Apollo 17 splashdown, Pacific Ocean, December 19, 1972. Creator: NASA

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Apollo 17 splashdown, Pacific Ocean, December 19, 1972. Creator: NASA

Apollo 17 splashdown, Pacific Ocean, December 19, 1972. The Apollo 17 Command Module (CM) " America", with astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, Ronald E. Evans and Harrison H. Schmitt aboard, nears splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean to successfully concludes the final lunar landing mission in NASAs Apollo program. This overhead view was taken from a recovery aircraft seconds before the spacecraft hit the water. The splashdown occurred at 304:31:59 ground elapsed time, 2:24:59 p.m. (EST), at coordinates of 166 degrees 8 minutes west longitude and 27 degrees 53 minutes south latitude, about 350 nautical miles southeast of Samoa. The splashdown was only 0.8 miles from the target point. Later, the three crewmen were picked up by a helicopter from the prime recovery ship, USS Ticonderoga

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Media ID 24045006

© Heritage Space/Heritage Images

1970s Apollo 17 Apollo Mission Command Module Exploration Heritage Space Lunar Lunar Landing Lunar Landings Moon Moon Landing Moon Landings Nasa Ocean Pacific Ocean Parachute Parachutes Recovery Seventies Space Space Exploration Space Travel Spaceship Splashdown

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> North America > United States of America > Related Images

> Oceania > Samoa > Related Images

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the historic moment of the Apollo 17 splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on December 19,1972. The image showcases the Apollo 17 Command Module "America" descending towards a successful conclusion of NASA's final lunar landing mission. Astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, Ronald E. Evans, and Harrison H. Schmitt can be seen aboard the spacecraft as it nears its watery touchdown. Taken from a recovery aircraft just seconds before impact, this overhead view provides a remarkable perspective of this monumental event in space exploration history. The splashdown occurred with astonishing precision at coordinates approximately 350 nautical miles southeast of Samoa, only 0.8 miles away from the target point. Following their safe descent into Earth's atmosphere, the three crewmen were swiftly rescued by a helicopter dispatched from USS Ticonderoga, which served as the prime recovery ship for this mission. The significance of this photograph lies not only in its portrayal of human achievement but also in its representation of America's pioneering spirit and dedication to space exploration during that era. It serves as a testament to our nation's commitment to pushing boundaries and venturing into uncharted territories beyond our own planet. Preserved by NASA and now available through Heritage Images, this stunning print offers viewers an opportunity to relive one of humanity's most extraordinary accomplishments – reaching for the stars and bringing them closer to home.

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