Apollo 17 Launches, Blue Marble Captured
December 7th, 1972
December 7th, 1972
How Long Ago?
52 years, 3 months, 8 days ago
Location
Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
Category
Space Exploration
People
- Eugene Cernan
- Harrison Schmitt
- Ronald Evans
Links & References
Tags
Apollo 17 Launches, Blue Marble Captured
Apollo 17 was the final mission of NASA's Apollo program, marking the culmination of human exploration of the Moon. Launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mission crew, consisting of Eugene Cernan, Harrison Schmitt, and Ronald Evans, aimed to conduct extensive scientific exploration. Notably, as they departed Earth, the crew captured the iconic photograph known as 'The Blue Marble,' showcasing the vibrant, blue planet in the vastness of space. This photograph became one of the most famous images of Earth ever taken.
Last Apollo mission to the Moon.
Crew collected soil and rock samples.
The Blue Marble photo became iconic.
Apollo 17 launched from Kennedy Space Center.
What Happened?
Apollo 17, launched on December 7, 1972, was the last crewed mission of NASA's Apollo program, which had successfully landed humans on the Moon six times since 1969. The mission aimed to explore the Taurus-Littrow valley on the Moon, perform geological surveys, and conduct scientific experiments. The crew consisted of Commander Eugene Cernan, Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt, and Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans. Cernan and Schmitt descended to the lunar surface, where they conducted extensive field studies, collected lunar samples, and left scientific instruments. During their exploration, they encountered sites of significant geological interest, including ancient volcanic formations and the evidence of a rich geological history.As they launched towards space, the crew took one of the most iconic photographs in history, known as 'The Blue Marble.' This image depicted the Earth lit against the blackness of space, capturing its breathtaking beauty and fragility. The photograph has since been used to emphasize environmental issues and inspire movements focused on the protection of the planet. Apollo 17's mission concluded with the crew safely returning to Earth on December 19, 1972, bringing back data and samples that would contribute to scientific knowledge for generations to come.
Why Does it Matter?
Apollo 17 represents a pivotal moment in space exploration, showcasing the technical achievements of the Apollo program and the human spirit of discovery. The mission not only concluded an era of lunar exploration but also highlighted the need for global awareness regarding Earth's environment, propelled by the powerful imagery captured during the flight. The Blue Marble image reshaped perceptions of Earth and has been utilized in various environmental movements.
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