This results in 12 lunar surface explorers and an additional 12 astronauts who traveled to the moon but remained in orbit, for a grand total of 24 individuals who have left Earth's orbit to visit the moon. Apollo 11 was the first, followed by Apollo 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17.
Human Moon Travel Statistics and Total Astronaut Counts
While each mission had a command module pilot who stayed in orbit, the term "astronauts went to the moon" usually refers to those who left the spacecraft to walk on the surface. The list includes iconic figures like Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, as well as lesser-known explorers like Alan Shepard and David Scott.
The Apollo program is the only human endeavor to have traveled beyond low Earth orbit. Six successful landing missions occurred, each carrying three astronauts.
Human Moon Travel Statistics and Apollo Mission Breakdown
Mission Lunar Orbiters Moonwalkers Apollo 8 3 0 Apollo 10 3 0 Apollo 11 1 2 Apollo 12 1 2 Apollo 13 3 0 Apollo 14 1 2 Apollo 15 1 2 Apollo 16 1 2 Apollo 17 1 2 The Modern Era and Future Prospects Since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, no human has returned to the lunar surface. Of these, two descended to the surface while one circled the moon in orbit.
More About How many astronauts went to the moon
Looking at How many astronauts went to the moon from another angle can help expand the discussion and give readers a second clear paragraph under the same section.
More perspective on How many astronauts went to the moon can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.
