Early Life and Education

Charles Moss Duke Jr. was born on October 3, 1935, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He attended Lancaster High School in South Carolina before going on to graduate from the United States Naval Academy in 1957. Duke then went on to earn a Master's degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1964.

Career at NASA

Duke joined NASA in 1966 as part of Astronaut Group 5. He served as a member of the support crew for Apollo 10 and Apollo 11 before being selected to be the Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 16. In April 1972, Duke became the youngest person to walk on the moon at the age of 36.

Apollo 16 Mission

During the Apollo 16 mission, Duke spent over 20 hours on the lunar surface conducting experiments and collecting samples. He and his fellow astronauts also conducted three moonwalks, traveling a total distance of over 16 miles in the lunar rover.

Later Career and Achievements

After leaving NASA in 1975, Duke went on to work in various roles within the aerospace industry. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to space exploration, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and induction into the International Space Hall of Fame.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Charles Duke Jr.'s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This includes earnings from his time as an astronaut, as well as his subsequent career in the private sector.

Personal Life

Duke is married to Dorothy Meade Claiborne, with whom he has two children. He is also a devout Christian and has spoken publicly about how his faith has influenced his life and career.

Conclusion

Charles Duke Jr.'s contributions to space exploration have left a lasting impact on humanity's understanding of the universe. His achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations of astronauts and scientists, proving that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible.