Meaning: The quote is attributed to Pete Conrad, an American astronaut and the third person to walk on the moon as part of the Apollo 12 mission in 1969. The quote reflects Conrad's characteristic humor and determination, as well as his frustration with the lack of opportunities for further space exploration at the time.

In the quote, Conrad expresses his expectation that NASA, the United States' space agency, will send him back to the moon in a similar manner to how they treated Senator John Glenn, who became the oldest person to fly in space when he flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1998 at the age of 77. Conrad then humorously adds that if NASA doesn't do so, he will have to do it himself.

This quote provides insight into Conrad's personality and his attitude toward space exploration. It showcases his confidence in NASA's capabilities and his desire to continue exploring space, even if it means taking matters into his own hands. Conrad's determination and passion for space exploration are evident in this quote, as is his willingness to push boundaries and seek out new opportunities for himself and others in the field of space exploration.

Pete Conrad's career as an astronaut was marked by his adventurous spirit and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration. Born in 1930, Conrad joined NASA in 1962 as part of the second group of astronauts selected by the agency. He quickly distinguished himself as a skilled and reliable astronaut, flying on two Gemini missions before commanding the Apollo 12 mission to the moon.

Conrad's experience as an astronaut and his contributions to space exploration have left a lasting legacy. His determination and humor, as exemplified in the quote, have inspired generations of space enthusiasts and professionals. Conrad's commitment to space exploration and his willingness to advocate for continued missions to the moon and beyond have had a lasting impact on the space industry.

The quote also sheds light on the challenges and frustrations faced by astronauts and space exploration advocates. During Conrad's time, there was a significant gap between the Apollo missions to the moon and subsequent exploration efforts. This hiatus in manned lunar exploration has been a source of disappointment for many astronauts and space enthusiasts, including Conrad, who expressed his determination to return to the moon in the quote.

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in returning to the moon, with NASA and other space agencies around the world planning future lunar missions. The Artemis program, led by NASA, aims to land the first woman and the next man on the moon by the mid-2020s. This renewed focus on lunar exploration aligns with Conrad's hopes and expectations expressed in the quote, demonstrating that his vision for continued lunar exploration is becoming a reality.

In conclusion, Pete Conrad's quote reflects his determination, humor, and frustration with the lack of opportunities for further space exploration during his time as an astronaut. His words showcase his confidence in NASA's capabilities and his willingness to take matters into his own hands if necessary. Conrad's legacy as an astronaut and his advocacy for continued space exploration continue to inspire and influence the future of lunar and planetary exploration.