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Apollo 9 astronaut Russell “Rusty” L. Schweickart on the Moon, intelligence and humanity’s relationship with machines

102nd Intelligence Wing

June 14, 2019 | 10:00

On the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo program to reach the Moon, Apollo 9 astronaut Russell “Rusty” L. Schweickart spoke about his extraterrestrial experience, intelligence and humanity’s relationship with machines. His speech was delivered during a dedication ceremony for a North American F-86H Sabre static display at Otis Air National Guard Base, Mass. on June 8, 2019.

Schweickart flew the F-86H Sabre during the early 1960’s while assigned to the 101st Tactical Fighter Squadron. The event on base was held to formally announce the dedication of tail number 31235 in his honor.

Following his service with the Massachusetts Air National Guard, Schweickart joined NASA as one of 14 astronauts named in October 1963. He served as lunar module pilot for Apollo 9 from March 3-13, 1969, logging 241 hours in space. This was the third manned flight of the Apollo program and the first manned flight of the lunar module. During a 46 minute spacewalk, Schweickart tested the new Apollo space suit and portable life support backpack which were subsequently used on lunar surface explorations. On the mission with Schweickart were commander James A. McDivitt and command module pilot David R. Scott.

Video b-roll illustration includes images from Apollo 8, 9 and 11. Audio transmissions are from Apollo 9.