Epilogue

Abstract

Willy Ley died of a heart attack just weeks before the lunar landing in July 1969. This epilogue describes the reactions of his family and friends, who mourned his loss amid the broader celebration of Apollo 11. It also recounts the successful efforts to name a Moon crater in his honor. Whereas most craters bear the names of scientists or science fiction writers, Ley became the first citizen on the Moon after spending most of his life as an outsider to the centers of research and development. Despite his outsider status, he had done so much to engineer the Space Age. The book closes with reflections on his legacy as a spaceflight advocate.