Book info

• Title Falling to Earth
• Author Al Worden
• Year 2011
• Genre Memoir

As command module pilot for the Apollo 15 mission to the moon in 1971, Al Worden flew on what is widely regarded as the greatest exploration mission that humans have ever attempted. He spent six days orbiting the moon, including three days completely alone, the most isolated human in existence. During the return from the moon to earth he also conducted the first spacewalk in deep space, becoming the first human ever to see both the entire earth and moon simply by turning his head. The Apollo 15 flight capped an already-impressive career as an astronaut, including important work on the pioneering Apollo 9 and Apollo 12 missions, as well as the perilous flight of Apollo 13.

Thoughts

My growing obsession with all things space and moon-like meant this book was an easy purchase. The story of Al Worden, one of the three astronauts that made up the Apollo 15 crew, it’s not an easy read. There’s controversy and bittersweet moments throughout, but that’s the life you lead when you’re doing something amazing like broadening humanity’s horizons.

Worden was the guy left on the ship whilst his colleagues descended to the moon’s surface, and it’s fascinating to read about being the one left alone to orbit the moon by himself. He also completed the first deep-space EVA, and by all accounts, was very good at it!

There was some controversy post-flight about selling things that were taken into space for that exact purpose, but eventually, as Al admits, that’s become a footnote to what was a great mission. I really enjoyed reading this bio, from the early days as a lonely farm worker, to the heights of an Apollo mission and beyond, there are some great descriptions that really bring you along for every ride.

Rating: 4 / 5