Counting Down to Apollo

One American's account of watching humanity reach the Moon

Mission Log: Apollo 17

The final mission — Gene Cernan’s last footsteps on the Moon

Twelve Men
Apollo 17 December 19, 1972

Twelve Men

Apollo 17 splashed down today. The Apollo program is over. Twelve men walked on the Moon between July 1969 and December 1972. I've written all their names. I've written what each mission meant. I don't know what to write now. I just want to say the twelve names.
Read the full entry
The Last Footprint
Apollo 17 December 14, 1972

The Last Footprint

Gene Cernan made the last moonwalk of the Apollo program today. Before climbing the ladder, he read a statement from the Moon. "We leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind." Then he climbed up. No one has been back…
Read the full entry
The Orange Soil
Apollo 17 December 12, 1972

The Orange Soil

Harrison Schmitt was on his second EVA when he looked down and said "There's orange soil!" It was a startling discovery — color on the Moon, in a landscape of gray. Volcanic activity? Recent geology? The scientists are excited. Even after twelve missions, the Moon is still surprising us.
Read the full entry
The Night Launch
Apollo 17 December 7, 1972

The Night Launch

Apollo 17 launched at 12:33 AM on December 7th — the only night launch in the history of the Apollo program. A technical hold pushed it past midnight. From a hundred miles away, people said it turned night into day. On my television, the Saturn V rose into the darkness…
Read the full entry