Apollo 17 Crew Addresses Congress
January 22nd, 1973
January 22nd, 1973
How Long Ago?
52 years, 1 month, 21 days ago
Location
Washington, D.C., USA
Category
Space Exploration
People
- Eugene Cernan
- Harrison Schmitt
- Ronald Evans
Links & References
Tags
Apollo 17 Crew Addresses Congress
The crew of Apollo 17, the last mission to the Moon, addressed a joint session of Congress, sharing insights and experiences from their historic journey. This groundbreaking mission culminated in December 1972, with astronauts Eugene Cernan, Harrison Schmitt, and Ronald Evans conveying the significance of their lunar exploration and the scientific discoveries made during their time on the Moon. Their presentation highlighted the technological achievements and the potential for future space endeavors, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in space exploration.
Apollo 17 was the final Apollo Moon mission.
The crew conducted three moonwalks during their mission.
The astronauts advocated for future space exploration.
Congress was addressed to discuss lunar discoveries.
What Happened?
The Apollo 17 mission, which took place in December 1972, marked the final lunar landing of NASA's Apollo program and concluded the United States’ first era of human lunar exploration. The astronauts, Eugene Cernan, Harrison Schmitt, and Ronald Evans, spent about 75 hours on the lunar surface and completed three moonwalks. Apollo 17 was significant not only for its scientific discoveries but also for its beautiful, full view of the Earth seen from the Moon, which became an iconic image of the 20th century. After returning from their journey, the crew was invited to present their findings and experiences to a joint session of Congress, a testament to the importance of the mission and its findings for future U.S. policy on space exploration. The presentation on this day included videos and discussions regarding the geological and environmental observations made on the Moon, which provided insights into planetary science and the history of the solar system. Additionally, the astronauts discussed the technological advancements that made the mission possible and advocated for continued funding and support for NASA and space programs.
Why Does it Matter?
The address to Congress by the Apollo 17 crew marked a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about the future of space exploration. The mission not only highlighted the successes of Apollo but also raised awareness about the importance of maintaining a robust space exploration agenda. It influenced public opinion, spurred interest in space science, and laid the groundwork for future missions, emphasizing the need for continued innovation in space technology and exploration.
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