The Apollo 17 mission was the sixth and final manned mission of the United States Apollo program, launched on December 7, 1972. The mission map and navigation guide played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the mission. The Apollo 17 mission had a unique flight plan, with a total duration of 12 days, 13 hours, and 52 minutes. The mission aimed to conduct extensive scientific experiments, explore the lunar surface, and gather data on the Moon's composition and geology.
Apollo 17 Mission Overview
The Apollo 17 spacecraft, consisting of the Command and Service Module (CSM) Challenger and the Lunar Module (LM) America, followed a complex trajectory to reach the Moon. The mission map included several key phases, including launch, Earth orbit, trans-lunar injection, lunar orbit, lunar landing, and return to Earth. The navigation guide was critical in ensuring the spacecraft remained on course and reached the designated landing site in the Taurus-Littrow valley.
Mission Phases and Navigation
The Apollo 17 mission consisted of several phases, each with its unique navigation requirements. The launch phase involved a Saturn V rocket lifting off from Kennedy Space Center and inserting the spacecraft into Earth orbit. The trans-lunar injection phase required the spacecraft to leave Earth orbit and travel to the Moon, with the Service Propulsion System (SPS) engine providing the necessary thrust. The lunar orbit phase involved the spacecraft entering into lunar orbit and preparing for lunar landing.
| Mission Phase | Duration | Navigation Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | 12 minutes | Precise guidance and control systems |
| Earth Orbit | 1 hour 30 minutes | Orbit determination and adjustment |
| Trans-Lunar Injection | 2 hours 30 minutes | Precise trajectory control and navigation |
| Lunar Orbit | 3 days | Orbit determination and adjustment, lunar landing site selection |
Lunar Landing and Surface Operations
The lunar landing phase was the most critical part of the mission, requiring precise navigation and control to ensure a safe and successful landing. The Lunar Module America, crewed by astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt, separated from the Command and Service Module Challenger and descended to the lunar surface. The lunar landing site was located in the Taurus-Littrow valley, a region of interest due to its unique geological features.
Lunar Surface Operations
The lunar surface operations phase included several Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVAs), during which the astronauts conducted scientific experiments, collected samples, and deployed several instruments. The navigation guide played a crucial role in ensuring the astronauts remained within the designated safe zone and avoided any hazards. The lunar rover, a battery-powered vehicle, was used to transport the astronauts and their equipment during the EVAs.
The Apollo 17 mission map and navigation guide were critical components of the mission, ensuring the spacecraft and astronauts remained on course and achieved the mission objectives. The success of the mission was a testament to the meticulous planning, precise navigation, and exceptional skill of the astronauts and mission control team.
What was the primary objective of the Apollo 17 mission?
+The primary objective of the Apollo 17 mission was to conduct extensive scientific experiments, explore the lunar surface, and gather data on the Moon's composition and geology.
What was the name of the lunar landing site for the Apollo 17 mission?
+The lunar landing site for the Apollo 17 mission was located in the Taurus-Littrow valley.
What was the duration of the Apollo 17 mission?
+The Apollo 17 mission had a total duration of 12 days, 13 hours, and 52 minutes.
The Apollo 17 mission marked the end of an era in space exploration, but its legacy continues to inspire new generations of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. The mission map and navigation guide developed for Apollo 17 remain an important part of space exploration history, demonstrating the power of precise planning, exceptional skill, and human determination.
