The Last Landing On: The Moon

: Command Module Pilot, who remained in lunar orbit while his crewmates explored the surface.

Apollo 17 was a "J-type mission," designed for extended stays and high scientific output. Key achievements included: The Last Landing On The Moon

The lunar module, Challenger , landed in the on December 11, 1972. This site was specifically chosen for its geological diversity, featuring both ancient highlands and relatively young volcanic materials. Scientific Achievements and Records : Command Module Pilot, who remained in lunar

Apollo 17 launched from the Kennedy Space Center on , at 12:33 a.m. EST, making it the only night launch of the Saturn V rocket. The crew consisted of: This site was specifically chosen for its geological

Despite the success of Apollo 17, humans have not returned to the lunar surface since Commander Cernan's final steps on December 14, 1972. Several factors contributed to this 50-year gap:

: Harrison Schmitt's expertise led to the discovery of "orange soil" at Shorty Crater, which was later identified as volcanic glass from a "fire fountain" eruption roughly 3.6 billion years ago.

: The astronauts drove the third LRV a total of 35.7 kilometers (22.2 miles), reaching a maximum distance of 7.6 kilometers from the lunar module—the farthest humans have ever traveled from their spacecraft.