The moon, Earth’s only natural satellite and the fifth largest satellite in the solar system, orbits our planet at an average distance of about 384,400 kilometers. It is visible from our planet because of the sunlight it reflects.
The Moon has a significant influence on the Earth, particularly on the tides of the oceans. It has also been an object of interest and study for people for centuries. It has been visited by astronauts during NASA’s Apollo program missions.which have yielded crucial information about its formation, composition and geology.
It has been the only celestial body beyond Earth where humans have set foot, and its conquest has sparked fascination in recent decades, though it is now somewhat relegated to space exploration. However, there are projects to revisit it.
The five occasions Earthlings stepped on the moon are as follows:
Apollo 11 mission
On July 20, 1969, the Apollo 11 crew, consisting of Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, became the first humans to walk on the moon. Armstrong was the first to set foot on the lunar surface and uttered the famous phrase:It is one small step for man; a giant leap for humanity”.
Apollo 12 mission
This mission launched on November 14, 1969 and landed on the moon on November 19. The crew included Charles “Pete” Conrad and Alan L. Bean, who also walked on the lunar surface.
Apollo 14 mission
On January 31, 1971, Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell of the Apollo 14 mission became the third and fourth men to walk on the moon.
Apollo 15 mission
The Apollo 15 mission, launched on July 26, 1971, landed on the moon on July 30. The crew, consisting of David Scott and James Irwin, performed three lunar walks.
Apollo 16 mission
The Apollo 16 mission, launched on April 16, 1972, landed on the moon on April 20. The crew, consisting of John Young and Charles Duke, explored the lunar surface and conducted scientific activities.
Apollo 17 mission
This was the final lunar mission of the Apollo program and launched on December 7, 1972. Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt landed on the moon on December 11. Cernan was the last human to walk on the lunar surface.
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Next projects
NASA’s Artemis II mission is expected to visit the moon in 2024. While it won’t land, this mission will resume its journey to the moon after half a century, as part of an ambitious project to establish a lasting human presence on the moon. in the medium term and eventually launch a journey to Mars.
The 10-day Artemis II mission will test NASA’s powerful Space Launch System rocket, as well as life support systems aboard the Orion spacecraft. (JO)
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Source: Eluniverso
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