“We leave as we came, and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind.” — Eugene Cernan, Apollo 17 Commander
Take 10 minutes away from the present to reflect on the momentous conclusion of humanity’s pioneering lunar exploration era. On December 7, 1972, NASA launched Apollo 17, the final mission of the Apollo program. Astronauts Eugene Cernan, Harrison Schmitt, and Ronald Evans embarked on a journey to the Moon, conducting groundbreaking scientific research and leaving a legacy of inspiration. Eugene Cernan, who remains the last person to have walked on the Moon, delivered poignant words that continue to resonate with the hopes of future space exploration.
The Context: The Apollo Program and Its Legacy
The Apollo Program
NASA’s Apollo program was initiated in 1961 with the ambitious goal of landing humans on the Moon and safely returning them to Earth. This monumental effort was driven by the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, as well as the vision of President John F. Kennedy, who famously declared that the U.S. would land on the Moon before the decade’s end.
Between 1969 and 1972, six Apollo missions successfully landed astronauts on the lunar surface, showcasing extraordinary technological achievements and providing invaluable scientific data about the Moon. By the time Apollo 17 was launched, the program was nearing its conclusion due to shifting political priorities and budget constraints.
The Significance of Apollo 17
Apollo 17 was the last mission of the Apollo program, marking the end of an era in human space exploration. It was also the first mission to include a professional geologist, Harrison Schmitt, whose expertise in lunar geology contributed to the mission’s scientific goals. The mission aimed to explore the Moon’s Taurus-Littrow valley, a region selected for its diverse geological features.
The Mission: Apollo 17
The Crew
Apollo 17 was commanded by Eugene Cernan, a veteran astronaut who had previously flown on Gemini IX-A and Apollo 10. Joining him were Harrison Schmitt, the first and only professional geologist to walk on the Moon, and Ronald Evans, who piloted the Command Module America in lunar orbit.
Cernan and Schmitt were tasked with exploring the lunar surface, while Evans conducted scientific observations and experiments from orbit. The combination of their skills and expertise made Apollo 17 one of the most scientifically productive missions in the Apollo program.
The Launch
Apollo 17 lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:33 AM EST on December 7, 1972. The Saturn V rocket, the most powerful rocket ever built, illuminated the night sky as it carried the astronauts and their spacecraft toward the Moon. It was the only Apollo mission to launch at night, a fittingly dramatic start to the program’s final lunar journey.
Lunar Surface Exploration
Cernan and Schmitt spent three days on the lunar surface, conducting three extravehicular activities (EVAs) totaling over 22 hours. They explored the Taurus-Littrow valley, collecting 243 pounds (110 kilograms) of lunar samples, including rock and soil specimens that provided critical insights into the Moon’s history.
One of the mission’s highlights was the discovery of orange soil near Shorty Crater, a finding that revealed volcanic activity in the Moon’s distant past. Cernan and Schmitt also deployed scientific instruments, such as a seismometer and a heat flow probe, to study the Moon’s geology and environment.
Ronald Evans’ Role
While Cernan and Schmitt worked on the lunar surface, Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit aboard the Command Module. He conducted photographic surveys and operated scientific instruments, capturing high-resolution images of the Moon’s surface and mapping its features. His work provided valuable context for the data collected on the ground.
The Aftermath: A Legacy of Exploration
Eugene Cernan’s Final Words
As Cernan prepared to leave the Moon’s surface for the final time, he left a message that encapsulated the spirit of the Apollo program:
“We leave as we came, and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind.”
These words symbolized humanity’s aspirations for exploration and the hope that one day, humans would return to the Moon and venture even further into space.
Scientific Contributions
Apollo 17’s scientific achievements were among the most significant of the Apollo program. The samples and data collected during the mission continue to inform our understanding of the Moon’s geology, formation, and history. The mission’s findings have implications for planetary science, including the study of other celestial bodies.
The End of an Era
Apollo 17 marked the end of the Apollo program and the conclusion of human exploration of the Moon in the 20th century. While the program achieved its objectives and inspired generations, its termination left a gap in human space exploration that has yet to be fully bridged.
Broader Themes and Reflections
The Human Spirit of Exploration
The Apollo program, culminating in Apollo 17, demonstrated humanity’s capacity for innovation, teamwork, and perseverance. It exemplified the power of science and engineering to overcome challenges and achieve the extraordinary.
The Legacy of Apollo
Apollo 17’s legacy lives on in the form of ongoing lunar research and renewed interest in human exploration of the Moon. NASA’s Artemis program aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface, building on the lessons of Apollo and paving the way for sustainable exploration.
Timeline of Key Events: Apollo 17
- 1961: President John F. Kennedy announces the goal of landing humans on the Moon by the end of the decade.
- July 1969: Apollo 11 achieves the first human Moon landing.
- December 7, 1972: Apollo 17 launches from Kennedy Space Center.
- December 11–14, 1972: Cernan and Schmitt conduct lunar surface exploration in the Taurus-Littrow valley.
- December 19, 1972: Apollo 17 returns to Earth, concluding the Apollo program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who were the Apollo 17 astronauts?
Apollo 17 was crewed by Eugene Cernan (Commander), Harrison Schmitt (Lunar Module Pilot), and Ronald Evans (Command Module Pilot).
What was unique about Apollo 17?
Apollo 17 was the final mission of the Apollo program and included the first professional geologist, Harrison Schmitt, to walk on the Moon. It was also the only Apollo mission to launch at night.
What were Apollo 17’s major achievements?
The mission conducted extensive lunar surface exploration, collected 243 pounds of rock and soil samples, and deployed scientific instruments. Key discoveries included orange soil, evidence of past volcanic activity on the Moon.
Why was Apollo 17 the last lunar mission?
Apollo 17 marked the end of the Apollo program due to budget constraints and shifting political priorities. The U.S. government redirected funding to other space and domestic programs.
What is the legacy of Apollo 17?
Apollo 17 symbolizes the culmination of human exploration of the Moon in the 20th century. Its scientific contributions and inspiring message continue to influence space exploration efforts today, including NASA’s Artemis program.
