SCHMITT, HARRISON. (b.1935). American geologist and NASA astronaut. TLS. (“Harrison H. Schmitt”). 2/3p. 4to. Albuquerque, January 19, 1994. On his personal stationery bearing a facsimile signature. To American documentary filmmaker ELLIOTT HAIMOFF (b. 1955).

“I apologize for the delay in responding to your request for my participation in your Apollo documentary. I am trying to sort through the many such requests that have begun to arrive at my office as well as carry on my business at the same time.

I appreciate your interest in my participation, however, I must decline due to business considerations. Thank you again for your interest. Best regards…”

A Fulbright Scholar and Harvard trained geologist, Schmitt was one of six scientists selected in 1965 to join NASA’s first group of astronauts with scientific rather than aerospace backgrounds. At the U.S. Geological Survey’s Astrogeology Center in Flagstaff, Arizona, he helped develop protocols used by the Apollo mission for their geological research and examined specimens brought back from the Moon. In December 1972, Schmitt participated in Apollo 17, the 11th and final Apollo mission, as Lunar Module Pilot, and became the only professional geologist to walk on the surface of the Moon. During three moonwalks, Schmitt and Commander Gene Cernan examined nine geological locations and took samples including rocks, soil and lava. In addition to his geological work, Schmitt helped establish NASA’s Energy Program Office. In 1975, he embarked on a brief political career, representing New Mexico in the Senate where he served as chairman of the Science, Technology, and Space Subcommittee. He continues to work as an advisor to NASA and other government and scientific endeavors. Schmitt is one of four astronauts still living to have walked on the Moon and, of them, did so most recently.

A biologist and primatologist, Haimoff filmed endangered primates before founding his independent documentary company Global Science Productions in 1990. The company produced such documentaries as Apollo 13: The Untold Story, Moonwalkers: The Men of Apollo, Dr. Sally Ride: Space Pioneer, The Rise and Fall of the Russian Space Program, and, in 1997, Apollo 16: The Men, Moon, and Memories and Cosmic Travelers: Comets and Asteroids. Schmitt did eventually participate in Haimoff’s documentary Apollo 17: Final Footprints on the Moon, completed in 1998.

Folded into thirds. Some barely visible ink transfer from the type in the upper margin. In excellent condition.