Apollo 15: First Wheels on the Moon

On July 30th in Science History, a significant event took place in 1971 when the Apollo 15 mission, crewed by astronauts David Scott, James Irwin, and Alfred Worden, launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission was notable for being the first of the "J missions," which were characterized by longer stays on the lunar surface and the use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV).

The Apollo 15 mission aimed to explore the Hadley-Apennine region of the Moon, which featured a combination of lunar mare and highland areas. The mission's primary objectives were to study the lunar surface, collect samples, and conduct scientific experiments.

On July 30th, the mission launched atop a mighty Saturn V rocket, reaching Earth orbit and then embarking on a three-day journey to the Moon. Upon arriving in lunar orbit, Scott and Irwin descended to the surface in the Lunar Module "Falcon," while Worden remained in orbit aboard the Command Module "Endeavour."

One of the most exciting aspects of the Apollo 15 mission was the introduction of the Lunar Roving Vehicle, a battery-powered, four-wheeled vehicle designed to allow the astronauts to explore a larger area of the lunar surface. Scott and Irwin used the LRV to travel a total of 17.25 miles (27.76 kilometers) during their three EVAs (extravehicular activities), greatly expanding the range of their exploration compared to previous missions.

During their time on the lunar surface, Scott and Irwin collected approximately 170 pounds (77 kilograms) of lunar rock and soil samples, including the famous "Genesis Rock," a sample believed to be from the Moon's primordial crust. They also conducted several scientific experiments, such as setting up the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) to measure seismic activity, lunar atmosphere composition, and heat flow.

Meanwhile, Worden orbited the Moon alone in the Command Module, conducting observations and experiments from orbit. He also performed a pioneering spacewalk to retrieve film cassettes from the Scientific Instrument Module (SIM) bay, located outside the spacecraft.

After a successful lunar stay, Scott and Irwin rejoined Worden in lunar orbit, and the trio began their journey back to Earth. On August 7th, they splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, bringing the groundbreaking Apollo 15 mission to a close.

The Apollo 15 mission was a significant milestone in the history of space exploration, demonstrating the enhanced capabilities of the Apollo program and paving the way for future lunar exploration. The mission's scientific findings, including evidence of ancient lunar volcanism and the discovery of the "Genesis Rock," provided valuable insights into the Moon's geological history and formation.


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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to This Moment in Science History podcast on July thirtie.
In science history, a significant event took place in nineteen
seventy one when the Apollo fifteen mission, prud by astronauts
David Scott, James Erlin, and Alfred Werden, launched from the
Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission was notable for

(00:22):
being the first of the fourth Jay missions, which were
characterized by longer stays on the lunar surface and the
use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle LVR. The Apollo fifteen
mission aimed to explore the Hadley Apennine region of the Moon,
which featured a combination of Luna, mar and highland areas.
The mission's primary objectives were to study the lunar surface,

(00:45):
collect samples, and conduct scientific experiments. On July thirtie, the
mission launched atop a Mighty Saturn five rocket, reaching Earth
orbit and then embarking on a three day journey to
the Moon. Upon arriving in lunar orbit, Scott and Erwin
descended to the surface in the lunar module Falcon, while
Worden remained in orbit aboard the command module Endeava. One

(01:09):
of the most exciting aspects of the Apollo fifteen mission
was the introduction of the Lunar Roving Vehicle, a battery powered,
four wielded vehicle designed to allow the astronauts to explore
a larger area of the lunar surface. Scott and Erwin
used the LVR to travel a total of seventeen point
two five miles twenty seven point seven six kilometers during

(01:31):
their three eva's extra vehicular activities, greatly expanding the range
of their exploration compared to previous missions. During their time
on the lunar surface, Scott and Irwin collected approximately one
hundred seventy pounds seventy seven kilograms of lunar rock and
soil samples, including the famous Genesis Rock, a sample believed

(01:52):
to be from the Moon's primordial crust. They also conducted
several scientific experiments, such as setting up the Apollo Lunar
Surface Experiments Package to measure seismic activity, lunar atmosphere composition,
and heat flow. Meanwhile, Worden orbited the Moon alone in
the Command Module, conducting observations and experiments from orbit. He

(02:14):
also performed a pioneering spacewalk to retrieve film cassettes from
the Scientific Instrument Module sim Bay, located outside the spacecraft.
After a successful lunar stay, Scott and Irwin rejoined Warden
in lunar orbit, and the trio began their journey back
to Earth. On August seventh, they splashed down in the
Pacific Ocean, bringing the ground breaking Apollo fifteen mission to

(02:38):
a close. The Apollo fifteen mission was a significant milestone
in the history of space exploration, demonstrating the enhanced capabilities
of the Apollo program and paving the wave for future
lunar exploration. The mission's scientific findings, including evidence of ancient
lunar volcanism and the discovery of the palate Genesis Rock,

(02:59):
providedvaluable insights into the Moon's geological history and formation. And
that wraps it up for another episode. Please subscribe and
join us tomorrow for another great moment in science. This
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