Apollo 17 Crew Lands Safely Back on Earth
Apollo 17, the last mission of NASA's Apollo program, returned to Earth on December 19, 1972, after a successful lunar exploration. Piloted by Eugene Cernan, with Ronald Evans and Harrison Schmitt, the mission marked the final time humans traveled to the Moon. Cernan and Schmitt spent three days exploring the lunar surface, conducting experiments and collecting samples, while Evans remained in lunar orbit. The mission concluded with the crew's safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, showcasing the achievements of human space exploration.
Cernan and Schmitt explored the Taurus-Littrow valley.
Apollo 17 was the last crewed lunar landing mission.
The mission contributed valuable lunar geological samples.
Harrison Schmitt was the first scientist on the Moon.
What Happened?
Apollo 17 was launched on December 7, 1972, marking the final crewed mission of NASA's Apollo program, which had dramatically advanced human space exploration since its inception in the early 1960s. The mission was commanded by Eugene Cernan, with Harrison Schmitt as the lunar module pilot and Ronald Evans as the command module pilot. This mission was distinguished as it carried the first scientist to the Moon, geologist Harrison Schmitt, which emphasized the focus on scientific research during lunar explorations.
During their time on the lunar surface, Cernan and Schmitt conducted extensive geological surveys, gathered samples, and performed experiments over a period of approximately three days. They spent time at the Taurus-Littrow valley, where they explored the varying geological features, an area rich in orange soil and diverse rock formations. The mission included the use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle, allowing them to travel further from their landing site and collect data from multiple locations. The experiments and samples brought back from the Moon provided critical insights into the Moon's formation and geology.
The mission concluded with a successful re-entry and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on December 19, 1972. This marked not only the end of the Apollo era but also a significant milestone in human space exploration that had captivated the world’s imagination. Cernan’s famous words upon leaving the lunar surface, “We leave as we came, and, God willing, as we shall return,” resonated deeply, symbolizing humanity's enduring spirit of exploration. Their safe return was celebrated globally as a testament to the achievements of science and technology during this period.
Why Does it Matter?
Apollo 17 holds a significant place in the history of space exploration as it was the last mission to land humans on the lunar surface. It showcased the culmination of over a decade of lunar exploration efforts, which included six successful Apollo lunar landings. The mission's scientific findings and rock samples have continued to inform lunar research and our understanding of planetary science. Furthermore, it set the stage for future space exploration, emphasizing the importance of science in crewed missions to beyond-Earth endeavors.