Between 1968 and 1972, NASA embarked on a series of groundbreaking missions that would forever change the course of human history by sending 24 men to a place no human had ever set foot before. These missions aimed to explore the uncharted realms of space and push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. Among them, the Apollo Program stood as a shining testament to human ingenuity, determination, and the unyielding spirit of exploration. The final mission of this historic program, Apollo 17, marked mankind’s last steps on the Moon and brought an end to an era of extraordinary achievement.
The Apollo 17 mission, which took flight in December 1972, holds a special place in the hearts of space enthusiasts and historians alike. It was the culmination of years of meticulous planning, groundbreaking discoveries, and the tireless dedication of countless individuals at NASA. The mission carried three brave astronauts: Commander Eugene Cernan, Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt, and Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans. Together, they would embark on a journey that would make history.
Apollo 17 was unique in many aspects. It was the first and only mission to feature a scientist, Harrison Schmitt, as a member of the crew. This addition brought a new dimension to the mission, as Schmitt’s expertise as a geologist would prove invaluable in unlocking the secrets of the Moon’s geological history. The scientific objectives of the mission were expanded, with a focus on extensive lunar surface exploration and the collection of samples that would provide scientists on Earth with a deeper understanding of our celestial neighbor.
The crew of Apollo 17 launched into space aboard the mighty Saturn V rocket, a technological marvel that propelled them beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Their spacecraft consisted of the Command Module, named America, and the Lunar Module, known as Challenger. The Command Module served as their home during the journey to the Moon and back, while the Lunar Module would transport Cernan and Schmitt to the lunar surface.
After a journey of approximately three days, Apollo 17 entered lunar orbit. This marked the beginning of an exhilarating series of events that would unfold in the days to come. Cernan and Schmitt descended to the Moon’s surface in the Lunar Module, leaving Evans to orbit above in the Command Module. The lunar landing site was the Taurus-Littrow Valley, a geologically diverse region that promised fascinating discoveries.
Once on the lunar surface, Cernan and Schmitt wasted no time in setting out on their exploration. They conducted multiple moonwalks, traversing the rugged terrain, deploying scientific instruments, and collecting samples of rocks and regolith. Their activities brought them face-to-face with the stark beauty and desolation of the lunar landscape, as they marveled at the vastness of space and the Earth hanging in the blackness above.
One of the most significant moments of the mission occurred during the second moonwalk when Harrison Schmitt stumbled upon a remarkable discovery—a bright orange soil known as “orange regolith.” This unexpected find puzzled the astronauts and scientists back on Earth, sparking a fervor of research to unravel its origins and significance. It turned out to be volcanic glass beads, evidence of past volcanic activity on the Moon.
As the mission progressed, the astronauts faced their share of challenges and setbacks. One of the lunar rover’s fenders broke off, exposing the rover’s wheel to potential damage from moon dust. However, the crew ingeniously used a map, clamps, and a geology hammer to fashion a makeshift repair, ensuring the rover’s continued functionality. This display of resourcefulness and problem-solving exemplified the can-do spirit of the Apollo astronauts.
After three eventful days on the lunar surface, it was time for the crew to bid farewell to the Moon and commence their journey back to Earth. The ascent module of the Lunar Module blasted off from the lunar surface, docking with the Command Module, where Evans eagerly awaited their return. The rendezvous and docking maneuver were crucial, as any mishap could have left the crew stranded in space.
With the crew safely reunited, Apollo 17 began its journey back to Earth. The return trip was not without its perils. The Command Module endured the intense heat of reentry into Earth’s atmosphere, subjecting the astronauts to incredible forces. Yet, their spacecraft performed flawlessly, ensuring a safe return to the blue planet they had left behind.
On December 19, 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, marking the successful completion of NASA’s last mission to the Moon. The crew was greeted by the crew of the recovery ship, who swiftly retrieved them and their spacecraft from the water. The world watched with bated breath as the astronauts emerged from their capsule, heroes who had ventured to the Moon and back.
The legacy of Apollo 17 extends far beyond its remarkable achievements. It was a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the unwavering commitment to exploration. The mission’s scientific findings continue to shape our understanding of the Moon and its history, shedding light on the mysteries of our celestial companion.
Apollo 17 holds a special place in the annals of space exploration, representing both an end and a beginning. It marked the end of an era, as no human has set foot on the Moon since that fateful day in December 1972. However, it also signaled a new chapter in our journey to the stars, inspiring future generations of scientists, engineers, and dreamers to push the boundaries of what is possible. Here are ten inside stories from the Apollo 17 mission, which marked NASA’s last mission to the moon.
- The Selection of the Crew: The Apollo 17 crew consisted of Commander Eugene Cernan, Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt, and Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans. They were chosen for their expertise, experience, and compatibility to carry out the mission’s objectives.
- The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV): Apollo 17 was the first mission to include the use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle, a four-wheeled electric car designed to enhance mobility and allow the astronauts to explore larger areas of the moon’s surface. The LRV significantly expanded the range of exploration during the mission.
- The Taurus-Littrow Valley Landing Site: Apollo 17 targeted the Taurus-Littrow Valley as its landing site, a region of interest due to its unique geological features. The decision to land in this area allowed for diverse scientific investigations and geological sampling.
- The “Blue Marble” Photograph: During the mission, the crew captured one of the most iconic photographs in history, commonly known as the “Blue Marble.” This image, taken by astronaut Harrison Schmitt, shows a stunning view of Earth from space, highlighting its beauty and fragility.
- The Geology of the Moon: Apollo 17 aimed to conduct extensive geological studies of the moon. Harrison Schmitt, a trained geologist and the only scientist-astronaut to land on the moon, played a pivotal role in collecting valuable rock and soil samples that provided significant insights into the moon’s geologic history.
- The Deep Core Sample: One of the mission’s highlights was the retrieval of a deep core sample from beneath the lunar surface. The astronauts drilled down about three meters, obtaining valuable material that offered a glimpse into the moon’s subsurface composition and geological evolution.
- The Challenger Lunar Module: The Lunar Module used for Apollo 17 was named “Challenger.” It served as the astronauts’ temporary home on the moon’s surface and was crucial for their safe descent and ascent. The Challenger Module successfully fulfilled its role, enabling the crew’s exploration activities.
- The Lunar EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity): During their stay on the moon, Cernan and Schmitt conducted three moonwalks, totaling over 22 hours of EVA time. They performed experiments, collected samples, deployed scientific instruments, and documented their findings, significantly advancing our understanding of the lunar environment.
- The Lunar Liftoff: After completing their activities on the moon, Cernan and Schmitt returned to the Command Module with the precious samples they had gathered. The successful ascent from the lunar surface and rendezvous with the Command Module were critical maneuvers in ensuring a safe return to Earth.
- The Return to Earth: On December 19, 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, marking the end of the mission and NASA’s Apollo Program. The safe return of the crew and their scientific accomplishments solidified Apollo 17’s place in history as the final mission to land humans on the moon.
Overall, these ten inside stories from the Apollo 17 mission provide a glimpse into the remarkable achievements, scientific discoveries, and challenges faced by the astronauts as they explored the moon’s surface. The mission represented a fitting conclusion to NASA’s Apollo Program, leaving a lasting legacy in the pursuit of knowledge and inspiring future generations to continue pushing the boundaries of human exploration.
In conclusion, the story of NASA’s last mission to the Moon, Apollo 17, is one of triumph, perseverance, and the pursuit of knowledge. It stands as a testament to the remarkable achievements of the Apollo Program and the men and women who made it possible. Their legacy lives on, fueling our collective ambition to explore the cosmos and uncover the secrets of the universe. The final steps taken on the Moon by Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt were not just the end of a mission—they were a poignant reminder of the infinite potential that lies within the human spirit.
