History Daily: Episode Summary – "The Last Men on The Moon"

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Last Men on The Moon," hosted by Lindsey Graham, History Daily delves into the remarkable story of Apollo 17—the final mission of NASA's Apollo program and the last manned lunar landing to date. Released on December 13, 2024, this episode meticulously chronicles the journey of astronaut Harrison "Jack" Schmitt, the first and only professional scientist to walk on the moon, and his mission alongside Commander Gene Cernan and Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans. Through engaging narration and insightful discussions, Graham highlights the significance, challenges, and enduring legacy of Apollo 17.

Background: The Apollo Program and Apollo 17

The Apollo program marked humanity's ambitious quest to explore the moon, beginning with Apollo 11 in 1969. By the time Apollo 17 was launched, it had become clear that budget constraints would halt further manned lunar missions. Nevertheless, Apollo 17 was pivotal not only as the final mission but also for its scientific contributions, primarily through the inclusion of a professional geologist, Jack Schmitt.

Selection and Training of Harrison "Jack" Schmitt"

Jack Schmitt's journey to becoming an astronaut was unconventional. Unlike his predecessors, Schmitt was a civilian geologist with no prior experience piloting aircraft. His selection was part of NASA's initiative to integrate scientists into lunar missions to enhance the scientific output of their explorations.

• Early Life and Training: In winter 1965, Schmitt, operating a T38 jet, became one of the few civilians to fly at supersonic speeds, an essential skill for astronaut training. "Less than 90 seconds after takeoff, he's reached 40,000ft and is cleared to fly at supersonic speed," describes Graham ([05:01]).

• Mission Selection: Initially named the reserve lunar module pilot for Apollo 15, Schmitt's path to Apollo 17 was fraught with cancellations of subsequent missions. "NASA decides that he will be the lunar module pilot for Apollo 17," Graham explains ([07:16]).

Apollo 17 Launch: Overcoming Obstacles

The launch of Apollo 17 was a momentous yet anxious event. On December 6, 1972, amidst immense public anticipation, the mission faced a critical delay when an automatic abort was triggered seconds before liftoff due to a technical glitch. Fortunately, engineers resolved the issue swiftly.

• Countdown and Launch: "Jack Schmitt lies on his back in the command module and listens to the familiar voice from mission control, counting them down to zero" ([07:16]).

• Overcoming the Abort: After a three-hour delay, the launch proceeded successfully. "The rocket ignites in a brilliant flash and night becomes day as the Saturn V slowly clears the tower" ([07:16]).

Moon Landing and Exploration

Apollo 17's lunar module, Challenger, successfully landed in the Taurus-Littrow Valley on December 11, 1972, just 600 feet from the intended target—a textbook precision achieved by Schmitt and Cernan.

• Descent to the Moon: "With a gentle thud, Challenger drops to the moon's surface" ([00:25]).

• First Steps: Commander Gene Cernan made the first steps onto the lunar surface, dedicating them to the mission's success. "Gene is the mission captain, so he has the honor of being the first on the surface" ([14:25]).

Scientific Discoveries and Contributions

As the first professional scientist on the moon, Jack Schmitt's contributions were profound. The mission focused on extensive geological surveys, collecting an unprecedented 70 pounds of lunar samples.

• Lunar Rover Exploration: The use of the lunar rover allowed Schmitt and Cernan to traverse five miles, the maximum distance feasible for their mission parameters. "They explore and collect samples, they bounce over the surface so excited they can't help breaking into song" ([16:26]).

• Discovery of Orange Soil: One of the most significant discoveries was the orange soil at Shorty Crater, indicative of past volcanic activity. "Orange soil. It's the discovery of a lifetime for a geologist" ([16:50]).

• Extended Mission Duration: Apollo 17 set records with 22 hours on the lunar surface, enabling a comprehensive scientific exploration. "By the end of the day, Jack and Gene have spent 22 hours on the lunar surface in total, longer than any astronauts before them" ([19:14]).

Conclusion and Legacy

Apollo 17 marked the end of an era in space exploration. As the mission concluded, Schmitt and Cernan reflected on their achievements and the mission's significance.

• Final Moments on the Moon: Gene Cernan delivered a heartfelt speech, emphasizing peace and hope. "We leave as we came and God willing, as we shall return with peace and hope for all mankind" ([20:41]).

• Return to Earth: The mission safely returned the astronauts to Earth, with Schmitt choosing to leave NASA to pursue his passion for geology. The lunar samples collected continue to inform and inspire scientific research decades later. "The samples he identified and collected during his one trip into space will go on to help change science's understanding of the moon" ([20:55]).

• End of the Apollo Program: Apollo 17 remains a testament to human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration. "It also means that humanity's greatest adventure is drawing to a close" ([14:41]).

Notable Quotes

• Gene Cernan on the moon's landscape: “Oh, man, look at that rock out there. Absolutely incredible." ([02:37])

• Jack Schmitt on preparing lunar experiments: “I was strolling on the moon one day in the very month of December. May. May. When, much to my surprise, a paramount." ([16:26])

• Gene Cernan on dedicating the mission: “As I step off at the surface at Taurus Littrow, we'd like to dedicate the first steps of Apollo 17 to all those who made it possible.” ([14:25])

• Jack Schmitt reflecting on the mission's legacy: “We leave as we came and God willing, as we shall return with peace and hope for all mankind." ([20:41])

Final Thoughts

"The Last Men on The Moon" encapsulates the culmination of NASA's Apollo program, highlighting the extraordinary achievements and personal narratives of those involved. Through the lens of Apollo 17, Lindsey Graham not only recounts a pivotal moment in space history but also underscores the enduring impact of lunar exploration on science and humanity's quest for knowledge.

Credits

• Host: Lindsey Graham
• Audio Editing: Mohammed Shazib
• Written and Researched By: Rob Cromwell
• Edited By: William Simpson
• Executive Producers: William Simpson (Airship) and Pascal Hughes (Noiser)
• Sound Design: Thrum