Echoes Among the Stars: The Original Website
The First Era in Space, 1957-1975
Apollo 17
December 7 - 19, 1972
A Light in Darkness
Apollo 17, commanded by Gene Cernan, was the last of the moon landing missions, and the only Apollo to launch after dark. Dr. Harrison “Jack” Schmitt accompanied Cernan to the lunar surface aboard the lunar module Challenger, while Ron Evans piloted the command module America. NASA photo.
Lunar Science Advances
Dr. Jack Schmitt was the only professional scientist on the Apollo flights. A geologist, he was selected to view the lunar terrain first-hand, selecting samples of particular interest while seeing them in their natural surroundings. Along the way, he and Gene Cernan made an interesting discovery when they came upon what appeared to be orange soil. NASA photo.
A Final Salute
Apollo 17 Commander Gene Cernan salutes the American flag at the end of the mission, the last in the lunar landing series. NASA photo.
