The Flickr Lunarmodulechallenger Image Generatr

“EVA-3 at the SEP site. Partial pan. LM, LRV, SEP transmitter. Gene is sitting on the Rover, waiting for Jack to finish these documentation photos showing the LRV position at the start of the traverse.”

The above per the excellent Apollo Lunar Surface Journal (ALSJ) website:

history.nasa.gov/alsj/a17/images17.html

And:

history.nasa.gov/alsj/a17/AS17-141-21512HR.jpg

The Surface Electrical Properties (SEP) transmitter is actually out of the frame to the left. Additionally, deployed ALSEP components are visible in the distance, between Cernan & the LRV high-gain antenna, the central station distinguishable both by its larger size and its conspicuous earth-pointed antenna. Furthermore, “Geophone Rock” can be seen between the SEP Receiver-Recorder antenna mast & vertically stowed lunar rake, at the rear of the LRV. Finally, note also the ingeniously repaired right rear fender of the LRV.


Some muddled (to me at least) information - also, per the ALSJ, more specifically, the father of the ALSJ, Eric M. Jones - that I wasn’t previously aware of pertaining to the mountains in the background, particularly, the one just to the right of center:

“The Apollo 17 crew chose the name "Family Mountain" for one of the mountains guarding the western entrance to Taurus-Littrow "to honor the families of the crew members and their associates. Their sacrifices go unrecorded but not unrecognized."

The evidence presented below indicates that, prior to the mission, the name "Family Mountain" was applied to a mountain just west of the Scarp and near the base of the North Massif but that, during the mission, the crew applied the name to a larger peak, more prominent as seen from the LM, that lies west of the South Massif. I believe that it is the prerogative of explorers to change their minds. An example is that of Captain James Cook who, in successive drafts of his Journal, changed his choice of name for a famous place he visited from Sting Ray's Harbour to Botanist Harbour to Botanist Bay to Botany Bay. (See J.C. Beaglehole's 'The Life of Captain James Cook', p. 230.)

After discussing the matter with Jack Schmitt, I have chosen to apply, throughout the Apollo Lunar Surface Journal, the name (West) Family Mountain to the more prominent peak and (Old) Family Mountain to the smaller peak.”

Excerpted from/at:

www.nasa.gov/history/alsj/a17/a17.fam-mtn.html

As such, it seems that most/nearly all others, to include myself, have also called it “Family Mountain”.

However, from ”The Geologic Investigation of the Taurus-Littrow Valley: Apollo 17 Landing Site”, Geologic Survey Professional Paper 1080, Figure 9, page 20, the mountain in question is referred to as “West Massif”, and the mountain to its right is referred to as “Family Mountain”.

And, the LPI folks refer to it as “Family Mountain West”:

www.lpi.usra.edu/exploration/training/illustrations/lunar...

Bottom line: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Irregular loss of gloss along the left edge of the photographic paper, and to a much lesser extent, the top edge, doesn't infringe on, nor detract from the image itself.

“Apollo 15 modified lunar module for the ninth manned Apollo crew. The members of the Apollo 15 prime crew are James B. Irwin, lunar module pilot; David R. Scott, commander; and Alfred M. Worden, Jr., command module pilot. Apollo 15 is the fourth lunar landing mission and the first to use the Lunar Roving Vehicle to traverse the lunar surface.”

The plume deflector under the near RCS quad is…not there, but the other two are. Other than that it’s great, to include the lunar surface sensing probes, correctly located/depicted.

Looks to be from the same base diagram, with ample, informative & useful callouts. Well done:

airandspace.si.edu/multimedia-gallery/5212hjpg
Credit: Smithsonian NASM

“Knowledge From The Moon

Apollo 17’s lunar orbital science package will give experts on earth a wealth of information about the moon. This artist’s sketch, by North American Rockwell’s Space Division, shows the cover of the approximately 900-pound unit being jettisoned just before the spacecraft approaches the moon. It will work in conjunction with instruments on the lunar surface. Apollo 17 is due to rendezvous with the moon Sunday.”

Another beautiful work by North American Rockwell’s talented, prolific and previously enigmatic resident artist, Manuel E. Alvarez. Although, I think he copped out on the moon. Not a mare to be seen, which means far side. Not in this case, it’s just a bunch of muted craters. I wonder if taking the path of ‘least resistance’ qualifies as artistic license. Actually, the LM looks a little cattywampus as well. All good. 😉

"LM ascent stage against black sky, seen from CSM during rendezvous...blah...blah...blah."

Or, just a tad better, per the ALSJ:

“Ron Evans took this stunning picture of Challenger during a post-rendezvous mutual inspection. Harald Kucharek raised the possibility that the bright arc visible in the LM window might be Gene Cernan's bubble helmet. Subsequent discussion between Kucharek, Markus Mehring, Brian McInall, Mick Hyde, Marv Hein, Ron Wells, and Eric Jones in late 2000 established the following: (1) the orientation of the LM at this time is such that reflections of the CSM off the flat surface of Gene's window would not be visible to Evans; (2) the orientation of the shadows on the front surface of the LM clearly indicate that, from our perspective, the Sun is overhead and that the bright, rectangular light-source above the arc is the rendezvous window with sunlight shining through it; (3) Cernan and Schmitt wore their bubble helmets - but not their LEVAs - for liftoff and rendezvous. Therefore, the bright arc is likely to be either a sunlit portion of the top of Gene's bubble helmet or, as Hein suggests with reference to AS17-149-22859 (see below), Gene's hair. Mick Hyde has produced a labeled detail.
www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a17/as17-149-22857_label.jpg
The rendezvous window can also be seen at top center in Jack Schmitt's post-EVA-3 portrait of Gene, AS17-145-22225.
www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a17/AS17-145-22225HR.jpg
Finally, as indicated in the labeled detail and in second detail,
www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a17/a17.horizon-CSM.jpg
there seemed to be a possibility that we were seeing a reflection from the front of Gene's helmet of the lunar horizon partially blocked by the CSM. A view of the CSM during the final phases of rendezvous can be seen in AS17-145-22257
www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a17/AS17-145-22257HR.jpg
which was taken out Gene's window. However, a higher-resolution detail from 22857
www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a17/as17-149-22857det.jpg
by Kipp Teague makes that interpretation less likely. Journal Contributor Markus Mehring notes that, in this detail, Gene's handcontroller can be seen at the bottom corner of the window.”

www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a17/images17.html.

And/or:

This 70mm view of the Lunar Module (LM) "Challenger" in lunar orbit before rendezvous with the Apollo 17 Command and Service Modules (CSM). While astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, commander, and Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot, descended in the Challenger to explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the CSM "America" in lunar orbit.

spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/apollo/apollo17/html/...

IMHO, the best LM ascent stage photo ever, although Apollo 9 had some good ones as well.

mosaics of Apollo 17 16mm recording. may not accurately reflect LM geometry, not for research purposes.

The Apollo 17 Command and Service Modules (CSM), showing the open Scientific Instrument Module (SIM) Bay, photographed from the Lunar Module (LM) "Challenger" during rendezvous and docking maneuvers in lunar orbit, December 14, 1972. The LM ascent stage, with astronauts Eugene A. Cernan and Harrison H. Schmitt aboard, had just returned from the Taurus-Littrow landing site on the lunar surface. Astronaut Ronald E. Evans remained with the CSM in lunar orbit.

Photo credit: NASA

commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AS17-145-22254.png

The ascent stage of Apollo 17's Lunar Module Challenger rendezvous with Command Module America for the journey to Earth after 3 days on the Moon, December 15, 1972.

Photo credit: NASA

commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Apollo_17_LM_Ascent_Stage...

"Cernan drives Rover beside LM, South Massif in background.

APOLLO 17, the last lunar manned flight, was launched December 7, 1972. The Apollo 17 crew Eugene A. Cernan, Commander; Ronald E. Evans, Command Module Pilot; and Harrison H. Schmitt, Lunar Module Pilot splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on December 19, 1972. Cernan and Schmitt spent 75 hours in the Taurus-Littrow mountainous region of the moon, southeast of the Serenitatis Basin."

Being the consummate professional, good citizen and responsible driver - EVEN as the sole motorist at Taurus Littrow - Gene has his left arm raised/extended to signal his execution of a left-hand turn. Now that’s Left...errr...“Right” Stuff!

And/or:

"Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, Apollo 17 mission commander, makes a short checkout of the Lunar Roving Vehicle during the early part of the first Apollo 17 extravehicular activity (EVA) at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. The Lunar Module is in the background. This photograph was taken by scientist-astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot. Photo credit: NASA"

spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/apollo/apollo17/html/...

ALSJ:

"This excellent picture shows Gene passing between Jack and the LM during the initial test drive. Note the raised geopost behind the seats."

www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a17/AS17-147-22527HR.jpg

"View of LM-12 flight crew equipment/bench review."

I wonder whose pair of lunar overshoes those are? Compare/contrast them with the photos of Gene Cernan's (post-mission) at airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/boot-left-lunar-ove....
And, an even better image of such, at:
www.collectspace.com/review/apollo17_overshoeshs01-lg.jpg.
Also: 4.bp.blogspot.com/-b0wJYJnNoA0/VLvlKQARfVI/AAAAAAAAGKs/Cj...

The two white circular things may be helmet covers?...although their diameter appears to be way too small.

The rolled up carabiner apparatus may be this (from Apollo 11):

www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a11/a11ReturnedEagleArtifacts.html#10

Additionally:

www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a11/a11tether.html

As a continued safety measure, it's possible they would've continued using such? - or at least, had it available - for Apollo 17?

The RCU camera bracket is to the upper left. Confirmation of identification available here:

www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/alsj-RCU-Bracket.html

To the lower left is a right angle bracket, possibly for 16mm DAC positioning within the ascent stage cabin. Confirmation of identification seen here:

www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a11/a11ReturnedEagleArtifacts.html#12a

All above credit the amazing ALSJ.

The three Personal Preference Kits (PPK) allotted to the crew are to the lower right. Per the Space Artifacts website:
spaceflownartifacts.com/flown_ppks.html
they were to be stowed in a single bag (the Astronaut Preference Kit (APK)) in the Command Module at launch, and later transferred to the Lunar Module for the landing.

No idea what the electrical connectors/connections are. There appears to be a pair of specialized pliers/crimping tool with them.

"Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, Apollo 17 commander, salutes 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) also in background, is partially obscured. The photo was made by astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, lunar module pilot. 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."

spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/apollo/apollo17/html/...

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.

spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/apollo/apollo17/html/...

"LRV traverse from Station 9 to the LM. The LM is just under the extension of the high-gain antenna."

www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a17/AS17-134-20456HR.jpg
All above per the ALSJ.

It's actually to the right of the high-gain antenna mast, just under the dark/light border between the foreground lunar surface and South Massif in the distance. Only the ascent stage is visible. To the right of it (more discernible in the online image) may be the ALSEP central station...above & slightly to the right of the nearer rock/boulder...which actually has a very similar shape to that of the LM ascent stage.

Lunar Module 12 (LM-12)/Challenger ascent stage cabin 'baseline' documentation photo. Taken at the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building (MSOB), 13 March 1972.
In this view, looking up from Cernan's position, the docking window (its reticle markings visible/legible), and adjacent Crewman Optical Alignment Sight (COAS) mounting bracket can be seen. The Alignment Optical Telescope (AOT) guard, it's optics and controls plastic-covered, is to the upper right. Main panel/cabin floodlights are immediately to the lower left of the AOT assembly (with its controls to the upper left - I believe). The corner of the frame of the forward window, along with the end of the crash bar are visible at the lower right. Circuit breaker panel no. 11 is at the bottom.

Lunar Module 12 (LM-12)/'Challenger' ascent stage cabin 'baseline' documentation photo. Taken at the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building, 13 March 1972. The forward EVA hatch is to the left, and I believe the underside of Panel 6 (Abort Guidance System) is at the top, slightly to the right.

Panel 6 in context, as viewed from above. From LM-11 in this case:

www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a16/LM11-co36.jpg
Credit: ALSJ website

EVA-3 close-out at the LM. Close-up of the LM flag decal.

This photo has ‘Eugene Cernan’ written all over it. Probably attributable to a good chunk of his Gemini-IXA "spacewalk from hell" footage being lost, along with being "tuned in" to capturing for posterity both the grandeur and nuance - while busting ass mind you - of what he was experiencing. Good thing too, since we've been sitting with our thumbs up ours - for way too long now.

“Artist’s concept of the Apollo 17 LRV traverses at the leading site designated Taurus-Littrow on the southeastern rim of Mare Serenitatis (Sea of Serenity). During the 75-hour lunar surface staytime three 7-hour EVA’s are planned. Eva 1 is largely occupied with the deployment of the LRV, ALSEP, and other experiments, with about 2 hours available for a traverse. EVA’s 2 and 3 are largely devoted to the traverses. This section presents the details of the LRV traverses as currently planned. Astronauts Cernan, Evans and Schmitt are the prime crew for the December launch.”

Above per the verso.

"An artist's concept illustrating the topographical layout of the Taurus-Littrow landing site of the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission. The Lunar Module touchdown point is in the center of the smooth area in the middle of the picture. The imposing mountain in the center is South Massif. A portion of North Massif is in the lower right corner of the photograph. Note the ridge-like feature extending from South Massif to North Massif. The southern portion of the ridge is called Lee Scarp and the northerly portion Lincoln Scarp. (This concept is by JSC artist Jerry Elmore)."

spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/apollo/apollo17/html/...

Above per "official" online source.

And finally:

"An artist's concept illustrating the topographical layout of the Taurus-Littrow landing site, depicting the traverses planned on the Apollo 17 lunar landing mission using the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV). The Roman numerals indicate the three periods of Extravehicular Activity (EVA). The Arabic numbers represent the station stops. The mountain in the center of the picture is South Massif. A portion of North Massif is in the lower right corner of the photograph. The names of some of the craters are: Camelot (at Station 5); Emory (nearest Station 1); Sherlock (at station 10); Steno (between Emory and Sherlock); Amundsen (at Station 2); Lara (at Station 3); Henry (nearest Station 6); Shakespeare (nearest Station 9); Cochise (nearest Station 8); and Powell (halfway between Camelot and Emory). Note the ridge-like feature extending from Station 2 to North Massif. The southern portion of the ridge is called Lee Scarp; and the Northerly portion is Lincoln Scarp. This concept is by MSC artist Jerry Elmore."

Also an "official" description.

Fantastic LROC view from a fairly similar perspective:

lroc.sese.asu.edu/news/uploads/M192703697LR_thumb.png

Annotated:

lroc.sese.asu.edu/news/uploads/M192703697LR_thumb_anot.png

Full article:

lroc.sese.asu.edu/posts/613
Credit: LROC/ASU website

AWESOME & AMAZING.

The view from the rover’s television camera, as Gene Cernan unveils & reads the inscription on the last Apollo Program ‘goodwill/commemorative' plaque left on the moon, affixed to Challenger's landing strut. East Massif is visible in the distance.

7" x 9".

One of several pictures that Harrison 'Jack' Schmitt took of the LM and flag on his way back from the ALSEP site for close-out at the end of EVA-3. East Massif provides a backdrop.

Apollo 17 - THE END OF AN ERA.
In retrospect - TO PUT IT MILDLY.

Verbatim from the ALSJ regarding what is depicted in this artwork:

"Grumman pre-mission artwork. This vision of the landing site has several problems. In the distance, the mountains on the left side are clearly those of the Apollo 15 site, including such recognizable features as St. George Crater and Silver Spur. The astronaut near the top of the ladder would probably not be climbing up as casually as shown, with only one hand on the porch railing and his body turned. The ALSEP deployment area is depicted as being SSW of the LM rather than being directly west. And, finally, the LM is shown on the edge of a steep decline: graphically spectacular but not a position Gene or the targeting people would have chosen."

I'm going to pile on a little bit as well - The LRV is pretty much facing the wrong way. Also, what's up with that suspicious rock formation in the right foreground? I'll bet if I fiddle around with the contrast and such, it'll reveal one of numerous 'alien skulls', prevalent at most of the other landing sites, to include the Surveyors. ;-)

Regardless of its inaccuracies, this artwork is striking and evocative. In fact, the prolific Grumman artist who created it; Craig Kavafes, was responsible for many a gorgeous and familiar Apollo/Lunar Module works.