Not lengthy after midnight on Dec. 7, 1972, the final crewed mission to the Moon, Apollo 17, lifted off with three astronauts: Eugene Cernan, Harrison Schmitt, and Ronald Evans.
Expertise the Apollo 17 launch and follow the mission in real time.
ALTMeet the Crew
Let’s meet the astronauts who made the ultimate Apollo journey to the Moon, together with the primary scientist-astronaut.
Gene Cernan: In 1972, Apollo 17 Mission Commander Eugene A. Cernan had two area flights below his belt, Gemini 9 in June 1966, and Apollo 10 in Could 1969. He was a naval aviator, electrical and aeronautical engineer and fighter pilot.
Ron Evans: Apollo 17 Command Module Pilot Ronald E. Evans was chosen as a member of the 4th group of NASA astronauts in 1966. Like Cernan, he was {an electrical} and aeronautical engineer, and naval aviator earlier than his project to the Apollo 17 crew.
Harrison (Jack) Schmitt: Lunar Module Pilot Dr. Harrison (Jack) Schmitt joined NASA as a member of the primary group of scientist-astronauts in 1965. Earlier than working for NASA, Schmitt was a geologist on the USGS Astrogeology Middle. He was on the backup crew for Apollo 15 earlier than being chosen for the prime crew of Apollo 17. He grew to become the primary of the scientist-astronauts to go to area and the twelfth human to stroll on the Moon.
ALTThe Blue Marble
“The Blue Marble,” one of the crucial reproduced photographs in historical past, was taken 50 years in the past on Dec. 7, 1972 by the Apollo 17 crew as they made their technique to the Moon.
ALTBag of Soup, Anybody?
NASA astronauts have an array of menu gadgets to remain nicely fed and hydrated on missions. For Apollo 17, the menus allotted round 2,500 energy per day for every astronaut. They included:
- Bacon Squares
- Peanut Butter Sandwiches
- Frankfurters
- Lobster Bisque
Like something going to area, weight and containment matter. That’s why the Apollo 17 menu included loads of soups and puddings.
ALTSynchronicity
On Dec. 11, 2022, the Artemis I mission might be splashing down on Earth after its 25.5-day mission. At 2:55 p.m. 50 years prior, the Apollo 17 lunar module (LM) landed on the Moon, with Commander Gene Cernan and LM Pilot Harrison Schmitt on board. Ron Evans remained within the Command and Service Module (CSM) orbiting the Moon.
Expertise the landing.
ALTPlanting the Flag
One of many first duties the Apollo 17 crew did on their first moonwalk was to plant the American flag. There’s no wind on the Moon, however that doesn’t imply the flag has to droop. Do you know {that a} horizontal rod with a latch makes the flag look like flying within the wind? Gene Cernan fastidiously composed this photograph to get Schmitt, the flag, and the Earth in a single shot.
So, is the flag nonetheless there? Photos of the Apollo 17 touchdown web site from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Digicam present that in 2011 the flag was still standing and casting a shadow!
ALTMoon Buggy
Throughout Apollo 17, the Lunar Rover Automobile (LRV), nicknamed the Moon buggy, logged the farthest distance from the Lunar Module of any Apollo mission, about 4.7 miles (7.5 km).
As a precaution, the LRV had a walk-back restrict within the occasion of a problem; astronauts needed to have sufficient sources to stroll again to the lunar module if want be.
ALTSeize the Duct Tape!
The appropriate rear fender extension of the LRV (Moon buggy) was torn off, kicking up mud because the crew drove, lowering visibility. The crew made a resourceful restore utilizing duct tape and maps.
For LRV followers, visiting an LRV pushed on the Moon is a bit tough since all three LRVs used on the Apollo 15, 16, and 17 missions had been left on the Moon. However yow will discover an LRV used for coaching on the Nationwide Air and Area Museum in Washington.
Read more about the LRV.
ALTThe Perils of Lunar Mud
After the primary lunar EVA, Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt reported that he suffered from “lunar hay fever” in response to the lunar mud. In contrast to Earth’s mud particles that are rounded, Moon mud particles are sharp and abrasive, irritating astronaut eyes, nasal passages, and lungs.
Interested in how Moon mud feels and smells? Find out!
ALTSo What’s it Like?
After his return to Earth, Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt (on the suitable) described his time on the Moon:
“Engaged on the Moon is a number of enjoyable. It’s like strolling round on a large trampoline on a regular basis and also you’re simply as robust as you had been right here on Earth, however you don’t weigh as a lot.”
ALTSplashdown!
After 12 days and 14 hours in area, the Apollo 17 astronauts splashed down within the Pacific Ocean at 2:25 p.m. EST on Dec. 19, 1972. It was the longest of all of the Apollo missions, with essentially the most photographs taken. A restoration staff was ready on the USS Ticonderoga simply 4 miles (6.4 km) away to choose up the astronauts, the lunar samples, and the Crew Module.
ALTWhen Are We Going Again?
NASA’s Artemis Program has taken its first steps to sending people again to the Moon with Artemis I, at the moment on its manner again to Earth. This system plans to land people, together with the primary ladies and particular person of colour, on the Moon’s south polar area with its Artemis III mission, at the moment slated to launch in 2025.
Is aerospace historical past your cup of tea? You’ll want to try extra from NASA’s previous missions at www.nasa.gov/history.
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