CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Apollo 16 Lunar Module Pilot Charlie Duke addresses the audience at the 40th anniversary celebration of Apollo 16's lunar landing, which occurred April 20, 1972. The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation hosted the soiree at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's Saturn V Center. The 11-day mission featured three moonwalks, including a nearly 17-mile lunar rover road trip to collect more than 200 pounds of moon rocks to return to Earth. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Chamberland

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong addresses the audience at the 40th anniversary celebration of Apollo 16's lunar landing, which occurred April 20, 1972. The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation hosted the soiree at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's Saturn V Center. The 11-day Apollo 16 mission featured three moonwalks, including a nearly 17-mile lunar rover road trip to collect more than 200 pounds of moon rocks to return to Earth. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Chamberland

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation helps celebrate the 40th anniversary of Apollo 16's lunar landing, which occurred April 20, 1972, with a soiree at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's Saturn V Center. Panel members who addressed the audience are, from left, astronaut support crew member for Apollo 16 Hank Hartsfield, Apollo 14 Lunar Module Pilot and Apollo 16 back-up crew member Edgar Mitchell, Apollo 13 Lunar Module Pilot and Apollo 16 back-up crew member Fred Haise, Apollo 16 Lunar Module Pilot Charlie Duke, and Apollo 8 Command Module Pilot and Apollo 13 Commander Jim Lovell. The 11-day Apollo 16 mission featured three moonwalks, including a nearly 17-mile lunar rover road trip to collect more than 200 pounds of moon rocks to return to Earth. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Chamberland

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Apollo 8 Command Module Pilot and Apollo 13 Commander Jim Lovell addresses the audience at the 40th anniversary celebration of Apollo 16's lunar landing, which occurred April 20, 1972. The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation hosted the soiree at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's Saturn V Center. The 11-day Apollo 16 mission featured three moonwalks, including a nearly 17-mile lunar rover road trip to collect more than 200 pounds of moon rocks to return to Earth. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Chamberland

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation helps celebrate the 40th anniversary of Apollo 16's lunar landing, which occurred April 20, 1972, with a soiree at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's Saturn V Center. Panel members who addressed the audience are, from left, astronaut support crew member for Apollo 16 Hank Hartsfield, Apollo 14 Lunar Module Pilot and Apollo 16 back-up crew member Edgar Mitchell, Apollo 13 Lunar Module Pilot and Apollo 16 back-up crew member Fred Haise, Apollo 16 Lunar Module Pilot Charlie Duke, and Apollo 8 Command Module Pilot and Apollo 13 Commander Jim Lovell. The 11-day Apollo 16 mission featured three moonwalks, including a nearly 17-mile lunar rover road trip to collect more than 200 pounds of moon rocks to return to Earth. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Chamberland

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation helps celebrate the 40th anniversary of Apollo 16's lunar landing, which occurred April 20, 1972, with a soiree at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's Saturn V Center. Addressing the audience is Apollo 8 Command Module Pilot and Apollo 13 Commander Jim Lovell. The 11-day Apollo 16 mission featured three moonwalks, including a nearly 17-mile lunar rover road trip to collect more than 200 pounds of moon rocks to return to Earth. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Chamberland

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Guests gather for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Guests gather for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Gemini 9, Apollo 10 and 17 astronaut Eugene Cernan speaks to guests gathered for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. Listening on the left is Gemini 12 and Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, along with Apollo 16 astronaut Charles Duke. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Gemini 6 and 9, as well as Apollo 10 and Apollo-Soyuz astronaut Thomas Stafford speaks to guests gathered for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida hosted a celebration on the 40th anniversary of NASA's Apollo 15 mission. An elite gathering of Apollo-era astronauts were on hand for the event and panel discussion. Gerry Griffin, Apollo 15 flight director moderates the question-and-answer period with the panel. From left are: Apollo 15 astronaut backup support crew members, Joe Allen, Jack Schmitt, Vance Brand and Dick Gordon; Al Worden and Dave Scott. Worden circled the moon while Scott and the late Jim Irwin, the Lunar Module commander, made history when they became the first humans to drive a vehicle on the surface of the moon. They also provided extensive descriptions and photographic documentation of geologic features in the vicinity of the Hadley Rille landing site during their three days on the lunar surface. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida hosted a celebration on the 40th anniversary of NASA's Apollo 15 mission. Apollo 15 Commander Dave Scott and Command Module Pilot Al Worden and an elite gathering of Apollo-era astronauts were on hand for the event and panel discussion. Seen here are Al Worden (right), and Apollo 15 astronaut backup support crew members, Dick Gordon, Vance Brand and Jack Schmitt. Worden circled the moon while Scott and the late Jim Irwin, the Lunar Module commander, made history when they became the first humans to drive a vehicle on the surface of the moon. They also provided extensive descriptions and photographic documentation of geologic features in the vicinity of the Hadley Rille landing site during their three days on the lunar surface. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida hosted a celebration on the 40th anniversary of NASA's Apollo 15 mission. Apollo 15 Commander Dave Scott and Command Module Pilot Al Worden and an elite gathering of Apollo-era astronauts were on hand for the event and panel discussion. Here, sharing a light moment are from left, Apollo 15 astronaut support crew members, Joe Allen, Jack Schmitt and Vance Brand. Worden circled the moon while Scott and the late Jim Irwin, the Lunar Module commander, made history when they became the first humans to drive a vehicle on the surface of the moon. They also provided extensive descriptions and photographic documentation of geologic features in the vicinity of the Hadley Rille landing site during their three days on the lunar surface. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida hosted a celebration on the 40th anniversary of NASA's Apollo 15 mission. Apollo 15 Commander Dave Scott and Command Module Pilot Al Worden and an elite gathering of Apollo-era astronauts were on hand for the event and panel discussion. Seen here are Apollo 15 astronaut backup support crew members, Jack Schmitt (left), Vance Brand and Dick Gordon; Al Worden and Dave Scott. Worden circled the moon while Scott and the late Jim Irwin, the Lunar Module commander, made history when they became the first humans to drive a vehicle on the surface of the moon. They also provided extensive descriptions and photographic documentation of geologic features in the vicinity of the Hadley Rille landing site during their three days on the lunar surface. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Apollo 12 and Skylab 3 astronaut Alan Bean enjoys a light moment during a presentation to guests gathered for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Gemini 12 and Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin participates in a presentation to guests gathered for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Gemini 11 and Apollo 12 astronaut Richard Gordon speaks to guests gathered for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise participates in a presentation to guests gathered for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Gemini 8, Apollo 9 and 15 astronaut David Scott speaks to guests gathered for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Apollo astronauts, from the left, David Scott, James McDivitt, Thomas Stafford, Buzz Aldrin, Eugene Cernan, Charles Duke, Richard Gordon, Fred Haise, Alan Bean and Edgar Mitchell participated in the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Gemini 11 and Apollo 12 astronaut Richard Gordon speaks to guests gathered for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Gemini 9, Apollo 10 and 17 astronaut Eugene Cernan participates in a presentation to guests gathered for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Gemini 4 and Apollo 9 astronaut James McDivitt speaks to guests gathered for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Apollo 16 astronaut Charles Duke participates in a presentation to guests gathered for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Apollo astronauts, from the left, David Scott, James McDivitt, Thomas Stafford, Buzz Aldrin, Eugene Cernan, Charles Duke, Richard Gordon, Fred Haise, Alan Bean and Edgar Mitchell speak to guests gathered for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Apollo astronauts, from the left, David Scott, James McDivitt, Thomas Stafford, Buzz Aldrin, Eugene Cernan, Charles Duke, Richard Gordon, Fred Haise, Alan Bean and Edgar Mitchell speak to guests gathered for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida hosted a celebration on the 40th anniversary of NASA's Apollo 15 mission. Apollo 15 Commander Dave Scott and Command Module Pilot Al Worden and an elite gathering of Apollo-era astronauts were on hand for the event and panel discussion. Here, Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong speaks to the invited guests. In the background is a model of the Lunar Module, part of the lander portion of the Apollo spacecraft. Worden circled the moon while Scott and the late Jim Irwin, the Lunar Module commander, made history when they became the first humans to drive a vehicle on the surface of the moon. They also provided extensive descriptions and photographic documentation of geologic features in the vicinity of the Hadley Rille landing site during their three days on the lunar surface. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

(Left) Apollo 12 astronaut Charles "Pete" Conrad Jr. stands beside NASA's Surveyor 3 spacecraft; the lunar module Intrepid can be seen in the distance. Apollo 12 landed on the Moon's Ocean of Storms on Nov. 20, 1969. (Right) Mars 2020 rover, seen here in an artist's concept, will make history's most accurate landing on a planetary body when it lands at Mars' Jezero Crater on Feb. 18, 2021. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA23553

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Former space shuttle astronaut Richard Covey was among guests gathering for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Apollo 15's Saturn V rocket lifts off from Launch Pad 39A at 9:34 a.m., EDT, July 26, 1971, on a lunar landing mission. Aboard the Apollo 15 spacecraft are astronauts David R. Scott, commander, Alfred M. Worden, command module pilot, and James B. Irwin, lunar module pilot. While Apollo 15 astronauts Scott and Irwin will descend in the lunar module to explore the moon's Hadley-Apennine region, astronaut Worden will remain in lunar orbit with the command module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-15/apollo-15.htm Photo credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Apollo 15's Saturn V rocket lifts off from Launch Pad 39A at 9:34 a.m., EDT, July 26, 1971, on a lunar landing mission. Aboard the Apollo 15 spacecraft are astronauts David R. Scott, commander, Alfred M. Worden, command module pilot, and James B. Irwin, lunar module pilot. While Apollo 15 astronauts Scott and Irwin will descend in the lunar module to explore the moon's Hadley-Apennine region, astronaut Worden will remain in lunar orbit with the command module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-15/apollo-15.htm Photo credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida hosted a celebration on the 40th anniversary of NASA's Apollo 15 mission. Apollo 15 Commander Dave Scott and Command Module Pilot Al Worden and an elite gathering of Apollo-era astronauts were on hand for the event and panel discussion. Here, Gerry Griffin, Apollo 15 flight director, speaks to the invited guests. Worden circled the moon while Scott and the late Jim Irwin, the Lunar Module commander, made history when they became the first humans to drive a vehicle on the surface of the moon. They also provided extensive descriptions and photographic documentation of geologic features in the vicinity of the Hadley Rille landing site during their three days on the lunar surface. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida hosted a celebration on the 40th anniversary of NASA's Apollo 15 mission. Apollo 15 Commander Dave Scott, Command Module Pilot Al Worden and an elite gathering of Apollo-era astronauts were on hand for the event and panel discussion. Here, Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong speaks to the invited guests. Worden circled the moon while Scott and the late Jim Irwin, the Lunar Module commander, made history when they became the first humans to drive a vehicle on the surface of the moon. They also provided extensive descriptions and photographic documentation of geologic features in the vicinity of the Hadley Rille landing site during their three days on the lunar surface. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida hosted a celebration on the 40th anniversary of NASA's Apollo 15 mission. Apollo 15 Commander Dave Scott, Command Module Pilot Al Worden and an elite gathering of Apollo-era astronauts were on hand for the event and panel discussion. Here, Apollo 16 Lunar Module Pilot Charlie Duke welcomes the invited guests and introduces the guests of honor. Worden circled the moon while Scott and the late Jim Irwin, the Lunar Module commander, made history when they became the first humans to drive a vehicle on the surface of the moon. They also provided extensive descriptions and photographic documentation of geologic features in the vicinity of the Hadley Rille landing site during their three days on the lunar surface. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Charles Duke, chairman of the board of directors for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation welcomes guests who have gathered for the organization's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A guest checks out an item available for auction at the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The auction of space-related memorabilia was held with proceeds supporting college scholarships for students who exhibit imagination and exceptional performance in science, technology, engineering and math. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana checks out an item available for auction at the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The auction of space-related memorabilia was held with proceeds supporting college scholarships for students who exhibit imagination and exceptional performance in science, technology, engineering and math. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Charles Duke, chairman of the board of directors for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation welcomes guests who have gathered for the organization's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation hosts a dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. An auction of space-related memorabilia was held with proceeds supporting college scholarships for students who exhibit imagination and exceptional performance in science, technology, engineering and math. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Apollo astronaut Gerald Carr (right) joins Vance Brand (left) and six other Apollo astronauts for NASA's 40th Anniversary of Apollo Celebration of the July 1969 launch and landing on the moon. Carr served as CAPCOM for the Apollo 8 and 12 flights, and was involved in the development and testing of the lunar roving vehicle which was used on the lunar surface by Apollo flight crews. He also was commander of Skylab 4 launched in 1973 on the third and final manned visit to the Skylab Orbital Workshop. It was the longest manned flight (84 days, 1 hour, 15minutes) in history at that date. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks to guests gathered for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's dinner at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral celebrating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17. The gala commemorating the anniversary of Apollo 17 included mission commander Eugene Cernan and other astronauts who flew Apollo missions. Launched Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and lunar module pilot Harrison Schmitt landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow highlands while command module pilot Ronald Evans remained in lunar orbit operating a scientific instrument module. For more information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.htm Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida hosted a celebration on the 40th anniversary of NASA's Apollo 15 mission. Apollo 15 Commander Dave Scott (right) and Command Module Pilot Al Worden and an elite gathering of Apollo-era astronauts were on hand for the event and panel discussion. Worden circled the moon while Scott and the late Jim Irwin, the Lunar Module commander, made history when they became the first humans to drive a vehicle on the surface of the moon. They also provided extensive descriptions and photographic documentation of geologic features in the vicinity of the Hadley Rille landing site during their three days on the lunar surface. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida hosted a celebration on the 40th anniversary of NASA's Apollo 15 mission. Apollo 15 Commander Dave Scott and Command Module Pilot Al Worden and an elite gathering of Apollo-era astronauts were on hand for the event and panel discussion. Here, Al Worden with microphone in hand, speaks to the invited guests. Worden circled the moon while Scott and the late Jim Irwin, the Lunar Module commander, made history when they became the first humans to drive a vehicle on the surface of the moon. They also provided extensive descriptions and photographic documentation of geologic features in the vicinity of the Hadley Rille landing site during their three days on the lunar surface. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

The early morning sun found hundreds of spectators on the beaches and roadways near the NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) where they had camped the night before to witness history by watching the epic beginning of the journey of Apollo 11. The first manned lunar landing mission launched from KSC via the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) developed Saturn V launch vehicle on July 16, 1969 and safely returned to Earth on July 24, 1969. Aboard the space craft were astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, commander; Michael Collins, Command Module (CM) pilot; and Edwin E. (Buzz) Aldrin Jr., Lunar Module (LM) pilot. The CM, “Columbia”, piloted by Collins, remained in a parking orbit around the Moon while the LM, “Eagle’’, carrying astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin, landed on the Moon. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong was the first human to ever stand on the lunar surface, followed by Aldrin. During 2½ hours of surface exploration, the crew collected 47 pounds of lunar surface material for analysis back on Earth. With the success of Apollo 11, the national objective to land men on the Moon and return them safely to Earth had been accomplished.

This is the official NASA portrait of astronaut James Lovell. Captain Lovell was selected as an Astronaut by NASA in September 1962. He has since served as backup pilot for the Gemini 4 flight and backup Commander for the Gemini 9 flight, as well as backup Commander to Neil Armstrong for the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission. On December 4, 1965, he and Frank Borman were launched into space on the history making Gemini 7 mission. The flight lasted 330 hours and 35 minutes and included the first rendezvous of two manned maneuverable spacecraft. The Gemini 12 mission, commanded by Lovell with Pilot Edwin Aldrin, began on November 11, 1966 for a 4-day, 59-revolution flight that brought the Gemini program to a successful close. Lovell served as Command Module Pilot and Navigator on the epic six-day journey of Apollo 8, the first manned Saturn V liftoff responsible for allowing the first humans to leave the gravitational influence of Earth. He completed his fourth mission as Spacecraft Commander of the Apollo 13 flight, April 11-17, 1970, and became the first man to journey twice to the moon. The Apollo 13 mission was cut short due to a failure of the Service Module cryogenic oxygen system. Aborting the lunar course, Lovell and fellow crewmen, John L. Swigert and Fred W. Haise, working closely with Houston ground controllers, converted their lunar module, Aquarius, into an effective lifeboat that got them safely back to Earth. Captain Lovell held the record for time in space with a total of 715 hours and 5 minutes until surpassed by the Skylab flights. On March 1, 1973, Captain Lovell retired from the Navy and the Space Program.

ISS009-E-05944 (7 May 2004) --- The Pinacates Biosphere Reserve is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 9 crewmember on the International Space Station (ISS). The Pinacates—a moon-like volcanic landscape that lies in the Sonoran Desert in Mexico just a few miles from the border with Arizona—is one of the most unique and striking landscapes in North America. The volcanic range is surrounded by one of North America’s largest dune fields, Gran Desierto. The natural history of the region includes thousands of years of human occupation; it is the aboriginal homeland of the O’Odham tribe, also known as the Papago. The region also served as an early training site for Apollo astronauts in the mid-late 1960s. The name Pinacate is derived from “pinacatl,” the Aztec name for the desert stink beetle which is common in the region. The natural and cultural resource management of the region, including the archeological sites and the high biodiversity, is now guaranteed: the site was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993. The high-resolution image provides a view of a large volcanic crater called Crater Elegante, which is one of the most prominent and interesting features of the Pinacates.

ISS009-E-05953 (7 May 2004) --- The Pinacates Biosphere Reserve is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 9 crewmember on the International Space Station (ISS). The Pinacates—a moon-like volcanic landscape that lies in the Sonoran Desert in Mexico just a few miles from the border with Arizona—is one of the most unique and striking landscapes in North America. The volcanic range is surrounded by one of North America’s largest dune fields, Gran Desierto. The natural history of the region includes thousands of years of human occupation; it is the aboriginal homeland of the O’Odham tribe, also known as the Papago. The region also served as an early training site for Apollo astronauts in the mid-late 1960s. The name Pinacate is derived from “pinacatl,” the Aztec name for the desert stink beetle which is common in the region. The natural and cultural resource management of the region, including the archeological sites and the high biodiversity, is now guaranteed: the site was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993. The high-resolution image provides a view of a large volcanic crater called Crater Elegante, which is one of the most prominent and interesting features of the Pinacates.