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James Irwin

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description James Irwin Overview

James Irwin was a United States Air Force test pilot and NASA astronaut who served as the lunar module pilot for the Apollo 15 mission in 1971. He was the eighth person to walk on the Moon and, alongside mission commander David Scott, was among the first astronauts to utilize the Lunar Roving Vehicle to explore the lunar surface. Following his space career, Irwin experienced a religious awakening and founded the High Flight Foundation, an evangelical Christian organization. He later led several expeditions to Mount Ararat in search of Noah's Ark.

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What did James Irwin do on Apollo 15?

Irwin served as lunar module pilot and landed at Hadley-Apennine with commander David Scott in 1971. He became the eighth person to walk on the Moon.

Did James Irwin drive the lunar rover?

Apollo 15 was the first mission to use the Lunar Roving Vehicle on the Moon. David Scott generally drove while Irwin navigated and assisted with geological observations during three surface excursions.

What happened to James Irwin's heart during Apollo 15?

Flight surgeons observed irregular heart rhythms in both Irwin and Scott after demanding lunar-surface work. Irwin later suffered serious heart problems on Earth, including a heart attack a few years after the mission.

Why did James Irwin found the High Flight Foundation?

After Apollo 15, Irwin became an outspoken Christian and described his Moon experience as spiritually transformative. He founded the High Flight Foundation in 1972 to support evangelical outreach.