Apollo 17, EVA 3, Closeout Ceremony
- 00:03:59
- Footage Vault
Apollo 17, EVA 3, Closeout Ceremony
The camera pans around the landing site to the Lunar Lander. Gene Cernan steps in close to the camera and repositions the camera facing the legs of the Lunar Module. Gene reads a plaque that his on the legs - describing the image of the world on it with a view of the Moon where all the landings are and explaining that it says "Here man completed his first exploration of the of the Moon, December 1972 AD. May the spirit of peace in which we came be reflected in the lives of all Mankind. It is signed Eugene A. Cernan, Ronald E. Evans, Harrison H. Schmitt and most prominently Richard M. Nixon, president of the United States of America. This is our commemoration that will be here until someone like us comes back again. Capcom Bob Parker replies and hands over to Dr James Fletcher (the NASA Administrator) for a message from the White House, wishing them Godspeed as they return to Earth. The crew thank him for his comments as they stand in front of the camera. Jack adds that "this valley of history has seen mankind complete its first evolutionary steps into the Universe, leaving planet Earth." He adds that he thinks no more significant contribution to history has been made and that we should all feel very proud of that fact.Historic Context of ClipBackground to Apollo 17:Apollo 17 was the eleventh manned space mission in the NASA Apollo program. It was the first night launch and the sixth and final lunar landing mission of the Apollo program. As of 2007, it remains the most recent manned Moon landing. Gene Cernan and Geologist Jack Schmitt spent three days exploring the Taurus Littrow Valley with the Lunar Rover, returning with over 110 kg of samples.
Footage Vault | January 31, 2012
