December 13, 1971, marked a significant moment in the annals of space exploration. It was on this day that the crew of Apollo 17, NASA’s last Apollo moon mission, embarked on their final moonwalk, an event etched deeply in the chronicles of space history.
Before delving into the details of this final excursion, it is essential to reflect on the previous two moonwalks of the mission. Apollo 17 astronauts, Commander Eugene Cernan and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt, had already completed two moonwalks, or Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). These initial ventures focused on geological surveying and sample collection in the Taurus-Littrow valley, a site chosen for its varied geological features.
The goals of the final moonwalk were multifaceted. Primarily, the astronauts aimed to collect lunar samples and conduct scientific experiments. This last EVA was not just about gathering rocks and soil; it was an endeavor to deepen humanity’s understanding of the Moon’s composition and history.
As Cernan and Schmitt stepped out of the Lunar Module for the last time, they knew they were closing a significant chapter in human space exploration. The events of this final moonwalk were a blend of scientific rigor and emotional weight. The astronauts deployed several experiments, including the Lunar Seismic Profiling Experiment, designed to provide data on the Moon’s geological structure. They also collected a trove of lunar samples, adding to the rich collection of moon material brought back by previous missions.
What made this final moonwalk remarkable were not just the scientific achievements, but also the comments made by the crew. Cernan, the last man to leave the Moon’s surface, famously said, “We leave as we came, and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind.” These words echoed the overarching sentiment of the Apollo program – a quest for knowledge and peace.
The legacy of Apollo 17’s final moonwalk is enduring. It marked the end of the Apollo lunar landings, a period that significantly advanced our understanding of the Moon. The mission’s success paved the way for future lunar research and inspired generations to look towards the stars. The data and samples collected continue to inform lunar science, and the mission’s spirit lives on in the ongoing pursuit of space exploration.
The final moonwalk of Apollo 17 was not merely a conclusion of a mission; it was a symbolic and literal stepping stone into the future of space exploration. As we look back on that day in December 1971, we are reminded of the courage, ambition, and curiosity that drive humanity’s quest to explore the unknown.
DAVE DOES HISTORY 
Leave a comment