The Apollo 15 mission began 50 years ago, on July 26, 1971, with a revival of space exploration. We take a look at the expedition that saw new challenges in space conquest, from the time astronauts spent on the lunar surface to the use of the first LRV lunar vehicle.
–
In sept. 1970, NASA announce the end Apollo-program on 17NS Mission for budgetary reasons. A real setback for space exploration, which will benefit US agency researchers. Less than a year later, on July 26, 1971, the mission began Apollo 15 launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Onboard Command and Service Module (CSM), Alfred M Worden, Jacobus B. Irwin and David R. Scott are on a mission that should mark another milestone in the lunar exploration program.
The Apollo 15 landing site was recreated from images collected by the LRO probe (maanverkenningsvoertuig). © NASA
–
New gear, new goals
American astronauts are sent to terrestrial Thanks to an improved version of Saturn V launch vehicle.. The latter is able to bear a higher load, with Pulp 48 tons, NASA engineers want to improve the few Apollo missions to be carried out. Scott and Irwin spend a lot more time on the moon than he does Apollo 11 at 12. In 1969, Aldrin en Armstrong He spent more than 21 hours on the moon floor, and about 31 hours Pete Conrad and Alan Bean After a few months. In this third effective reconnaissance mission, the crew’s stay on the moon is… 67 hours.
A greeting from NASA for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 15 mission ©NASA
–
The CSM is equipped with new instruments, but only one will catch the attention of the media: the first lunar spacecraft (LRV). This small car is three meters long, folded under the LEM during Intersection In the direction of the terrestrial satellite, astronauts can expand their exploration area by several kilometers. The all-terrain rover can reach a range Speed At a speed of approximately 14 km/h and a payload of 490 kg.
After four days of travel, the lunar module separated fromscavenger hunt His descent begins. The landing took place without incident near Mount Hadley and a mistake of the same name.
One has to explore. This is exploration at its peak
–
–
–
From the early hours of their lunar adventure, Irwin and Scott have deployed the LRV, as well as many of the tools needed for the scientific work the two astronauts will perform. Scott will split the prepared sentence, such as Neil Armstrong two years ago: ” As I stand here in Hadley before the wonders of the unknown, I realize that there is a fundamental truth that characterizes our nature. One has to explore. This is exploration at its peak. »
In three explorations made with the rover, the two astronauts covered nearly 28 kilometers from the road. Various drilling operations are being conducted at various locations around Mount Hadley and the Hadley Delta. From the first day of the expedition they installed Alsep (for Apollo Lunar Experiment Pack). This set of tools consists of: spectrometer, camera or altimeter, which will be used until 1977. So far, Alsep has made it possible for the world to bear witness to the existence of magnetic fields Weak on the surface of the moon to study surface thermal fluctuations or to conduct seismic surveys. Many experiments will be conducted, including the famous hammer – falling feathersCommander Scott will test lunar gravity by firing a hammer and spring at the same level, and both objects will hit Earth at the same time.
Hammer and Pen Test, conducted by David Scott. © NASA
–
After spending almost three days on to the moonThe astronauts aboard the LEM returned to rejoin the console, where Alfred Worden made several observations of the lunar surface with cameras and spectrometers. The astronauts’ return to Earth goes smoothly and they landed on August 7, 1971 in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii. They brought nearly 77 kilograms of moon rocks, the oldest of which were found, Genesis Rock Or the “Generation Stone”, 4 billion years old.
Although the end Apollo-program In 1972 that is 15NS The mission determines the dominance of NASA and the United States in the space race. The technological prowess and value of the scientific research conducted during the expedition continues, 50 years later, to be a real big hit.
–
Futura in the starsIt is an unmissable meeting place for lovers of astronomy and space. Meet us every 1st of the month for a full tour of the month’s ephemerides, with tips on how best to observe what’s happening in the sky. You will see a special episode every 15th of the month where you will learn about a particular object or event that will highlight astronomical and space news.
–
–
Interested in what you just read?
–
–
