The Apollo 17 mission was the final manned mission of the United States' Apollo program, launched on December 7, 1972. It was a historic journey that marked the end of an era in space exploration. The mission lasted for approximately 12 days, 13 hours, and 52 minutes, from launch to splashdown. In this article, we will delve into the detailed mission timeline of Apollo 17, highlighting the key events and milestones that made this mission so significant.
Mission Overview
Apollo 17 was crewed by astronauts Eugene Cernan, Ronald Evans, and Harrison Schmitt. The mission was designed to include three Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) on the lunar surface, with a focus on conducting scientific experiments and gathering samples. The Command and Service Module (CSM) was named America, while the Lunar Module (LM) was named Challenger. The mission was launched from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A using a Saturn V rocket.
Launch and Earth Orbit
The Apollo 17 mission began with a launch at 12:33 AM EST on December 7, 1972. The Saturn V rocket performed flawlessly, placing the spacecraft into Earth orbit just over 11 minutes after launch. The crew then conducted a series of checks and preparations for Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI), which occurred at 2:35 AM EST. The TLI maneuver placed the spacecraft on a trajectory towards the Moon, with the crew entering into a period of quiet activity to rest and prepare for the challenges ahead.
| Event | Time (EST) |
|---|---|
| Launch | 12:33 AM, December 7 |
| Earth Orbit | 12:44 AM, December 7 |
| Trans-Lunar Injection | 2:35 AM, December 7 |
Lunar Orbit and Descent
After traveling through space for approximately 77 hours, the Apollo 17 spacecraft entered into lunar orbit on December 10, 1972. The crew conducted a series of orbital maneuvers, including a Lunar Orbit Insertion and a Descent Orbit Insertion. On December 11, Cernan and Schmitt suited up in their spacesuits and prepared to descend to the lunar surface in the Challenger Lunar Module.
Lunar Surface Activities
The Lunar Module touched down on the lunar surface at 2:54 PM EST on December 11, 1972. Cernan and Schmitt conducted three EVAs, spending a total of approximately 22 hours on the surface. The EVAs included a range of scientific experiments, such as seismometry and heat flow measurements. The crew also collected a total of 108 kilograms of lunar samples, which were brought back to Earth for further analysis.
| EVA | Start Time (EST) | End Time (EST) |
|---|---|---|
| EVA-1 | 6:55 AM, December 12 | 12:48 PM, December 12 |
| EVA-2 | 7:34 AM, December 13 | 1:59 PM, December 13 |
| EVA-3 | 5:26 AM, December 14 | 12:59 PM, December 14 |
Return Journey
After completing their lunar surface activities, Cernan and Schmitt returned to the Challenger Lunar Module and lifted off from the Moon at 5:54 PM EST on December 14, 1972. The crew rendezvoused with the America Command and Service Module in lunar orbit, and then transferred back to the CSM for the return journey to Earth. The spacecraft successfully entered into Earth’s atmosphere on December 19, 1972, and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 2:25 PM EST.
Splashdown and Recovery
The Apollo 17 spacecraft splashed down approximately 350 miles southeast of the Samoa Islands. The crew was recovered by the USS Ticonderoga, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, and was greeted as heroes upon their return to Earth. The successful completion of the Apollo 17 mission marked the end of the United States’ manned lunar exploration program, but it paved the way for future spaceflight missions and inspired generations of scientists, engineers, and astronauts.
What was the primary objective of the Apollo 17 mission?
+The primary objective of the Apollo 17 mission was to conduct scientific experiments and gather samples on the lunar surface, with a focus on geology and seismology.
How long did the Apollo 17 astronauts spend on the lunar surface?
+The Apollo 17 astronauts spent a total of approximately 22 hours on the lunar surface, conducting three EVAs.
What was the significance of the Apollo 17 mission?
+The Apollo 17 mission marked the end of the United States' manned lunar exploration program, but it paved the way for future spaceflight missions and inspired generations of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. The mission also provided a wealth of scientific data and samples, which have helped to advance our understanding of the Moon and the solar system.
In conclusion, the Apollo 17 mission was a historic and groundbreaking journey that marked the end of an era in space exploration. The mission’s detailed timeline, from launch to splashdown, highlights the incredible achievements of the astronauts and the thousands of people who worked behind the scenes to make the mission a success. As we look to the future of space exploration, the legacy of Apollo 17 serves as a reminder of the power of human ingenuity and the importance of pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
