Apollo 17: An Overview of NASA's Final Mission to the Moon

November 15, 2015

1. Introduction: The Grand Finale of the Apollo Program

Apollo 17 marked the ambitious and poignant conclusion to the United States' manned lunar exploration program. Launched on December 6, 1972, this historic mission was the sixth and final time humans walked on the surface of the Moon during the Apollo era. It represented a culmination of a decade of scientific and engineering achievement, leaving behind a profound legacy of discovery and a collection of remarkable artifacts that serve as cornerstones for those interested in space exploration memorabilia and NASA collectibles.

This final chapter in lunar exploration was carried out by a dedicated and highly skilled crew.

2. Meet the Crew of Apollo 17

The three-man crew of Apollo 17 brought a unique combination of flight experience and scientific expertise to this final lunar mission.

Astronaut

Role

Key Fact

Eugene A. Cernan

Commander

A veteran astronaut, he previously flew on Gemini 9 and Apollo 10.

Ronald E. Evans

Command Module Pilot

This was his first flight into space.

Harrison H. Schmitt

Lunar Module Pilot

A professional geologist, he was the first and only scientist to walk on the Moon.

Today, items bearing the crew's signatures and their iconic mission patch are highly sought-after pieces of astronaut memorabilia for collectors of space artifacts. To make this final mission the most productive of the program, the crew was tasked with an ambitious set of scientific goals.

3. Mission Objectives: Science at the Forefront

Apollo 17 was designed to maximize scientific returns, building on the knowledge gained from all previous missions. The primary objectives were threefold, focusing on both surface exploration and orbital science.

Explore and Sample the Taurus-Littrow Valley The primary goal was to investigate this unique geological area. The Taurus-Littrow site was specifically chosen because it offered a rare combination of ancient mountainous highlands and younger valley lowlands, providing an opportunity to sample a diverse range of lunar materials.
Deploy a New Suite of Scientific Instruments The crew was tasked with deploying the fifth Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package (ALSEP). This advanced suite of instruments included four experiments that had never been flown before, designed to be left on the lunar surface to transmit valuable scientific data back to Earth for years to come.
Conduct Orbital Science and Photography While the Commander and Lunar Module Pilot were on the surface, the Command Module Pilot operated a bay of scientific instruments (the SIM bay) and high-resolution cameras from lunar orbit. These orbital experiments were designed to measure and photograph the lunar surface and its environment, creating a comprehensive dataset of the Moon.

These ambitious goals were achieved through a meticulously planned mission timeline.

4. A Timeline of the Historic Journey

The Apollo 17 mission spanned just under two weeks, from its dramatic night launch to its splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

Launch and Journey to the Moon

Apollo 17 launched from Kennedy Space Center on December 6, 1972. Following a successful ascent, the Saturn V's third stage fired for a second time, performing the translunar injection burn that sent the crew on their three-day journey to the Moon.

Lunar Operations

The Lunar Module Challenger touched down in the Taurus-Littrow valley on December 11. Cernan and Schmitt conducted three separate Extravehicular Activities (EVAs), or "moonwalks," on the lunar surface. Each EVA lasted approximately seven hours, during which they deployed scientific instruments and collected geological samples.

Return to Earth

The crew lifted off from the Moon on December 14, rendezvousing with the Command Module America in lunar orbit. After completing final orbital science tasks, they began their journey home, splashing down safely in the Pacific Ocean on December 19, 1972.

Key Mission Milestones

Mission Event

Date (December 1972)

Launch

6th

Lunar Landing

11th

Start of First EVA

11th

Lunar Liftoff

14th

Splashdown

19th

This comprehensive surface exploration was made possible by advanced equipment designed specifically for the lunar environment.

5. Key Tools of Exploration

To achieve their scientific objectives, the astronauts utilized two critical pieces of hardware that defined the later Apollo missions.

The Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP)

The ALSEP was a collection of automated scientific stations designed to be left on the Moon to gather and transmit data long after the astronauts had departed. It was powered by a SNAP-27 radioisotope thermoelectric generator, a type of nuclear battery that uses the heat from the natural decay of a plutonium fuel source to generate a continuous supply of electricity. Key experiments deployed by the Apollo 17 crew included:

Lunar Seismic Profiling Experiment
Heat Flow Experiment
Lunar Atmospheric Composition Experiment

The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV)

The LRV was an electric-powered "moon buggy" that dramatically increased the astronauts' mobility. It allowed Cernan and Schmitt to travel much farther from the Lunar Module than would have been possible on foot, enabling them to explore a wider variety of geological features. The LRV was equipped to carry tools, communications equipment, and the precious lunar samples they collected, making it an indispensable piece of space history collectibles.

These tools helped secure the mission's place in history as the final, triumphant chapter of the Apollo program.

6. Legacy of the Final Moon Mission

Apollo 17 stands as the ambitious finale of humanity's first era of lunar exploration. As the sixth and final landing, it was the longest and most scientifically productive of the Apollo missions, distinguished by being the only one to include a professional scientist on the lunar surface crew. The mission's groundbreaking achievements, along with the invaluable data, original NASA photos, and lunar landing memorabilia it produced, continue to inspire new generations of scientists and explorers and are cherished by enthusiasts as priceless space collectibles.

Technical Report: Apollo 17 Scientific Experiments and Instrumentation

1.0 Introduction to the Apollo 17 Mission

As the final mission of the Apollo lunar exploration program, Apollo 17 represented the culmination of a decade of scientific and engineering achievement. Its strategic importance was paramount, serving as the final opportunity for crewed surface exploration and the deployment of an advanced suite of scientific instruments. The mission was uniquely ambitious, targeting a novel geological site at Taurus-Littrow to answer questions raised by previous landings while establishing the fifth and most advanced node in the network of automated scientific stations left on the Moon.

1.1 Core Mission Objectives

The scientific imperatives of Apollo 17 were synthesized into three primary objectives, each designed to build upon and complete the scientific legacy of the Apollo program:

To explore and sample the materials and surface features at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. This objective was critical for understanding a different type of geological formation—a combination of mountainous highlands and valley lowlands—that was distinct from previous landing sites. The inclusion of a professional geologist on the crew, Harrison Schmitt, underscored the priority placed on expert, in-situ geological investigation.
To set up and activate experiments on the lunar surface for long-term data relay. The deployment of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package (ALSEP) was a cornerstone of the mission. By adding a fifth station to the existing network, Apollo 17 provided a broader geophysical baseline, enabling scientists to study the Moon as a planetary body long after the crew returned to Earth. Four of the five ALSEP experiments were new, representing the most advanced science package of the program.
To conduct inflight experiments and photographic tasks from lunar orbit. These orbital tasks were designed to provide regional and global context to the localized surface findings. Using a sophisticated array of sensors in the Scientific Instrument Module (SIM) bay, the mission mapped surface chemistry, profiled the subsurface, and measured properties of the lunar environment, creating a comprehensive dataset that integrated surface truth with orbital remote sensing.

1.2 Mission Profile and Crew

The execution of these ambitious objectives was entrusted to a highly skilled three-man crew. The mission plan involved a 75-hour stay on the lunar surface, during which three separate Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) of approximately seven hours each were conducted.

Role

Astronaut

Key Responsibilities

Commander (CDR)

Eugene A. Cernan

Commanded the mission; piloted the Lunar Module Challenger; conducted lunar surface exploration and experiment deployment.

Command Module Pilot (CMP)

Ronald E. Evans

Piloted the Command Module America; operated the full suite of SIM bay orbital science experiments; performed a transearth coast EVA to retrieve film cassettes.

Lunar Module Pilot (LMP)

Harrison H. Schmitt

A professional geologist; piloted the Lunar Module; responsible for scientific observations, geological mapping, and sample collection on the lunar surface.

This final, ambitious mission was necessitated by a refined scientific context, built upon the foundational knowledge acquired by previous Apollo crews and designed to answer the complex questions that remained about the Moon's origin and evolution.

2.0 Scientific Context: State of Lunar Knowledge

The design and objectives of the Apollo 17 scientific payload were not arbitrary; they were the direct result of a decade of rapid advancement in lunar science. Each experiment was carefully selected to address specific, pressing questions that had been sharpened by the discoveries of previous Apollo missions and the persistent uncertainties that preceded them. Understanding this scientific landscape is crucial to appreciating the mission's significance.

2.1 Pre-Apollo Lunar Understanding

Prior to the Apollo program, our understanding of the Moon was based entirely on Earth-based astronomical observation and unmanned probes. This perspective, while detailed in picturing the surface, left fundamental questions unanswered and fostered significant scientific debate. The key controversies included:

Lunar Composition and Density: The Moon's mean density of 3.34 gm/cc was a known enigma. It was significantly lower than that of Earth and other terrestrial planets, and also lower than most meteorites. This single fact clearly indicated the Moon had less metallic iron than Earth, but the full implications for its chemical composition and origin remained a puzzle that could not be solved from a distance.
Surface Features (Maria and Terra): Galileo first identified the dark, smooth "mare" basins and the brighter, rugged "terra" highlands. The origin of the maria was a central debate. One hypothesis proposed they were vast fields of lava, while a competing theory suggested they were immense "dust bowls" filled with fine-grained deposits, possibly from an early lunar atmosphere.
Crater Origins: The Moon's most common feature, its craters, were the subject of a continual controversy. One school of thought argued they were volcanic in origin, similar to terrestrial calderas. The opposing school maintained they were formed by the impact of meteorites, a process observed only rarely on Earth.
Thermal and Chemical History: Scientists were divided on the Moon's thermal history. Some believed it was a relatively inactive body that had undergone any chemical differentiation very early in its history. Others expected a long and continuous record of volcanism, similar to Earth. Its surface chemistry was a "total unknown" before the Surveyor V lander, with competing theories suggesting it resembled carbonaceous chondrites, eucrites, or even silica-rich tektites.

2.2 Transformative Discoveries from Apollo

The first five Apollo landings and the analysis of returned lunar samples fundamentally transformed this landscape of uncertainty into a new science of planetary geology. These missions provided the grounding for the more advanced investigations of Apollo 17. Key discoveries included:

A reliable lunar timescale: Analysis of returned samples established that the mare basins were filled with lava between 3.1 and 3.8 billion years ago, confirming that the vast majority of the Moon's cratering history occurred before that, over 4 billion years ago.
Confirmation of origins: The maria were confirmed to be extensive lava flows, and returned samples proved the volcanic nature of mare basalt. Simultaneously, it was established that almost all lunar craters were caused by impacts.
Initial insights into the lunar interior, crust, and magnetic field: Seismic data revealed a thick lunar crust (over 60 km). The discovery that mare lavas crystallized in a magnetic field much stronger than the Moon's present one raised profound questions about the Moon's early history.
Characterization of key lunar rock types: Scientists identified and began to understand the three most common rock types: the iron-rich mare basalts, the aluminum-rich anorthosites of the highlands (forming a primitive crust), and a geochemically exotic material known as KREEP (rich in potassium, rare-earth elements, and phosphorus).

These findings provided a revolutionary new framework for understanding the Moon. The Apollo 17 experiments were specifically designed to probe deeper into this framework, investigating the heat flow from the interior, profiling the subsurface structure, and sampling unique geological formations to further unravel the Moon's complex history.

3.0 Lunar Surface Scientific Investigations

The Taurus-Littrow landing site was chosen specifically because it offered a unique combination of highland massifs and a dark-mantled valley floor, providing access to potentially ancient crustal materials as well as younger volcanic deposits. The surface investigations were therefore a two-pronged effort: the deployment of a long-term automated science station, the ALSEP, and an intensive geological survey conducted by the crew during three long-duration traverses.

3.1 Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP)

The Apollo 17 ALSEP was the fifth and final automated scientific station deployed on the Moon, completing a network that provided long-term, continuous data relay to Earth. The central station was powered by a SNAP-27 radioisotope thermoelectric generator, a nuclear power source that converted the heat from the radioactive decay of plutonium-238 directly into a steady supply of at least 63.5 watts of electricity, enabling uninterrupted scientific surveillance. The Apollo 17 ALSEP array comprised five core experiments.

3.1.1 Heat Flow Experiment (S-037)

The objective of the Heat Flow Experiment was to make direct measurements of heat escaping from the Moon's interior. This investigation was designed to resolve the fundamental, pre-Apollo debate on the Moon's thermal history by providing critical data for understanding its internal heating processes and the abundance of heat-producing radioactive elements. The methodology involved using the Apollo Lunar Surface Drill (ALSD) to drill two holes approximately 2.6 meters deep, into which two probes containing temperature sensors were emplaced.

3.1.2 Lunar Ejecta and Meteorites (S-202)

This experiment was designed to measure the physical parameters—specifically the mass, speed, and direction—of primary cosmic dust particles and secondary lunar particles (ejecta) striking the lunar surface. Its detailed objectives were to determine the influx rate of cosmic dust in cislunar space and to characterize the nature of lunar material thrown out by distant meteorite impacts, providing insight into both the interplanetary environment and surface erosion processes.

3.1.3 Lunar Seismic Profiling Experiment (S-203)

The Lunar Seismic Profiling Experiment was an active seismic investigation designed to reveal the geological structure of the upper layers of the lunar crust at the landing site. The experiment's network consisted of four geophones arranged in a triangular array and eight explosive packages deployed by the crew during their traverses. After the crew departed, these charges were detonated by ground command, generating seismic waves whose travel times were recorded by the geophones to create a structural profile of the subsurface to a depth of three kilometers.

The explosive charges varied in size to probe different depths:

Charge Weight

Number of Packages

6 lb

3 lb

1 lb

1/2 lb

1/4 lb

1/8 lb

3.1.4 Lunar Atmospheric Composition Experiment (LACE) (S-205)

The LACE was a mass spectrometer designed to measure the composition of the extremely tenuous lunar atmosphere in the atomic mass unit (AMU) range of 1 to 110. It sought to identify native gases and measure their concentrations. Gases expected to be detected included those from potential lunar volcanism (such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide) as well as noble gases (helium, neon, argon) generated by solar wind bombardment of the surface.

3.1.5 Lunar Surface Gravimeter (LSG) (S-207)

The LSG had two ambitious objectives. Its primary goal was to make the first direct search for gravity waves, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's general theory of relativity. Its secondary goal was to measure tidal deformations of the Moon's solid body caused by the gravitational pull of the Earth and Sun. These tidal measurements would provide valuable new insights into the mechanical properties and structure of the deep lunar interior.

3.2 Deployed and Traverse Experiments

In addition to the central ALSEP station, the Apollo 17 crew deployed several other instruments and conducted experiments during their Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) traverses, allowing them to gather data over a wider geographical area.

3.2.1 Traverse Gravimeter (S-199)

This instrument, mounted on the LRV, was used to conduct a relative gravity survey of the Taurus-Littrow region. By taking measurements at various points along the traverse routes, it allowed scientists to detect local variations in the lunar gravitational field, which could be correlated with geological features. It was also used to create a precise Earth-Moon gravity tie, refining our understanding of the two bodies' gravitational relationship.

3.2.2 Surface Electrical Properties (SEP) (S-204)

The SEP experiment was designed to investigate the electrical properties of the lunar subsurface. It consisted of a deployable transmitter placed near the LM and a receiver mounted on the LRV. As the LRV traversed the site, the receiver measured electromagnetic energy transmitted through and reflected from subsurface layers. This data was used to create a geological model of the lunar crust over a range of depths from a few meters to a few kilometers and to determine the thickness of the regolith.

3.2.3 Lunar Neutron Probe (S-229)

This experiment aimed to measure the rate of neutron capture in the lunar regolith and to determine the neutron energy spectrum as a function of depth. The 2.4-meter-long probe was inserted into the hole left by the drill core sample. The data gathered helps scientists understand the mixing depth of the lunar soil due to meteorite bombardment and interpret the history of cosmic ray exposure in returned lunar samples.

3.3 Lunar Geology Investigation (S-059) and Soil Mechanics (S-200)

The Lunar Geology Investigation was the fundamental experiment of the mission, integrating the human element with advanced instrumentation. Its objective was to interpret the geologic history of the Moon through the careful collection of diverse rock and soil samples, detailed crew observations, and extensive photographic documentation. The investigation employed a variety of specialized techniques:

Documented samples photographed in color and stereo with a gnomon for scale and orientation.
Collection of rock, boulder, and soil samples from deep layers exposed by craters.
Radial sampling on the rims of fresh craters to collect material from the deepest strata.
Double drive tube samples pushed to depths of 60 cm to preserve the stratigraphy of the regolith.
Drill core samples of the regolith collected with the ALSD.

Complementing this active investigation was the "passive" Soil Mechanics experiment. This study did not involve specific hardware but relied on crew observations and photography of the interactions between the spacecraft, equipment, and the lunar surface. By analyzing features like the LM footpad impressions, LRV tracks, and the behavior of soil during trenching, engineers could determine important mechanical properties of the surface material, such as its strength and compressibility.

The comprehensive data gathered on the lunar surface was designed to be integrated with a parallel set of investigations performed from orbit, providing a complete picture of the Taurus-Littrow region and its place in lunar history.

4.0 Lunar Orbital Science Investigations

While the CDR and LMP explored the surface, the Command Module Pilot conducted a separate, equally vital scientific mission from lunar orbit. The Command Module America was equipped with a Scientific Instrument Module (SIM) bay containing a suite of remote sensing instruments and high-resolution cameras. These orbital experiments provided the crucial regional and global context for the localized findings from Taurus-Littrow, focusing on large-scale mapping, subsurface profiling, and environmental analysis of the Moon.

4.1 SIM Bay Experiments

The SIM bay housed three primary remote-sensing experiments, which worked in conjunction with a powerful photographic mapping system.

4.1.1 Lunar Sounder (S-209)

The Lunar Sounder was a pioneering radar system designed to probe the lunar subsurface. It beamed high-frequency (HF) and very-high-frequency (VHF) electromagnetic impulses toward the Moon and recorded the reflected signals. This technique allowed scientists to detect subsurface layering, voids, and other geologic structures, developing a cross-sectional geological model of the lunar interior to a depth of 1.3 kilometers.

4.1.2 Infrared Scanning Radiometer (ISR) (S-171)

The ISR's purpose was to create a detailed thermal map of the lunar surface. It measured infrared radiation to determine surface temperatures with a resolution significantly better than any previous Earth-based observations. This capability allowed for the detection of thermal anomalies—unusually hot or cold spots—which could indicate variations in geology, rock distribution, or even potential locations of internal volcanic activity.

4.1.3 Far-Ultraviolet Spectrometer (S-169)

This spectrometer was designed to measure the composition, density, and scale height of the tenuous lunar atmosphere. It analyzed spectral emissions from atmospheric constituents and from solar UV radiation reflected off the surface. The instrument was expected to detect key elements such as hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, krypton, and xenon, providing vital data on the sources and sinks of the Moon's atmosphere.

4.2 Orbital Photographic and Mapping Tasks

The SIM bay's photographic systems were integrated to construct a comprehensive, high-resolution map of the ground track overflown by the Command Module.

The Panoramic Camera provided high-resolution (2 meters) stereoscopic photographs of the surface for detailed geological interpretation.
The Mapping Camera captured medium-resolution (20 meters) terrain photography used for creating accurate topographic maps.
The Laser Altimeter, which was boresighted with the Mapping Camera, measured the spacecraft's altitude above the lunar surface to within two meters, providing the precise vertical control needed for cartography.

4.3 Gravity and Environment Experiments

Other experiments conducted from orbit used the spacecraft itself as a scientific instrument.

CSM/LM S-Band Transponder: By precisely tracking the S-band radio signals from the CSM and the docked LM, ground stations could detect minute variations in the spacecraft's velocity. These variations were caused by gravitational anomalies (mass concentrations, or "mascons") in the lunar crust, allowing scientists to map the Moon's gravity field.
Apollo Window Meteoroid Experiment: This was a passive experiment to study the flux of tiny micrometeoroids in space. The command module windows were carefully scanned pre- and post-flight under high magnification to identify and count any new craters caused by particle impacts.

The successful execution of this diverse array of surface and orbital investigations was made possible by a suite of specialized scientific and exploration equipment, representing the pinnacle of Apollo-era technology.

5.0 Key Scientific and Exploration Equipment

Beyond the sophisticated scientific instruments, the success of Apollo 17's ambitious exploration goals depended on a portfolio of specialized hardware. This equipment, ranging from the revolutionary Lunar Roving Vehicle to an array of cleverly designed geology hand tools, was essential for extending the crew's reach, enabling complex tasks, and ensuring the collection of high-quality scientific samples.

5.1 Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV)

The LRV was a lightweight, electric-powered vehicle that dramatically extended the range of lunar surface exploration. It allowed the crew to travel tens of kilometers from the Lunar Module, visiting multiple geologic sites and transporting heavy equipment and samples.

General Description: The LRV weighed 209 kg (461 lbs) and was designed to carry a total payload of 490 kg (1,080 lbs), more than twice its own weight. It was 3.1 meters long with a 2.3-meter wheelbase.
Mobility System: Each of its four wheels was powered by an independent electric motor. The wheels themselves were not conventional tires but were constructed from a woven mesh of zinc-coated piano wire with titanium treads, providing traction on the soft lunar soil. A wall-to-wall turning radius of just 3.1 meters gave it exceptional maneuverability.
Navigation System: The LRV was equipped with a dead-reckoning navigation system to ensure the crew always knew their position relative to the LM. Its three major components were a directional gyroscope for heading, odometers on each wheel for measuring speed and distance, and a signal processing unit (a small computer) that calculated bearing, range, and distance traveled.
Deployment: The vehicle was stowed in a folded configuration in a bay on the LM descent stage. Deployment was a manual sequence performed by the crew, who used a system of cables and tapes to unfold the chassis and lower the vehicle to the surface.

5.2 Lunar Geology Hand Tools and Collection Equipment

A comprehensive set of hand tools was developed to allow the astronauts, encumbered by their pressurized suits, to perform detailed geological fieldwork.

Sampling Tools

Tongs: Used to pick up pebble- to fist-sized rock samples from a standing position.
Lunar Rake: Designed to collect discrete rock and chip samples between 1.3 cm and 2.5 cm in size from the regolith, leaving finer soil behind.
Adjustable Scoop: A versatile tool for collecting soil material or smaller rock fragments, with a pan that could be adjusted for scooping or trenching.
Drive Tubes: Nine hollow aluminum tubes that could be driven into the soil to acquire core samples up to 60 cm deep, preserving the layered stratigraphy.
LRV Soil Sampler: A scoop device attached to the Universal Hand Tool, allowing the crew to gather surface soil samples without dismounting the LRV.

Documentation Tools

Sample Scale: A spring scale used to weigh sample containers to ensure the total weight of returned materials did not exceed the spacecraft's budget.
Gnomon and Color Patch: A weighted staff mounted on a tripod that provided a photographic reference for local vertical, the Sun's angle, a calibrated scale, and a standard color chart.

Utility Tools

Hammer: A three-function tool serving as a sampling hammer to chip rocks, a pick to pry fragments loose, and a driver for core tubes.
Extension Handle: A 76 cm handle that could be attached to the scoop, rake, and hammer to extend the astronaut's reach.

Containment

Sample Bags: A variety of Teflon bags were used for sample collection. Documented Sample Bags (DSB) were individually numbered for specific, photographed samples. The larger Sample Collection Bag (SCB) was used to hold multiple samples and tools.

This comprehensive suite of advanced scientific instruments and robust exploration equipment ensured that Apollo 17, as the final mission, possessed the maximum capability to fulfill its ambitious objectives, securing the scientific legacy of the entire Apollo program.

Apollo 17: Mission Operations Briefing & Timeline

1.0 Mission Overview and Strategic Objectives

Apollo 17 is the final planned mission of the Apollo lunar exploration program, representing the culmination of a decade of scientific and engineering achievement. The mission's operational focus is a comprehensive geological survey of the Taurus-Littrow landing site. This region was selected for its unique combination of ancient highland massifs and younger, dark volcanic material, offering an unparalleled opportunity to sample both primordial crustal formations and evidence of later volcanic activity. The data returned is expected to provide critical insight into the Moon's thermal and geological history.

As per the flight plan, the fundamental objectives of the Apollo 17 mission are:

Exploration and Sampling: To execute a detailed geological survey and sampling of surface materials and features within the Taurus-Littrow valley. The collection of a diverse suite of rocks and regolith from both the valley floor and surrounding highlands is a primary scientific requirement.
Long-Term Data Relay: To deploy and activate the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package (ALSEP). This nuclear-powered instrument suite will operate autonomously post-departure, providing continuous, long-term data on seismic activity, heat flow, and atmospheric composition. This will add a fifth station to the network established by previous missions, enhancing the fidelity of the lunar monitoring grid.
Orbital Science and Photography: To execute a comprehensive set of in-flight experiments and photographic tasks from lunar orbit using the Scientific Instrument Module (SIM) bay. This remote sensing campaign is designed to map the lunar surface, measure its properties, and expand the existing repository of high-resolution orbital photography.

Mission execution has been assigned to the following prime crew:

Crew Member

Role

Spacecraft Call Sign

Eugene A. Cernan

Commander (CDR)

Challenger (Lunar Module)

Ronald E. Evans

Command Module Pilot (CMP)

America (Command/Service Module)

Harrison H. Schmitt

Lunar Module Pilot (LMP)

Challenger (Lunar Module)

Achieving these objectives is contingent upon the nominal execution of a precise sequence of operational phases, commencing with the pre-launch and countdown sequence at Kennedy Space Center.

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2.0 Phase I: Pre-Launch and Countdown Sequence

The pre-launch and countdown phase is a meticulously orchestrated sequence of verifications and procedures, designed to mitigate all identifiable risks and confirm the flight-readiness of the integrated Apollo/Saturn V space vehicle. This critical period involves the systematic assembly, integrated testing, and propellant loading of all systems, culminating in a safe and on-time liftoff. Successful execution of this phase is fundamental to mission success.

Key pre-launch preparations at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) began with the arrival of flight hardware in October 1970. Following component-level checkouts, the launch vehicle stages were stacked in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), with the process completed in June 1972. The fully assembled space vehicle was rolled out to Launch Complex 39 Pad A on August 28, 1972. On the pad, the vehicle underwent a series of major integrated tests, including the Plugs-In test to verify ground-to-vehicle electrical interfaces, the Flight Readiness Test (FRT), and the Countdown Demonstration Test (CDDT), a full dress rehearsal for the terminal count.

The terminal countdown sequence represents the final hours of system preparations, hazardous operations, and go/no-go verifications.

T-Minus Time

Critical Event

T-10 hours, 15 minutes

Start mobile service structure move to park site.

T-9 hours

Built-in hold for nine hours and 53 minutes. Pad cleared for propellant loading.

T-8 hours, 05 minutes

Launch vehicle propellant loading begins (LOX and LH2).

T-4 hours, 00 minutes

Crew medical examination.

T-3 hours, 30 minutes

Crew supper.

T-3 hours, 30 minutes

One-hour built-in hold.

T-3 hours, 06 minutes

Crew departs Manned Spacecraft Operations Building for LC-39.

T-2 hours, 48 minutes

Crew arrival at LC-39.

T-2 hours, 40 minutes

Start flight crew ingress.

T-1 hour, 51 minutes

Space Vehicle Emergency Detection System test.

T-43 minutes

Retract Apollo access arm to standby position.

T-42 minutes

Arm launch escape system; Launch vehicle power transfer test; LM switch to internal power.

T-30 minutes

Launch vehicle power transfer; LM switch over to internal power.

T-15 minutes

Spacecraft to full internal power.

T-6 minutes

Space vehicle final status checks.

T-5 minutes

Apollo access arm fully retracted.

T-3 minutes, 6 seconds

Firing command (automatic sequence).

T-50 seconds

Launch vehicle transfer to internal power.

T-8.9 seconds

Ignition start.

T-2 seconds

All engines running.

T-0

Liftoff.

The planned launch is scheduled for 9:53 p.m. EST on December 6, 1972, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.

With the terminal count complete, the mission transitions from static ground operations to the dynamic ascent phase.

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3.0 Phase II: Launch and Earth Orbit Operations

This phase encompasses the powered ascent through Earth's atmosphere via the Saturn V launch vehicle and the successful insertion of the Apollo 17 spacecraft into a temporary Earth parking orbit. Achieving this stable orbit is a mandatory prerequisite, providing a nominal platform from which systems checks are performed prior to committing to the Translunar Injection burn.

The powered ascent is a rapid, time-critical sequence of events to achieve orbital altitude and velocity, as per the flight plan.

Ascent to Earth Orbit: Key Events

Time (GET HH:MM:SS)

Event

Altitude (Meters)

Velocity (Meters/Sec)

00:00:00

First Motion