Apollo 15 | New Space Records

Introduction

Embark on a journey back in time as we delve into the groundbreaking Apollo 15 mission – a pivotal moment in NASA’s history that forever changed our understanding of lunar exploration. This mission, the first to introduce the Lunar Roving Vehicle and extended lunar surface mobility, set numerous records and opened new frontiers in space exploration.

From the crew’s adventurous exploits to the mission’s remarkable achievements, we’ll explore every facet of this historic event. So, buckle up and prepare for a thrilling ride into the cosmos!

The Crew of Apollo 15

• David R. Scott (Commander).
• Alfred M. Worden (Command Module Pilot).
• James B. Irwin (Lunar Module Pilot).

A trio of exceptional astronauts led the Apollo 15 mission, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to the table.

Commander David R. Scott was at the helm of this mission. A seasoned astronaut, Scott had previously flown on Gemini 8 and Apollo 9, making Apollo 15 his third space flight. Scott was known for his leadership skills and his ability to make quick decisions under pressure, traits that were crucial during the mission.

Alfred M. Worden, the Command Module Pilot, was responsible for piloting the Endeavour in lunar orbit. Worden, an aeronautical engineer, and USAF pilot, was tasked with the critical job of maintaining the command module’s systems while his colleagues were on the lunar surface. His role was vital for the safe return of the crew to Earth.

James B. Irwin served as the Lunar Module Pilot. Irwin, along with Scott, had the privilege of descending to the moon’s surface in the Lunar Module “Falcon.” A former test pilot and aeronautical engineer, Irwin was one of the 12 men who walked on the moon. His role involved navigating the Lunar Roving Vehicle and assisting in the collection of lunar samples.

Together, these three astronauts made up the crew of Apollo 15, each playing a pivotal role in the mission’s success. Their teamwork, courage, and dedication were instrumental in setting new records for NASA and advancing our understanding of the moon.

Backup Crew

• Richard F. Gordon, commander.
• Vance Brand, command module pilot,
• and Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot.

Every successful space mission relies not only on the primary crew but also on a dedicated backup crew, ready to step in if needed. The backup crew for Apollo 15 was no exception, consisting of three highly trained astronauts.

Richard F. Gordon, a veteran astronaut who had previously flown on Gemini 11 and Apollo 12, was the backup commander. Gordon’s extensive experience in space flight and his familiarity with lunar missions made him an ideal choice for this role. His responsibilities included being ready to take over from David R. Scott if circumstances required it.

Vance Brand, the backup command module pilot, was an accomplished test pilot and aeronautical engineer. Although he didn’t fly on Apollo 15, Brand later had the opportunity to go to space on several Space Shuttle missions. His role in the Apollo 15 backup crew involved being prepared to assume Alfred M. Worden’s duties if necessary.

Harrison H. Schmitt, the backup lunar module pilot, was a geologist, making him a valuable asset to the team. Schmitt’s understanding of lunar geology was crucial in training the primary crew for their tasks on the moon’s surface. Interestingly, Schmitt would later become the only professional scientist (geologist) to walk on the moon during the Apollo 17 mission.

The backup crew’s role was vital in ensuring the success of Apollo 15. Their readiness to step in and their contribution to the primary crew’s training were integral parts of the mission’s achievements.

For more insights into the Apollo missions and their lasting impact on space exploration, don’t miss our feature on the Apollo 16’s Launch Anniversary and its exploration of the Descartes Highlands.

Launch Date of Apollo 15’s Rocket

• Launch: July 26, 1971; 9:34 a.m. EST.
• Landing: August 7, 1971, 4:46 p.m.

The Apollo 15 mission was launched on a historic day, July 26, 1971, at 9:34 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. The spacecraft, Saturn V AS-510, roared into the sky from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A, a site renowned for launching numerous significant NASA missions.

Saturn V AS-510, the rocket that propelled Apollo 15, was a marvel of engineering. Standing at a towering 363 feet, it was the most powerful rocket that NASA had ever launched at the time. Its three stages were designed to propel the spacecraft out of Earth’s atmosphere and set it on course for the moon.

Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A, the departure point for Apollo 15, has a rich history in space exploration. It was the same launch pad that had been used for the iconic Apollo 11 mission, which first landed humans on the moon. The launch complex, located on Merritt Island, Florida, is a symbol of human achievement and our quest to explore the cosmos.

The launch of Apollo 15 was a momentous event watched by millions around the globe. The spacecraft’s successful departure marked the beginning of a mission that would set numerous records and contribute significantly to our understanding of the moon.

Apollo 15’s Landing Site on The Moon

Apollo 15’s landing site was a location of unique geological interest on the Moon: the Hadley Rille/Apennine Mountains region. This area, located at 26.13222° N latitude, 3.63386° E longitude, was chosen for its rich and varied lunar terrain, offering a unique opportunity for scientific exploration.

The Apennine Mountains, where Apollo 15 touched down, are the highest on the Moon, reaching elevations of more than 15,000 feet or 4572 meters. This lunar mountain range is even higher than the east face of the Sierra Nevadas in California and the Himalayan front rising above the plains of India and Nepal. The landing site was strategically chosen to allow the Apollo 15 astronauts to drive from the Lunar Module to the Apennine front during two of the mission’s EVAs.

Adjacent to the Apennine Mountains is Hadley Rille, a V-shaped gorge that runs parallel to the mountains on the eastern edge of Mare Imbrium, or the Sea of Rains. This rille, or lunar canyon, averages around a kilometer and a half in width and approximately 1,300 feet or 400 meters in depth throughout most of its length. The rille’s origin and the large lunar rocks that have rolled down to its floor from the rille walls’ tops were of particular interest to geologists.

The landing site region, including Mount Hadley, Hadley Rille, and the numerous Hadley craters, are named after British scientist-mathematician John Hadley (1682-1744), who made significant advancements in reflector telescope design and created the reflecting quadrant, an ancestor of the mariner’s sextant.

The choice of the Hadley Rille/Apennine Mountains region as Apollo 15’s landing site allowed for a wealth of scientific data to be collected, contributing significantly to our understanding of the Moon’s geology.

Hadley Rille

Hadley Rille, known as ‘Rima Hadley’ in scientific terms, is a significant geographical feature on the Moon’s surface and was a key point of interest during the Apollo 15 mission. This lunar canyon is a marvel of lunar geology, offering a unique window into the Moon’s past.

Hadley Rille is a V-shaped gorge that runs parallel to the Apennine Mountains, located on the eastern edge of Mare Imbrium, also known as the Sea of Rains. The rille begins from an elongated dip in the mountains and meanders northward, merging with a second rille approximately 62 miles or 100 kilometers away.

The rille’s dimensions are impressive, averaging around a kilometer and a half in width and approximately 1,300 feet or 400 meters in depth throughout most of its length. This vast lunar canyon has been the site of significant geological activity, with large lunar rocks rolling down to the rille floor from fresh exposures of what are believed to be stratified mare beds along the rille walls’ tops.

The origin of Hadley Rille has been a subject of scientific interest. Some experts believe that the rille was created by a fluid flow mechanism, likely volcanic in nature. This theory, if proven, could provide valuable insights into the Moon’s geological history.

The rille and its surrounding features are named after British scientist-mathematician John Hadley, who made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. The exploration of Hadley Rille by the Apollo 15 mission has greatly contributed to our understanding of the Moon’s geology.

Time & Facts From Apollo 15 on The Moon

• 66 hr. 54 min. 53 sec.
• EVA Duration: Total 18 hr. 35 min. (Three EVA’s).
• Lunar Surface Traversed: 27.9 kilometers.
• Moon Rocks Returned: 76.8 kilograms.
• LM Departed Moon August 2, 1971 17:11:22 UT (1:11:22 p.m. EDT).

Apollo 15’s mission on the Moon was a record-breaking endeavor that pushed the boundaries of human space exploration. The crew spent an unprecedented 66 hours, 54 minutes, and 53 seconds on the lunar surface, a duration that allowed for extensive exploration and data collection.

During their time on the Moon, the crew conducted three Extravehicular Activities (EVAs), totaling 18 hours and 35 minutes. These EVAs, or moonwalks, allowed the astronauts to explore the lunar surface, collect samples, and conduct experiments.

The Lunar Roving Vehicle, used for the first time on this mission, enabled the astronauts to traverse a total of 27.9 kilometers on the lunar surface. This mobility allowed the crew to explore a much larger area than previous missions, leading to a more diverse collection of lunar samples.

The mission was successful in returning a significant amount of lunar material back to Earth, with the astronauts collecting a total of 76.8 kilograms of moon rocks. These samples, including the famous ‘Genesis Rock,’ have provided invaluable information about the Moon’s geology and the history of our solar system.

The Lunar Module, named ‘Falcon,’ departed from the Moon on August 2, 1971, at 17:11:22 Universal Time (1:11:22 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time). This marked the end of the crew’s historic stay on the lunar surface.

These facts and figures highlight the significant achievements of the Apollo 15 mission. The mission’s success set new standards for human spaceflight and expanded our understanding of the Moon.

Return Date

• Return: August 7, 1971, splashdown 20:45:53 UT (4:45:53 p.m. EDT).
• Retrieval site: Pacific Ocean 26° 7′ N, 18° 8′ W.
• The Apollo 15 crew was picked up by helicopters from the prime recovery ship, the USS Okinawa. It was around 6.32 miles from the targeted touchdown point.

After their historic mission on the Moon, the crew of Apollo 15 returned to Earth on August 7, 1971. The splashdown occurred at 20:45:53 Universal Time (4:45:53 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time), marking the successful conclusion of a mission that had set numerous records for human spaceflight.

The spacecraft landed in the Pacific Ocean at coordinates 26° 7′ N, 18° 8′ W. This location, approximately 330 miles north of Honolulu, Hawaii, was chosen for its open water and relative proximity to recovery forces. The precision of the landing was a testament to the skill of the astronauts and the accuracy of the spacecraft’s navigation systems.

Upon splashdown, the Apollo 15 crew was quickly picked up by helicopters from the prime recovery ship, the USS Okinawa. The recovery ship was located around 6.32 miles from the targeted touchdown point, allowing for a swift and efficient recovery of the astronauts.

The return of Apollo 15 marked the end of a mission that had achieved many firsts in human space exploration. The safe return of the crew and the wealth of data they brought back from the Moon contributed significantly to our understanding of lunar geology and the history of our solar system.

The Flags

Apollo 15 carried a symbolic cargo along with its scientific equipment and lunar roving vehicle: a collection of flags representing the United States and nations around the world. These flags were a testament to the global significance of the mission and the universal human spirit of exploration they represented.

The collection included 25 United States flags, symbolizing the country that had undertaken this ambitious mission. These flags were a proud representation of the nation’s commitment to space exploration and scientific discovery.

In addition to the U.S. flags, the crew also carried flags representing all the states and territories of the United States. This gesture served to acknowledge that the mission was a collective achievement made possible by the contributions of people from across the country.

Recognizing the international significance of the mission, flags of all the United Nations members were also included. Each of these flags, measuring four by six inches, represented a nation of the world. This was a powerful symbol of unity, underscoring the idea that space exploration is a shared human endeavor that transcends national boundaries.

The carrying of these flags on Apollo 15 was more than a symbolic gesture. It was a message of unity, aspiration, and shared human curiosity, carried from Earth to the Moon and back again.

What Were Apollo 15 Highlights?

Apollo 15 was a mission of many firsts and significant achievements, marking a new era in lunar exploration. Here are some of the key highlights:

1. Extended Lunar Stay: Apollo 15 was the first of the ‘J missions,’ designed for longer stays on the Moon. The crew spent nearly three days on the lunar surface, allowing for extensive exploration and data collection.
2. First Lunar Roving Vehicle: The mission marked the first use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), which allowed astronauts to travel further from the Lunar Module than in previous missions. The LRV covered a total of 27.9 kilometers on the lunar surface.
3. Extensive Geological Exploration: The crew collected a total of 76.8 kilograms of lunar samples, including the famous ‘Genesis Rock,’ believed to be part of the Moon’s primordial crust. The mission’s geological exploration significantly advanced our understanding of the Moon’s geology and the history of our solar system.
4. First Satellite Launched in Lunar Orbit: Apollo 15 was the first mission to launch a satellite (the Particles and Fields Subsatellite) into lunar orbit. This satellite provided valuable data on the Moon’s gravitational field and the composition of the lunar atmosphere.
5. Successful Endurance of a Parachute Failure: Despite one of the three main parachutes failing to deploy fully during re-entry, the crew landed safely back on Earth. This incident demonstrated the robustness of the Apollo spacecraft’s design and the effectiveness of its safety measures.
6. Record-Setting Mission: Apollo 15 set several records, including the longest lunar surface EVA, the most extensive collection of lunar samples, and the longest time spent in lunar orbit.

The First Launch of a Satellite in Lunar Orbit

One of the significant milestones of the Apollo 15 mission was the deployment of the Particles and Fields Subsatellite, marking the first time a satellite was launched into lunar orbit during a crewed mission. This event represented a significant advancement in space exploration and scientific research.

The Particles and Fields Subsatellite, also known as the Apollo 15 Subsatellite, was a small, drum-shaped spacecraft designed to study the Moon’s environment. It was equipped with a suite of scientific instruments to measure variations in lunar gravity, the composition and structure of the lunar atmosphere, and the interaction between the Moon and the solar wind.

The subsatellite was launched from the Apollo 15 Service Module’s Scientific Instrument Module Bay on August 4, 1971, shortly before the crew began their journey back to Earth. Once deployed, the subsatellite entered an elliptical lunar orbit, with a perilune (closest approach to the Moon) of about 60 miles (96 kilometers) and an apolune (farthest distance from the Moon) of about 1,400 miles (2,253 kilometers).

The data collected by the Particles and Fields Subsatellite provided valuable insights into the Moon’s gravitational field, the nature of lunar ‘mascons’ (mass concentrations), and the thin lunar atmosphere. The subsatellite operated for 34 days, returning a wealth of data before its mission ended.

The successful deployment and operation of the Particles and Fields Subsatellite during the Apollo 15 mission marked a significant step forward in our ability to conduct remote scientific research in space.

The Genesis Rock

One of the most significant discoveries of the Apollo 15 mission was the collection of a lunar sample that came to be known as the ‘Genesis Rock.’ This piece of the Moon’s crust, officially known as sample 15415, has provided scientists with invaluable insights into the history of the Moon and our solar system.

The Genesis Rock is a piece of anorthosite, a type of igneous rock composed largely of a mineral called plagioclase feldspar. This rock type is believed to constitute the majority of the Moon’s highland crust. The Genesis Rock, in particular, is thought to be part of the Moon’s original crust, formed over 4 billion years ago during a period known as the Late Heavy Bombardment.

Astronauts David Scott and James Irwin discovered the Genesis Rock during their second Extravehicular Activity (EVA) near the rim of Hadley Rille. The rock was found among a field of boulders and was immediately recognized as something special due to its light color and large grain size.

Back on Earth, analysis of the Genesis Rock confirmed its age to be about 4.1 billion years, making it one of the oldest rocks ever found on the Moon. The rock’s composition and age have provided scientists with important clues about the Moon’s early history and the processes that formed its crust.

The Genesis Rock remains one of the most significant lunar samples returned from the Apollo missions. Its discovery and study have greatly advanced our understanding of lunar geology and the history of our solar system.

Apollo 15 Re-Entry

The re-entry of Apollo 15 into Earth’s atmosphere marked the final, critical phase of a mission that had set numerous records in human space exploration. After their groundbreaking work on the Moon, the crew of Apollo 15 began their journey home, culminating in a dramatic re-entry and splashdown on August 7, 1971.

The Command Module, named ‘Endeavour,’ separated from the Service Module as planned, reorienting itself with its heat shield facing forward to protect the astronauts from the intense heat of re-entry. As Endeavour descended through the Earth’s atmosphere, it reached speeds of up to 24,791 miles per hour (39,897 kilometers per hour), generating a heat shield temperature of approximately 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,760 degrees Celsius).

One of the mission’s most dramatic moments occurred when one of the three main parachutes failed to deploy fully. Despite this, the remaining two parachutes were able to slow the Command Module’s descent sufficiently, demonstrating the robustness of the Apollo spacecraft’s design and the effectiveness of its safety measures.

Endeavour splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 20:45:53 Universal Time (4:45:53 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time), approximately 330 miles north of Honolulu, Hawaii. The precision of the landing was a testament to the skill of the astronauts and the accuracy of the spacecraft’s navigation systems.

Upon splashdown, the Apollo 15 crew was quickly picked up by helicopters from the prime recovery ship, the USS Okinawa. The successful re-entry and recovery marked the end of a mission that had achieved many firsts in human space exploration.

Apollo 15 Records

The Apollo 15 mission was a landmark in the history of human space exploration, setting numerous records that underscored the mission’s groundbreaking nature. Here are some of the key records set by Apollo 15:

1. Longest Lunar Surface Stay: Apollo 15 was the first of the ‘J missions,’ designed for longer stays on the Moon. The crew spent nearly three days on the lunar surface, a duration that allowed for extensive exploration and data collection.
2. First Use of Lunar Roving Vehicle: The mission marked the first use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), which allowed astronauts to travel further from the Lunar Module than in previous missions. The LRV covered a total of 27.9 kilometers on the lunar surface, a record distance for lunar surface travel.
3. Most Extensive Lunar Sample Collection: The crew collected a total of 76.8 kilograms of lunar samples, the most extensive collection of lunar material returned from a single mission. These samples have provided invaluable insights into the Moon’s geology and the history of our solar system.
4. Longest Lunar Surface Extravehicular Activity (EVA): The crew conducted three EVAs, totaling 18 hours and 35 minutes. This was the longest cumulative EVA time of any Apollo mission, allowing for more extensive exploration and scientific research.
5. Longest Time in Lunar Orbit: Apollo 15 spent more time in lunar orbit than any previous mission, with a total lunar orbit stay time of nearly six days. This extended time in lunar orbit allowed for more extensive observations and measurements of the lunar surface.
6. First Launch of a Satellite in Lunar Orbit: Apollo 15 was the first mission to launch a satellite (the Particles and Fields Subsatellite) into lunar orbit. This marked a significant advancement in space exploration and scientific research.

These records highlight the significant achievements of the Apollo 15 mission and its contribution to advancing our understanding of the Moon and our solar system.

Conclusion

the Apollo 15 mission was a monumental achievement in the history of human space exploration. From the launch of the powerful Saturn V AS-510 rocket to the deployment of the first Lunar Roving Vehicle, the mission set numerous records and achieved many firsts. The crew’s extended stay on the Moon, the extensive geological exploration, and the successful launch of a satellite in lunar orbit all contributed to our understanding of the Moon and our solar system.

The mission’s success was a testament to the dedication, courage, and ingenuity of everyone involved, from the astronauts who risked their lives to the engineers and scientists who designed and planned the mission. The Apollo 15 mission not only pushed the boundaries of what was possible but also inspired future generations to continue exploring the final frontier.

As we look back on the Apollo 15 mission, we are reminded of the power of human curiosity and the drive to explore the unknown. The mission’s legacy continues to inspire us as we reach for the stars and strive to learn more about our place in the universe.

FAQ

1. What was the Apollo 15 mission? The Apollo 15 mission was the fourth mission to land men on the Moon. It was a significant mission in NASA’s Apollo program, known for its many firsts, including the first use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle and the first launch of a satellite into lunar orbit.
2. Who were the astronauts on the Apollo 15 mission? The Apollo 15 mission was crewed by astronauts David R. Scott, Alfred M. Worden, and James B. Irwin. Scott served as the mission commander, Worden was the command module pilot, and Irwin was the lunar module pilot.
3. What was the Lunar Roving Vehicle, and why was it important? The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) was a battery-powered four-wheeled rover used on the Moon during the Apollo 15 mission. It allowed the astronauts to travel further from the Lunar Module, enabling them to explore a larger area and collect more diverse lunar samples.
4. What was the ‘Genesis Rock’? The ‘Genesis Rock’ is a piece of the Moon’s crust collected during the Apollo 15 mission. It is an anorthosite, believed to be part of the Moon’s original crust formed over 4 billion years ago. The rock has provided valuable insights into the Moon’s geology and the history of our solar system.
5. What records did the Apollo 15 mission set? Apollo 15 set several records, including the longest lunar surface stay, the longest cumulative lunar surface Extravehicular Activity (EVA) time, the most extensive collection of lunar samples, and the longest time spent in lunar orbit.
6. What was the significance of the Apollo 15 mission? The Apollo 15 mission marked a new era in lunar exploration. Its numerous firsts and records, along with the wealth of scientific data collected, significantly advanced our understanding of the Moon and our solar system. The mission’s success set new standards for human spaceflight and inspired future generations of space explorers.

If you’re interested in learning more about the personal experiences of the astronauts who took part in these groundbreaking missions, be sure to check out our article on Apollo Astronauts’ Personal Tales from the Moon and Back.