The Apollo 15 mission, launched on July 26, 1971, was the fourth crewed mission to land on the Moon and the first to include a lunar rover for transport. Astronauts David Scott and James Irwin descended to the lunar surface on July 30, landing in the Hadley-Apennine region. The introduction of the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) on this mission represented a significant innovation, as it allowed astronauts to travel greater distances than ever before. The LRV was an electric vehicle specifically designed for the Moon's low gravity, capable of carrying both crew and equipment over varied terrain.

On July 31, Scott and Irwin conducted their first drive in the LRV, covering a distance of about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the lunar module. They explored the surrounding area, which was rich in geological features, and conducted experiments, collected samples, and documented findings with photographs and video. The LRV had a maximum speed of approximately 8 miles per hour and provided access to scientific locations that were previously unreachable on foot. During their exploration, they also marked significant locations, including the “Stereo Pair,” a set of locations chosen to gather data regarding the Moon's geologic history.

The successful deployment of the lunar rover not only showcased the effectiveness of new technology in space exploration but also allowed for an increase in the amount and quality of scientific data collected. The mission lasted a total of 12 days, during which the crew completed extensive research, including the collection of nearly 170 kilograms (375 pounds) of lunar samples. This greatly contributed to the understanding of the Moon and provided insights into its formation and geological history.