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    37 Facts About Apollo 17

    Lyndsay Gallup

    Written by Lyndsay Gallup

    Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2025

    Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
    37-facts-about-apollo-17
    Source: Newscientist.com

    Apollo 17 marked the final mission of NASA's Apollo program, and it was a mission filled with groundbreaking achievements. Launched on December 7, 1972, it was the last time humans traveled beyond low Earth orbit. Commander Eugene Cernan and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt became the last astronauts to walk on the moon, while Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans orbited above. This mission wasn't just about setting records; it also brought back a treasure trove of lunar samples and data. From discovering orange soil to conducting extensive scientific experiments, Apollo 17 pushed the boundaries of space exploration. Why was Apollo 17 so significant? It showcased human ingenuity, determination, and the relentless quest for knowledge.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Apollo 17 was NASA's final mission to the Moon, featuring the last manned lunar landing. The astronauts conducted groundbreaking scientific experiments and overcame challenges, leaving a lasting legacy in space exploration.
    • The mission showcased technological innovations, including the use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle and advanced spacesuits. Apollo 17's success inspired future lunar missions and continues to impact scientific research and cultural imagination.
    Table of Contents
    01Apollo 17: The Final Moon Mission
    02The Crew and Their Achievements
    03Scientific Discoveries and Experiments
    04Technological Innovations
    05The Legacy of Apollo 17
    06Cultural Impact
    07Challenges and Triumphs
    08The End of an Era
    09Final Glimpse at Apollo 17

    Apollo 17: The Final Moon Mission

    Apollo 17 marked the end of NASA's Apollo program, which aimed to land humans on the Moon and bring them back safely. This mission was historic for many reasons, from scientific discoveries to human achievements.

    1. 01Apollo 17 launched on December 7, 1972, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
    2. 02The mission was the last manned Moon landing of the Apollo program.
    3. 03Eugene Cernan, the mission commander, was the last person to walk on the Moon.
    4. 04Harrison Schmitt, the lunar module pilot, was the first scientist-astronaut to land on the Moon.
    5. 05The mission's command module was named "America," and the lunar module was named "Challenger."

    The Crew and Their Achievements

    The crew of Apollo 17 consisted of three astronauts who each played a crucial role in the mission's success. Their combined expertise made this mission one of the most scientifically productive.

    1. 06Ronald Evans served as the command module pilot, orbiting the Moon while Cernan and Schmitt explored the surface.
    2. 07Harrison Schmitt was a geologist, making him the first professional scientist to conduct fieldwork on another celestial body.
    3. 08Eugene Cernan had previously flown on Apollo 10 and Gemini 9A, making him a veteran astronaut.
    4. 09The crew spent a total of 12 days, 13 hours, and 52 minutes in space.
    5. 10Cernan and Schmitt spent 75 hours on the lunar surface, conducting three separate moonwalks.

    Scientific Discoveries and Experiments

    Apollo 17 was not just about human exploration; it was also a scientific mission aimed at understanding the Moon better. The experiments conducted provided valuable data that scientists still study today.

    1. 11The crew collected 243 pounds of lunar samples, the most of any Apollo mission.
    2. 12One of the key experiments was the Lunar Seismic Profiling Experiment, which studied moonquakes.
    3. 13The Lunar Surface Gravimeter was used to measure the Moon's gravitational field.
    4. 14The crew deployed the Lunar Atmospheric Composition Experiment to study the thin lunar atmosphere.
    5. 15They also set up the Lunar Ejecta and Meteorites Experiment to measure the impact of micrometeorites on the Moon's surface.

    Technological Innovations

    Apollo 17 featured several technological advancements that made the mission more efficient and productive. These innovations paved the way for future space exploration.

    1. 16The mission used the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) for the second time, allowing astronauts to travel farther from the landing site.
    2. 17The LRV covered a total distance of 22.3 miles during the mission.
    3. 18The crew used a new type of spacesuit, the A7LB, which offered better mobility and comfort.
    4. 19The mission featured the first use of a color television camera on the lunar surface.
    5. 20The command module had improved navigation systems, making it easier to return to Earth.

    The Legacy of Apollo 17

    Apollo 17 left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers. The mission's achievements have had a profound impact on our understanding of space and our place in the universe.

    1. 21The mission's success demonstrated the feasibility of extended lunar exploration.
    2. 22The data collected helped scientists develop better models of the Moon's geology.
    3. 23The mission inspired future lunar missions, including NASA's Artemis program.
    4. 24Eugene Cernan's final words on the Moon, "We leave as we came, and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind," continue to resonate.
    5. 25The mission's scientific findings have been cited in numerous research papers.

    Cultural Impact

    Apollo 17 captured the imagination of people around the world, leaving a cultural impact that extends beyond the realm of science and technology.

    1. 26The mission was broadcast live on television, reaching millions of viewers.
    2. 27The iconic "Blue Marble" photograph of Earth was taken during the mission.
    3. 28The mission inspired numerous books, documentaries, and films.
    4. 29Apollo 17's success boosted public interest in space exploration.
    5. 30The mission's achievements have been commemorated in museums and exhibitions worldwide.

    Challenges and Triumphs

    Every space mission comes with its own set of challenges, and Apollo 17 was no exception. The crew's ability to overcome these obstacles showcased their resilience and ingenuity.

    1. 31The mission faced delays due to technical issues with the Saturn V rocket.
    2. 32The crew had to deal with a malfunctioning lunar rover fender, which they repaired using duct tape.
    3. 33The astronauts experienced difficulties with lunar dust, which affected their equipment.
    4. 34Despite these challenges, the mission was completed successfully and safely.
    5. 35The crew's ability to adapt and problem-solve was a testament to their training and expertise.

    The End of an Era

    Apollo 17 marked the end of an era in space exploration, but it also laid the groundwork for future missions. The lessons learned continue to inform NASA's efforts to explore the Moon and beyond.

    1. 36The mission was the last time humans traveled beyond low Earth orbit.
    2. 37The success of Apollo 17 paved the way for future lunar missions, including plans to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon.

    Final Glimpse at Apollo 17

    Apollo 17 marked a significant chapter in space exploration. It was the last manned mission to the moon, leaving a legacy of scientific discoveries and inspiring future generations. The mission's crew, including the first scientist-astronaut, Harrison Schmitt, conducted extensive geological studies and brought back valuable lunar samples. Their work helped us understand the moon's history and composition better.

    The mission also showcased human resilience and ingenuity. From navigating technical challenges to conducting complex experiments, the Apollo 17 team demonstrated what’s possible when determination meets innovation. Their achievements continue to influence space missions today.

    Remembering Apollo 17 isn't just about looking back; it’s about appreciating the strides made in space exploration. It serves as a reminder of our potential to reach new frontiers. As we look to the future, the legacy of Apollo 17 will undoubtedly inspire new adventures beyond our planet.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What was Apollo 17, and why is it significant?
    Apollo 17 marked NASA's final manned mission to the moon, making it a historic event. Launched on December 7, 1972, this mission was notable for several reasons, including the longest moonwalk, the largest haul of moon rocks, and the inclusion of the first professional geologist astronaut. Its significance lies not only in its achievements but also in its role in concluding the era of manned lunar exploration that began with Apollo 11.
    Who were the astronauts on Apollo 17?
    Commanded by Eugene Cernan, Apollo 17's crew included Ronald Evans, who served as Command Module Pilot, and Harrison Schmitt, the Lunar Module Pilot and aforementioned geologist. This trio made history, with Cernan famously being the last human (to date) to step off the moon's surface.
    Did Apollo 17 achieve any scientific breakthroughs?
    Absolutely! Apollo 17's mission contributed significantly to our understanding of the moon's geology. Schmitt and Cernan collected over 740 pounds of lunar rocks and soil, providing invaluable data for scientific study. Their discoveries, including orange-colored soil indicating volcanic activity, have helped scientists make leaps in understanding the moon's composition and history.
    How long did Apollo 17's mission last?
    Spanning 12 days, Apollo 17's journey was the longest Apollo mission. This duration allowed for extensive scientific experiments and exploration, including three moonwalks totaling over 22 hours on the lunar surface.
    Was there anything unique about Apollo 17's launch?
    Indeed, Apollo 17's launch was the first and only nighttime launch of the Apollo program. Spectators described the experience as breathtaking, with the night sky illuminated by the powerful Saturn V rocket. This launch remains one of the most visually spectacular moments in space exploration history.
    What was the "Blue Marble" photo?
    One of the most iconic images of Earth, the "Blue Marble" was taken by the Apollo 17 crew on their way to the moon. Capturing our planet in full view, this photograph highlighted Earth's beauty and fragility, becoming a symbol of the environmental movement.
    Has NASA planned any missions to return to the moon?
    Yes, NASA has announced plans to return humans to the moon through the Artemis program. Aiming to land the first woman and the next man on the lunar surface, Artemis seeks to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon by the end of the decade, paving the way for future Mars exploration.

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