the Taurus-Littrow valley, systematically documenting sampling stations with overlapping Hasselblad images. His research focuses on lunar surface operations, planetary geology, and the practical challenges of sustained robotic and human exploration beyond Earth. Schmitt’s most cited work, “Robotic Lunar Surface Operations 2” (2020, 41 citations), advances concepts for integrating autonomous systems into future lunar missions. A complementary study, “Investigating Lunar Boulders at the Apollo 17 Landing Site Using Photogrammetry and Virtual Reality” (2020, 16 citations), demonstrates how his original Apollo imagery can be reanalyzed with modern digital techniques to extract new scientific insights. With over four decades bridging field geology, space policy, and analog research, Schmitt’s legacy endures as a foundational voice in lunar science—his firsthand observations continue to inform mission planning and our understanding of the Moon’s geological history.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Robotic Lunar Surface Operations 241 citations · 2020
- 2