1. Exploration Takes Over
A partial history of Apollo in the context of how on the ground scientific exploration and experiments became major objectives of the Apollo Program after its critical Cold War objectives had been achieved.
2. The Geologist and the Test Pilot
A chronicle of the separate and largely unrelated paths of Eugene Cernan and the author that culminated in becoming unlikely crewmates for Apollo 17.
3. “Would You Like To Go To the Moon?”
An account of the first 14 months of training for Apollo 17.
Details of the final 30 days of preparation for the Apollo 17 Mission, including a previously unpublished transcription of the crew’s prelaunch conversation with President Richard M. Nixon.
5. “30 Seconds and Counting!”
A description of the launch of Apollo 17 and subsequent activities and observations through leaving Earth-orbit for the Moon.
6. The Blue Marble
Activities during flight between the Earth and the Moon, including the Schmitt’s observations and forecasts of Earth’s Southern Hemisphere weather over three and a half days.
7. “Go For Lunar Orbit!”
Entry into lunar orbit and geological observations of the lunar surface prior to preparations for a lunar landing.
Preparations for Challenger’s descent to the lunar surface and a description of Apollo 17’s approach and landing in the Valley of Taurus-Littrow.
9. The 12th Man
10. “A Valley On the Moon”
First day of experiment deployment and exploration in the Valley of Taurus-Littrow.
11. “It’s Orange!”
Second day of exploration including the discovery of volcanic ash, the “orange soil,” at Shorty Crater and the sampling of a fragment of the deep lunar interior.
12. Pages of History
Third day of exploration including the examination and sampling of boulders of materials formed during three major basin-forming impact events.
12. Reluctant Departure
Last hours on the Moon, including liftoff and rendezvous with the Command Module America.
13. Reluctant Departure
14. “What did you learn?”
A geological summary of the scientific results of the exploration of the valley of Taurus-Littrow on the Moon.
15. The Solar System’s Library
Continued geological observations from lunar orbit.
16. “Seventeen, How Do You Read?”
Departure from the Moon for Earth and activities during flight home.
17. Splashdown!
Preparation for entry into the Earth’s atmosphere followed by entry, splashdown and recovery in the Pacific.
18. The Last Orbit
Review of a variety of domestic and international visits as Apollo 17 represented the United States and its space program.
Copyright © by Harrison H. Schmitt, 2017. All rights reserved.