A retired American astronaut said he is sure there is alien life in the universe and that governments have covered up their knowledge about it for decades.

Edgar Mitchell, who holds the record for the longest time spent on the moon, more than nine hours, made the statement during an interview on British radio.

Mitchell holds two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Industrial Management another in Aeronautics, as well as a Doctorate of Science degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics.

He has also received a host of awards, including the John F. Kennedy Award for Space Exploration and the Drexel University, Engineering and Science Award for Explorations in Consciousness. He is in the Space Hall of Fame and the Astronaut Hall of Fame and has was a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.

When the interviewer asked him whether he thought there was life on other planets he replied, ""Oh yes. There's not much question at all that there is life throughout the universe. I'm totally sure we are not alone."

News station WBIR quoted Mitchell as saying,"I don't know how many or where or how they're doing it, but they've been observing us here for quite some time."

He said he thinks that governments cover up what they know about alien life because they do not know exactly what they are dealing with, and may not be able to protect us from harm if that is what the aliens intend.