Visit by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 Astronaut

Visit by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 Astronaut

Visit by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 Astronaut

Visit by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 Astronaut

Visit by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 Astronaut

Visit by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 Astronaut

Visit by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 Astronaut

Visit by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 Astronaut

Visit by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 Astronaut

Visit by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 Astronaut

Visit by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 Astronaut

Visit by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 Astronaut

Visit by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 Astronaut

Visit by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 Astronaut

Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt and his wife, Teresa, toured the Orion Stage Adapter while at Marshall and signed it before its flight on Exploration Mission-1 in late 2019

Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt is seen in a video during an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at the National Academies of Science in Washington. The three-astronaut crew of Apollo 17 - commander Eugene Cernan, lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt, and command module pilot Ronald Evans, embarked on the last mission of the Apollo program to land humans on the Moon in December of 1972. Cernan and Schmitt spent three days on the lunar surface collecting samples and performing scientific experiments before lifting off from the Taurus-Littrow Valley on December 14, 1972. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Former Senator and Apollo astronaut Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt presides over the NASA Advisory Council meeting at the Rayburn House Office Building, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Former Senator and Apollo astronaut Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt presides over the NASA Advisory Council meeting at the Rayburn House Office Building, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

AS17-134-20454 (13 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt is photographed seated in the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) at Station 9 (Van Serg Crater) during the third Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. This photograph was taken by astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, commander. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, and Cernan explored the moon while astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules in lunar orbit.

AS17-140-21496 (13 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt is photographed standing next to a huge, split boulder during the third Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site on the moon. Schmitt is the Apollo 17 lunar module pilot. This picture was taken by astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, commander. While Cernan and Schmitt descended in the Lunar Module (LM) "Challenger" to explore the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Apollo 17 Command and Service Modules (CSM) in lunar orbit.

AS17-146-22294 (13 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt is photographed working beside a huge boulder at Station 6 (base of North Massif) during the third Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. The front portion of the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) is visible on the left. This picture was taken by astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, Apollo 17 commander. Schmitt is the lunar module pilot. While astronauts Cernan and Schmitt descended in the Lunar Module (LM) "Challenger" to explore the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Apollo 17 Command and Service Modules (CSM) in lunar orbit.

Apollo 17 lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt, left, shared his experiences as an astronaut and lunar geologist during a visit to Marshall Dec. 7, as part of the Shared Experiences Forum. During an interactive Q&A moderated by Marshall Associate Director Jonathan Pettus, right, Schmitt spoke about launching on the Saturn V rocket, exploring the Moon and looking back at the Earth. The day of his visit was the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 17 launch.

AS17-134-20384 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, is photographed next to the deployed United States flag during lunar surface extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. The highest part of the flag appears to point toward our planet Earth in the distant background. This picture was taken by astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, Apollo 17 commander. While astronauts Cernan and Schmitt descended in the Lunar Module (LM) to explore the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) in lunar orbit.

AS17-134-20426 (11 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt collects lunar rake samples at Station 1 during the first Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. This picture was taken by astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, Apollo 17 commander. Schmitt is the lunar module pilot. The Lunar Rake, an Apollo Lunar Geology Hand Tool, is used to collect discrete samples of rocks and rock chips ranging in size from one-half inch (1.3 cm) to one inch (2.5 cm).

AS17-134-20425 (11 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, collects lunar rake samples at Station 1 during the first Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. This picture was taken by astronaut Eugene Cernan, commander. The lunar rake, an Apollo lunar geology hand tool, is used to collect discrete samples of rocks and rock chips ranging in size from one-half inch (1.3 centimeter) to one inch (2.5 centimeter).

AS17-134-20530 (11 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, displays several days of growth on his beard aboard the Lunar Module (LM) prior to its liftoff from the moon's surface. The photograph was taken by astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, mission commander. The two later re-joined astronaut Ronald E. Evans, who was orbiting the moon in the Apollo 17 Command and Service Modules (CSM).

S73-22871 (13 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt is photographed standing next to a huge, split lunar boulder during the third Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), which transported Schmitt and Eugene A. Cernan to this extravehicular station from their Lunar Module (LM), is seen in the background. The mosaic is made from two frames from Apollo 17 Hasselblad magazine 140. The two frames were photographed by Cernan.

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, left, talks with NASA Advisory Council members Gen. Lester L. Lyles, USAF (Ret.), center, and NASA Advisory Council chairman, former Senator and Apollo astronaut Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt at the Rayburn House Office Building, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Former astronaut Harrison Schmitt places a rose next to the urn containing the ashes of former astronaut Alan Bean, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Selected as an astronaut in 1963, Bean flew in space twice, becoming the fourth human to walk on the Moon on Nov. 19, 1969 and spent 59 days in space as commander of the second Skylab mission in 1973. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

AS17-145-22165 (12 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, with his adjustable sampling scoop, heads for a selected rock on the lunar surface to retrieve the sample for study. The action was photographed by Apollo 17 crew commander, astronaut Eugene A. Cernan on the mission's second extravehicular activity (EVA), at Station 5 at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. Cernan used a 70mm Hasselblad camera equipped with a 60mm lens and type SO-368 color film for this photograph. While astronauts Cernan and Schmitt descended in the Lunar Module (LM) "Challenger" to explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "America" in lunar orbit.

Vice President Mike Pence, center, views Sample 15014, which was collected during Apollo 15 with NASA's Apollo Sample Curator Ryan Zeigler, left, and Apollo 17 astronaut and geologist Dr. Harrison Schmitt, right, in Lunar Curation Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Sample 15014 is one of nine samples out of the 2,196 collected during the Apollo missions that was sealed inside its container on the Moon and still containes gasses from the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Acting director of the Exploration Integration and Science Directorate and Chief Scientist at NASA's Johnson Space Center Dr. Eileen Stansbery, right, is seen with Vice President Mike Pence and Apollo 17 astronaut and geologist Dr. Harrison Schmitt in the Astromaterials Curation Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Bob Sieck, left, Apollo-era launch team member and former space shuttle launch director, and Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17 astronaut and moonwalker, answer questions during the “Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion” in the IMAX Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on July 16, 2019. The panel discussion is one of several events at the visitor complex to honor the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Saturn V/Apollo 11 launch and landing on the Moon.

AS17-145-22157 (12 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17 lunar module pilot, uses an adjustable sampling scoop to retrieve lunar samples during the second Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA), at Station 5 at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. A gnomon is atop the large rock in the foreground. The gnomon is a stadia rod mounted on a tripod, and serves as an indicator of the gravitational vector and provides accurate vertical reference and calibrated length for determining size and position of objects in near-field photographs. The color scale of blue, orange and green is used to accurately determine color for photography. The rod of it is 18 inches long. The scoop Dr. Schmitt is using is 11 3/4 inches long and is attached to a tool extension which adds a potential 30 inches of length to the scoop. The pan portion, obscured in this view, has a flat bottom, flanged on both sides with a partial cover on the top. It is used to retrieve sand, dust and lunar samples too small for the tongs, another geological tool used by the astronauts. The pan and the adjusting mechanism are made of stainless steel and the handle is made of aluminum. Within the foreground of this scene, three lunar samples were taken--numbers 75060, 75075 and 75080. Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, crew commander, was using a 60mm lens on the 70mm Hasselblad camera and type SO-368 film to take this photograph.

AS17-146-22296 (13 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, works near the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) during the third Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow site on the lunar surface. The front part of the LRV is out of frame at left, but the seats and several geological tools can be seen. The photo was taken by astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, mission commander.

S71-52260 (1971) --- Astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt

On July 16, 2019, the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch to the Moon, launch team members from Apollo 11 and Artemis 1 mingled in Launch Control Center Firing Room 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left, are John Tribe, Apollo 11 launch team member; Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana; Artemis 1 Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson; Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17 astronaut; Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins, with his daughters Ann (left) and Kate (right); and Kelvin Manning, associate director, technical.

NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, far right, serves as moderator for the “Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion” in the IMAX Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on July 16, 2019. Panelists are, from left, JoAnn Morgan, the only woman on console in the Launch Control Center for Apollo 11 launch countdown activities; Bob Sieck, Apollo-era launch team member and former space shuttle launch director; and Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17 astronaut and moonwalker. The panel discussion is one of several events at the visitor complex to honor the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Saturn V/Apollo 11 launch and landing on the Moon.

NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, far right, serves as moderator for the “Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion” in the IMAX Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on July 16, 2019. Panelists are, from left, JoAnn Morgan, the only woman on console in the Launch Control Center for Apollo 11 launch countdown activities; Bob Sieck, Apollo-era launch team member and former space shuttle launch director; and Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17 astronaut and moonwalker. The panel discussion is one of several events at the visitor complex to honor the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Saturn V/Apollo 11 launch and landing on the Moon.

NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, far right, serves as moderator for the “Apollo Heroes Panel Discussion” in the IMAX Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on July 16, 2019. Panelists are, from left, JoAnn Morgan, the only woman on console in the Launch Control Center for Apollo 11 launch countdown activities; Bob Sieck, Apollo-era launch team member and former space shuttle launch director; and Harrison Schmitt, Apollo 17 astronaut and moonwalker. The panel discussion is one of several events at the visitor complex to honor the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Saturn V/Apollo 11 launch and landing on the Moon.

Apollo 17 Lunar module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt shares a moment of relaxation with astronaut Alan Shepard during prelaunch suiting operations.

Apollo 17 Mission Commander Eugene A. Cernan, left, jokes with crewmates Ronald E. Evans, center, and Harrison H. Schmitt following training exercises today at the Florida Spaceport. Cernan and Schmitt practiced aspects of their upcoming mission in the full-scale Lunar Module Spacecraft mockup, shown in rear.

Apollo 17 astronaut, Harrison Schmitt, right, is interviewed by Kennedy Space Center public affairs officer, Megan Cruz, at the Operations Support Building II prior to the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 mission with NASA astronauts Kjell Lindgren, Robert Hines, Jessica Watkins, and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti onboard, Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 mission is the fourth crew rotation mission of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station as part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. Lindgren, Hines, Watkins, and Cristoforetti launched at 3:52 a.m. ET from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center to begin a six month mission onboard the orbital outpost. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Apollo 17 astronaut, Harrison Schmitt, right, is interviewed by Kennedy Space Center public affairs officer, Megan Cruz, at the Operations Support Building II prior to the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 mission with NASA astronauts Kjell Lindgren, Robert Hines, Jessica Watkins, and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti onboard, Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 mission is the fourth crew rotation mission of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station as part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. Lindgren, Hines, Watkins, and Cristoforetti launched at 3:52 a.m. ET from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center to begin a six month mission onboard the orbital outpost. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot, suits up in the Astronaut Quarters in the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building in preparation for the Countdown Demonstration Test which was successfully completed here today.

Apollo 17 Astronaut-Scientist Harrison H. Schmitt, right, reviews lunar flight plan with Mission Commander Eugene A. Cernan, left and Command Module Pilot Ronald H. Evans.

S74-15520 --- Left to right Gene Kranz, Gene Cernan, Karla Garnuch, Harrison Schmitt, George Abbey, and Sigurd A. Sjoberg watching the dedication of the Apollo 17 flag to the Mission Control Center. Photo credit: NASA

Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt waves to ground crew personnel as he prepares to fly a T-38 jet aircraft today on a training flight over the Spaceport are to sharpen his flying skills.

K-10 (red) robot operations tests at Marscape (Ames Mars Yard) with remote operations from Ames Future Flight Centeral (FFC) Simulator, with Melissa Rice and Harrison 'Jack' Schmitt (Apollo 17 Astronaut)

The Apollo 17 prime astronaut crew observes pre-launch activity at Complex 39A while participating in Emergency Egress Test. They are, left to right, Ronald E. Evans, Harrison H. Schmitt, and Eugene A. Cernan.

Apollo 17 Commander Eugene A. Cernan undergoes spacesuit Checkout prior to launch to the Moon tonight. In the background are Command Module Pilot Ronald E. Evans and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt.

Apollo 17 Astronauts, front to rear, Eugene A. Cernan, Ronald E. Evans and Harrison H. Schmitt walk to the transfer van at start of brief ride to launch pad during countdown Demonstration test activities.

AS17-146-22367 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- This is an excellent view of the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) which was used extensively by astronauts Eugene A. Cernan and Harrison H. Schmitt at the Taurus-Littrow landing site.

NASA astronaut Harrison Schmitt during his visit to the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO)'s Mission Operation Control Center at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

Apollo 17 Mission Commander Eugene A Cernan, a Navy Captain, and Lunar Module Pilot Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, civilian scientist-astronaut, at right, familiarize themselves with equipment used in the Lunar Module in which they will descend to the lunar surface during December. Cernan and Dr. Schmitt are undergoing pre-launch training in the lunar Module Simulator at the Flight Crew Training Building at the Space Center. Navy Commander Ronald E. Evans, Command Module Pilot, will accompany Cernan and Schmitt on the mission.

Apollo 17 Mission commander Eugene A. Cernan, left, reviews flight plan with crewmates Ronald E. Evans, center, and Harrison H. Schmitt in the astronaut's quarters. Evans will pilot the command module alone in lunar orbit while Cernan and Lunar Module Pilot Schmitt explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the Moon's surface. The launch of Apollo 17 is scheduled for December 6, 1972 at 9:53 p.m.

S72-48890 (September 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot of the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission, procures a geological hand tool from the tool carrier at the aft end of the Lunar Roving Vehicle during lunar surface extravehicular activity simulation training at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. Schmitt grasps a scoop with extension handle in his right hand.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Apollo 17 Backup Mission Commander John W. Young, in dark shirt, speaks to suited prime crew astronauts Harrison H. Schmitt, left, and Eugene A. Cernan, who are seated in the Lunar Rover training vehicle, Cernan and Schmitt will be launched to the Moon with Command Module Pilot Ronald E. Evans no earlier than December 6, 1972. Photo credit: NASA

AS17-163-24148 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan (left) and scientist-astronaut Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt are photographed by the third crew man aboard the Apollo 17 spacecraft during the final lunar landing mission in NASA's Apollo program. Astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, took this picture. Cernan was the mission commander. Schmitt served as the lunar module pilot.

S72-48887 (September 1972) --- Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan (right), commander, and scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, work at the aft end of a Lunar Roving Vehicle trainer during lunar surface extravehicular activity simulation training at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. Astronauts Cernan, Schmitt, and Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, are the prime crewmen of the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission. A Lunar Module mock-up can be seen in the background.

S72-48888 (September 1972) --- Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan (left), commander, and scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, simulate collecting lunar samples during extravehicular activity training at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Astronauts Cernan, Schmitt, and Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, are the prime crewmen of the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission.

Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, civilian scientist-astronaut, who will pilot the Lunar Module of Apollo 17 to the Moon’s Surface in December, preps for his task by undergoing training in the Lunar Module Simulator at the Flight Crew Training Building at Kennedy Space Center. Dr. Schmitt, accompanied by Commander Eugene A. Cernan and Ronald E. Evans, Command Module Pilot, will lift-off from the Center no earlier than December 6.

Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt prepares to fly a T-38 jet aircraft today on a training flight over the Spaceport area to sharpen his flying skills. Astronaut Schmitt together with Mission Commander Eugene Cernan and Command Module Pilot Ronald E. Evans will be launched to the Moon no earlier than December 6, 1972.

AS17-134-20473 (13 Dec. 1972) --- Earth appears in the far distant background above the hi-gain antenna of the Lunar Roving Vehicle in this photograph taken by scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt during the third Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, Apollo 17 commander, stands beside the LRV. Schmitt is the mission's lunar module pilot. While Cernan and Schmitt descended in the lunar module "Challenger" to explore the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules in lunar orbit.

AS17-140-21497 (13 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt is photographed standing next to a huge, split lunar boulder during the third Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. Schmitt is the Apollo 17 lunar module pilot. This picture was taken by astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, commander. While Cernan and Schmitt descended in the Lunar Module (LM) "Challenger" to explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Apollo 17 Command and Service Modules (CSM) "America" in lunar orbit.

S72-55166 (12 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt loses his balance and heads for a fall during the second Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site, as seen in this black and white reproduction taken from a color television transmission made by the color RCA TV camera mounted on the Lunar Roving Vehicle. Schmitt is lunar module pilot of the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission. Astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with Apollo 17 Command and Service Modules in lunar orbit while astronauts Schmitt and Eugene A. Cernan, commander, descended in the Lunar Module "Challenger" to explore the moon.

S72-55066 (11 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt chips samples from a large boulder during the first Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site, in this black and white reproduction taken from a color television transmission made by the color RCA TV camera mounted on the Lunar Roving Vehicle. Schmitt is the lunar module pilot of the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission. Astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Apollo 17 Command and Service Modules in lunar orbit while astronauts Schmitt and Eugene A. Cernan, commander, descended in the Lunar Module to explore the moon.

The Apollo 17 space vehicle towers over the astronauts it will launch to the moon on December 6, 1972 from KSC. The astronauts, L-R, Harrison H. Schmitt, Ronald E. Evans and Eugene A. Cernan participated in a walkdown of the emergency route at Launch complex 39A.

The Apollo 17 Space Vehicle sits poised beneath a full moon on Launch Pad 39A during launch countdown. Astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, Commander Ronald Evans, Command Module Pilot and Dr. Harrison "Jack" Schmitt, Lunar Module Pilot, will be the crew for the sixth U.S. manned Lunar landing mission.

S72-44422 (8 Sept. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt, lunar module pilot of the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission, is suited up in preparation for lunar surface extravehicular activity simulations at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

The Apollo 17 crew took time out from training for the press after the Space Vehicle for their Manned Lunar Landing Mission was moved to Complex 39A. Seated, Eugene A. Cernan, Commander standing, left to right, Dr. Harrison H. “Jack” Schmitt, Lunar Module Pilot and Ronald A. Evans, Command Module Pilot.

Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt, center, examines items that will be carried aboard the Apollo 17 spacecraft to the moon. Behind and at his left is Astronaut Ronald E. Evans and Mission Commander Eugene A. Cernan next to Evans.

AS17-145-22285 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- This is a view of the Eratosthenes Crater, taken looking southward from the Command and Service Module (CSM), being piloted by astronaut Ronald E. Evans. Copernicus is on the horizon. The other astronauts are Eugene A. Cernan, commander; and Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot.

Apollo 17 Mission commander, Eugene A. Cernan, in center is flanked by Command Module Pilot Ronald E. Evans and lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt as they participate in emergency egress test on the mobile launcher at Complex 39A. They will be launched to the Moon December 6, 1972 on NASA's last manned lunar landing scheduled for this decade.

Apollo 17 prime crewman Eugene A. Cernan, Commander, Ronald E. Evans, Command Module Pilot, and Harrison H. Schmitt, Lunar Module Pilot, from right, leave the MSOB to participate in a final dress rehearsal for the Launch of Apollo 17 December 6 at 9:53 P.M. EST.

AS17-140-21494 (13 Dec. 1972) --- This view shows the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) parked by an outcrop of rocks by astronauts Eugene A. Cernan and Harrison H. (Jack) Schmitt during their visit to extravehicular activity Station 6 (Henry Crater).

K-10 (red) robot operations tests at Marscape (Ames Mars Yard) with remote operations from Ames Future Flight Centeral (FFC) Simulator, L-R; Terry Fong, Melissa Rice and Harrison 'Jack' Schmitt (Apollo 17 Astronaut).

The Apollo 17 prime crew leaves the Manned Spaceflight Operations Building to enter the transfer van which will carry them to Complex 39's Pad A to participate in the CDDT. From right are Eugene A. Cernan, Commander Ronald E. Evans, Command Module Pilot, and Harrison H. Schmitt, Lunar Module Pilot.

About 4 1_2 hours prior to launch to the Moon from Kennedy Space Center, the Apollo 17 astronauts relax in crew quarters during dinner. They are, left to right, Harrison H. Schmitt, Eugene A. Cernan and Ronald E. Evans.

AS17-145-22162 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- One of the Apollo 17 crew photographed this view during lunar surface extravehicular activities (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. The Lunar Rover Vehicle (LRV), which was used extensively by astronauts Eugene A. Cernan and Harrison H. Schmitt, is visible in the background.

S72-55065 (11 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt is seen anchoring the geophone module with a flag during the first Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site, in the black and white reproduction taken from a color television transmission made by the color RCA TV camera mounted on the Lunar Roving Vehicle. Schmitt is the lunar module mounted on the Lunar Roving Vehicle. Schmitt is the lunar module pilot of the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission. Astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Apollo 17 Command and Service Modules in lunar orbit while astronauts Schmitt and Eugene A. Cernan, commander, descended in the Lunar Module to explore the moon. The geophone module is part of the Lunar Seismic Profiling Experiment (S-203), a component of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP). Other ALSEP components are visible in the picture.

jsc2004e20304 - Panorama view of Apollo 17 lunar surface photos for Station 5 at the Taurus-Littrow landing site taken during the second moonwalk of the mission by Apollo 17 commander Eugene Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison (Jack) Schmitt. The panoramas were built by combining Apollo 17 images starting with frame AS17-145-22159 through end frame AS17-145-22181. The panoramic images received minimal retouching by NASA imagery specialists, including the removal of lens flares that were problematic in stitching together the individual frames and blacking out the sky to the lunar horizon. These adjustments were made based on observations of the Moon walkers who reported that there are no stars visible in the sky due to the bright lunar surface reflection of the Sun.

jsc2004e52779 - Panorama view of Apollo 17 lunar surface photos for Station 6 taken during the third moonwalk of the mission by Apollo 17 commander Eugene Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison (Jack) Schmitt. The panoramas were built by combining Apollo 17 images starting with frame AS17-141-21575 through end frame AS17-141-21603. The panoramic images received minimal retouching by NASA imagery specialists, including the removal of lens flares that were problematic in stitching together the individual frames and blacking out the sky to the lunar horizon. These adjustments were made based on observations of the Moon walkers who reported that there are no stars visible in the sky due to the bright lunar surface reflection of the Sun.

S72-55168 (12 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan (on left) and scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt walk through a field of small boulders during the second Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site, as seen in this black and white reproduction taken from a color television transmission made by the color RCA TV camera mounted on the Lunar Roving Vehicle. Cernan is the Apollo 17 commander; and Schmitt is the lunar module pilot. Astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules in lunar orbit. (Their backs are toward the camera)

Robert Lightfoot, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space, speaks during an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at the National Academies of Science in Washington. The three-astronaut crew of Apollo 17 - commander Eugene Cernan, lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt, and command module pilot Ronald Evans, embarked on the last mission of the Apollo program to land humans on the Moon in December of 1972. Cernan and Schmitt spent three days on the lunar surface collecting samples and performing scientific experiments before lifting off from the Taurus-Littrow Valley on December 14, 1972. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson delivers remarks during an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at the National Academies of Science in Washington. The three-astronaut crew of Apollo 17 - commander Eugene Cernan, lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt, and command module pilot Ronald Evans, embarked on the last mission of the Apollo program to land humans on the Moon in December of 1972. Cernan and Schmitt spent three days on the lunar surface collecting samples and performing scientific experiments before lifting off from the Taurus-Littrow Valley on December 14, 1972. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Teasel Muir-Harmony, curator of the Apollo collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, speaks during an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at the National Academies of Science in Washington. The three-astronaut crew of Apollo 17 - commander Eugene Cernan, lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt, and command module pilot Ronald Evans, embarked on the last mission of the Apollo program to land humans on the Moon in December of 1972. Cernan and Schmitt spent three days on the lunar surface collecting samples and performing scientific experiments before lifting off from the Taurus-Littrow Valley on December 14, 1972. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

AS17-137-20992 (12 Dec. 1972) --- A view looking into Shorty Crater, taken at Station 4, showing the orange soil. Astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt found the orange soil on the moon during the second Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. While astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, commander, and Schmitt, lunar module pilot, descended in the Lunar Module (LM) "Challenger" to explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "America" in lunar orbit.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy delivers remarks during an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at the National Academies of Science in Washington. The three-astronaut crew of Apollo 17 - commander Eugene Cernan, lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt, and command module pilot Ronald Evans, embarked on the last mission of the Apollo program to land humans on the Moon in December of 1972. Cernan and Schmitt spent three days on the lunar surface collecting samples and performing scientific experiments before lifting off from the Taurus-Littrow Valley on December 14, 1972. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

AS17-162-24053 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- Scientist-astronaut Harrison H. "Jack" Schmitt, lunar module pilot, took this photograph of his two fellow crew men under zero-gravity conditions aboard the Apollo 17 spacecraft during the final lunar landing mission in NASA's Apollo program. That is astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, commander, who is seemingly "right side up." Astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, appears to be "upside down." While astronauts Cernan and Schmitt descended in the Lunar Module (LM) "Challenger" to explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the moon, astronaut Evans remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "America" in lunar orbit.

Teasel Muir-Harmony, curator of the Apollo collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, speaks during an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at the National Academies of Science in Washington. The three-astronaut crew of Apollo 17 - commander Eugene Cernan, lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt, and command module pilot Ronald Evans, embarked on the last mission of the Apollo program to land humans on the Moon in December of 1972. Cernan and Schmitt spent three days on the lunar surface collecting samples and performing scientific experiments before lifting off from the Taurus-Littrow Valley on December 14, 1972. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

AS17-134-20386 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, Apollo 17 commander, is photographed next to the deployed United States flag during lunar surface extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. The highest part of the flag appears to point toward our planet Earth in the distant background. This picture was taken by scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot. While astronauts Cernan and Schmitt descended in the Lunar Module (LM) to explore the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) in lunar orbit.

AS17-146-22351 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- This view, photographed by astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, shows a large boulder which was discovered by astronauts Cernan and Harrison H. Schmitt during one of their space walks. The astronauts later pointed out light clasts on the boulder. South Massif is in the background. Tracks left by the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) can be seen near foreground. While astronauts Cernan, commander, and Schmitt, lunar module pilot, descended in the Lunar Module (LM) "Challenger" to explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "America" in lunar orbit.

Teasel Muir-Harmony, curator of the Apollo collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum speaks during an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at the National Academies of Science in Washington. The three-astronaut crew of Apollo 17 - commander Eugene Cernan, lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt, and command module pilot Ronald Evans, embarked on the last mission of the Apollo program to land humans on the Moon in December of 1972. Cernan and Schmitt spent three days on the lunar surface collecting samples and performing scientific experiments before lifting off from the Taurus-Littrow Valley on December 14, 1972. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt, left, scoops soil samples into a specimen bag held by Mission Commander Eugene A. Cernan during a mock lunar surface training exercise conducted at the Kennedy Space Center. Schmitt and Cernan are scheduled to remain on the lunar surface 75 hours, leaving their lunar module spacecraft three times to explore the Moon’s Taurus-Littrow region. Launch of the Apollo Saturn V spacecraft vehicle, also with Astronaut Command Module Pilot Ronald E. Evans onboard, is scheduled no earlier than December 6, 1972. Photo credit: NASA

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy delivers remarks during an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at the National Academies of Science in Washington. The three-astronaut crew of Apollo 17 - commander Eugene Cernan, lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt, and command module pilot Ronald Evans, embarked on the last mission of the Apollo program to land humans on the Moon in December of 1972. Cernan and Schmitt spent three days on the lunar surface collecting samples and performing scientific experiments before lifting off from the Taurus-Littrow Valley on December 14, 1972. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

AS17-134-20382 (13 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, Apollo 17 lunar module pilot, stands near the deployed United States flag on the lunar surface during extravehicular activity (EVA) of NASA's final lunar landing mission in the Apollo series. The Lunar Module (LM) is at left background and the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) at right background (partially obscured). The photo was made by astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, commander. While astronauts Cernan and Schmitt descended in the LM "Challenger" to explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "America" in lunar orbit.

Teasel Muir-Harmony, curator of the Apollo collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, speaks during an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at the National Academies of Science in Washington. The three-astronaut crew of Apollo 17 - commander Eugene Cernan, lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt, and command module pilot Ronald Evans, embarked on the last mission of the Apollo program to land humans on the Moon in December of 1972. Cernan and Schmitt spent three days on the lunar surface collecting samples and performing scientific experiments before lifting off from the Taurus-Littrow Valley on December 14, 1972. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

AS17-140-21388 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, mission commander, walks toward the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) during extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site of NASA's sixth and final Apollo lunar landing mission. The photograph was taken by astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot. While astronauts Cernan and Schmitt descended in the Lunar Module (LM) "Challenger" to explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "America" in lunar orbit.

AS17-145-22273 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- In this view, taken from the Lunar Module (LM), the Command and Service Module (CSM) are seen preparing to rendezvous with the LM. Note the reflection of the lunar surface on the CSM. The CSM, is piloted by Ronald E. Evans; while astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, commander; and Harrison W. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, are onboard the LM, following their extravehicular activities (EVA) on the moon's surface. While astronauts Cernan and Schmitt descended in the LM "Challenger" to explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the moon, astronaut Evans remained with the CSM "America" in lunar orbit.