Apollo 17 lands on the moon - the last time man walked on the moon

On December 11, 1972, Apollo 17 became the sixth and final mission of NASA's Apollo program to successfully land astronauts on the Moon. This historic event marked the culmination of a bold era in space exploration and the end of the United States' manned lunar landings.

Commanded by Eugene Cernan, with Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt and Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans, Apollo 17 was notable for several reasons. It was the first mission to include a professional scientist-Schmitt, a geologist-among its crew. This allowed for more advanced geological sampling and analysis of the lunar surface, particularly in the Taurus-Littrow valley, a region selected for its complex terrain and scientific interest.

The lunar module "Challenger" touched down on the Moon on December 11, and Cernan and Schmitt spent over 75 hours on the lunar surface, conducting three moonwalks totaling more than 22 hours. They collected 243 pounds of lunar rock and soil samples, deployed scientific instruments, and captured iconic photographs that would inspire generations.

Apollo 17 also set records for the longest lunar surface stay, the longest total extravehicular activities (EVAs), and the largest lunar sample return. The mission's success underscored the technological prowess and exploratory spirit of the Apollo program.

Eugene Cernan's final words as he left the lunar surface-"We leave as we came, and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind"-resonated deeply. They symbolized not just the end of a mission, but the closing chapter of a transformative period in human history.

Though no humans have walked on the Moon since Apollo 17, its legacy continues to shape space exploration. The samples, data, and experiences gathered have informed decades of research, and the mission remains a testament to what can be achieved through vision, courage, and collaboration.

As NASA and other space agencies prepare for future lunar missions, including the Artemis program, Apollo 17 stands as a powerful reminder of the possibilities that lie beyond Earth-and the enduring human desire to explore the unknown.